Fan of a good old-fashioned surprise? We certainly are, so the news that highly anticipated Surfers Pavilion was due to open ahead of the Anzac Day long weekend, indeed sent us into a spin. Be prepared to get acquainted with the all-new Surfers Pavilion!

If you aren’t already aware, the chic new Surfers Paradise venue — on Ferny Avenue — has uninterrupted waterfront views and even boasts a substantial mooring site of 400sq metres, which although not quite complete, will be ready in the coming weeks. Meaning if you want to arrive by boat or jet ski, Bond-style — so be it!

If you aren’t captured by this open and airy space accompanied by dappled light from overhead shutters, then perhaps the classic-looking red brick feature walls and all of the plants might be your thing? Either way, this venue is going to give you ample opportunity to nail those perfect Instagram shots, drink in hand, of course.

The sprawling menu of fresh and locally sourced seafood is testament to the traditional take on ‘pavilion’ dining. The harbinger though, has to be the most impressive oyster and Champagne station you’re likely to have ever laid eyes on — where guests can intermingle with chefs and get the lowdown on all things edible. Keen to know what part of the South Coast your oysters came from? Ask away!

If this isn’t already enough, a wholly dedicated frosé bar is aptly positioned on the extensive outside deck area. Perfect for those who like to keep themselves amply hydrated whilst enjoying our beautiful Queensland sunshine and aquatic views. Everyone, right?

Once fully open, you’ll have the chance to arrive in style, enjoy a beautiful space with fresh food prepared by on-hand chefs, all whilst sipping Champagne, cocktails or perhaps frosé. And right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, no less. It almost sounds too good to be true!

To revel in the early opening of such a fabulous venue, Surfers Pavilion kicked off their very first Sunset Sunday (25 April 2021) featuring internationally acclaimed (but locally grown) DJs and producers, The Stafford Brothers. Yes, you read that correctly. What a way to start.

But don’t fret if you weren’t there for the opening weekend, from here on in you will be able to enjoy your weekend sessions with various DJs on the decks while the warm Autumn sunset bounces on the water beside you. This Sunday (2 May 2021) Stace Cadet will take to the decks to bring his house and electronic beats.

Head honcho Matthew Keegan, the Managing Partner at Artesian Hospitality, who operate the new venue, looks forward to welcoming you all down to Surfers Pavilion, “We cannot wait for our locals to come down and see the brand-new Surfers Pavilion… Get ready for one hell of a party”.

Where: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Thursday – Monday 11am-late

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Are you someone who seeks out refined and sustainably sourced seafood in elegant settings accompanied by exceptional drinks and flawless service? Forever on an odyssey to taste the very best the ocean has to offer? Yes, we know who you are — and have we got some news for you.

Say hello to brand spanking new Nobby Beach restaurant Gods of the Sea. Now it’s fair to say Nobby Beach has been changing at a reasonable rate over the last couple of years, with comings and goings of various hospitality venues. But by first impressions, Gods of the Sea it seems, is set to become a Gold Coast favourite.

Gods of the Sea is brought to you by hospo veterans Stevie Filipovic, co-owner of Light Years (Noosa, Burleigh, and Byron Bay) and Jeff Bennett, partner of Three Blue Ducks. The duo also happens to be operators of Nobby Beach’s rooftop sensation, Split. With eons of expertise between them, you can rest assured these hospo cats will be pulling all of the right strings.

The menu is an ode to delicious seafood, with ex-head chef of highly renowned — and much missed — The Fish House (sob sob) Jon Nurminen at the helm — ensuring nothing but the very best in sustainably sourced premium seafood is finding its way onto your plate. From the finest in-season Oysters from around the country bathed in their house mignonette to Sunshine Coast King Prawns layered with fermented chilli sauce and locally caught Yellowfin Tuna with ginger dashi and finger lime; every dish from the deep blue has been heavily considered and sensationally put together.

Seafood aside, there are also some meat dishes and vegan/vegetarian options — How does a Tajima Wagyu Striploin with anchovy butter or Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with sage sound to you? Delicious, we’re confident you’ll agree!

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a hearty selection of desserts to finish things off. The most eye-catching and tastebud tingling would have to be their A Sea Of Tiramisu, in our humble opinion. Adapting a classic tiramisu with added lashings of Dead Man’s Spiced Rum and Licor 43 as well as an obligatory slosh of Kahlua — you will not want to share this.

The drinks list is a quality admixture of tasty European wines, award-winning Australian beers and an attractive repertoire of signature cocktails with some twists on a few classics in there for good measure. Furthermore, you’ll find a dedicated section to champagnes, because after all, who can eat oysters without champagne?!

The venue promises to offer a refined dining experience like no other in the ever-trendy Nobby Beach locale. By throwing in some of the most sumptuous seafood you’re likely to find anywhere, an abundant drinks selection and smiley waitstaff to make it all happen. We can’t help but see you and your significant other planting yourself here for your next date night.

Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
Hours: 5.30pm – 12am Wed-Fri & noon – 12am Sat-Sun

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our tastebuds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.

Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosa’s).

From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!

Mozza Mozza
For a surefire way to stave off the Sunday scaries, the groovy and oh-so boozy, discotheque-themed Italian feast (don’t ask questions, just go with it) going down weekly at Mozza Mozza would have to be one of the best. For $75 per person, the Sunday Bottomless Disco dishes up share-style plates such as Pizzas, Arancini Balls and House-Made Focaccia to load up on – studded by a fruity Spritz and Mimosa menu to strategically work your way through. As far as bottomless spreads go, we particularly love the options on offer here – feeling like flanking your Italian feast with a boozy slushie upgrade? Say no more, fam! Craving Mozza Puff Bread or Tiramisu? Sure thing, just add ‘em on for a fiver. You’ll be shakin’ your groove thang in no time.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Winey Cow
If you consider yourself a bit of a brunch connoisseur, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow is a must try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business – after all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

QT Gold Coast
There’s Sunday brunch… then there’s Soul Sundays at Bazaar. A bubbly twist on the beloved Bazaar buffet experience we know and love, Soul Sundays takes this fanciful spread to the next level! From 11am–3pm every Sunday, you can nosh your way through brekkie faves like waffles and crepes while being serenaded by the sounds of live music and the chorus of clinking glasses as the champas flows freely. To chaperone your delectable experience, there’s even a Director of Champagne at the ready to customise your sip with a selection of juices and nectars. Yep, this one does indeed speak to our soul.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
The Surfers Pav always delivers the goods and this is especially so when we’re talking about their Brunch Club experience. The perfect waterfront setting, DJs will be on the decks from 1pm every Sunday to set the mood. Choose from the $59 per head package including a selection of Oysters, or the $99 per head package with a choice of Cauliflower popcorn, Calamari or Chicken riblets, followed by either Nachos, Lamb ragu, Fish and chips, or Mushroom lasagne. Both packages entitle you to Prosecco, Bellinis, Mimosas, Pineapple mimosas, Mango mimosas, Pav lager, along with requisite softies. Walk-ins or bookings welcome anytime from 12.30pm.
Where: 30 – 34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tuck into the Standard Brunch or Vegan Brunch for an all out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. Available between 12pm and 2pm, minimum of 2 people required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing and good times, and who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Wood-fired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Elk Espresso
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so just grab the gang and rock up between 10am–1.30pm to partake in their delectable assortment of colourful, petal-topped dishes along with one hour to go ham on the bottomless Mimosa menu. Yep, that’s sixty whole minutes of mimosa action and nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach

Miss Moneypenny’s
Weekends are for sleep-ins, so if you didn’t quite make it out of bed in time for brunch, turn those lemons into two hours of citrus-studded spritzers, cocktails or French champagne (which absolutely beats lemonade, any day of the week) at the famous Miss Moneypenny’s bottomless lunch. Opt between the degustation-style Chef’s Signature or Three-course a la carte menu, and nosh your way through delectable dishes like saffron-infused Coral Coast Barramundi and Waygu Carpaccio. Talk about lush …we’re not saying it was this stellar spread in particular that was responsible for bagging them an AGFG chef hat for the past three years running… but we’re not not saying it, either. Available Saturday and Sunday, 12–2pm from $110 per person.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Tropic Vice
Yes, this one’s technically a ‘lunch’, but we’re happy to look the other way for any excuse to a) incorporate more margs into our weekend and b) hit snooze few dozen times. From 12–4pm every Sunday, the Tropic Vice rooftop transforms into a free-flowing fiesta with live music, DJ’s bites and bottomless margs for $99 per person. We’re talking a set menu of Truffle fries, Halloumi Bites and Tacos, with the option to upgrade to a Dozen Oysters & Bottle of Luc Belair for an extra $85 if you’re really in the mood to celebrate. Monday can wait indeed!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Ally Chow
Ally Chow dishes up Asian fusion done right, and their two brunch options do not disappoint. For $99 per person, the Chow Out features the Chef’s choice banquet with two-hours of bottomless thai basil caprisokas, Asahi beer and prosecco. Or, have a go of the Margarita Lunch Banquet and yes, this has us written all over it. For $130, enjoy the same offerings mentioned above, only substitute bottomless caprioskas for bottomless margis! Once again recognised with the Australian Good Food Guides Chef Hat Award, this one is a no-brainer.
Where: Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

The Tropic
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats, but deliciously fresh seafood and innovative fare. Think Oysters, Spiced bread, Stracciatella & Persimmon, Pavlova, and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rose and Bellini Cocktail packages available from $75 per person. Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Palm Beach Ave
Palmy’s resident art deco stunner isn’t just a pretty face—it’s also home to some pretty spectacular dining deals (shout out, $60 3-course set menu) – including one of the most irresistible bottomless brunch options going! Every weekend, from 10am to 2pm, get beachside for your boozy brunch fix for only $45 per person. The mid-morning soiree kicks off with a salmon blini canapé to start, while you settle in to 1.5 hours of free-flowing mimosas and ponder between options like the Chilli Scrambled Eggs and Prawn and Bug Roll from the mouthwatering menu… #decisionsdecisions.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Refinery Coffee
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbin’s light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck in to your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as Chilli Scram and Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question) with a non-alc option also available. Bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters