Post-beach munchies have met their match at Paradise Centre.
Post-beach munchies have met their match at Paradise Centre.
Seasoned Gold Coasters, we can all agree “Surfers Paradise” + “premier dining and entertaining precinct” is not a plot twist any of us saw coming (no offence… we’ll always have fond, albeit hazy, mems of the Surfers of old).
These days, the suburb has shed its seedy, tourist-trap vibing rep to position itself as a seriously chic contender when it comes to all things leisure.
The triumphant transformation is thanks in part to a fully revamped Paradise Centre that has totally redefined Surfer’s beachfront dining and shopping scene.
Just off the top of our heads, we can think of eight glaringly delicious reasons to get your keister to Surfer’s stat – and they all start and end with the stellar array of top-tier eateries.. (and is anyone surprised? We’re perpetually #JustHereForTheFood).
Wahlburgers
The beachside burger offering is so comprehensive here, you can (and should) have yourself quite the battle of the buns without ever leaving Paradise Centre’s dining precinct. Starting with Wahlburgers, the burger joint brought to you by the Wahlburg brothers, because if it’s good enough for Marky Mark, it’s good enough for us. Step inside and have yourself a ‘funky lunch’ (or dinner, but you know we can never resist a good pun). Load up on stuffed burgs, salads, cocktails, shakes and – nostalgia alert, even soft drink spiders. Good stuff.
Enzo’s Cucina
Another of Paradise Centre’s pasta-tively perfect nosheries that we can go right ahead and file under ‘ultimate crowd pleaser’. A leisurely stroll is all that separates beachgoers from Enzo’s friendly atmosphere and authentic Italian eats. And frankly, we’d walk over hot coals (or, barefoot over asphalt on a summers day, #closeenough) to get our fill of Nonna-style meatballs, hand crafted gnocchi and tiramisu. While you’re at it, embrace the tradition of the aperitivo (aka pre-dinner drink) with a Spritz or Negroni – Italy would insist. *chefs kiss*
Gelato Messina
The iconic combo of chasing our salty sessions with a sneaky (double) scoop is an Aussie rite of passage that’s long been revered for it’s medicinal properties.. but y’know, less ‘superfood’ and more ‘lickin scoop for the soul’.
Get your Gelato Messina fix right out of Surfer’s beachfront, the bounty (they have that too, and yes, it tastes just like paradise) of boujee flavours we expect from our longtime personal gelato Messiah never disappoints. Fruity faves, chocolate-laden, and saucy, caramel swirled serenades – the gelato gangs alllll here.
Hero Sushi
We mean, just as the name implies, Surfer’s seaweed-slinging superheroes deliver our satisfying sushi fix, solving post-surf peckishness with the familiar and time tested blend of Japanese classics and Aussie fusion faves. Perch up and nibble your way through nigiri, inari, build-your-own roll, or grab a healthy bento box to go.
La Playa
Like an old fathful LBD, La Playa seamlessly takes us from day to night with an all day menu of modern Australian x Mediterranean eats.
Start the day in the most delicious way with a Shawarma Wrap, scrambled egg, chorizo, spinach, tzatziki – and turn around finish it with the likes of perfectly spiced skewers, sides of Saganaki paired with salt-rimmed coconut margs, share cocktail jugs and/or sangria.
Keep this one on speed dial (whatever that is, anymore).
El Camino Cantina
It’s one of life’s great truths, that sipping margs (and nibbling nachos, lbh) in the salty sea breeze is a vibe that is unmatched. If you’re looking for a spot to do just that, El Camino Cantina has it all. Combining mesmerising surf views with mouthwatering Tex-Mex eats, the only thing more vibrant than the zesty fare is the vibrant atmosphere.
Nahm Talay Thai
Oh boy – Nahm Talay Thai, where do we start? A trip to this elevated eatery is truly a treat for all five (or is it seven now? #oldhabits) senses – combining front row beachfront views with next level Thai. There is srsly not ounce of padding (a ripper Pad Thai, though) to be found among the fully stacked menu. We always know exactly where to finish though, and that’s with the incredible cocktail collection – they’re little works of art in a glass *almost* too pretty to drink. (Almost).
Yup, we just died and went to heaven Thailand.
TGI Fridays
Yup, as in, the one and only American bar and grill icon – Surfer’s has its own TGI Fridays gracing our surf-blessed shores – and we do mean literally. Dare we say it, we’ve taken the concept to a whole new level, bringing the ubiquitous array of American diner classics to the doorstep of Surfer’s breezy beachfront.
Get your fix of oozy mozzarella sticks, smoky, sauce-slicked flame-grilled ribs, juicy burgers and ‘fries’ (chippies 4 eva) at this family friendly crowd pleaser.
So guys, the only question left now is.. where’ll it be first?
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Each outlet’s hours of operation can be found here.
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE
There are very few things in the world better than coffee but the experience of consuming the magical liquid can of course be enhanced.
How can it be better I hear you ask? Well, by the location at which you’re consuming it for one thing and drinking more than one cup at a time for another. And let’s be honest, coffee with a view of the beach or the bush should be mandatory when you’re living on the Gold Coast!
Black Dingo Cafe
Tucked beneath the iconic lighthouse, find Coolangatta’s latest lurking mere meters from where sand meets sea, overlooking Point Danger’s sweeping outlook. Creating a venue that ‘celebrates the beauty of the ocean and the joy of sharing it with loved ones’, there’s certainly more to Black Dingo than meets the tastebuds – though the allure of an especially tantalising all-day eats selection sure won’t hurt the cause in the slightest!
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta (Point Danger lighthouse)
Café Catalina
Found on the Broadwater up Southport way, Café Catalina overlooks well, the Broadwater and all the fancy yachts you can never afford. They also have tasty eats and you can take your doggo for a puppychino if that’s his/her thing.
Where: 10/11 Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Highway, Southport
Sandbar
Overlooking Surfers Paradise beach and with abundant people watching opportunities, Sandbar is the perfect spot for a coffee or two. In the last year, they’ve had quite the revamp so you can go from breaky to lunch and from coffee to cocktails.
Where: 52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Custard Canteen
Custard Canteen delivers on epic coffee right by one of the Coast’s most beautiful beaches – Tallebudgera Creek. They’re pet friendly so you can take your pooch for a long walk on the beach post-caffeine fix and if you’re craving a sweet treat, you can’t go past their iconic Portuguese Tarts.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Dune Café
Watch the paddleboarders cruise by on Currumbin Creek at hidden paradise Dune Café. It’s nestled inside the park (which is epic by the way) and close to the dog beach and with delicious breakfasts and all the laidback vibes, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee or three.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Neptune Kiosk
Tallebudgera Creek’s resident coffee slinger, Neptune Kiosk – recently unveiled its cheery new spruce up to go with the impeccable vibes Talle’s idyllic inlet dishes up daily. Once again churning out Marvell Street coffee, croissants AND hot cinny donuts from its sunshine-y new facadem it’s a triumphant return of the oh-so-convenient caffeine and treat fix creek-goers have grown rather fond of.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Rafiki
It’s earned its status as an institution for good reason – locals can’t get enough of Rafiki. Pooch friendly, ripper coffee (and a cookie on the side, yes please) but it’s also home to their flavour bomb seasoning so you can take home a little taste of the good life.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
MADE
Fronting the corner of Musgrave & Miles St, the cosy 25-pax venue offers a mix of indoor and kerbside seating for Kirra’s peckish perambulators. Frequents whom the cafe gods are looking favourably down upon can either nab a table, or perch up at the bar and watch the world go by in front of the breezy bifold windows which span one wall.
Where: Corner of Musgrave & Miles St, Kirra
The Salt Mill
Home of the most ridiculous acai bowl selection, Salt Mill serves up some of the best coffees around while also being just a hop, skip and a jump from Currumbin Beach. It’s a little space with a whole lot of soul and it’s extremely loved by those who live close by and visitors from further suburbs.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Tarte Beach House
One of the newer kids on the block, Tarte Beach House has brought the goods from Tarte Burleigh in the Creekside spot on Currumbin Alley. The same brew you know and love but with one of the best views on the Coast, why not pop off for a paddle board after before coming back for a cheeky refuel after – we can never say no to a strawberry muffin top.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Kinship
Currumbin can’t stop delivering the goods with this beachfront beauty. You’ll find Kinship right by Currumbin SLSC pumping out coffees until 2pm, with the whole of Currumbin Beach at your feet it’s the perfect spot to take the fam and let the kids run loose.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
The Galley Café, Boatworks
We’ll forgive you for missing this hidden gem, The Galley Café is the perfect spot for a brew for you Northern Gold Coasters. The marine inspired fit out is a hit for boaties and the kids love it too, bring the fam and keep watch as the yachts cruise through the river all day long.
Where: 1 Boatworks Drive, Coomera
26 & Sunny
Sip away on your coffee right on the beachfront at 26 & Sunny, nestled below The Langham it’s the perfect coffee pitstop for your early morning beach walk. They’ve also got epic eats if you’re craving a bite, bonus point for it being the ultimate spot to dog on the boardwalk watch if you’re sans furry friend.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Bumbles
If you haven’t been to Bumbles, then where have you been? Budds Beach has long been a locals secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day. Yes please.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
Flying Bean Café
If you’re looking for a different kind of view, Flying Bean Café is the place with sweeping views of the hinterland all the way through to the Gold Coast. Get at one with nature, good coffee and great views at this little gem of the Scenic Rim. Because how could you forget, the Gold Coast isn’t just about those beautiful beaches when we’ve got this lush hinterland at our doorstep.
Where: 1696 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
We’re known to be a bit of a fun-loving bunch here on the GC, and any local worth their weight in salt(y hair) knows that Surfers Paradise is the MVP when it comes to fun. But there’s more to Surfers than just beach and suddenly we’re thinking about Ryan Gosling #MyJobIsJustBeach. Whether you’re a big kid at heart, an actual kid, or somewhere in between, the newly zhuzhed Paradise Centre is the GOAT for good times.
Timezone
I mean, if you haven’t been to Timezone at the Paradise Centre as an ankle biter, on a date, with a mate, or to wow the mini-me’s, sorry but you can’t sit with us. A local institution in its own right, this rite of passage has been serving up adrenaline-pumping good times for four decades. Bust a move in a dance-off, race your friends on a virtual track, challenge the fam to a laser tag battle, or play a round of mini golf but don’t forget, pack a spare pair of socks in case you get a ‘hole in one’…. #punstoppable.
FREAK VR
If you like escape rooms, FREAK VR’s virtual reality escape room is the (un)real deal. Here you don’t just play the game, you become the game with mind-boggling 4D effects and totally out of this world physical spaces. Test out your teamwork skills, immerse yourself in other dimensions, and get ready to embrace your inner FREAK (in a strictly ‘non-Only Fans’ kinda way of course…).
MANIAX Axe Throwing
Nothing says fun like chucking axes at a wall, plus it’s like a therapy sesh complete with ocean views and a Viking-themed bar #quadfecta. Sporting a custom-built axe hall and 15 throwing lanes, learn a badass new skill and grab a pic sitting on the mighty warrior’s throne for the ‘gram. Promising ‘axe-factor’ for days, chop chop and book your crew in stat.
Zone Bowling
Bowling is like pizza – even when it’s not great, it’s still pretty great. So, when you experience the awesomeness of Zone Bowling, you’ll agree it’s right up everyone’s ‘alley’, and guaranteed to ‘strike’ a chord with even the most decerning bowler (no ‘pins’ intended). Featuring 12 interactive bowling lanes, a cafe and a bar, channel your inner Jeffrey Lebowski and head to Zone.
Holoverse Dinosaur World & Aquarium
LBR, dinosaurs never get old, so for a fun family day out, birthday party, or team building activity day, it’s Holoverse for the win. Obvs a hit with the small folk, there’s also an M-rated section and once again, #NoOnlyFans. The first of its kind on the planet, get acquainted with monsters or dinosaurs, take a deep dive into the big blue, experience what it’s like to fly, and play both action sports and arcade games. Roarsome!
Go Ride A Wave
Learn a gnarly new skill to flex, which will most likely improve your physical flex by default (bonus points), at Go Ride A Wave. This renowned surf school specialises in daily beginner surf lessons, with group and private lessons available on request, all on our world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach. And just like that, we’re back to Ryan Gosling again….. #beachoff.
When: Check website for each venue’s operating hours
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE
Hoisting the kidlets into the back of the car to grab a feed can be a varied experience. And by varied, we mean #traumatic. But not at these Surfers Paradise restaurants which are tried and tested by many-a-small person, with a double thumbs-up both from kids and therefore, parentals.
Here’s our rundown on the glitter strip places to take the rug rats for a tanty/whinge-free meal.
Misono
If there’s one thing that’ll delight the kids (and the big kids), it’s teppanyaki! Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and thrill from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. Make sure you have your smart phones at the ready to capture every catch….or not (spillage is part of the fun). There’s also a live sushi bar to discover and psst mum and dad – there’s even a sneaky whisky bar for ‘ron!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Wahlburgers
Designed with good times in mind, the kids will go wild for Wahlburgers! The burger chain and sports bar baby of Hollywood superstars ‘Marky’ Mark, Donny, and the wider Wahlburg clan, expect high-quality, simple, down to earth eats! In addition to burgers there’s breakfast, salads, loaded sides, wings, calamari, dessert, shakes and spiders and so much more. It’ll give the whole family Good Vibrations!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
TGI Fridays
Tasty American Burgers, good friends and good times. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s always a recipe for smiley faces. Serving up your all your fave dishes from the US of A right off the grill, we’re talking starters to share, wings, fresh mex, burgers, wraps, salads, ribs, steaks, desserts and a cracking kid’s menu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a place where it’s always Friday?
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
Kids will love the Victorian-era décor, friendly service and most importantly, wide variety of all the chow our small people dream of. The usual suspects like woodfired pizzas, loaded chips, burgers, steaks and ribs etc all make an appearance on the menu, plus there’s a kiddywinkle menu suitable for those up to 16. They’ll go loco for the supershakes and if you’re in a rush (isn’t EVERY parent), you can skip the queue and order via the app! Genius.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If the kids are hungry, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go to Longboards. One thing’s for sure, both you and your ankle-biters will leave choccas (no other meals required). The burgers here are legendary and dad, if you wanna impress the fam, give the 30 minute Phat Bastard Challenge a crack for your chance to win a $150 tab prize. There’s a kids menu to boot, plus $3 play packs to keep them entertained. Sold!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue & Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
El Camino Cantina
Mexican is the new Maccas in terms of universal appeal for kids, and El Camino is forever Mexcellent. Slinging tacos, nachos, loaded nachos, fajitas, wings and sombrero-filled party vibes, there’ll be no whinging whatsoever from the small folk. Head on down for $2 Taco Tuesdays, 10-cent Wing Wednesdays and half-price Fajita Thursdays. How spec-taco-ular!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
Ok, so we all know kids love surf clubs – especially award-winners like BMD Northcliffe. For a start, it’s absolute beachfront making a pre or post-meal dip super duper easy. There’s plenty of room in the spacious restaurant, filled with sunlight by day and boasting a magical outlook by night, a stunning deck, and one of the best surf club menus you’ll ever find. All Little Nipper meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. Winning!
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano
Vapiano is Italian for kid-foody-heaven and whilst that’s a fib, it still rings true. We dare you to find a kiddo (and parent for that matter…#Don’tTellThePT) who doesn’t love a meaty, hearty pasta or a palette-pleasing pizza and yeah, nah, it’s not possible. Choose from the kids’ menu or the standard menu for small people with a BIG appetite! This is no impasta friends.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hogs Breath Café
The very pinnacle of family-orientated eating venues has to be the original and much-loved Hogs Breath Café. You’ll find consistently yummy and unassuming food served up in a friendly atmosphere, setting the benchmark high for other family restaurants to follow. Your little ones will be loving life with their own (sizeable) Hogster’s Kids Menu, which offers uncompromised value for money as each dish comes with its own drink and even dessert. Sorted!
Where: Soul, Building T2/9 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Crazy Cat Café
This cute setup is the purrfect place to drop by for an afternoon pit stop and, of course, to mingle with some feline friends. Apart from a mob of the friendliest cats you ever did meet, the hefty café style menu offers a host of appetising treats to boot. Worth noting is the venue’s setup which also has a separate section for those who want to witness the cats at paw’s length – a great option for the kiddies who need a slow introduction to the furry ones.
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
There is no mistaking; pancakes are a good time, every time, particularly when they’re being pumped out of specialty restaurant, Pancakes on the Rocks. Based in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they are a dead-set family vibe. All about family dining, you can’t go wrong with the obvs (pancakes), plus there are pizzas, salads, crepes, and the now famous beef and pork ribs. Littlies will adore this joint. Cross our hearts.
Where: 31 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
