When dining amongst strangers won't cut it.
When dining amongst strangers won't cut it.
Been wanting to get the gang together for the ultimate dinner party but the six-seater dining table you’ve got at home isn’t cutting it? Allow us to introduce the private dining room. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to host the family, your besties or work colleagues, the private dining experience is the ultimate for high impact and low effort so you can outsource the wining and dining.
We’ve scoured the city for the best private dining spaces at some of the city’s top-tier restaurants so that you can sit back and relax (without prying eyes) for a fab meal that you and your guests won’t forget in a hurry. And even better, no dishes to clean up – consider us sold.
BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar
The newest venture from Steven & Autumn Adams – has some dauntingly big shoes to fill. As you might have gleaned from its culinary lineage, this little sib newcomer is a just little bit extra. The lofty, double-story venue which formerly housed The Bavarian, is wooing up to 150 diners at one time – complete with a lush 24 seat private dining room up on the upper floor.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Pipi’s Restaurant
If you haven’t yet caught murmurs of Cooly’s panoramically-blessed gem now presiding over Point Danger, let’s just say the much-anticipated arrival has foodies giddy with glee for very good reason. Leveraging sweeping views of the beachfront that stretches from Snapper Rocks across to DBar, Pipi’s vacillates between laid-back and luxury. Nestle into the sought-after Private Dining Room with magnificent 220 degree views of the Pacific Ocean for an intimate dining experience.
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
Little Truffle
Little Truffle 2.0 has been treated to a grown-up glow-up to match its refined eats, combining moody Hollywood Glam elements with Jazz Bar vibes for an aesthetic that we’ve officially dubbed ‘Gold Coast Grandeur’. The suave new space is just about as opulent as our eateries on the GC get – bedecked with opulent baroque mirrors, chandeliers, luxe herringbone floors, strategically draped velvet curtains and two private dining rooms. The second of which remains shrouded in mystery, as a very exclusive vault-vibing space for 20 guests with its own private entry (in sad news for our star spotting ops).
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
kōst Bar & Grill
A contemporary bar and grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, this mammoth space redefined the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach. Along with seafood towers, roving champagne and caviar trolleys, and a purpose-built dry aged cool room that can be seen (drooled over) from Oracle Boulevard, our wining and dining game copped a serious upgrade. The luxurious space boasts an impressive 130-seat restaurant, in addition to private dining room, bar dining and outdoor pavilion spaces.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
Kirra Beach House
Kirra Beach House offers an array of delights, including a charming wine bar, a sun-soaked cocktail terrace, and the cozy wine bar that can be booked for private dining. Additionally, guests can enjoy a private barbecue area, a versatile function space, and a dedicated room perfect for weddings and special events.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Mozza Mozza
It’s the largest private dining room on the northern Gold Coast in one of our most loved pizza and pasta joints, so obviously, Mozza Mozza had to make the list. Holding up to 18 guests makes it the perfect space for your fancy Italian feast, because we’re all about a chance to carb load. The crew have pulled together a ripper-feasting menu with all of the restaurant’s favourites, plus they’ve got spritz packages on offer if you’re in the moody for a cheeky Aperol moment alongside your cheese wheel pasta.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Elegant and refined, Glass is many people’s go-to place for delicious bites in Main Beach. And it’s relatively easy to see why; with sumptuous seafood and exquisite meat dishes, the incredible view of million-dollar yachts across the Broadwater is merely the cherry on top. Their private space sits up to 10 guests and is prime champagne and oyster territory!
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive & Marina Mirage Waterfront, Main Beach
Misono Japanese Restaurant
If you haven’t been to Misono then where have you been, honestly? While you’re probably familiar with the uber entertaining teppanyaki experience, you might not know they’ve got an adults only private dining space. If the sound of an elevated teppanyaki experience, even more theatrics and paired sake sounds like your vibe then say no more – this Gold Coast institution is here to deliver.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Level 3/158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Edgewater
When it comes to superb views of our spectacular skyline and unadulterated servings of all things delicious, Edgewater Dining is very high up on the list — if not at the very top. Great seasonal Australian produce meets with a twist of traditional Italian style cooking, and the colossal drinks list is truly something to marvel at. Book in for a function/event to their private dining room for an exclusive setting (with an adjacent private balcony) and see what all the fuss is about.
Where: Shop 3 G7, Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise
The Langham
If boujee is the brief, the Gold Coast’s crown jewel – The Langham – is here to deliver. Bringing to the party not just one, but two, private dining rooms they’ve got something to suit both your vibe and your size. Akoya’s private dining space seats up to 16 so you can spread out as you tuck into their iconic buffet, with seafood the star of the show along with global flavours, even your fussy friends will be satisfied. If Cantonese and fine dining is more your vibe, then T’ang Court’s private dining space is the place to be for you and nine of your nearest and dearest. It’s won an AGFG Chef Hat for good reason, so if you didn’t already trust us – trust that.
Where: The Langham, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Social Eating House
It’s the home of casual fine dining and since its recent reno, the team at Social Eating House have created the most beautiful private sanctuary for small groups. The intimate dining space seats eight and is meticulously styled (no surprise there) so you can really immerse yourself in the Social experience. We’ll take any excuse to tuck into their puffed sesame rice cracker fish tartare or lamb empanada en masse without judgement.
Where: The Oracle, Shop 137/3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
Garden Kitchen & Bar
Between incredible drinks, great regular live music, and generally just being an all-time place to hang out and relax in, The Star’s Garden Kitchen Bar can also tame fits of hunger with an impressive menu of fresh and seasonal produce. They’re pretty big on a farm to fork and fish to dish way of operating, and the proof is well and truly in the pudding. There are several private dining rooms that can be sectioned off from the main dining room, so be sure to chat to the team next time you want to experience great food and company — without any distractions.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
How does an exclusive dining room with an ocean view in the heart of bustling Surfers Paradise sound? The private dining room at Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen is a decadent space completely separated situated alongside the outdoor dining area. The intimate space features a stunning sandstone dining table with 12 luxurious velvet chairs to keep your guests in the upmost comfort. Endless ocean views from the elevated position teamed with exceptional food and drinks, make this venue a topnotch pick!
Where: Ocean by Meriton, Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Maggie Choo
The vibrant street hawker foods of Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpar are lovingly brought to the Gold Coast in deft fashion at Maggie Choo. Apart from amazing cocktails and a colourful atmosphere any time of the day and any day of the week, you can book yourself into their secluded dining space for a cosy meal with colleagues, family, even your running club if you must! There’s space for 14 people, and you have the choice of their Maggie Tease and Maggie Luxe banquets to tuck into.
Where: Shop 105/89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Balboa
Mamma Mia, if you haven’t checked into this hotbed of Italian goodness in Palm Beach, then you need to rectify that — STAT. If the graceful standalone building and décor aren’t enough, then the stone-baked pizzas and handmade pastas should quash the pain from not being able to visit the old country! Their private dining space is upstairs and seats you and eleven of your nearest with your very own dedicated servers for a superb taste of Italy.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Siblings
It was a sad day that we farewelled the GC’s last Pizza Hut buffet, but the building’s resurrection as Siblings Kirra is a triumph. Now a modern Australian brunch and dinner destination, dripping with 1950’s Miami beach vibes goodness from pillar to post. There’s no endless soft serve, but there is a stunning private dining room. The perfect choice for your next shin-dig this room seats 26 guests, with a small private deck attached for a long lunch or intimate private dinner.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Finding a traditional Cantonese fine dining experience in Australia is harder than locating your hoop earring on a packed Retros dancefloor. With this in mind, we were extra eager to sample the hotly anticipated T’ang Court, a major coup for the region situated in our new home of luxe, The Langham Gold Coast. Well this gastronomic gem is officially open for business and as expected, has brought its A game! The very first Australian sibling of the internationally acclaimed T’ang Court restaurants, it has all the makings of an icon, leaving fans of fine dining and super swish hotels wonton more!
The ‘T’ang Court’ name is synonymous with an unmissable, Michelin-star worthy eats experience of the highest calibre. Presenting elevated culinary masterpieces, seasonal delicacies and exquisite flavours crafted with the finest local produce, our Surfers Paradise T’ang Court is every bit the international superstar we had envisioned.
Upon walking inside this 80-seat indoor venue, you’re immediately mesmerised by the juxtaposition of modern luxury and traditional authenticity. Boujee furnishings greet you at every turn, their refined beauty accentuated by bespoke abstract art pieces by Australian-Chinese artist, Lindi Li. The aesthetic represents a celebration of the vibrancy of the T’ang Dynasty and no, this is not a Chinese version of the American 80’s soap opera. It’s China’s culturally rich golden age, perfectly reflected in the timelessness of the fit out.
As desirable as its highly revered Michelin-starred sister restaurants across Asia, it certainly has big shoes to fill (most likely Jimmy Choos). And oh how it does! To provide context, T’ang Court, Hong Kong is a Michelin-star magnet, earning three Michelin-stars for seven consecutive years in a row and seriously, that place needs an in-house astronomist.
Take your pick from three set menus and an extensive range of a la carte dishes, all embracing the essence of Southeast China with panache. Pair your choice with a bespoke wine (of which there are plenty) and who knew us mere mortals could access this level of culinary quality.
We could bang on about the menu’s specialties all day long but in the spirit of ‘less is more’, we’ll stick to a few absolute standouts. There’s only one thing better than traditional Cantonese Duck, and that’s a three-part dish paying homage to our favourite waterfowl. Indulge in the Duck Pancake with Chef’s special hoi sin sauce, Duck Bun with lychee and raspberry sauce and supplemental caviar, and Sliced Duck Breast and Leg in plum sauce. Talk about a quacker of a meal.
For something a little less embellished but still packing maximum flavour, the Sauteed Pearl Meat with ginger, shallot and Asian greens is an ancient crowd-pleaser which has stood the test of time. Or, if you’re channelling locally sourced seafood fresher than a pillow with a mint, it’s hands down the Spicy Black Tiger Prawn with roasted garlic. Salivating yet?
So for guaranteed Cantonese flavour authenticity, elegance and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, T’ang Court at The Langham Gold Coast is all that….and dim sum.
Where: Level 3, The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 12pm – 3pm (lunch) & 5.30pm – 11pm (dinner), Wednesday – Sunday
Words By Bianca Trathen.
Gold Coasters, we need to talk. Something BIG is happening – in every sense of the word – which achieves ‘life made’ status upon simply walking in. Okay so that’s a sizeable call, but we’re not embellishing when we say this is one of THE most exciting things to happen to Surfers Paradise in recent times. Set to do a darn good job at changing up people’s perception of our ‘glitter strip’, this modern coastal stunner not only looks a (multi) million bucks, but she also delivers views, eats, service and ambience to match. We’re pleased to introduce the new local dining scene Pretty Committee leader, the chic COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen.
Dripping in coastal-styled furnishings and high-quality on-fleek accents, COAST is every bit the refined glamour girl. This spectacular $2.5 million-dollar venue adorning the first floor of the brand-new Ocean by Meriton is all about fine modern Australian shared cuisine, and breathtaking uninterrupted views of the big blue. The ocean and skyline are complemented with a timeless muted coastal colour palette, natural earthy tones including Tasmanian Oak furnishings, rattan and marble fixtures. There are distinct dining spaces, divvied up into a 110-seat restaurant and 160-seat bar, including a main dining room, lounge area, private booths, and sprawling outdoor bar areas. There’s even a statement 14m marble bar and guys, that’s a whole lotta margis right there #CheersToThat.
Other must-mentions are the Spanish-style Josper oven which ‘rewrites’ flavour with its bespoke smoky goodness, and brace yourselves (and your liver…and umm, your credit card…) for the venue’s standout feature piece; a 26-year vertical Penfolds Grange Magnum Collection. It’s valued at over $60k and holy bejesus, we just fainted. Guests of COAST have the exclusive privilege of being able to order this liquid gold, making it a wine enthusiast’s fantasyland.
So who on earth has answered our prayers and created this sophisticated food lovers paradise? Local hospitality power couple Justin and Elizabeth Allie are the proud ‘parents’, and the force behind the likes of Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar, The Fish Shak, and catering company A-lister Gourmet en Counter. They have certainly outdone themselves here, catapulting Surfers into a whole new stratosphere of eats and sips sophistication. You would certainly expect a venue of this calibre to recruit an Executive Chef of similar stature and yep, you’d be bang on. Rhett Willis is the chosen one, with over two decades of culinary experience in some of the country’s best venues, including Jellyfish and Cha Cha Char #props.
Now one of the best things they do here (and there are a lot) is actual share food. As in carefully considered, bite-sized or pre-cut dishes that won’t spill and splosh all over the show. For starters, may we suggest Wasabi Leaves with sand crab, chilli, lime and caviars, and “The Éclair” with chicken liver parfait and Chambord jelly (salivation). Moving on to the Josper fired sharesies plates, the Lamb Shoulder from Junee New South Wales with smoked paprika and labneh is pure culinary perfection. And it would be remiss of us not to make mention of COAST’s signature dish and boy is this one spesh; The Tomahawk by John Dee Optimal. We’re talking 120-day grain fed, dry-aged for 30 days in the exclusive in-house dry ageing fridge, and served with chef’s sides and condiments. Again, life made.
Wash it all down with a bottle from the 2,000 strong wine bottle cellar front and centre in the restaurant, with up to 120 varieties of ‘grape juice’ primarily sourced from Australia’s most celebrated wine regions #supportlocal. And don’t forget to order a signature cocktail (as if you would) and the Salty Tailor comes highly recommended with vodka, maraschino, curacao, lemon, almond foam and saline.
So make sure Friday 5th August is earmarked in your calendar to coast on into Coast and experience first-hand how this show-stopper will reshape Surfers Paradise’s foodie landscape. Amen – we’ll drink to that!
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Opens Friday 5th August
Words by Bianca Trathen.
