There’s a new kid on the block in Nobby’s and it’s quite literally all we’ve been hearing about. The doors to one of the most talked about new precincts – The Oxley 1823 – are open.

Nobby’s has long been a hive of activity for the Coast, whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your morning caffeine fix (aren’t we all) or a margarita (actually, make that 10) it’s one of the best beachside spots around.

Now Nobby’s is bringing back that charm you know and love but with all the good stuff you’ve been missing, like you know a grocer and butcher.

The Calile-esque look is a welcome addition to Nobby’s, it’s giving a resort vibe and we’re absolutely all about feeling like we’re on vacay while doing our weekly grocery shop.

Not only have the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new hangout spot, they’re also bringing us the legends behind Rick Shores who have announced a whole new concept coming to the precinct mid 2024.

A side-step from the Asian-style menu at the iconic Rick Shores, the new restaurant concept is set to bring a Latin American flavour by their Executive Chef James Brady, who’s been wining and dining at some of the world’s top Mexican and Latin American restaurants all in the name of market research – sounds like a job for us!

The space will spread across two levels with the Latin American restaurant on level one, an open-air rooftop ceviche bar and private dining rooms so there’s literally everything you need for the ultimate long lunch all in one spot.

In stage one of the precinct’s opening, you’ll see some familiar faces, with the brains behind Burleigh institution Seadog bringing a new café to the block. Buoy (pronounced boo-ee) is promising to deliver a pared back menu that is less on frills and big on flavour, think a super considered menu with the classics you know and love as well as fresh feeds with hero quality produce.

But what about the coffee we hear you ask? Think boutique harvested coffee from Colombia poured by expert baristas with unique flavours of milo and caramel – yes, you read that right – because life’s too short for boring coffee.

Also coming back to Nobby’s, is the legendary Gourmet Meats under the guise of the Oxley Village Butcher so you can say hello to premium meats to level up your BBQ game with fresh cuts from the best farms around.

The Oxley Village Grocer is bringing all the fresh produce and groceries you need as well as market flowers for whether you’re looking for ‘just because’ blooms or something that says ‘sorry I didn’t mean to forget your birthday’ – eek.

Last but not least, all that shopping and socialising is thirsty work so the Oxley 1823 Sub Station is your stop for hydration station with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, or a cheeky scoop of gelato because we’re in for a long hot summer.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting this pretty little newcomer and I think it’s safe to say it’s been worth the wait, so you know where to catch us kicking back for a bite and a beverage this summer.

Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Opening Saturday 2nd December

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.

And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.

Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters

The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach

The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Thanks to the GC’s status as a burgeoning foodie haven, it’s not often that we get the chance to bring you word of a totally new cuisine sauntering onto our local eats scene.

While it may be new to us, Nikkei cuisine has been having a moment of late – enjoying a rise in popularity internationally among heavy hitting culinary destinations such as Dubai, London and Miami #sohotrightnow.

There’s nothing like the prospect of discovering a brand new fave that has us forwarding that hot little link to the group chat quicker than you can say ‘whose keen?’.

With Nobby’s recently welcoming Tayta Nikkei and Pisco Bar, and with it, a whole new cuisine for us to delight in – that’s one convo we’re defs not about to be ghosting #we’resothere.

For the uninitiated, the intriguing combination of Japanese and Peruvian elements might seem a somewhat #unexpected new player in the world of fusion-style eats, though that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The culinary history behind this delicious hybrid has been formed over generations, with Nikkei the resulting cuisine of Japanese immigration to Peru some centuries ago.

Which quite frankly makes us feel like we’ve been missing out for far too long.

For owner Adriano Antonini, he could not sit idly by knowing full well the mouth-watering goodness we here on the GC were missing out on.

An impressive tenure in hospitality venues across the globe was what led Italian born Adriano to discover his love of the cuisine, after a stint working in a Nikkei hotspot in Coya, London.

Ultimately, the challenge of bringing something unique to the GC proved too irresistible, finally opening the doors to Tayta after a year long hunt for the perfect spot, adds Adriano ‘the location is great and we felt there was more need for casual fine dining options in Nobby’s’.

Heading the fit-out himself, Adriano has gone for a dark and moody vibe for the space.

Thoughtfully selected traditional Peruvian colours and patterns have informed the direction for the interiors, resulting in an elegant South American jungle aesthetic.

The 60-seat venue offers the kind of intimate ambience that invites you to settle in for a few rounds of Pisco Sours, and we oblige.

As for the food, we’re happy to report seafood lovers especially should be very keen to sea what Tayta has in store.

As a dish that originated in Peru, the menu prominently features an array of Ceviche style dishes where seafood takes centre stage.

While the likes of Tuna Chifa made with Chili Garlic, Sesame, Ponzu, Kombu, Wakame are where the obvious Japanese influences enter the chat.

We can never go past the Okonomiyaki (no matter how much we embarrass ourselves trying to pronounce it) – a Japanese Pancake with Slow cooked Pork, Charred Corn, Spicy Mayo, Tayta spiced mix.

While sushi lovers, and even the sushi ambivalent (an oxymoron, surely) will be tempted with some zesty takes on their usual go-to’s, with a boujee Tuna Roll made with Cucumber, Spicy Mayo, Truffle Ponzu, Roasted Sesame that will undoubtedly see us unable to return to it’s food court counterpart.

Also coming in September is Tayta’s Saturday brunch with bottomless Peruvian Chicha Morada cocktails.

Till then, we’ll make do with a few Hibiscus Pisco Sours – a delicious twist on the Peru’s national drink – the Classico Pisco Sour (and probably a couple of those, for good measure).

See you there, amigos!

Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday-Saturday 5-10pm

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.