When it’s time for a picnic or a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sun, wine in hand, delicatessen-style foods are the perfect accompaniment. But not just any old deli meats- we’re talking specialty goods like mouth-watering dry-cured meats, artisanally produced cheeses, and all those delightful dips and spreads — ultimate charcuterie board goals.

But getting your hands on such fare is no easy task. You must know where to look, folks. Head to the supermarket deli counter if you must, but if you yearn for divine savours — and believe you deserve the very finest — read on as we run you through the Gold Coast’s best gourmet delis.

Manolas Bros Delicatessen
Manolas Bros Deli & Cafe has cemented itself as one of the Coast’s ultimate spots to treat your tastebuds. Not content with being a continental-style deli, you are also spoiled with wood-fired pizzas, an extensive bar offering, and heaps of takeaway options in the form of robust filled-to-the-brim food hampers. All we can say is specialty dishes, baked goods, and festive sweets are some of the many reasons people keep coming back to this Surfers Paradise foodie hub.
Where: Shop 3G, 14 Capri on Isle of Capri, 15/21 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Barbosa Fine Food Deli
Cheese is life. That is a fair statement in anyone’s book (sorry, vegans). But with cheese, one must have suitable chutneys, relishes, pickles, and crackers. Luckily for us, Barbosa Fine Food Deli, located in The Kitchens in Robina Town Centre, has all the above, plus more. Grab yourself an organic Fairtrade coffee and discuss your next blissful charcuterie board with any of their friendly staff: they’ll help direct you through their incredible ashttps://www.insidegoldcoast.com.au/cheese-gold-coastsortment of imported and Australian goods. And for those with a craving for fresh truffles, look no further; truffle season is upon us, and these guys have got you covered.
Where: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

The Oxley Village Market
Taking up residence in the all-new The Oxley 1823 in Nobby Beach is, you guessed it, The Oxley Village Market. Each aisle is a new adventure for gastronomy geeks and an inspiration for new culinary escapades. There are artisanal cheeses, fresh pasta, ethically sourced free-range eggs, fresh-made salads, baked goods, gorgeous bouquets and, of course, an array of delicious cured and butcher meats. Okay, we have a secret for you entertainers: pre-made artisanal charcuterie boxes are available for order and customisation (using only the freshest ingredients, of course). We won’t tell if you don’t.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Ambarella Fine Foods
This enclave of gourmand food and drinks ensures an authentic paddock to plate experience with every visit. Whether you’re looking to stock up on farm-fresh vegetables, lusting for one of our city’s largest selections of cheese, or adamant you must have yourself only the best superbly baked European style bread, then, you’ll find all of these under the one roof here in Burleigh Waters. However, searching out the best goods is tiring — and hungry — work. We suggest you take a rest and fuel up at their café and juice bar, where fresh over-filled sandwiches/wraps and squeezed-on-the-spot juices await you.
Where: Shop 12/1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters

The Standard Market Company – Southport Brickworks
This is your one-stop place to fill your larder with the finest goods the Gold Coast’s CBD has to offer. Specialising in freshly baked breads, cheese, olives and imported gourmet goods, your next picnic will be elevated to lofty new heights. But this isn’t all; their very own butcher counter will tease you with expert cuts of free-range and organic meats alongside a vast selection of handmade sausages crafted with flavourings from all around the world. Around the world in 80 snags, anyone?
Where: 107 Ferry Road, Southport

Jones & Co Grocer
Ready to pack an impressive picnic basket? Of course you are! IGA Jones & Co Grocer is a name you might be familiar with – even if you’re not lucky enough to count their Southport Queen Street Village location as your local. From their very own walk-in Cheese Room, stocking over 300 varieties of cheese, to specialty meat cuts from their in-house butchery and all the freshly baked goods in between, your picnic will be fit for royalty.
Where: Queen Street Village, 129 Queen Street, Southport

Euro Food Deli
This store is a feast for international delights, representing and sourcing from the leading European manufacturers. Euro Food Deli stocks a huge selection of Russian and Polish food and sweet and savoury treats from across Europe. From Smalec Rusiecki (a traditional Polish spread) to Leberkäse (traditional German meatloaf), you will lose yourself for hours discovering new and home favourites at this Nerang neighbourhood market. Their sweet selection deserves special mention. We repeat, do not skip this aisle!
Where: Shop 18b, 57 Station Street, Nerang

Harris Farm Markets, Isle of Capri
Trusty as always, Harris Farm Markets has, of course, made the list with their wholesome goodies and fresh produce. They shelf almost anything your deli-heart desires, as well as fresh seafood, baked goods, niche and popular pantry items,  and of course, plenty of fresh fruit and veg. However, because we are here in the name of gourmet deli, let us tell you that Isle of Capri has become quite the hub for the cheese appreciation society (AKA everyone). Not only that, their selection of cured meats is substantial and will have you kinging and queening the wine and cheese night.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, 15-21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri

FLOR
FLOR are specialists in natural, organic and sustainable wine but also are a petite pantry of curated groceries. You certainly feel wise shopping their unique and hard-to-find shelf items, deli meats and cheeses- which are all ethically sourced from local Gold Coast & Northern NSW suppliers with only the odd handmade goods from elsewhere in Australia. Our charcuterie board has never been so conscious! Our tip: remember, good things take time! Get chatty with the FLOR staff to help select your perfect pairing or next wine adventure- it’s worth it!
Where: Shop 5/3 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Golosi Food Emporium
This nook of delectable goods is Burleigh Heads’ ode to fine foods — and we suggest, if you haven’t already, to make this a regular place to stop by. Even if you’re having trouble conjuring up a list of things you might want, don’t fear. Once you step inside, the vast assortment of fare will quickly have you imagining cheese boards and snack plates from your wildest dreams. And if you plan on having yourself an easy dinner one evening, their selection of fresh pasta and divine ready-prepared meals are by no means a shortcut.
Where:  3/45 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Russian Delights
Those with family ties to Eastern Europe or Russia often know only too well how hard it can be to find foods from the old country here in Australia. One place that disrupts and challenges this status quo are the good guys at Russian Delights. This long-established business has been procuring and distributing various foods from different cultures for over twenty years and shows no sign of slowing. Specialising in smoked sausages and cured meats, they pride themselves on only stocking the very best produce made by the strictest traditional recipes and welcome customers from all varying backgrounds to come and enjoy their selection of international goods. Trust us when we say locals who know their meats get it from here.
Where: 1/35a Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Quince Fromagerie Cellar
Hidden in Cornerstone Stores, Quince Fromagerie Cellar has been a haven of boutique goods impressing locals since 2018. Literally, the cutest looking wine and cheese shop you’ve ever seen — but don’t be fooled, this is a serious case of good things coming in small packages. Friendly shop manager Rafa (Rafael) is on hand to lead you through the diverse selection of gourmet goods and cheeses, and if you ask nicely, he may even give you a taste of some. We’re also pleased to say wine plays a role here, and should you want to pair one of their many bottles with anything edible you purchase, go right ahead, you cultured thing, you.
Where: Shop 5/570 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

Grobnik European Delicatessen
This multigenerational family legacy of artisan butchery mastery is also online! And they bring traditional European handmade recipes into your kitchen – and we’re here for it. There are cured meats in every flavour imaginable (beef jerky and salami for days!), show-stopping condiments and, of course, the creme de la creme of cheeses.
Where: Ashmore City Shopping Centre, 206 Currumburra Road, Ashmore

Tugun Market Co
It felt like only yesterday that this splendid Tugun farmers-style market first opened and inspired the Gold Coast. Here to serve the community from pantry to plate, they specialise in fresh produce, high-quality butcher meats, gourmet foods, health foods, organic products, vegan products, stunning blooms and gorgeous gifty style homewares. But most importantly, there’s a fromagerie. Which is cheese. Which is life. From their fresh produce to their butchery, you’ll get nothing but the highest quality goods here- that’s a guarantee.
Where: 499 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

Rob Roy Deli & Drinks
This southern Gold Coast beauty is run by a chef and a sommelier. That sounds like the perfect pairing to us! They’ve married the finest continental deli eats with a boutique bottle shop that offers a constantly rotating selection of small-batch produced beer, wine and spirits. Say less! Their sensational range of cheese and charcuterie can all be freshly cut to order, taking your platter from zero to hero.
Where: 1/20 Bay St, Tweed Heads

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

The world of wine and the talks around it can sometimes come off as a little showy and confusing for the everyday Australian. Yet our admiration for this fermented grape juice remains unaffected; enjoying a slurp of Shiraz over the BBQ or a slosh of Chardonnay by the beach are, by far, still some of our favourite pastimes. And this is where the real opportunity lies —bridging the gap from incredible wine and the people who make it to our thirsty glasses whilst sidestepping any swanky behaviour along the way.

Taking this ideal and running with it full steam ahead is the Gold Coast’s newly opened SOMM Wine Store in Nobby Beach.

Husband and wife duo Joe and Natalie are the masterminds behind SOMM, and both extend from families with long Italian Heritage. Joe, in particular, has worked in wine distribution for just shy of two decades, and although he has extensively travelled throughout Europe tasting all of the delectable wines — as you do when one is in Europe — he still knows and appreciates the good producers and emerging styles we have right here in our very own backyard.

Stepping inside the sustainably built shop space, you’ll discover sophisticated and minimalistic styling punctuated by rows of perfectly lined and colourful wine labels presenting boundless opportunities to escort your tastebuds far, far away. Browse a while, and you’ll find your favourite grape varieties — but with the likelihood of seeing some winemakers and regions you aren’t familiar with. And this is where it gets fun.

SOMM offers you the chance to discuss your tastes with their in-store experts; somebody will always be on hand to give you the low down. Expect conversations including “this producer’s winemaking style is like…”, or “this region makes fantastic wine because of their prevailing weather.” Really, these are some of the best conversations if you ask us!

The team want you to leave the store with a bottle — or two — of something you are going to love, and whether it’s something you’re familiar with or never even heard of before, it doesn’t matter one inch. The emphasis is to proudly showcase family-owned Australian winemakers with distinct styles, wines that you will genuinely enjoy drinking.

You will, however, find an array of European classics weaved throughout, alongside new-age orange wines and Pétillant Naturel (AKA Pét-Nat’s). If you’ve longed to give one of these a go, a little something left of centre, then this is your very chance to do so. Albeit with some friendly advice and guidance thrown in for good measure.

Dynamic and welcoming, whether you’re popping in on a weeknight for a little something to accompany dinner or looking for some stellar wines to go alongside a large family lunch: SOMM will cater for all tastes.

And for those with a curious outlook, you’ll be pleased to learn from 4pm on Saturdays the guys will be holding weekly tastings, where they’ll discuss and give you the chance to taste a selection of wines. Possibly the best ‘try before you buy’ we’ve ever heard of!

Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
When: Sunday – Tuesday, 10am — 7pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 10am — 9pm

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

How good is an icy cold beer on a balmy afternoon? Heck, or any afternoon for that matter. Especially right here on the Gold Coast, where not only are we blessed with copious amounts of year-round sunshine, but an increasing array of talented breweries and equally impressive spots to take a load off and enjoy their hard work.

Although the possibilities for lavishing yourself with a great beer are endless, here’s our whittled down top 11 spots (listed north to south) to grab a brew on any (post-lockdown) afternoon you please! Cheers to that.

Fortitude Brewing Company
Fortitude Brewing Company is special because they brew under not one but two names. Fortitude for the dependable beers you enjoy with mates and Noisy Minor for the loud beers we all love now and again. Due to brewing excellent beers, it’s Tamborine Mountain’s best spot for a Sunday sesh. Enjoy hot gourmet pizzas and one of their 14 icy-cold beers while you listen to the live band on the patio.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer — the perfect session pale ale.
Where: 165 Long Rd, North Tamborine

BOB’s Beer
The newest beer stop of the bunch is BOB’s Beer. This highly anticipated first microbrewery in Surfers Paradise opened with an impressive range of beers on tap and an incredible menu filled with bites you might not expect. Positioned on a corner block means there’s also plenty of window seating for watching the world go by outside. Talented (former) Melbourne brewer Ryan Fullerton and his team have created inhouse a lager, IPA, XPA and a Saison among six others, all available on tap (plus six guest taps from around Australia and NZ).
Beer to sip: Turmenator, a brut IPA that’s dry, spicy and tropical with hints of fresh tumeric root and saffron.
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

House of Brews
The name says it all. House of Brews has a whopping 32 beers on tap! In fact, they have so many kegs, they’ve even got a ‘keg room display’. If you aren’t a beer lover (sacrilege), there’s every chance if you still head to House of Brews, they’ll make a beer lover out of you. The food menu is inspired by traditional American BBQ so grab yourself some sticky ribs and maybe an Onion Ring Volcano tower. You’ll be one ever so happy afternoon beer drinker.
Beer to sip: Huge selection! Try something — left of centre — from North America if you can.
Where: 17 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bine Bar & Dining
The Gold Coast’s first craft beer bar, Bine, is adored by locals and packed to the brim every single weekend (and often throughout the week). Serving over 100 bottled beers and with eight rotating taps, the folks at Bine know their brews. Not to mention there are food specials daily, including regular 50 cent chicken wings specials every weekday evening! Wash those down with a beer or two, and that’s an excellent way to pass some time by anyone’s standard.
Beer to sip: Something local like Currumbin Valley Brewery.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach

Lost Palms Brewing Co.
The baby of the Gold Coast’s brewery bunch, Lost Palms joined us just four years ago, all bright pink and pretty and with a unique selection of very delicious beers on offer. Currently, you’ll find a Hibiscus and Guava sour and American style mango and passionfruit wheat ale. And if you feel like something a little different and looking after the rig, they’ve even knocked up a peach seltzer brewed from grain and coming in at a marginal 80 calories a serving — that’s just a 25-minute stroll on the treadmill, by the way. They also have a small share-style menu and a basketball hoop so you can both feast and play while you sip.
Beer to sip: Lost Palms Hibiscus & Guava Sour — a sour tropical lolly in a glass.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Precinct Brewing
Bursting onto the Miami arts precinct scene with a rapacious welcome, Precinct Brewing has quickly made itself a solid status as a place to grab a freshly made beer, pull up a stool and forget all of life’s woes. They make matters much more bearable with the tastiest of pizzas, stand-up comedy, and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Lime & Chilli Lager and Manuka Smoked Pilsner — yummy!
Beer to sip: Check out their weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavours!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

AWOL
If robust and deep flavoured ales get your heart rate rising, you have to try out Black Hops newest foray into brewing beer. Located a hop, skip and jump away from Black Hops HQ, this new — hidden in plain sight — stylish bar will take your tastebuds on an odyssey with imaginative barrel-aged beers. Ex gin, wine, and whisky barrels from worldwide have been sourced to help produce the Gold Coast’s most inventive brews with some serious ABVS to match. Not for the faint of heart, but nevertheless some seriously great drinking to be had.
Beer to sip: AWOL Rebellion Stout — imperial stout aged in used Tasmanian whisky barrels: delish.
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Black Hops Brewing
What do you get when you mix three mates, a passion for beer and a little know-how? Damn good beer. That’s the story behind Black Hops who have three brewery/taproom sites across Burleigh Heads, Biggera Waters and Brisbane. The boys have worked super hard to build a solid reputation for themselves not just here on the Gold Coast but nationally with multiple awards and trade recognitions. Their original easy-going taproom tucked away in Burleigh Heads is the perfect watering hole when the mercury starts to rise.
Beer to sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale — light, fruity, and not too strong.
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 14 665 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

Burleigh Brewing Co.
One of the unprecedented and best brewers on the Coast, husband and wife team Brennan and Peta Fielding opened Burleigh Brewing Co. to rave reviews, and it’s been onwards and upwards ever since. The brewery is spacious with lots of outdoor seating and always filled with revellers having an absolute time. When they’re not throwing big events, be sure to slip in for an exceptional selection of craft beers, all of which we’re big fans of.
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead — No carb, no-fuss big flavoured thirst quencher.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Balter Brewing Company
When a gang of pro surfers came together and created an award-winning brewery, Australia sat up and paid attention. And although the original owners may have parted ways with their baby, the beer is still on point, and it’s still the perfect spot to enjoy a few brews with the crew. There’s a sweet outdoor area where the kiddies can run about and weekly food trucks with live music in the evenings. Too hard not to love this spot: plenty of tasty frothies to sample.
Beer to sip: Balter XPA — Balter’s most awarded beer can be yours fresh from the production line.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

Craft House Bar & Restaurant
Craft House has the Tugun beer-drinking scene covered with 20 Australian craft beers on tap at any given time. When one tap runs dry, they swap it out for a completely different kind, meaning you can go there often and experience something new. And if you feel like trying as many as possible, you must do one of their tasting paddles. Not to mention their food menu is pretty all-time with share plates aplenty, meaning you might nip in for a quick one but end up staying a little longer.
Beer to sip: Lots of choices — try something you’ve never had before.
Where: 445 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Words by Alex Mitcheson.