When we heard award-winning Executive Chef and hospitality honcho Michael Lambie had relocated from Melbourne to our sunny Gold Coast shores, we high-fived (a lot), licked our lips and waited patiently for him to bring his world-renowned culinary magic to the local eats scene. And thankfully, we won’t need to wait much longer with the unveiling of his brand-new venue inches closer, as Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar will be opening next month at Nobby Beach in the old Hellenika & Miss Mee location. Squeal!!

The inspiration behind what’s set to become the new ‘it’ place in town, is a beautiful Asian Lady named Rubi Red who has travelled extensively throughout Asia, with an enormous passion for delicious cuisine. Rubi naturally fell head over heels for the GC (she’s only human…well, fictitiously human….but same-same), and decided it was THE spot to pay homage to her eclectic Asian dining experiences and open her namesake restaurant.

With capacity to seat over 300 guests, this lush Asian sensation will set our foody hearts a-flutter. Currently undergoing an extensive and lavish renovation by the team at Zero 9 Constructions, Rubi Red will feature a stunning restaurant on the ground floor, with dining extending out onto the pavement. Yes, you read that right – we are becoming as cool as our interstate and international neighbours! Because it’s the GC and we heart our rooftop bars, Rubi will also integrate this into her multi-level magic, plus a super-swish private dining room for those special events and celebrations.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Michael is one of the masterminds behind the likes of Taxi Kitchen (Melbourne CBD), Lamaro’s Hotel gastropub (South Melbourne), The Smith (Prahan) and most recently, Ruby’s southern culinary ass-kicking sista, Lucy Liu (Melbourne CBD). He’s also enjoyed stints as Head Chef at The Stokehouse (St Kilda), Circa at The Prince (St Kilda), and Marco Pierre White’s self-titled restaurant in Knightsbridge. With numerous chefs’ hats and awards under his belt, this man is a culinary wizard and someone we will simply forbid from ever leaving us because, well, all of what we have previous stated.

Patrons can expect nothing less than the best from Michael’s new planned Pan-Asian menu for Rubi Red. His previous hit dishes at Lucy Liu include Soft Shell Crab Jianbing with spicy hoisin, Kingfish Sashimi with green nam jim and coconut and Thai basil and the larger famed Pork Hock with apple kimchi pancakes and hoisin. If these dishes don’t get your mouth-watering of what is instore for us, we don’t know what will.

Accrediting his previous restaurants’ success to a savvy business model offering superior quality at the right place and in the right environment, Michael is one clever cookie in addition to being a world-class food guru. Excited to mentor the up-and-coming chefs of the future (watch this space – anyone who works under him will go places), he has handpicked the crème of the crop to help give Rubi the edge she deserves.

With plusher than it-girl vibes and what promises to be a showstopping menu, we’re calling it – Rubi, you’re destined to be a sight for sore eyes – and our flavour of the year.

Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
When: March (watch this space for more details)

Words by Bianca Trathen.

We’ve lost count of all of the best beachside spots on the Coast where you can eat, drink and shop your little heart away, but one of the ol’ favourites has had a comeback and we’re all here for it.

Nobby’s is well and truly in its slay era and to be honest, we can’t get enough. Locals have loved the beachside suburb forever and to be fair, so have we, but there’s been a surge of seriously epic new venues that have made us fall in love all over again.

We’ve taken the task of trying out the 16 reasons why locals can’t get enough of Nobby’s – you’re welcome – so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

The Oxley 1823
You’ve no doubt seen it pretty much everywhere (guilty), but have you actually visited The Oxley yet? It’s been one of Nobby’s most anticipated new arrivals for as long as we can remember, and we think it’s safe to say now it’s well and truly living up to expectations. They’ve got brekky and lunch covered with the crew at Sunkist, coffee on tap at Buoy and everything you need from groceries, fresh meats and seafood, flowers and made to order juices covered at The Oxley Village Grocer, Butcher and Sub Station. A little birdy also told us there are even more goodies opening a little later this year, so watch this space.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Holliday Coffee
Good vibes, great coffee and a seriously strong jaffle game(!!) – what’s not to love about Holliday? No seriously, our caffeine addiction is being single handedly fuelled by these guys. It’s pretty much always buzzing – what is always a good sign if you ask us. Follow the smell of the freshly ground coffee beans, grab a seat outside (our personal favourite spot) and spoilt yourself with a little treaty. Go on, you’ve earned it.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach

Franc Jrs
Okay big call but this may just be one of the best pizza joints on the Gold Coast and Franc-ly, it’s about time they spread the love to other parts of the city because why should Coolangatta have all the fun? The menu has all the signatures from the Cooly store and you can choose to eat in and soak up the vibes or grab and go – the perfect addition to a picnic on the beach if you ask us. Our favourite part of ordering to-go? Sipping on a cheeky frozen marg while you wait.
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Alfred’s Apartment
Mermaid’s loss is Nobby’s gain because you best believe we’ve been living at Alfred’s since the OG started calling its new address home. Still the same vibe you love from the original Alfred’s, the space now has a schmick industrial fit out, ripper coffee and, of course, all the merch that we know you can’t get enough of. If you’re off the coffee train you’ll want to get around their viral strawberry matcha.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Fosters Bakery
No one does pies or baked goods quite like Foster’s Bakery, they’re famous for a reason and known for delivering that classic bakery feel of yesteryear. The ultimate spot for a pie (you know you love them) or a jam donut loaded with sugary goodness, we’re nostalgic just thinking about it.
Where: Shop 1/2227 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice
This place is a VIBE. The sun-lit rooftop is the perfect setting to sip on signature cocktails & graze on a unique “Florribean” inspired menu, combining flavours of the Caribbean and South America. The space was stylishly updated last year, still paying homage to the iconic Palm Springs and Miami influence, it’s one of those spots you just want to sip and stay all day.
Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

About a Girl
One of our favourite little gems in Nobby’s is of course, About a Girl boutique. They’ve got the perfect mix of wardrobe staples and current trending pieces, they’ve got gorgeous linen sets, minis, maxis and so much more for every occasion, as well as a curated selection of hand-picked homewares you didn’t know you absolutely need.
Where: 2/2211 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tayta Nikkei
This Nobby newcomer brought a taste of Nikkei cuisine to the Gold Coast. With its intimate setting boasting 60 seats, Tayta Nikkei exudes a dark and moody ambiance, complemented by traditional Peruvian colors and patterns. The menu showcases a delightful array of seafood and ceviche-style specialties, inviting guests on a culinary journey like no other.
Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali
You had us at Mexican. We challenge you to find someone who doesn’t love a good Mexican feed… Go on, we’ll wait. Calling Nobby’s home for probably longer than most of us have, Mexicali never fails to bring the vibes (and the bevs) all year long. Once you make your way upstairs it’s seriously like entering the ultimate secret spot, if you close your eyes for a second it’s almost like you’re actually in Tulum. Once you’ve knocked back a few tacos and cocktails, don’t forget to snap the iconic stair shot as you exit – you know what we’re talking about, don’t lie.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Bine Bar & Dining
Let’s talk Bine. Specialising in craft beer and perfectly matched food, and…need we say more? With 8 rotating taps, a bunch of different bottled beers, a selection of wines and mouth-watering cocktail options matched with a modest yet decadent menu, there are plenty of reasons to love it….and come back again and again.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach

Okazu
Now there’s a decent dose of Japanese going around our hood, but we can never get enough. Have any of these sushi bars or poke bowl dreamboats failed us? The answer is a hard no. Okazu is no exception, this convenient grab and go spot featuring Donburi, Okonomiyaki and Sushi Rolls is as fresh as it is delicious and it has us coming back every day.
Where: 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

BSKT Cafe
Ahh BSKT, you are simply the gift that keeps on giving. The menu just keeps delivering year on year and honestly, if you haven’t been here yet are you even a true Gold Coaster? Consistently voted one of the best tables in town, there is not a single dish that doesn’t hit a home run.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach

Nobbys Shack
If health food is your (sugar-free) jam, one would hope you’ve cottoned on to The Shack Superfood Café and if not, it’s about time you convert. With tasty eco-friendly meals like smoothies, acai bowls and wraps in a breezy, non-pretentious environment, the brand spanking new version of the previous fave The Shack Superfood Café, lives up to its predecessor’s high standards…and then some.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Cambus Wallace
A nautical-themed rum and whisky bar delivering old school service and quality, it’s a long-standing crowd-pleaser for good reason. The space is low-lit, close-knit and always pumping. Swing in for some delish share plates, a drink or two and soak up the intimate ambience. Live music with a side of gin and fresh squeezed apple juice? Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait…
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

SOMM Wine Store
Yeah we’ve talked a lot about foody joints (how unlike us – said no-one ever) but there is absolutely no denying that SOMM Wine store is a firm local favourite of the vino variety. SOMM (aka us) might even say it’s the only place you should be exploring to find your favourite drop.  Owned by husband and wife duo Joe and Natalie, their backstory is reflected in the carefully curated wines begging to occupy real estate at your next dinner party. Specialising in boutique wineries, their wine experts will help you find a winner every time.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

That mural
Speaking of Mexicali and epic art (and no, we’re not talking about the food this time), a much-loved part of the Nobbys highway strip is the eye-catching mural adorning one side of the restaurant in all its bright-hued glory. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation and all its pinky bluey goodness is THE spot to snap the most aesthetic insta shot you could wish for. Say cheese…or churros!
Where: The north side of Mexicali (you won’t miss it)

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

We could eat Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and drink cocktails every night of the week and literally no-one is surprised to hear this. With such unwavering commitment to the cause, our ecstatic reaction upon hearing that Nobby’s new kid on the block Zephyr Kitchen and Bar was about to open was a given. Yep, We.Were.Shooketh. And so were the cocktails (more on that later…), with a unanimous “hells yeah” as we packed our appetites and told Mr Uber to step on it.

Born from a vision to create a different kind of dining experience within the much-loved Nobbys precinct, there’s a lot to heart about Zephyr. As soon as we laid eyes on this casual yet sophisticated space, its cool elegance, tropical feels, light and bright walls, flecks of gold and pops of on-trend greenery spoke to us. And guys, the plants, ferns and vines are actually ALL real, and can we just move in already coz our obsession with foliage is unrelenting.

Owners and triple threat Jimmy Tantsis-Hall, Nathan Favro and Alex Ghazarian (Jimmy brought us Tropic Vice last year, and Nathan and Alex also recently brought us Toro’s Pizza) are the ultimate hands-on business operators…and we don’t mean that figuratively. Nathan (who if you’ve got a keen eye, you’ll see featured on Netflix’s new Byron Baes) and Alex share the Head Chef hat combining their culinary wizardry, while Jimmy and his impeccable eye for detail are to thank for the cool interior styling. Special shoutout to the neon Zephyr Bar sign, hugged by vines and packing an almighty punch on the white exposed brick wall. It’s a vibe.

The open-plan layout is welcoming and lends itself to some epic people watching (guilty pleasure 101), with your choice of indoor or outdoor dining. Accommodating 35 bods inside with another 15+ standing at the bar, plus seating for 24 people outside, the size and design delivers atmosphere and ambience, without sacrificing the intimate feels.

Everything about Zephyr is carefully constructed to provide an all-in experience, from the food and drinks to the music. On that note, the place seamlessly transitions from dining destination to bustling bar, with DJ’s and live tunes. And sorry, but who doesn’t love a venue with chameleon superpowers.

If you can’t pick a dish, let us. The signature Mushroom Truffle Arancini Balls marry 3 of the best things, like ever, and we strongly suggest you order multiple serves. The oh-so-fresh and flavoursome Calamari Fritti also deserves a nod and yes, best you order a few of those too. Don’t forget the authentic Italian Style Pizzas because if one thing is fo sho, these guys give good pizza. And by good, we mean expletive upon expletive good. Plus, if you can’t be bothered cooking during the week (same), get on board with their $25 per person all-you-can-eat pizza and $5 tapas plates. We are ALL about this!

Now back to the cocktails because… priorities, and let’s just say 007 has never experienced a martini quite like this. We’re talking White chocolate passionfruit and no sir, we did not make that up. They are terrifyingly easy to drink and our heads are bound to hurt tomorrow but #WORTHIT.

Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday to Friday 4pm til late. Saturday & Sunday 12pm til late

Words by Bianca Trathen.