Honey, I’m Rome! The new Sofia’s has arrived.
Honey, I’m Rome! The new Sofia’s has arrived.
It’s no secret that The Oasis Shopping Centre houses some stellar eateries, and leading the pack is the new look Coastal European stunner, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar. Now a hop, skip and a jump up the road from its original spot, it’s bigger and more beautiful than ever. Everything about this luxe Mediterranean people pleaser is perfectly executed, from the on-fleek new fit-out, to the carefully curated menu championing simple, delicious food. In fact, even the plates were imported from Italy, handmade and hand painted to order and yeah, this makes our Ikea plates at home look like the poor cousins that they are.
Owner Henry Hunt has stayed true to his euro chic roots, keeping just the right amount of refined Mediterranean feels mixed with a very fresh and current aesthetic. Engaging Bridgette Ford for the interior design and Shopfit & Co. to manage the build, the result is everything we’d hoped for…and more.
The duck egg blue, white and gold ‘Sofia’s’ entry station still stands loud and proud out front of the undercover dining area, flanked by two beautiful fringed umbrellas in the same colour palette. There are marble tables with coastal wood and white hued chairs leading into the showstopping inside, boasting elegant booths, more tables and chairs, and THAT BAR. Yes, it deserves upper case. The benchtop surface is a stunning juxtaposition of grey, black and white terrazzo triangle slabs, set alongside equally lush peach, black and white triangle slabs. Adorning the bar back and restaurant wall, you’ll see statement wide archway shelves housing an iconic selection of spirits and srsly, arches get us every.single.time. Add a healthy dose of overhanging greenery and capacity for 100 people and voila, it’s the perfect destination for your next lunch, dinner, or private function.
Chef Dan Paulman cooks up handmade pastas, woodfired bread (#CarbsOnCarbs), fresh seafood, and beautiful sharing plates galore. To get into the nitty gritty, let’s go with a starter of Sofia’s famous house-made bread with extra virgin olive oil, oregano and salt, and perhaps a Baked Eggplant stuffed with mascarpone and parmesan. But wait, we just spotted the long list of cheese and salumi varieties to share and we’re so grabbing a Gorgonzola and a Truffle Salami #idie.
Moving on to the main event and the signature dish, Sofia’s Cacio e Peppe with linguine, cream, cracked pepper, sea salt, served at the table in our 40kg Parmesan wheel aged for 2.5yrs is a must! It serves two so bring your love, your besty, or just a really big appetite and decimate the lot. This will go nicely with a Heirloom Tomato Salad with fresh basil, truffle and balsamic reduction and whaddaya know, that’s on the menu too! If you’d prefer something for the grill, may we draw your attention to the Fish of the Day served with saffron broth, clams and muscles, with a side of Shoestring Fries garnished simply with oregano and sea salt. That’s amore alright.
Now let’s talk cocktails and thank God we hear you all say. They do a sensational Spicy Margarita and avid Inside Gold Coast readers will know we’re rather partial to one of these so when we say it’s good, it’s fricken good. Sofia’s make theirs with bird’s eye chilli infused Olmeca Altos tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, passionfruit puree and house made syrup and trust us, catch an Uber *orders several more*.
Speaking of Ubers, the epic mile-long wine list is another reason to resign from DD duty. They stock over 200 labels of wine and despite being mildly overwhelming for the indecisive, even the fussiest grape juice drinker will be on cloud wine.
So there you have it. The new Sofia’s certainly gets our tick of approval, and we look forward to saying “salute” (on repeat) at THAT.BAR too many times over the coming months.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10:30pm, Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Ok, so we know everyone is travel-mad at the moment because, well, we actually can. However, if you’re staying put but are super keen on getting your international eats fix (loaded with some seriously awesome special offers), The Oasis has come to the party!
To celebrate their wide array of restaurants, you’re invited to partake in the ‘Your Plate is Your Passport’ dining deals throughout September and October. Here are 9 of the centre’s finest eateries getting in on the action…
Mario’s Italian Restaurant
Ahhh Mario’s. You’ve been an Italian stallion staple on our radar for longer than we care to admit (#ShowingOurAge). The chow here NEVER misses a beat and this month, they’re throwing in a free glass of Fiorini Chianti with every pasta order when you dine in! Valid 12pm – 3pm, Monday to Thursday until 30 September.
Madison’s Café & Patisserie
Another long-standing fave who knows our love language (free wine), the Madison’s crew are offering a complimentary house wine (or beer) with every main meal, when booked directly. Serving up the ultimate café experience for many moons, their cakes and pastries are i.c.o.n.i.c! The bikini bod diet can wait another couple of months… Valid during September and October.
Harajuku Gyoza
Heard about the Air Cheesecake which almost broke the internet Kim K style? Well Harajuku Gyoza have created two delicious versions of this viral sensation which you can try for just $6! Enjoy the original version dusted with kinako powder and a pot of brown sugar syrup, or the matcha version served with a decadent white chocolate and matcha sauce. We’ll take both please. Valid September and October.
Grand Dynasty
Do you feel a traditional Cantonese or yum cha craving coming on? Same, and if you’re looking for a sweetener to get you over the line, Grand Dynasty are literally giving away just that. Book a table for four for lunch, dinner, or yum cha and receive a free dessert platter. Meet and ‘treat’ you there! Valid Monday to Friday during September and October.
The Spice Kitchen & Bar
Spice things up with Broadbeach’s answer to a big warm Thai-flavoured hug. Dine in and feast on one of their divine signature dishes and score a free bottle of beer or glass of house vino with each meal. Oh and side note, they’ve just launched a hum-dinga of a new cocktail, the Tum Yum Mojito and LBH, they had us all at mojito… Valid during September and October.
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
Coastal European dazzler Sofia’s is upping the ante and offering a complimentary bottle of our spring beverage of choice, Prosecco (come at us!) for tables of 4 or more when booked direct. If you haven’t been, this is the perfect excuse to pop along and sample the traditional yet refined Euro flavours and chic coastal fit out. Valid during September and October.
Base at Broadbeach
Base wasn’t going to miss out on the action, adding some sensational lunch offers to their menu! If you’re into an uber healthy tasty refuel, you NEED to try the Salmon Poke Bowl for $25. Using locally sourced organic healthy alternatives and encouraging less use of processed products, we are totally here for all of the above. Available now.
The Loose Moose
Always delivering a cracking good time with quality Canadian inspired fare and a packed house with feel-good vibes, tuck into half-priced baskets of buffalo wings, $6 Sliders (minimum of two), $6 tap beers and $16 beer paddles. Umm, if you insist! Valid 12pm – 3pm, Tuesday – Thursday during September and October.
Elk Espresso
Not a special offer per se, but Elk is serving up an entirely new spring-inspired breakfast and lunch menu! Roll in off the beach for a boozy brunch or snack at this ever-popular, beautifully designed space. With greenery for days, it looks as fresh and delicious as it tastes and is a popular choice amongst the Insta set. Valid September and October.
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: September and/or October 2022
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.
Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.
Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)
Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
There are very few things in life better than a traditional pizza straight out of a woodfired oven and made with a whole lot of Italian love. Except maybe a smorgasbord of cheeses and also handcrafted pasta topped with all of the Parmesan. Actually, we love them all equally.
Which is why it absolutely warms our hearts to bring you news of a brand new Italian deli that recently opened in Palm Beach by people whose work you already know and love.
It’s Pepé Italia Deli by yes, the team who gifted us Burleigh’s Pepé Italia in early 2017, so you know it’s going to live up to your highest expectations.
The newbie can be found in Palmy’s brand new refurbished shopping precinct Pavilions, on the highway and it’s the first restaurant to open its doors there. With street frontage, plenty of natural light and happy Italians scattered throughout, it’s a place you’re going to want to spend a bit of time.
Inside you’ll find cabinets filled with a variety of cheeses and dried meats (both local and imported form Italy) and fridges packed with homemade pasta and pre-prepared meals like lasagna and meatballs (oh my) you can take home and pretend you made. Which is exactly what we’re going to do.
The deli is a more casual, pared back version of the Burleigh restaurant but the dishes on offer are quite similar.
On the Antipasti menu, everything was a taste sensation but we particularly loved the Wagyu Bresaola with Wagyu beef, shaved parmigiano, reggiano, rocket and lemon juice – so so tasty.
Pasta-wise, everything is made in-house and while you should probably sample every single dish, we were quite partial to the Ricotta e Spinaci with spinach and ricotta, agnolotti, butter, sage and parmesan cheese and Paccheri Positano with clams, mussels, baby calamari, prawns, barramundi, cherry tomatoes and Napoli sauce. Both absolutely stunning.
In terms of pizza, you obviously can’t go wrong especially where Pepé Italia is concerned. If we had to choose one, it would be the Tropea with San Marzano tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, prawns, basil, garlic and chilli. Very fresh and very delicious.
Let’s not forget the desserts and if you’ve ever had an Italian dessert you’ll know they cannot be skipped. There’s homemade Tiramisu, Cannoli Siciliana and Semi Frozen Dark Chocolate to name a few and they’re the perfect accompaniment to a pizza and pasta feast (obviously).
Of course there isn’t a single thing on the menu we would eat over and over again so choose your own adventure and prepare to be wowed.
If you’d like a little tipple to go with your experience, all your favourite cocktails are on offer as well as beer and wine of both the Australian and Italian persuasions.
Perhaps the best news of all though is Sunday Apertivo – a tradition in Italy where everyone gathers on a Sunday afternoon for drinks and the venue provides the food. Which is exactly what’s going to happen at Pepé Italia Deli every Sunday. It’s the Italian version of a Sunday session and everyone’s invited.
Perfection has moved into Palm Beach Gold Coasters, get down there for some good old fashioned hospitality.
LOCATION: Pavilions Palm Beach, 10 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
HOURS: 11am until late Wednesday to Saturday and 11am until 8pm Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
