Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more eating (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie board, ‘grammable acai bowls at Cardamom Pod and bites like Bird Royale because we’ve always got time for some cheeky chicken.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot along with our biggest vice Kmart on the store list, say goodbye to your savings but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped til you dropped it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For bakery treats
With a name like Sacre Coeur Patisserie it’s no wonder these guys have mastered the art of French pastries so prepare to stock up on croissants in allll the flavours from pistachio to raspberry and everything in between.

No man is left behind at Made With Love who deliver on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries because you know what, a donut a day keeps the doctor away or something like that and why should our vegans not be part of the action.

Keeping with the Euro-bakery theme is FARINA & Co, pastries are made onsite daily with all the classics like lemon meringue tarts and buttery croissants but wait, it gets even better – they double as a pasta bar. Grazie!

Pumping out sensational Asian-inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, Delothor Patisserie is our kinda kryptonite!

For a coffee
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe Humble Café might be humble by name but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Built on the tried-and-true premise that simple is best, everything about Herringbone Cafe is understated (in the best way) letting the true hero of the space – the food and coffee – take centre stage.

Eight Fifty Espresso boosts productivity and happiness, doling out weekday caffeine fixes from its sidewalk dwelling, sapphire green digs.

For a drink
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day but if you’re after a side of live music with that then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice cold brew all in one. If you’re after pub vibes you can’t go past SOPO (previously known as RSL CLUB Southport).

Just across the tram line nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch til your hearts content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For good eats
Hello foodies, thoughts we forgot about you? We could never! Getting the good times rolling is none other than Good Times Deli who have quickly become known as the home of sandwiches like no other – think Philly Cheesesteak and banger Bahn Mi.

Japanese eatery, KatsuCo, churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get your fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

If you’ve been having Euro summer FOMO you can find a taste of the Mediterranean at Como Kitchen & Bar or if there’s a little Italian in your stomach screaming for some arancini balls (or is it just us?) you can get a mozza at Mozza Mozza as well pasta served tableside from a cheese wheel.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local attractions
So you’ve got your coffee and you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If a hands on approach to fun is more your vibe then entering a new dimension at Zero Latency is a must-do, the international juggernaut has given VR new life with games on games so you can immerse yourself in the madness. Sing your little lungs out without fear of judgment and enjoy yourself a lyric fuelled good time at Black8 Pool Hall. Test your relationships and put that brain to work with a prison break escape room at Escape Hunt or pick up a pistol at Southport’s very own – and the Coast’s safest – shooting range, The Shooting Centre.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Don’t you just love it when a new café comes to town?! Especially one which gives you all the right feels with its eats, sips, looks, and service, and boasts a couple of srsly successful ‘siblings’.

Well jump in your car, on the G, on your bike, or just grab a fluro orange e-bike off the side of the road – whatever it takes to get you to Sens Coffee QSV in Southport. New to the CBD and not to be confused with the other Sens Coffee Co in Como Crescent, Sens QSV (which stands for Queen Street Village) is already fast becoming a Japanese fusion favourite!

Taking up residence in Queen Street Village, this indoor / outdoor venue rocks a stunning Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic and no, we didn’t mean wasabi…although there is a lot of green #SameSameButDifferent. “Wabi” stands for “rustic simplicity” while “sabi” means “enjoying the imperfect”.

It’s a Japanese philosophy that’s been around for centuries and is basically like a big ole blend of industrial, minimalistic, elegant and understated goodness. With a colour palette of muted greys, taupes, deep olive-green hues and other earthy tones, it’s a winner winner Japanese dinner breakfast or lunch (soz, no dinner here).

Think mossy green panelled-leather wall seating and mossy green panelled wall light fixtures which are literally #MatchyMatchy #GreenWithEnvy.

Set against the industrial grey walls, raw wooden floors, timber tables and chairs, and black bar spotlighting on the ceiling, it’s a beautifully paired-back modern space.

Head Chef Yuta Hosokawa started his career as a chef in Toyko at various restaurants, including Restaurant Paul Bocuse, a Michelin star slinging French institution.

After relocating to Sydney for a few years and further refining his craft, Yuta moved to the GC in 2021.

He became Head Chef at the ever-popular GOYA Café (previously also called Sens Coffee), designing and tweaking the menu to perfection.

Now busier than ever, he’s still Head Chef at GOYA, as well as at Sens Coffee Co, and now Sens Coffee QSV and we’re totally exhausted just thinking about a day in the life of Yuta…

So what can you expect from the menu here? A whole lotta darn delicious local meets Japanese fare, that’s what.

The signature High Protein Chicken Rice isn’t just insanely tasty, but totally protein-packing-peeps friendly. Imagine sous vide chicken breast (we’re talking a whopping 54g of protein) with house made Szechuan hot chilli oil sauce, shallot, coriander, bok choy, and dark sauce on steamed jasmine rice.

Sens also do epic takes on the humble hot dog, and we’re loving the Chilli Prawn Dog sick, with Thai style chili prawns, sliced cabbage salad, shiso and shallots served in a warm fluffy milky bun.

Taking it back a notch to the breaky time-slot, start the day right with a Slow Cooked Beef Cheek Benny, loaded with 8 hours slow cooked beef cheek, pickled apple, mizuna, and yuzu hollandaise on sourdough with lemon zest.

Or, if you’re after something sweet, how about a Lotus Biscoff Croffle. For those unfamiliar, a croffle is the lovechild of a croissant and a waffle, and this one has lotus biscuit, almond crumble, crème Chantilly and chocolate ice cream.

Beverage-wise, Sens QSV’s signature fresh juices and smoothies look as good as they taste, and you can’t go wrong with your coffee of choice brewed with Campos beans.

In this stinking heat, we’re partial to an Iced Matcha Latte with UJI matcha from Kyoto, which is the bomb diggity of matcha. Prepared using the youngest tea leaves in Japan, we are loud and proud ageists when it comes to our matcha.

With coffee connoisseurs and foodies long travelling from far and wide to experience (the OG) Sens Coffee Co and GOYA Café goodness, LBH – Sens Coffee QSV was always destined for VIP status. Like, FR.

Where:  129 Queen Street, Southport
When: 7am – 3pm, Monday to Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Every now and again, we catch whispers of a brand new venue coming to town that makes us sit up, pay attention and perhaps even put our phones down #gasp (right after we’ve tagged our foodie BFFs), because it promises to bring a totally new experience unlike anything we have on offer. No need to make like it’s 2009 and change your status to ‘it’s complicated’ because Mermaid’s latest newcomer officially makes the question of ‘where to?’ very simple. All roads lead to TØKOH.

You might be forgiven for assuming it’s just another trendy dining destination to pop up in one of the Gold Coasts it-suburbs, but a name derived from the Indonesian word for ‘leader’ is the first hint TØKOH is on a mission to bring a unique experience to the GC eats scene. Taking up residence right in the heart of Mermaid’s bustling strip among culinary heavy-hitters Glenelg, Cantina and Bonita Bonita, you know they’re not messing around.

TØKOH not only addresses the distinct lack of Indonesian-style eats on the Coast, but also promises to reimagine the whole dining experience to something more reminiscent of an opulent, immersive dinner party. Consider us officially brushing up on our dinner party conversation topics (jks, where are all my millennials at *awkward silence intensifies*)

If you’re not already familiar with TØKOH’s owners Maddy Norton and Lachlan Cuskelly, you’ll certainly be well acquainted with their prior experience on the GC eats scene. Having previously worked out of iconic names like Commune and Etsu before going on to bring us much-loved destinations Suzy BBQ and Panchos Mexican, they’re bringing a whole new dream to life and it promises to be a space of ‘absurdity and pleasure’…*ahem* culinarily speaking, of course #notthatkindofplace.

Inspired by the duo’s cherished memories of gallivanting across the vibrant Gili islands, indulging in Jakarta’s colourful street cuisine, and hopping from one bar to another in Canggu, it’s clear they took their research very seriously #dedication. Combine that with a wealth of industry experience and you know our own little slice of Indo, GC style.

While we can all agree to leave the Bintang singlets at home, they are serving Bintang beers and even have a romantic little Bintang Bass bottle opener specially designated for cracking the top of Indo’s finest ale.

TØKOH boasts a bar that’s decidedly, not like the other bars. On arrival, it stands as a welcoming beacon at which to gather while the decision to eliminate conventional fixtures helps to achieve that notion by stripping away distractions – #lessismore. It’s got to be said the light above the bar is a masterpiece/ambience maker.

The inviting feel is continued throughout the selections with a communal table to create a space for authentic connections and that trademark dining party experience, and we have it on good authority Maddy is responsible for painting every inch of the warm textured walls. The addition of a playful yet elegant ‘disco vinyl red room’ will be a visual feast for the senses while no doubt doubling as excellent talking points if the conversation lulls. Plus the vinyl player and huge collection of vinyls will add the sounds.

Before we tease you too much (again, not that kind of place), we’re happy to confirm they’ve also goreng all out when it comes to the eats too. In fact, they’ve taken it a step further with many of their unique flavours and ingredients made on site, from the hot-like-a-sunrise house-made sambals right through to sodas and even crafting their own spirits #thatsonefancydinnerparty.

Chef Mario Georgiou heads a team bringing their respective experience from various Michelin star venues the world over, and bringing to life the TØKOH ethos that is celebration of super fresh local produce and a focus on flavor-forward food.

And starting the night with a cheeky serve of Sardines on crack with Crispy fried mustard seed marinated sardines, pickled cucumber dusted in Tokoh crack salt will undoubtedly deliver on the flavour-forward promise.

Follow it up with the likes of charcoal Chicken skewers with a seductive smoky chicken skin crumb or boujee fillet ‘o’ fish sandos (seriously the best) with Crispy fried coconut crumbed tuna, Pickled cucumber, Papaya slaw and now it’s really a (dinner) party.

For seafood fans, o-fish-al word on the street is the Aromatic Fish Head Curry with Snapper, Yellow curry sauce, Fried sambal matah and peanut mix is an unmissable masterpiece.

And when we start seeing all the tropical suspects like coconut, pandan, guava and pineapple gracing the cocktail menu, our eyes light up like a tourist during beachside happy hour. Either the Disco Spritzo with Orange, Peach nectar, Chrysanthemum or the Mango Cruiser with complete with Buttered brioche, Vanilla, Benzoin will surely taste like island vacay in a glass, but you should probably sample both just for good measure.

Zac & Kaden, the geniuses behind the bar are absolutely masters of their craft. Be sure to leave room for dessert because the Egg Nog Affogato is un.for.gettable!

So if it’s tantalising tropical-inspired fare and an indulgent, immersive experience that’s in order, come and TØKOH load off when the doors officially open on Saturday, because this is one dinner party that is guaranteed to be a bore-free zone.

Case in point, our night may or may not have ended with a round of Danger Margs. Ask for a round if you dare, but beware they’re not for the faint of heart!

When: Wednesday – Sunday from 5pm – late
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Words by Kellie Leader.