Gold Coasters—winter is here! Or at least our version of it, which means we can crack out our knits and knee-high boots (or if you’re really brave – and tall – the thigh-highs). It’s the best time of the year to be out and about, flaunting fabulous hair free from the humidity’s tyranny, and where better to enjoy the cooler season than Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast?

As always, they’ve lined up some stellar winter noms to keep you warm and well-fed, plus every Friday and Saturday night there’ll be a DJ on deck, inviting you to break out your best moves…without breaking a sweat.

Fire Pit Package
I mean, what’s winter without a fire pit? Picture you and up to five of your closest pals gathered around a crackling fire, toasting to good times with a bottle of Pepperjack Shiraz, and snacking on a specially crafted charcuterie box. And, Garden Kitchen & Bar are even including chocolates in the hamper package, because they don’t go straight to your thighs in winter (that’s our story and we’re sticking to it). It’s the ultimate way to experience a cozy winter evening without having to set up camp in your pokey backyard. This two-hour session of pure winter bliss will set you back $99 for the package for up to 6 people. Bookings are recommended.

Winter Delights
As the temperature dips, Garden Kitchen & Bar transforms into the ultimate winter retreat for your tastebuds with a special addition to its mind-blowing menu.

Indulge in an un-brrrrr-lievbly good three-course feast, starting with Cauliflower and Parmesan Soup. Elegantly paired with poached bay lobster salad and a lightly smoked chili oil, it’s simply winterful! Then it’s time for the main event and trust us – it’ll be love at frost sight…or bite! We’re talking Braised Lamb Shoulder, served with smoked eggplant puree, pickled red onion, coriander, and mint. To top it all off, dive (figuratively, pls not literally) into the Dark Chocolate Fondant and don’t even try and steal a mouthful of ours because if looks could chill…! The ultimate winter wonderland for your palate, devour its decadent salted caramel sauce, caramel gelato, and chocolate crumble. For $65 per person, it would be rude not to.

Gifts from The Garden
If you need an excuse to round up your crew, complimentary Whispering Angel Rose should do the trick. Order four or more main meals at Garden Kitchen & Bar and receive a 750ml bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé – on the house! Have a bigger posse to entertain? Go big (or go home) with eight or more mains entitling your group to a 1.5L Magnum Whispering Angel Rosé. Cheers to that!

So, grab your friends, your appetite, and your love for all things cozy and head to Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast. Winter, we’re ready for you!

For bookings and more information, go here.

When: Various activations happening all winter long. Subject to availability, change and cancellation.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Winter is officially here on the Gold Coast and baby it’s cold outside. When the temperature drops for that hot minute you bet we’re making the most of soaking up the winter vibes, and nothing says winter like cosying up by the fireplace with a glass of red and some of the best food the Gold Coast has on offer. We’ve found the best Gold Coast restaurants with roaring fireplaces so you don’t have to try and flex your fire making skills at home – you’re welcome.

Miss Moneypenny’s
The swankiest fireplace to be found in and around the central Gold Coast belongs to this Broadbeach fine dining favourite. The beautiful decor by renowned designer Paul Kelly Design is an Instagrammer’s dream, but while there is plenty for your eyes to feast upon, the grand-looking fireplace is the real treat here. Treat yourself to any one of their lavish cocktails, or for an authentic winter’s evening experience, grab a whiskey and submerge yourself in a velvet chair stat.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

D’Arcy Arms
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub has been serving hearty Irish meals for over 30 years — a testament to their popularity amongst tourists and locals alike. While our winters are just a tad warmer than Ireland’s — ok, a lot warmer — we are still thankful they decided to bestow upon us a crackling, open fireplace to gather around over a Guinness or three. Take full advantage of their fireplace and book your Christmas in July for the full Euro-winter effect. We promise a fireside meal at D’Arcy Arms will soften the blow of missing out on that Euro trip.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

The Wine Barrel
It must be said, nothing else makes you feel as warm and fuzzy inside as a glass of wine next to an open fire, meaning The Wine Barrel in Mudgeeraba has seriously got its priorities in order. This tapas and wine bar is a family-owned and run hidden treasure, featuring some of the best tapas and share platters the Gold Coast has seen. So, grab a couple of mates and proceed to devour serious eats, next to the fireplace naturally…
Where: 8/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Fireplace
Ok, this one is in the name. Still, the fine-looking InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is home to a restaurant rightly named The Fireplace, and yes, you guessed it: it does indeed have an impressive fireplace within the dining room that is also used for cooking. But don’t just go for the roaring embers; the menu features locally sourced cuisine, a 300-strong wine library and a delightful wine-matched degustation. This is serious date night material, maybe even staying overnight wouldn’t be the worst idea you’ve ever had! There’s even a second fireplace located in the foyer at the Verandah Restaurant and Bar that you can cosy on up to with one of their 50 whiskies.
Where: Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Panchos
It’s a Gold Coast institution for good reason, nestled in Mudgeeraba is the colourful ‘roadhouse’ style Mexican joint Panchos. It’s been lovingly restored to its former glory by local couple Lachlan and Maddie (the geniuses who brought us Suzy BBQ and TOKOH), holding onto the iconic 80’s character but dishing up a 2023-approved Mexican feast. We’ve pretty much never met a margarita we didn’t like, but something about them tastes even better when there’s a roaring fireplace and live music to keep you snug and beat the Hinterland chill.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba

Shiraz Persian Restaurant
It might be in the heart of Surfers Paradise, but that doesn’t mean they’ve compromised on comfort and cosiness. Enjoy your dinner or date night out in the lantern lit courtyard or sneak a spot inside by the fireplace, either way the home of refined Persian food might just be one of our favourite Middle Eastern restaurants on the Gold Coast (big call, we know),

Nothing says winter warmer like authentic Persian food, and Shiraz celebrates its roots with authentic and flavour rich entrees and mains. The menu has a little something for everyone from traditional skewers to the richest slow cooked stews, as well as a generous range of vegetarian options. We’re all about warming up from the inside out.
Where: Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Pasture & Co
If you haven’t been to Pasture & Co have you really been to Currumbin Valley? Local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients are the heroes on Pasture & Co’s menu, and it quite literally caters to everyone (and we mean EVERYONE’s) dietary preferences and cravings. Wholefoods are a hero but if you know a thing or two about coffee, the organic fair-trade brew will blow even the biggest coffee snob away.
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Tweed River House
Dreaming of a winter dining spot that’s all about ambiance? Tweed River House has you covered. Nestled in a century-old riverside manor, this venue offers chandeliers, pressed metal ceilings and stunning dining room, complete with an impressive open fireplace to set the perfect scene. Savour plates that showcase the finest produce of the Tweed region. During the cooler months, enjoy lunch on the heated river verandah, but come dinner time, it’s all about cozying up by the fire. This is the perfect spot for a long lunch or an intimate dinner, making it a must-visit destination this winter!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah NSW

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski