Why Broadbeach’s new dining destination is no fanta-sea.
Why Broadbeach’s new dining destination is no fanta-sea.
Who doesn’t love an all-day menu – and an extensive, Mediterranean seafood infused one at that – and we know you all do, so #AllEyesOnUs. GC, may we present Unicorn Seafood Restaurant and no, this is not us describing its supernatural deliciousness (although, there’s that too) – it is literally named Unicorn Seafood Restaurant. This may ring a bell to Kingscliff folk and for good reason, because both unicorns share the same maker and yeah, this is beginning to sound like the next sci-fi instalment of Star(fish) Wars. Time for us to scale back on the seafood and mythical horse funnies and get back to the task at hand – telling everyone how so-fish-ticated the food is at Phoenician’s newest eats destination.
Earning a rep as the best seafood restaurant on the NSW north coast, Unicorn Seafood Kingscliff didn’t let a little ole thang like Rona get in the way, opening its doors mid-pandemic and never looking back. Fast forward to February this year and second time is definitely a charm, with the Broadbeach arm setting the local foodie scene alight with its seafood-erranean (the Bennifer of seafood and Mediterranean) goodness.
Well known for delivering a seamless dining experience with impeccable food, service and amazing ambience to boot, proud local owners Mr. and Mrs. Sharma has produced another o-fish-al crowd favourite. Upon entering the space, you’re suddenly living your best life in the exotic surrounds of the Mediterranean, with refreshing blue and white hues and relaxing ocean murals. Combined with a welcoming, relaxed and laid-back vibe, it’s an all-rounder done right. Mixed booth and chair sitting adorn the inside, and outside dining gives us the GC meets coastal Euro feels.
To start proceedings, we recommend the Beetroot Feta with pita bread and a round of Oysters (any which way you like). If you’re keen on an entrée (same) and crustaceans tickle your fancy (same again), it’s no accident that the $50 Lobster Mornay here is the signature special and people pleaser. And if you don’t order it, make sure your +1 does because sharing is caring and if they object, well that’s just ‘shellfish’.
The Whole Sole is another Unicorn specialty with natural flavours in abundance, and if you feel like going all out then friends, behold the Seafood Platter for Two. It has all our ocean’s finest, including fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed dozen oysters (natural, mornay and Kilpatrick), barbequed bugs, barbequed prawns, garlic prawns, fish, calamari, lobster mornay and fresh fruits to freshen the palette. There are also several prime meats, pastas, poultry and vegetarian dishes on offer so if seafood doesn’t float your boat, trust us – there are endless mouth-watering alternatives that will.
If you’re still hungry at this point (and we’d be surprised if you ordered the platter because we reckon it could feed a small country), how about Strawberries Romanoff for dessert or everyone’s fave, a classic Sticky Date Pudding. Please sir, I want some more!
Something else unicorn-status worthy is the wine (bottle prices range from $39 to $160) and cocktail menu. With around twenty to choose from, we suggest starting at the top and working your way down. Get the party started with an Oyster Shot with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire and Tobacco, before playing posh with a French Martini with Chambord, vodka or gin, pineapple juice and garnished with a cherry on the rim.
So next time you’re Broady-bound, come sea for yourself that a real-life unicorn exists and enjoy a truly fin-tastic feed.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
When: Open 7 days
Words by Bianca Trathen
Story sponsored by UNICORN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
There’s probably not a single person in Australia who doesn’t love a buffet – all you can eat everything, what’s not to love?
And oh how they’ve improved since we were youngsters and the very best thing about them was soft serve ice cream with Smarties and lollies and marshmallows and well, pretty much anything you wanted on top.
One buffet in particular that is absolutely upping the game is Waves Buffet at the very lovely voco Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise.
Open for breakfast and dinner, Waves Buffet is everything you could possibly want from a buffet and then a little bit extra on top.
For example, at breakfast time the space is absolutely filled with every kind of breakfast treat imaginable including platters overflowing with tropical fruits and plenty of both healthy and hearty options. You can also request eggs cooked exactly the way you like them and wash that down with a warm, perfectly brewed espresso.
So start your day with that good time and then let your belly empty a little bit because the dinner buffet is where it’s at.
Packed with every cuisine you’ve ever loved in your life, Waves Buffet is the multi-option evening feast of your dreams.
Our plan of attack was as follows; to start, a DIY charcuterie board filled with many varieties of meats and cheese as we could fit on the plate.
Next (for balance) a plate filled with a mixture of salads including Caesar – that you can make up as you wish, green beans with cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, crispy broccoli with lardons, shaved parmesan, Quiche Lorraine tartlets and a traditional Waldorf salad, to name a few.
After that, it’s time for some warm plates; a piece of delicious pizza perhaps, Waves famous crispy chicken wings, roast pork loin with crackle, beef sirloin, Tandoori Chicken with naan and crispy papadums and some greens of course – steamed summer greens with garlic chips and olive oil. All so tasty.
The pièce de résistance though and the reason for this tale, is the seafood section of the buffet and what a section it is.
Again filled with hot and cold options like chilled sand crab, king prawns, Sydney rock oysters, marinated green shell mussels, a Mediterranean octopus salad plus a panko breaded seafood basket.
On Friday and Saturday nights you may also treat yourself to Black Mussel Provencale with white wine and tomatoes, Whole Baked Salmon and Balmain Bugs.
So that’s your weekend dinners planned is it not?
If you, like us, love a five-star buffet and feel like indulging in something extra special, Waves Buffet at voco Gold Coast is the very best option. Maybe you could even have a little staycation too because let’s face it, it’s much better to roll upstairs to your bed after a giant feast than all the way home.
The breakfast buffet is just $29.50 for adults and $20 for children aged 5 to 12 years and dinner is $62 for adults Monday to Thursday and $72 Friday and Saturday – children are $20 for all dinners.
So good.
WHERE: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Breakfast 6.30am until 10am daily and 5.30pm until 9pm daily
STORY SPONSORED BY voco Gold Coast
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
