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.

“Irasshaimase” is the greeting you’ll hear happily called in your direction every time you set foot in the newly opened beer stadium and dumpling bar in Broadbeach, Harajuku Gyoza.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. The space is decked out in the restaurant’s signature style with huge arched entryways, their famous decorative plates perched across the back wall depicting Japanese movie scenes and the wide, Manga-style face of the Harajuku Gyoza logo smiling out at all who enter.

See the chefs prepare your goodies through the kitchens open glass windows and marvel at the specialist wrapper as she expertly twists her way through countless gyoza (over 10,000 were wrapped on opening weekend).

It’s been dubbed a beer stadium due to the array of Japanese craft beer on tap, several of which are distributed through huge, colourful Yoyogi vats perched behind the bar. Feeling adventurous? Give a frozen beer a try! It’s Kirin circulated through a frozen cylinder to create a foam which is then added to a regular beer. Magic.

Now to the menu. As you’d imagine, gyoza is the game changer here. Poached or grilled and with choices of pork and kimchi, three cheese and lemongrass chicken to name just a few, they’re cooked to perfection; juicy and melt-in-your-mouth.

In an interesting spin, you can opt for open gyoza where the casing is deep fried and crunchy and topped with a choice of pork belly, smoked salmon or tofu, taco-style.

If you’re feeling extra peckish go for a Salmon Sashimi Poke Bowl, Chicken Katsu Curry Don or Chicken Ramen bowl.

With four venues in Brisbane and one in Sydney, the Harajuku Gyoza good vibes are as infectious as the food is delicious and the Gold Coast restaurant is no exception.

Set yourself up in a booth inside or sprawl out in the outdoor dining area and watch Broadbeach roll by.

Inside tip: order sake to sip on and watch the spectacle unfold.

LOCATION: Broadbeach Mall, Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the stage), Broadbeach

HOURS: Thursday to Monday 7am to 11pm and Tuesday/Wednesday 11am to 11pm.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

Apparently winter is almost upon us and while that means something slightly different to Gold Coasters than it does to most Australians, we can and will use it as an excuse to indulge in even more delicious foods than usual.

Enter Elk Espresso, at The Oasis Shopping Centre, creators of some of the tastiest and most Insta-worthy dishes on the Coast and with a brand new menu. Praise the food gods.

Just last week Andrew Whiting and the crew launched the newbie and, as you’ve come to expect from the people who can do no wrong, it is filled with unique dishes that will up your Insta game about 1000%.

While of course, we would highly recommend returning day after day until you’ve knocked over the every dish, there are three you should certainly try straight up.

Under the banner of Bowls of Goodness is Coconut Porridge, which is made with (wait for it), peanut butter mousse, raspberry jelly and maple nut crunch – a housemade granola type situation.

Next up is the Crispy Skin Salmon which, as it turns out, is a perfect breakfast dish and firmly cemented in the ‘winter warmer’ category. It’s pecorino polenta, leek, pumpkin, peas, tomatoes, sherry vinaigrette, water chestnuts and a poached egg. It’s a bowl of nourishing, deliciousness and you may roll outta there should you fit it all in.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Brioche French Toast with date butterscotch (!), walnut bark, vanilla bean ice cream, white chocolate pearls and a Scotch Finger crumb. We cannot overstate the deliciousness of this dish enough. It’s also one of the prettiest things we’ve ever seen and we have seen A LOT of food in our time.

As you’d no doubt know, having obviously visited Elk excessively before now, their food is the epitome of next-level and you should stop reading and get yo’self down there right now.

Or, wait and see if you win the $100 voucher we’ve got up for grabs.

Click here to enter.

May those food gods be with you.

LOCATION: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
HOURS: 6am to 4pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith