New restaurants, who dis?
New restaurants, who dis?
If there’s one thing the Gold Coast is going to do, it’s deliver on good food, and this year is shaping up very nicely. From slick new dining destinations to laidback eateries serving up seriously good plates, the restaurant scene has welcomed a wave of fresh faces we’re already obsessed with. Whether you’re planning your next date night, long lunch or spontaneous midweek outing, here’s every restaurant that we’ve covered so far this year.
Nobby Beach has scored a little slice of Europe with the arrival of La Vie, the cosy wine bar and cafe from three French friends missing the rituals of home. Bringing South of France energy to Chairlift Avenue, the intimate space serves up crêpes, loaded charcuterie boards, European wines and cocktails made for long, lingering afternoons.
Where: Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach
Burleigh nights just got a little moodier with the arrival of SHŌTŌ, the new Japanese bar from Etsu founder Nathan Horwood. Taking over the former Kin space, the dark and buzzing venue pairs yakitori, handrolls and robata skewers with smoky cocktails and serious Tokyo backstreet vibes.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Southport’s beloved Italian has had a glow-up with the return of JAFA, now serving a refreshed slice of La Dolce Vita. Reopened under owner Roshan with chef Manoj, the space blends cosy neighbourhood warmth with polished timber tones, and a new menu featuring vodka rigatoni, twelve-hour beef ragu and hot honey pepperoni pizza. Suddenly Southport feels a little more Italian holiday than weekday dinner.
Where: Shop7, 253 Ferry Road Southport
A proper British pub has arrived in the heart of Surfers, with Artesian Hospitality officially opening the doors to Fig ’n’ Fox. Spanning two levels, the venue serves up all the pub classics you’d expect, from fish and chips to bangers and mash and hearty Sunday roasts. Inside, you’ll find warm timber finishes, cosy booth seating and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for long lunches and after-work pints.
Downstairs, Timmy’s Tea Room brings a grungier edge, with live music, pool tables, electronic darts, a dance floor and a cheeky basement bar atmosphere that’s already earning a loyal following.
Where: 2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Helensvale’s cult favourite Italia Moto has officially levelled up, trading takeaway-only queues for a full dine-in Italian garden experience. The new space feels like a rustic European escape, with olive trees, citrus groves and fairy-lit tables setting the scene for long lunches and easy dinners. Alongside the signature woodfired pizzas and gelato, the menu now features burrata, gnocchi al ragù, calamari fritti and seafood-packed frutti di mare.
Where: 104 Helensvale Road, Helensvale
Hidden down a Burleigh laneway and already buzzing with locals, The Laneway is bringing cosy wine bar energy, carb-loaded comfort food and cocktails worth cancelling plans for. Taking over the old JFK Woodfired Kitchen & Bar space, the new spot from the team behind The Arc serves up truffle arancini, creamy pastas, loaded pizzas and crispy pork belly that absolutely steals the show.
Where: 37a Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads
Modern Japanese meets traditional technique at this family-run izakaya, where Aya Amemiya leads the kitchen alongside daughter Dianna front-of-house. Head chef Dai Nakata draws on Kyoto roots and years across Osaka and Tokyo, shaping a menu of share-style dishes. Expect standouts like shiso prawn toast, sushi pizza and slow-braised kakuni pork, alongside vegetarian heroes. The space is warm and intimate, with cocktails like the matcha martini keeping things lively.
Where: Shop 12, 2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
This takeaway pasta bar by chefs Rodrigo Abranches and Stefano Mondonico brings Italian classics into a fast food format. Choose from handmade pasta, then build your bowl with sauces like Napoli, pesto or creamy rose, and finish with toppings from vegetables to prawns or slow-cooked beef. There are also house favourites like Bolognese and chilli prawn if decision fatigue hits. With just 15 seats, it’s designed for quick, quality dining, plus gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options to suit all.
Where: Shop 3/ 1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Melbourne-born burger and froyo brand lands at The Pines with a bright, social space built for casual hangs. The menu covers premium Angus beef burgers, plant-based options and loaded fries, alongside thick shakes and rotating specials. The real drawcard is the self-serve frozen yoghurt bar, with changing flavours and a generous toppings station. Designed for everything from post-beach refuels to family dinners, it’s a community-focused spot that leans into fun, flexibility and crowd-pleasing combinations.
Where: The Pines Shopping Centre, Shop 69, Corner Guineas Creek Road, K P McGrath Dr, Elanora
Texas-style barbecue gets a takeaway twist at this Southport newcomer, where brisket is smoked low and slow for 14 hours before landing in grab-and-go meals. Run by father-son duo Ivan and Edward Nunez, the menu focuses on smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork and flame-grilled chicken, paired with sides including waffle fries, mac and cheese and jalapeño bites. Meals can be built as bowls or loaded plates, with a range of house-made sauces bringing that full Southern flavour.
Where: Shop 1c/82 Marine Parade, Southport
From hospitality veterans Jackie and May Cheng, Jade Room brings a design-led take on Chinese dining to Robina. The moody, mid-century-inspired space sets the tone for a menu that blends traditional Cantonese flavours with modern yum cha. Highlights include truffle dumplings, beef ho fun and a signature Peking duck carved tableside. Larger plates like mud crab and XO pipi are built for sharing, while a dedicated cocktail list, including a lychee martini, will round out the evening in style.
Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Broadbeach favourite Rumi expands into Surfers with a larger, more dramatic space that reflects its Persian roots. The menu focuses on traditional dishes made for sharing, from saffron chicken and kebabs to slow-cooked lamb shank and beef ribs. Banquets are a key feature, designed for groups, alongside fresh salads, dips and house-baked bread. Interiors lean bold with rich colours and ambient lighting, while desserts like kunefe and cocktails such as the 1001 Nights level up the experience.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Sunset sips just got a upgrade at Bar Bruto in Casuarina. This Euro-style wine bar is made for date night, girls night or any night that starts with one glass and ends with a bottle. The menu celebrates Spanish tapas and Euro-inspired small plates designed for sharing while the wine list is small but mighty too, with a focus on natural drops. It’s late-night Barcelona vibes just over the border.
Where: Shop 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina
Carb lovers rejoice! Sicily by Fratello is serving pasta, pizza and all the Italian comfort your stretchy pants can handle. Think fresh handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Aperol spritzes and Nutella gnocchi that should probably be illegal. It’s warm, welcoming and made for long lunches that turn into dinners. Arrive hungry, order too much and roll out happily planning your next visit.
Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba
Hidden in Byron Bays’s industrial estate, Attaboy Pizza is all about really good pizza without needing to venture into the busy town centre. The brainchild of the crew behind Ciao Mate! and You Beauty, this casual takeaway joint is slinging New York slices for lunch, and full 13-inch rounds and Detroit deep dish for dinner with three-day fermented dough and toppings like Byron Hawaiian and Spicy Pepperoni that don’t mess around. It’s pizza night done right.
Where: 4/20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
If Euro summer isn’t on your calendar this year, don’t stress! La Stradina has you covered. Tucked down a Cooly laneway, La Stradina lets candlelit tables and spinning vinyl set the tone. Mediterranean morsels like Moreton Bay bug skewers, Blue Fin tuna rice cakes, and homemade rigatoni are just the beginning of a moreish menu. Settle in with a signature cocktail and you’ll be saying “Euro, who?”
Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse is raising the steaks and the roof in Surfers Paradise. Think smoky brisket, a show-stopping 1kg Tomahawk Steak, and wings that deserve their own fan club. There’s a mechanical bull daring you to hold on, a d-floor for line dancing and a stage for live country music straight outta Nashville. It’s boot-scooting, bucking-bull fun for both family get-togethers and full-throttle nights out. Saddle up!
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Chicken tonight? Don’t mind if we do! The Salty Chook is spinning golden birds in Rainbow Bay and serving pure post-surf satisfaction. Think free-range rotisserie chook with crackly skin, Nashville hot burgers that bring the heat, and chippies dusted in extra chicken salt (obviously). It’s nostalgic with no-fuss, where sandy feet and salt-of-the-earth souls are always welcome.
Where: 13 Ward Street Coolangatta
Tedder Avenue’s newest Italian stallion is here to wow. Bar Ricci in Main Beach is serving coastal Italian glamour with limoncello buttered barramundi, blue swimmer crab pasta, and arancini that’ll steal your heart. Think Aperol Spritz like Amalfi, Michelin-worthy mains and a wine list that’s world-class. With breezy terraces, private rooms and service as stylish as the interiors, Bar Ricci is perfect for long lunches, intimate dinners or Italian family feasts.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Spice up your life at SABA Kitchen in Surfers Paradise! Tucked inside Hotel Jardin, this pan-Asian hotspot serves bold, flavour-packed dishes designed for sharing (or not, if the game-farm duck breast steals your heart, and it will). Think sashimi kissed with yuzu, smoky robata-grilled skewers, and Mooloolaba prawns in XO coconut sauce, all washed down with cocktails that sparkle as much as the food. Sleek, intimate and unpretentious, SABA is where long lunches turn into late-night feasts.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Fish and chips, anyone? Red Hot Cod in Burleigh Heads just levelled up with tropical alfresco dining, a breezy bar and all Bali-inspired. Tuck into their famous golden, crispy fish, snapper poke bowls and new satay sticks that pair perfectly with coconut margaritas or Red Hot Cod Lager. Run by local legends Simon, Buffie, and daughter Mila, it’s where post-surf feeds turn into long lunches and holiday mode kicks in even if you’re just on a lunch break.
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Look at MOI now! Mad Over Italian has opened its second venue, bringing its much-loved Italian comfort food to Emerald Lakes. After winning fans in Hope Island, this family-friendly fave is serving up woodfired pizzas, classic pastas and vino-fuelled good times in a dreamy “Little Europe” setting. Satisfy midweek carb cravings with long lunches by the water and date nights that end in tiramisu. Casual, cosy and completely irresistible, this is one opening Emerald Lakes is already mad about.
Where: 3030 The Boulevard, Carrara
Seoul food incoming! Pacific Fair has gone all out with Seoul Garden’s all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot experience. Think sizzling grills, endless meats, bubbling broths and neon-lit vibes made for group hangs. You and your crew can sizzle and slurp your way through premium cuts, banchan galore and comfort classics. Come hungry, leave very happy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Words by Lisette Drew
Your hit list of the Gold Coast’s newest cafés.
The Gold Coast café scene does not sit still, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Just a few months into the year and we’ve already been treated to a steady stream of shiny new spots, from laidback locals slinging top-tier coffee to design-led spaces serving up seriously good brunch. Whether you’re chasing your next go-to or just here for the pastries (no judgement), here’s every café we’ve covered so far this year.
Our sandwich obsession has reached new heights with Smug Club, the Coomera Collective newcomer already selling out daily. From the team behind Bear Boy Espresso, this deli-style hotspot is all about giving the locals what they want with loaded focaccia sandos and playful cold foams.
Where: Shop 1, 31-37 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Burleigh’s brunch scene just got très chic with the arrival of Choubidou Cafe, a French-inspired cafe on the Hibiscus Haven block. From the duo behind Le Jardin, this sunny new spot brings Parisian charm with crepes, croissants and indulgent brunch plates.
Where: 2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Broadbeach has officially turned extra sweet with the arrival of Milk & Marble Rolled Ice Cream Co, serving up ice cream with a side of theatrics. Forget simple scoops, this is rolled ice cream made live on a sub-zero plate, chopped, spread and scraped into silky spirals right before your eyes.
Where: 125 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Thrift meets caffeine fix at Gritty Garms, the Mermaid Beach newcomer blending curated vintage fashion with specialty coffee and sweet treats. Born from founder Hugo Cunningham’s global sourcing obsession and barista partner Amara Gray’s cafe know-how, the space feels like a retro treasure hunt with cold foam in hand.
Where: 2550 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
A seriously sweet newbie has landed in Robina, with iconic American chocolatier See’s Candies opening its very first Australian store. Bringing over 100 years of confectionery heritage, the cult favourite arrives with glossy chocolate boxes, buttery caramels, peanut brittle and those famous lollipops that taste like pure nostalgia.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Need an excuse to slow down? Pause Button Cafe has arrived in Coomera serving colourful brunch plates, playful drinks and major feel-good energy. From the duo behind Humble Cafe, the bright new spot dishes up spicy honey chicken waffles, octopus nduja scramble and OTT sweet treats alongside creative coffees and boozy brunch sips.
Where: Shop 13 31-37, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
The long-standing local favourite Paradox Coffee Roasters opens a flagship in Broadbeach, centred around an oval coffee bar and innovative batch brew tap system. Expect rotating single-origin beans, frozen V60 options and creative drinks like strawberry brownie and lychee pavlova lattes. The food menu, led by Head Chef Vivek, includes dishes like chilli scrambled eggs, miso mushrooms and soba noodle salad. With indoor-outdoor seating and a strong focus on quality sourcing, it’s a step up for your daily coffee ritual.
Where: 4 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Opened by Sophia Buntine, LOAF picks up where Mylk Well left off, offering a relaxed, beachside cafe just steps from the sand. The menu leans into easy, quality options like acai bowls, avo toast, smoothies and specialty drinks, alongside Supreme coffee. A standout is the weekend-only tiramisu iced latte, created in collaboration with Chef Frankie. With a breezy deck, dog-friendly setup and grab-and-go window, it’s designed for quick stops or slow mornings pre or post beach hangs.
Where: 1237 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
From Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef Janine Carampot, this Surfers cafe blends French patisserie with Filipino flavours. Display cabinets are filled with croissants, choux, tarts and petit gâteaux, alongside fresh sourdough and grab-and-go baguettes. There’s also a full brunch menu, Campos coffee and a strong matcha lineup. The light-filled space features blue-framed windows and a relaxed coastal feel, while interactive cake-decorating adds a playful touch for those wanting something beyond the usual cafe stop.
Where: G31, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Note-worthy brews are hitting all the right chords in at Coffee Note in Robina. This micro roastery is all about small-batch beans and flavour-packed coffee that feels a little bit like a science experiment. Sip, savour and maybe learn a thing or two about your brews while you’re at it. Add house-baked treats like Banana Bread or Chilli Mushroom Omelette, and suddenly your quick caffeine fix turns into a full-blown brunch. Consider this your new go-to for seriously good sips.
Where: 1 Parnell Boulevard, Robina
There’s a dream combo waiting for you up on Tamborine Mountain. Clay Temple Co. and Muddy Matcha have teamed up where pottery wheels spin and matcha is whisked for the ultimate day out. Get your hands muddy, make something wonderful, then reward yourself with a perfectly frothy sip of green goodness. It’s creative and calming, especially as you soak up the mountain vibes.
Where: Shop 2-3 / 161 Long Road Tamborine Mountain
Day Off in Southport is serving up the coolest coffee in the city, literally. Drinks are poured into frozen glasses (chilled to -86°C to be exact) so your coffee or matcha turns into a soft and creamy dessert-like situation as you stir it. Couple your sip with a loaded sourdough slab like the Steak and Cheese or Peach and Honey, and you’ll be asking your boss for an RDO.
Where: 2 Short Street, Southport
Got a sweet tooth calling? Say hello to The Petite Crepe. My French Pastries is known for its flaky croissants and buttery cakes, and now it’s adding paper-thin crêpes to the mix. From Nutella and strawberries to mushroom and cheese, the sweet and savoury options have you covered. Très délicieux, and very Robina.
Where: Shop 5, 361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
What started as a tiny tram-stop coffee spot has now grown into a new neighbourhood hangout. Run by husband-and-wife duo Alberto and Leanne, Origin Cafe’s Broadbeach Waters outpost feels less like a cafe and more like being welcomed into a friend’s house (if your friend made amazing lasagne, tiramisu and really good coffee). Come for a flat white and smashed avo in the morning, come back with the whole fam for pasta night in the evening.
Where: 11/1 Kalimna Drive Broadbeach Waters
Purrfect Catch Cafe is reeling in Gold Coast locals hook, line and whisker. This new Hope Island spot is pet-friendly, serving up seriously good brunch with clever cat-and-fish vibes from decor to dish names. Think Crabby Kitty Croissants, Sweet Catch Bao, and Tiny Purr Pancakes for little ones. Matcha boba, Tropical Purr-adise smoothies and house-baked cakes make mornings and lunches irresistible. It’s witty, whimsical and a total purrfect catch for humans, pets and taste buds alike.
Where: 26/340 Hope Island Road, Hope Island
All you need is Lovi! Lovi is serving love on a plate with Italian-Mediterranean classics and heart-melting brunch favourites. Minimal coastal vibes and a cosy alfresco corner make lingering a must. Devour Baked Cauliflower, Mezze Maniche in vodka sauce, and cocktails that kiss you back. Whether you’re loved-up, flying solo or brunching with friends, Lovi turns every bite into a little love story. Eat, sip, swoon, repeat.
Where: 133 Laver Drive, Robina
Chasing the sunset never tasted so good. Sunset on Chevron is giving a Gold Coast fave a shiny new glow, serving brunches that roll into lunch with cocktails that sparkle when the sun dips. Enjoy fish tacos with zing, katsu burgers with crunch and espresso martinis on cue. It’s bringing fresh coastal energy to one of the Gold Coast’s most community-minded pockets. And yes, we’ll absolutely stay for one more round!
Where: 1/64 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Forks at the ready! A yummy new chapter has begun for baker Heya Yum, turning her cult cake biz into a real-life sugar haven in Mermaid Beach! Serving ready-to-go celebration cakes that make 6am feel like sweet o’clock, this little shop means you can whip up an impromptu party any day of the week. Think mini masterpieces, cupcakes and pastries with flavours from Biscoff to raspberry. It’s sweet, soulful and sprinkled with Yum’s magic.
Where: 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Turn over a new leaf at Leaf Cafe & Co in Broadbeach. This newbie is serving breezy, easy mornings with a side of brunch. Tuck into Pistachio French Toast, Truffle Mushroom Bruschetta and pasta-before-noon energy. The house-roasted coffee hits just right, whether you’re a short black sipper or oat latte lover. Bonus points for being close to the beach, it’s the kind of spot where one sip of coffee will help you leaf your worries behind.
Where: Meriton Suites, Shop 8, 2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Washing your car just became a whole lot more fun with Yellow & Butter, a brand new cafe tucked inside Cloud 9 Car Wash in Southport. While your car gets squeaky clean, you can demolish rich Basque cheesecakes (all gluten free), buttery brioche buns and cute cloud-inspired drinks. Owned by chef Hayley Namgung, it turns a boring chore into a full-blown treat.
Where: 92 Ferry Road, Southport
Find your people at Our Tribe cafe, a pastel paradise just steps from Kirra beach. This is a full family affair with husband-and-wife Jamie-Leigh and Chris Wilkinson running the show with their four kids. From rosti Bennys to potato waffles and Seven Mile Coffee that hits just right, it’s a place to feel at home. Grab a seat and settle in, you’ve officially found your tribe.
Where: Shop 1/1 Douglas St, Coolangatta
Holy dough-ly! Coomera just claimed the Gold Coast’s sweetest crown with Australia’s biggest Krispy Kreme Hot Light™ store. Melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts roll fresh off the line while a drive-thru makes snagging your sugar fix ridiculously easy. Peek through the glass window for a front-row view of dough to drizzle magic, sip on coffee, and maybe sneak a second (or third) OG. Big, bold, and unapologetically glazed, this is a doughnut playground where one is never enough.
Where: 1 Prosper Avenue, Coomera
Mermaid Beach just got a wellness glow-up with House of Hälsa, where health meets good vibes and even better food. Founded by Coco Loberg and Gareth Fletcher, this Swedish-inspired spot turns nourishing bites into a playful adventure with parmesan jam toast, vibrant watermelon ceviche, and smoothies with cheeky names like Cody Simpson’s Neptune. Terracotta walls, sunken lounges, and cosy textures makes feeling good look (and taste) effortless.
Where: 1/2453 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Butter me up, Byron! ButterBoy has landed on Jonson Street, bringing chunky NYC-style cookies, soft-serve, and the viral cookie milk straight to the Bay. From oozy centres to golden edges, these cookies are next level. Founded by James Sideris, ButterBoy’s fifth store promises the sweetest snack vibes around with a rotating menu of flavours that are irresistible like Lotus Crunch and Ripple Choc Brown Butter. Need we say more?
Where: 17–21 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
The coolest kid on the Coast has officially landed, with Elly’s Gelato now scooping in Currumbin. Created by a crew of beach-loving mates who refused to end a surf without something sweet, this retro-cute gelato bar is pure summer energy. Think Blood Orange Sorbet, Peppermint Choc Chip, Bubblegum and classic creamy favourites, all served just steps from the sand. Post-swim, post-walk or post-“just nabbed a car spot”, Elly’s is the cherry on top of a perfect beach day.
Where: 778 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Just deli-cious! Giuseppe’s Deli is back and serving proper Italian comfort eats in Mermaid Beach. Now under new management at The Oxley, this old-school style deli is all about stacked focaccia, classic flavour combos and pasta that tastes like it came straight from nonna’s kitchen. Think sandwiches loaded with fresh fillings, triple-cheese truffle melts and comforting pastas. This is just seriously good Italian food done right.
Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Ciao down to Nico. deli & shop, Kirra’s new love letter to Italian culture. Just steps from the sand, this neighbourhood-style deli channels espresso-at-the-bar energy, stacked paninis and sweet little cannoli moments. With mid-century charm and top-notch local produce Nico. feels like a proper Italian pit stop minus the long-haul flight. Pop in for a coffee, stay for the focaccia and leave planning your next visit.
Where: Shop 17/48 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Words by Lisette Drew
La Stradina serves Mediterranean bites, boutique wines and vinyl nights.
Tucked down the laneway once home to Clay Cantina, a new European affair has arrived. Say ciao (or maybe bonsoir) to La Stradina, the latest venture from hospitality heavyweight Marcondes Almeida Neto, the man behind Cooly Breeze Rooftop and Black Dingo Café. Gold Coasters, your next Italian aperitivo moment just landed a whole lot closer to home.
Officially opening its doors last week, La Stradina brings a little slice of Europe to Griffith Street in Coolangatta. And when we say little, we mean it – “La Stradina” translates to “Little Street” in Italian – a nod to its beautifully tucked-away laneway location and the hidden dining pockets of Europe.
From the moment you step inside, it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret spot in Florence, that only the locals would know about – warm, textured finishes, rich red tiles, and weathered timber. Small tables lit with taper candles lean into the delightfully intimate atmosphere, blending beautifully with the space’s rustic, effortless charm. Hours pass easily here, and the wine flows even more so.
Raised in London with strong ties to his grandparents’ Italian heritage, Marcondes cut his teeth in high-end, Michelin-level restaurants across Europe before relocating to Australia over a decade ago. Since then, he’s built a reputation for polished yet welcoming venues that balance refined technique with genuine hospitality. La Stradina marks his third venue, and perhaps his most personal yet.
While Cooly Breeze Rooftop serves up airy coastal Mediterranean vibes, and Black Dingo Café brings the best of Australian cafe culture with immaculate ocean views, La Stradina pivots into something moodier and more transportive. In the hidden laneway escape, fresh food, fine wine and spinning vinyl set the tone. Speaking of vinyl, plans are in motion for an Open Mic Vinyl concept, where guests can bring their own records to play, turning dinner into an interactive, nostalgia-laced experience. Dinner and a show? Don’t mind if we do.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu champions seasonal produce and authentic techniques, with small plates designed for sharing. Expect showstoppers like oysters with cucumber, green grapes, chives and gin caviar, oysters Mornay with Manchego and bechamel, Moreton Bay bug skewers, Blue Fin tuna rice cake with citrus mayo, avocado, pickled chilli, black caviar and ponzu gel and 12h slow-cooked beef cheeks croquette with chimichurri…and that’s just to start.
There’s also market fish with TAS scallop, cauliflower puree, crispy potato hair, salmon caviar, fresh pear salsa and fresh herbs and a stuffed Kiev chicken with spinach ricotta and peri peri sauce and sauteed sweet corn that’s sure to become a crowd favourite. And of course, you’ll need to dedicate at least one visit to the homemade rigatoni with stracciatella, Napoli sauce and basil oil.
On the drinks front, the carefully curated wine list is complemented by signature cocktails, including one simply named Paris, made with Martell vs Cognac, St Germain, lemon juice, fig jam and rosemary syrup. We’ll take two! Cocktail hour is perfectly complemented by snacks like Sicilian olives, Parmesan truffle fries with aioli or Focaccia bread with miso butter.
With cosy booth seating inside and a charming outdoor laneway for al fresco dining, La Stradina feels both intimate and abuzz. You’ll find yourself emerging full, happy and plotting your next visit. Not leaving without dessert, of course! That would be a crime…especially when delights like Ricotta and Pistachio Cannoli and Homemade Tiramisu are on the menu. Mamma mia!
Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta
When: Wednesday- Saturday from 5 pm till late.
Website: lastradina.com.au
Instagram: @lastradinabar
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Liam McDonald
See more from La Stradina in our reel here.
Jade Room brings the drama… and the dumplings.
Robina just scored itself a seriously tasty new leading lady with the arrival of Jade Room Chinese Cuisine, and the buzz is entirely justified.
Opening upstairs at The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre, the latest venture from hospitality heavyweights Jackie and May Cheng has landed with the kind of swagger only the Chengs can pull off. With a reputation built on crowd‑favourite institutions like Jasmine Room, Dragon Cove and Canton Road Chinese Kitchen, they don’t simply open restaurants – they drop culinary blockbusters.
And Jade Room is shaping up to be their most cinematic release yet.
If their track record wasn’t enough to get Gold Coasters salivating, the interiors alone would do the job. Designed by Span Design and brought to life by Elements Shopfitting, Jade Room is a moody, nostalgic dreamscape blending Wong Kar-wai and mid-century modern.
Picture a contemporary remix of a classic Chinese dining room, where tradition has been given a design-forward glow-up. Warm timber panelling and softly lit banquettes set a cosy, intimate tone, while the rich mustard and jade green seating add a layer of retro-luxe charm.
Overhead, a playful canopy of suspended disc lights in shades of jade and cobalt floats across the ceiling like a contemporary art installation, casting a soft, ambient glow.
Vertical striped detailing along the walls brings structure and rhythm, balanced by curved elements like the oversized paper lantern and circular mirror that nod subtly to traditional motifs.
Add retro wall tiles paired with decadent marble and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a long lunch, a date night or a dumpling‑fuelled gossip session.
The Chengs chose Robina for its beauty, buzz and ever‑growing food scene, and Jade Room slots in like it was always meant to be there. With seating for around 150, a private dining room, plush sofa zones, intimate booths and those glorious big round tables that practically demand a lazy Susan, the space is built for everything from cosy dinners to multi‑generational feasts.
Let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food.
The kitchen is helmed by the original head chef of Landmark Restaurant and Jasmine Room, which means the classics are in very safe hands.
Jade Room’s unique selling point is its modern Yum Cha that’s been zhuzhed, elevated, and given a contemporary twist without losing the soul of tradition.
Think Aromatic Peppercorn Pork Dumplings, Truffle Veggie Dumplings, Pan-Fried Seafood Buns, Beef Ho Fun, Dried Meats Glutinous Rice, and Fresh Mango Pudding for a sweet finisher.
Then there’s the extensive A La Carte menu packed with mouthwatering options designed to be shared.
The signature Peking Duck is a theatrical, glossy masterpiece, freshly prepared in-house daily, seasoned with traditional spices and roasted to crisp perfection. Carved before your very eyes, each portion is presented with the flavorsome crispy duck skin, together with spring onions, cucumber and special sauce, wrapped in soft pancake.
The Singaporean Mud Crab is a showstopper, messy in the best possible way, while the XO Pipi brings that addictive, umami‑rich punch that will leave you wanting more.
And for the bovine buffs, the Stir Fried Eye Fillet with Tea Leaves is the MVP; tender, aromatic, and ‘udderly’ unforgettable.
The broader menu is a thoughtful bridge between old and new, weaving together the refined elegance of Cantonese cooking with the bold, aromatic flavours of China’s interior provinces.
Expect Sichuan spice that tingles, Beijing‑style sauces that cling in all the right ways, and modern interpretations that feel fresh without being fussy. It’s a culinary story that spans regions, eras and traditions – and Jade Room tells it beautifully.
Of course, no cinematic dining experience is complete without a supporting cast of cocktails. The Lychee Martini is already shaping up to be the breakout star, and the bar team has crafted a whole lineup of unique sips designed to pair with the menu’s depth and drama.
Whether you’re a wine‑and‑dumplings person or a cocktail‑and‑crab devotee, you’re covered.
Jade Room Chinese Cuisine is more than just another restaurant opening – it’s a stylish, flavour‑packed, mood‑drenched statement.
With its modern yum cha, signature dishes, cinematic interiors and the Chengs’ signature polish, it’s set to become one of the Coast’s most talked‑about dining destinations – and we’re here for it.
Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina
When: Daily 11am – 9pm
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Liam McDonald
