The wait is finally over Gold Coasters, famed Sunshine Coast venue Miss Moneypenny’s has opened her doors in Broadbeach this week and it’s the very good news we need right now.

The stunning, fine-dining (without the fuss) restaurant can be found underneath Avani on Surf Pde and right next door to the also-very-new Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar and Diner and it’s one you’re going to want to experience at the earliest possible opportunity.

Upon entering you’ll be met with a pared back aesthetic, both sophisticated and cosy and perfectly curated for dining experiences from breakfast through to late night snacking.

The interior is made up of low leather chairs set against plush, cushiony booths you could nap in for days. A wooden wave-style ceiling and a stone-backed bar, beautifully lit and stocked with premium tipples are the most eye-catching features and the entire space comes together as what can best be described as sleek, beachside chic. We’re in love.

There’s an outdoor area in the front and The Rimini Room (an equally stunning private dining room) can be found tucked away at the back.

The menu, by acclaimed Aussie Chef Braden White who once headed up hatted Brisbane restaurant Stokehouse Q and was the Executive Chef at Noosa’s multi-award winning Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant, is as exceptional as you’d expect.

Filled with all the very best options from bar bites to pizzas, entrees, mains, sides and desserts, you’ll want to go back time and time again to taste it all.

If you’re in a snacking mood (us, always) you absolutely must order the Mushroom Fritters, Chargrilled Ora King Salmon Stick, Green Pea Croquette and the Doughnut of Smoked Crème Fraiche (life changing) because they are quite simply, taste sensations.

For entrée, the Oakey Beef Tartare with torched gochujang, garlic custard and chilli threads. It’s the best we’ve ever sampled.

Because we love the concept of share-style dishes (and want to eat everything) we recommend the Social Share Dining section and in particular the Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with spicy chermoula, burnt lemon, chilli oil and watercress. It is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

If sharing isn’t your thing (fair), don’t go past the Coral Coast Barramundi. It not only looks mind-blowing, it tastes mind-blowing with clam and potato puree, warrigal greens and wood sorrel.

The breakfast menu is equally impressive with tasty dishes the likes of which you’ve never had the pleasure of coming across before now.

Of course, everything Chef White and the Miss Moneypenny’s team touches turns to gold so there isn’t a dish on the menu we couldn’t eat every single day forever.

Cocktail-wise, prepare for something really special. There are MANY to choose from including a selction of Miss Moneypenny’s favourites, sparkling cocktails, an array of gin and tonics, The 80’s Cruise Ship set and a House Crafted section and they’re all exceptional.

In case you’re wondering, we’d choose the Kombucha Spritz with Aperol, kombucha, lemon, passionfruit, prosecco and thyme because fresh and oh so delicious.

All in all, Miss Moneypenny’s is one of the most exciting restaurants that’s opened on the Coast probably ever and we have no doubt you’re going to love it as much as we do.

Go for breakfast, stay until bedtime is our plan.

LOCATION: 50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: 9am until 12am daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

There are very few things in life that are better than kicking back in the sunshine with your best girls (and guys) by your side and a sweet cocktail in hand.

Of course, you also need to be wearing your favourite outfit and all those things are best enjoyed in a spot that also serves up excellent eats, should you feel the need for those too (which you will).

Surprise. We’ve found the very best spot to do exactly that and double surprise, it’s right here on our very own sparkly shores. Broadbeach, in fact.

Miss Moneypenny’s is the spot, found on Surf Parade in the heart of it all and oozing ever-present good vibes. The latest of which, comes with a side of oysters & spritzers.

Oh how we love spritzers.

The team at Miss Moneypenny’s have recently launched Spritzer Sessions which is a) all of the things we mentioned above and b) the very best idea we’ve heard in a long time.

Every weekday afternoon from 3pm until 5pm you can head on into the Broady fave and sip specialty spritzers to your hearts content.

There are four to choose from and they are (in order of the one we’d love to sip first) Paloma Spritz, Passionade Spritz and Limoncello Spritz and of course, Aperol Spritz, if those don’t scream summer, we don’t know what does.

Combine that good time with a dozen oysters, where you can get either natural with lemon or Eschalot Pearl Mignonette for just $2 each and that’s your week made, every single week.

Oh and if you’re keen to kick on, which you will be after many spritzers, the team at Miss Moneypenny’s are launching a brand new menu by Gold Coast hospitality God Adam Dundas-Taylor and it’s going to be absolutely next-level.

How exciting is all of that.

Gather the crew and let them know they’re in for a very good time.

LOCATION: 50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: Oyster + Spritzer Sessions run from 3pm until 5pm weekdays

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

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

The Polish Place
The beloved Polish Place at Mount Tamborine not too long ago got completely rebuilt from the ground up following a devastating tragedy. And we couldn’t be more glad that owners Phil & Ania were unequivocally committed to bringing back the best Polish food and hospitality around. The beautifully restored fireplace sits pride of place in their dining room, essentially there to warm your soul while you devour the eats and take in the spectacular view.
Where: 333 Main Western Road, Mount Tamborine

Woodchoppers Inn
We love a good old pub with a bit of charm, and with some of the best wood-fired BBQ meats around, this one is always on our repeat hit list. But why keep the wood fire in the kitchen? This modest family business has since 1995 been serving up all the wood-fired meats, craft beers and wine, right next to a big open fireplace, of course. That is if you can claim a seat beside it!
Where: 64 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

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

Wolf Restaurant
Just in case you needed another reason to make your way up to Mount Tamborine, the newest kid on the block Wolf is bringing big flavour to bite size. Fine dining meets the relaxed mountain vibe you know and love, Wolf’s menu of seriously aesthetic dishes are begging to be ‘grammed. The cosy meets contemporary space fills with natural light, highlighting the showstopping stone-clad fireplace that takes up residence in the heart of the restaurant. There’s a reason locals are a big fan of this place, so don’t mind us while we plan a day trip up the Mountain pronto.
Where: 13 Main St, Tamborine Mountain

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

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

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

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.