If big fresh flavours of Italy combined with unsurpassed views of our enigmatic ocean are the type of thing you long for, then might we suggest you take a trip down to Currumbin beach and take in the newly opened Tommy’s Italian!

For those with a keen eye, you will notice that this ode to Italian cuisine has taken over the 1920s heritage building where the once-loved Beach Shack Cafe once was. But where one thing finishes, another often begins, and the extensive refurbishment incorporating hues of deep green and earthy tones reshape this venue to take the space to another level altogether.

Behind any tremendous new opening, there are naturally some correspondingly impressive figures. Hospo young gun Tom Torchut first cut his teeth at Gemelli Italian, and then at Brisbane’s Eleven Rooftop Bar (now Maya) and Brisbane’s short-lived – but utterly brilliant – Arc Dining. Joining him in this particular venture is the former owner of Burleigh Heads’ Fish House, Ronnie Tarabay: together, the two men are hospitality forces to be reckoned with, and from what is going on inside these four walls at Tommy’s, you will begin to understand why.

With such an incredible stretch of beach right out the front, this is a fresh Italian Trattoria with a view we can get behind.

If you’ve ever made it to the old country and sat portside with a Negroni in the Cinque Terra or gazed out over a bowl of pasta at the cliffs of the Amalfi, you’ll agree that this cuisine and spectacular views were made for one another. And we’re pleased to report that although we may not be in the Mediterranean, you won’t give it another thought.

Should you be lucky enough to bag yourself a table upstairs, and in particular a place on the balcony amongst the red and white striped cushions, then prepare your eyes for a sublime feast of incredible scenery punctuated by some of the most drool-worthy eats we’ve seen to date.

The menu gives a respectful nod to Italian classics by working in excellent local produce. And we must say, these guys really nail everything.

In the mornings, you can wander off the beach and enjoy takeaway Single O Speciality coffee, baked treats and a Bacon and Egg Roll like no other; we’re talking thick-cut Mortadella ham, fried egg and mozzarella. When in Rome, right?

Or perhaps stop by for lunch or dinner, as this is where the real magic happens.

Set out like a traditional Italian menu, you have a few different options, yet the antipasti are a winning place to start. Prepare your tastebuds for the wonders ahead with a Heirloom Tomato Salad with a tangy Balsamic and basil dressing or perhaps their Grilled XL King Prawns.

After this, you’re spoilt for choice with an array of tempting seafood and meat options across delectable handmade pastas and pizzas – the latter displaying imaginative toppings and the former vying for your attention with dishes like the Duck Ragu Pappardelle with red wine, parsley and parmigiano. Or is the Italian Sausage Rigatoni with broccoli rabe and pecorino calling you?

For a taste of the sea, we think the big pizza winners are going to be either the Vongole with a mussel base, clams, fermented chilli and preserved lemon or the Gamberi with a zucchini base, fior di latte, garlic prawn, parsley and lemon zest.

Regardless, this is one menu where choosing what you’ll have is going to leave you feeling ever so perplexed ‑ #sorrynotsorry.

If making decisions is not your thing (same), there are two banquet set menus available for a minimum of 4 people priced at either $65 or $95 per person, which will ensure you won’t encounter food envy on another table.

Rounding off this seaside eatery’s whole casual and breezy demeanour is naturally a great selection of drinks. The cocktail offering is something to behold with separate headings for spritzes, jugs, signatures, mocktails, and not forgetting the classics. And beside a worldly and diverse range of quality wines on offer, the chance of you pairing amazing food with equally impressive drinks are at an all-time high.

Casual dining meets impeccably tasting food, underpinned by breathtaking vistas and some of the most attentive service around. Do yourself a favour and head on down to Currumbin for a slice of la dolce vita!

When: Monday – Sunday: Coffee window: 6am – 12pm (takeaway only)
Wednesday – Sunday: Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm & Dinner: 4pm – 10pm
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

It’s the unassuming seaside suburb quietly making itself known for the hippest coffee haunts and an industrial area that has grown into THE place to be, seemingly overnight.

Because somebody has to do it, we’ve rounded up 13 reasons why locals love Currumbin.

Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever have the pleasure of sampling is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, Passionfruit and Salted Caramel to name a few, you won’t be sad if you buy at least four of each. Not only doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants, all of the baked goodies and coffee too. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters

The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is perhaps one of the most beloved cafes there is on the Coast. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches packed with goodness, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats, everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Gather Store
Hello homewares. And plants and art and jewellery and clothing. All the things you love and all delightfully arranged in the perfectly styled space that is Gather Store. In case you haven’t been in (WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE), allow us to enlighten you. Owners Jan and Sandy Hogg have carefully curated goods from local artists and craftspeople drawing inspiration from the local creative community. It’s pure gold, go now.
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Consciously Clean
The newest kid on the block, Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill that with the product of your choice or purchase one there and it’s all very affordable. Not only that though, you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Portside Coffee
The cry of “best espresso on the Coast” has been heard of Portside Coffee more than once and it’s true, this cool little joint is serving up the goods and not just in the coffee department. There’s also buttery homemade pastries on offer and intimate, friendly neighbourhood vibes galore. It’s the perfect place to get your early morning caffeine fix if you’re planning to explore Currumbin’s newly happening industrial area.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Panya Artisan Bakery
The only thing better than the smell of freshly baked bread is the taste of freshly baked bread. Sensory dreams can come true when you visit Panya Artisan Bakery. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t be alarmed, their main jam is supplying your favourite cafes and restaurants, but they do sell limited quantities of baked goodies to the public. Set your alarm for as early as you can handle, it’s well worth the wake up call.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a complete change of scenery make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend plans. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia with over 100 acres of trees. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can sample at the I Eight Cake Kitchen via a variety of delicious organic dishes and (more) baked treats.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets and an in-house ceramicist, leatherworker and silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Zipang Japanese
Casual Japanese dining at its absolute finest is what you’ll find at Zipang Japanese. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, it’s time you did yourself an absolute solid and booked in there to devour one of the best feasts you’ll ever have. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights at the moment and you’ll absolutely need to book ahead because Zipang is very, very popular. For good reason.
Where: 5/31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Iron & Resin Garage
Primarily a clothing store and coffee shop, Iron and Resin Garage was made for rockers and motorbike riders. The reclaimed industrial space features a famous Sunday session, #onanysunday. Every Sunday from 9am-12pm you and your crew are invited to enjoy great live music from the cream of local musicians and breakfast provided by assorted food trucks.
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Currumbin

Sanctuary Markets
Brimming with all the tasty food stalls, arts and crafts and live music, Sanctuary Markets are held every Friday night at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Oh, there’s a bar too. Whack on your stretchy pants and grab your gang, there’s fun to be had on Friday nights in Currumbin. Obviously check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary too for that matter, they’ve got a bird show that’s pretty fun.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Parker and Persia
Love all of the vintage things? Us too. Luckily newbie Parker and Persia has us covered with a shop filled with revamped vintage furniture and homewares and some of the most stunning Moroccan rugs we’ve ever seen. Owners Steph and Sam have curated goodies from all over Australia to bring the stunning space to Currumbin. We’re in love.
Where: 2a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin

Words by Kirra Smith

Last week we shared all of the exciting restaurants that opened in 2020 and today we’re here to round up the cafes.

So without further ado, here’s every delightful newbie we had the pleasure of visiting last year and you should get pumped about it, there’s some epic ones.

My French Pastries
We always do a little happy dance when a new patisserie opens on the Gold Coast and especially when that new patisserie is filled with fancy French goodies that we could eat all day long. Which is exactly what’s happening at Robina’s My French Pastries. Perfect sweet treats.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Custard Canteen
The team behind Bam Bam Bakehouse and Cubby Bakehouse did it again with the opening of their newbie Custard Canteen. An exceptional Talle Creek newbie specialising in yes, Portugese custard tarts that are some of the most delicious things we’ve ever put in our mouths. Of course, they have a full brekky and lunch menu, coffees and other sweet treats and absolutely everything is life changing.
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Macro Kitchen
A new healthy eating hub moved into Burleigh Heads bringing tasty bowls, dishes high in nourishing goodness, protein, all the things. Macro Kitchen is simply perfect for our little Burls. They also offer healthy beverages and take-home meals, so you really need never cook or eat unhealthily again. Happy days.
Where: 2/1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Plant Based Cafe
Up Paradise Point way a healthy, new plant-based cafe opened much to the delight of locals and they are serving up some absolutely beautiful treats. Both in the taste sensation and Insta snap-worthy ways. Think perfectly put together açai bowls and avocado toast but like you’ve never seen them before. Coffee goodness by Byron Bay Coffee Co. and plenty of good vibes to go around.
Where: 1/2 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point

Bonnie’s Industrial Café
First cab off the rank after iso times was Bonnie’s Industrial Café in Ashmore. Bonnie and her team are serving up absolutely epic stacked burgers, 14-hour slow cooked meats, fresh salads and coffee to go. It’s café food, made amazing. Get involved.
Where: 2/26 Expo Court, Ashmore

Common Ground
A stunning space in Burleigh Heads was recreated to open as a stunning new brunch venue known as Common Ground. It’s the work of two local hospo legends Euan and Bella Lovell, part owners of Broady’s Fig + Frankies and their partner Matt Tranter and it’s very, very good. The menu is made up of beautiful plated eats, all with a little something special. You’re going to want to try it all, trust us.
Where: 2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Baker
Baked goods are life. Particularly those by the team at Burleigh Baker who have made the lives of Gold Coast locals better for many years. Everything from the very best pies, sourdough in so many amazing flavours (hello olive), custard tarts and the very best of croissants can be found at Burleigh Baker. They opened a new venue at Paradise Point recently and it’s every bit as good as the first. Right near the water too. Perfection.
Where: 6 Bruce Avenue, Paradise Point

Kylie’s Cupcakery
The Coast’s cult cupcakery opened a new store in Nerang and it instantly became one of the most popular spots around. For good reason too. Kylie is creating absolute masterpieces when it comes to cupcakes including flavours like The Unicorn, complete with edible glitter, Nerds, Turkish Delight and Lemon with Elderflower Buttercream. Yep. There’s also an incredible Unicorn Shake you’re going to want to sample. And take many Insta snaps of.
Where: 6 Lavelle Street, Nerang

D Point 10
The donut kings are absolutely taking over the Gold Coast and with good reason, they’re making some absolutely incredible flavours of donut. Think Gaytime, Oreo, Red Velvet and their latest creation, Caramilk. There’s minis and regular sized donuts and they’re all absolutely amazing. Get one of each just to be sure.
Where: A2/201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

The Backyard Cafe
The latest of the bunch is The Backyard Cafe, by the team behind Bine Beer Bar, Hideaway Kitchen and Bar and a few other venues you know and love. The newbie can be found at the site where The Yard once lived and it’s going to be both a cafe and a restaurant with pop up food trucks with lots of good old fashioned family and community vibes. This is a good one.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Parkway Coffee
Robina gained a pretty new brunch spot in the form of Parkway Coffee, by the gals at Third Base in Palm Beach and it comes with the same community feels, menu packed with goodness and of course, excellent coffee. Do yourself a favour and get on down to try it out.
Where: Robina Quays, 16b, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Tarte Bakery & Café
Something very special arrived in Burleigh in late August and if you haven’t already had the pleasure, stop reading and get down there right now. It’s Tarte Bakery & Café and it’s the work of former Paddock Bakery owner Chloe Watts. Filled with incredible baked treats, brunch dishes and exceptional coffee, it’s one of a kind and we’re in love.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Stones Throw
While not a newbie, Stones Throw did move to a new location so that’s good enough for us. The crew that once called Burleigh home, packed up and headed on down to Currumbin to serve up their much-loved menu in a new garden oasis. Happy days for Currumbin locals.
Where: 9 Station Street, Currumbin

The Hunted Café
Venture out into the leafy oasis that is Bonogin and you’ll find cosy newbie The Hunted Café serving up tasty breakfast and lunch dishes, housemade baked goods and plenty of tranquillity. It’s owned by a local family so you can expect all the community hospitality too. A real treat, do yourself a favour and get out there.
Where: 555 Bonogin Road, Bonogin 

Vanilla Lily
Coolangatta got a pretty new coffee spot in the form of Vanilla Lily, overlooking the ocean on Marine Parade. From the team at Café Kirra, the newbie has a menu packed with healthy, nourishing eats including dishes like a delightful Avo Toast and Acai bowls, plus a range of smoothies that are perfect for those extra balmy days we’re about to experience again. Head down and give them some love.
Where: Shop 2, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Palm Springs Cafe
One of the Coast’s most beautiful venues opened in 2020 and if you haven’t already had the pleasure of visiting, we suggest you get down there quick smart. It’s called Palm Springs Cafe and it can be found on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Gardenia Grove boasting breakfast cocktails of the Margarita, Bloody Mary and Espresso Martini varieties and a nourishing, goodie-filled menu that’ll have you returning time and time again. Same.
Where: Cnr Gardenia Grove and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Trio Café
Trio can be found inside Glow on Energy Circuit and it’s a beautiful, welcoming space decked out in lots of bright white. To eat, there’s brunch delights like Açai Bowls and crowd favourites Avocado Toast (with marinated feta, housemade dukkah and lemon oil thank you very much) and Bacon and Egg Rolls, plus a Chicken Ranch Salad if you want something a little lighter. At lunchtime, there are some absolutely stacked burgers including a Korean Fried Chicken Burger that might change your life.
Where: 10 Energy Circuit, Robina

Made
A sleek new space that’s both a barber and a barista in one, it’s a new Tugun spot you’re going to want to try ASAP. Brit and Josh have created a sweet community hub where you can pop in for a Moonshine brew and then get yourself a little trim (dudes only). There are baked goods by the team at Fuel Bakehouse too so it’s pretty much the best time you can have.
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Heartwood Espresso
Kirra’s newest addition is Heartwood Espresso, found right opposite the beach and boasting the perfect menu for when you’ve just rolled in off the sand and want something refreshing and also delicious to fill you up. Perfect for those spring days that just arrived.
Where: 2/74 Musgrave Street, Kirra

Stone Studio
Down Kingscliff way, a pottery studio slash café opened and it’s an absolute dream. Stone Studio is the work of two very passionate locals who wanted to allow people the opportunity to take some time out from their loves and create something special. Which is exactly what happens at any number of their workshops and classes. Combine that with a cuppa and some baked goodies and everything is golden. Do yourself a favour and head down there ASAP.
Where: 1/110 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Oakberry Acai
Just in time for the heat, Oakberry Acai moved onto James Street serving up fresh, cold acai bowls and smoothies for the barefoot Burleigh Heads gang. Found on a corner space and with seating overlooking the street, it’s the perfect spot for people watching and consuming something refreshing after a day at the beach.
Where: 1/30 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Wavy Bone
From coffee cart to standalone café, Wavy Bone has transformed in 2020 and we are here for it. You can still expect the same five-star Blackboard Coffee but this time you can sit down in a sweet space to enjoy it, along with some mouthwatering baked treats and gourmet toasties. Wavy Bone can be found in Chirn Park which is a beautiful spot should you not be from around there.
Where: 1/36 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

Liquid Dreams
A colourful new juice bar opened up down Coolangatta way not long ago and it’s the perfect place to get on the healthy eating (and drinking) train ahead of summer. There’ll you’ll find absolutely stacked acai bowls, a huge array of fresh juices, smoothies, watermelon cups, chia cups, all of the things. It’s all so very good for you and so very yummy. So good to refresh after a day in the sun too.
Where: Ward Street, Coolangatta

There you have it, a whole slew of goodness to sink your teeth into ASAP.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith