We’ve come quite the distance from our caveman ancestors, these days we’re pretty lucky; we can wander into the local supermarket decide between cuts and then potter home to sizzle them up.
The love and taste for a good steak have never changed or indeed grown old (we mean it with the utmost respect for our vegan comrades out there). We think steaks are delicious and can’t imagine for one minute a world where they don’t exist (shudder).
Like most cooked dishes, it’s sometimes best to leave it to the pros — by that, we mean people in tall white hats who are culinary wizards. It begs the question: where does one go to experience the best sensory sensation you can have with steak on our fair coastline? Well, read on to be enlightened on the very best venues you can visit to get your daily dosage of iron.
Harry’s Steak Bistro
Primely positioned in the epicentre that is Burleigh Heads, Harry’s Steak Bistro sets the benchmark pretty high when it comes to damn fine steak. The menu reflects some clever thought as you’ll also see great Aussie produce in the form of delicious Ballina prawns and succulent New England lamb ribs. If you’re the type of person who isn’t scared to put their hand in their pocket, the Signature Cuts section of the menu is there to please your discerning tastes. Oh, and how could we forget, there are unlimited fries to go with all of that as well. Winner.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Glenelg Public House
This Mermaid Beach gastro-style pub has a solid reputation as the place to go for incredibly tasty steaks. Make no mistake, this status hasn’t been garnered through anything else but top-notch produce and devoted, knowledgeable chefs. The steak selection is immense, with meat coming from all over Australia catering for all palates and not to mention budgets. Whilst you’re there you’ll enjoy a pleasant low-lit and sultry décor which will certainly make you feel quite relaxed. Food aside, the drinks list is worth noting, with some carefully considered wines and impressive cocktails that will make you leave that little bit happier.
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cavill’s Steakhouse
Previously known as Cav’s Steakhouse in its previous Labrador location (and famous for its recognisable fake cows that changed costume every so often), this institution is a steak lovers dream. You know there is a strong chance this place is the goods when the menu has a separate section denoting steak toppers, with the option of adding garlic prawns, pork ribs, and the likes to your already delectable steak. Well played. The venue is a firm favourite with the locals and so focused on bringing you the very best cuts of meat they boast their very own butcher shop. Yep, you read that right – so your quality of entertaining at home just got that much better. With great views and a rooftop bar to top things off; a trip to the new Runaway Bay Steakhouse should be firmly at the top of your list.
Where: 6 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay
Black Angus
When a waitperson brings a sizzling smouldering plate of something appealing to your neighbours’ table you can be forgiven for feeling waves of jealousy. Well, no more! If you opt to check out Black Angus — which we strongly suggest you do — you’ll be treated to your tantalising steak arriving at the table on one of their trademark volcanic hot rocks. The experience isn’t just for your eyes and ears, as the rock is intended to continue cooking your meat at the table, ensuring your last bite is as hot as the first. Dinner with a show if you ask us!
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Moo Moo
Moo Moo has been impressing locals and visitors alike with its sophisticated décor and saliva-inducing menu for the last 15 years. Feel like it’s time for a date night? Well, their famed 1kg spice-rubbed Wagyu rump cap could be the decadent choice for a couple who have managed to escape the kids at home.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Outback Steakhouse
Shopping can be quite the vocation. Should you find yourself at Pacific Fair after a shopping odyssey like no other, and feel it’s time to refuel, then we highly recommend you get yourself a good hit of protein and iron from Outback Steakhouse. The no-fuss service and casual atmosphere will be much to the liking of some people meaning you can walk in and dig into some tender meat in no time. And if you’re not feeling red meat for whatever reason, the Not Steaks section of their menu has you well and truly covered.
Where: 1608, 2-30 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Nineteen at The Star
If James Bond ever made his way to the Gold Coast, we’re sure he would drop by the much-coveted Nineteen to eat some incredible food and sip martinis. The lavish décor and incredible views aside — the selection of mouth-watering steaks here are downright impressive. From grass-fed Victorian rib-eye to grain-fed Queensland Angus sirloin — not to mention an entire section devoted to just Wagyu — this is the kind of place where skipping lunch is a very wise move.
Where: Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
There are a few Gold Coast restaurants that have stood the test of time and those are the ones you know with absolute certainty are the goods. One such restaurant is Black Angus, a much-loved Gold Coast steakhouse that’s been open for just on 10 years and has recently made the move from Sanctuary Cove to the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Which is very good news if you’re a lover of steak and haven’t found yourself in our northernmost suburbs over the last few years.
The new venue has opened where Hooters (RIP) once lived, next to the Pink Poodle sign and with plenty of undercover parking.
Black Angus 2.0 can be found on a corner block with both indoor and outdoor seating so you can perch outside under an umbrella or inside in a sophisticated dining room surrounded by wine bottle-filled walls, wooden accents and a lovely little fireplace situation, perfect for upcoming winter dinner dates.
As mentioned, steak is the hero of the restaurant and in particular their Hot Rock dish, whereby your choice of meat is brought out slightly seared and you can cook it to perfection yourself on a rock that’s heated to 300 degrees. We sampled the Rib on the Bone and it was easily one of the best pieces of steak we’ve ever tasted.
Of course, there are many varieties to choose from and you can also sizzle some seafood on your rock should steak not be your thing.
If you’d prefer your meal prepared for you, there are starters along the lines of King Salmon Sashimi, Pan Seared Sea Scallops and Grilled WA Octopus and mains like Potato Gnocchi, Squid Ink Linguini and an Ocean Platter for Two (to name a few) to choose from and all are very excellent options.
For dessert, definitely go for the White Chocolate Crème Brulee and perhaps a little Amaretto Sour to finish off the experience.
Speaking of which, there are many a perfectly prepared cocktail to sip or choose from an extensive range of carefully selected wines from all over the world.
There’s a $25 daily lunch special with lots of great options to choose from, as well as a glass of house wine or a tap beer. If you’re more of a two-course fan (same) you can pay $45, Monday to Friday for lunch or dinner, and choose from a slightly bigger menu and get a house wine or beer too. So good.
There you have it, a steakhouse institution now in Surfers Paradise, great news.
LOCATION: 2893 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 11am until late daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
