The GC’s steak-tacular hall of flame.
The GC’s steak-tacular hall of flame.
First and foremost: our sin-sear-est apologies in advance to our plant-based brethren, with this roundup including exactly zero cauli steaks.
For the meat eaters among us, if it’s sear-riously good steak you seek, you are definitely in the right place. There are not many dishes that compare to the satisfaction of a succulent steak cooked to perfection, though there is often a lot more to the art of this dish than meats the eye.
When the urge for a next level steak won’t quit, sometimes you just have to leave it in the hands of the pros. Sit back and grillax, we’ve got those carnivorous cravings covered. Here are 10 of the GC’s most lit steak restaurants worth getting fired up over.
Lars Bar & Grill burst onto the Nobby Beach scene last year, firing up the grill and bringing a perfect blend of woodfired magic and laid-back luxury to The Oxley 1823. Led by Lars Kollrepp – son of local legend Marty Kollrepp – this hotspot serves up a fine dining feast with a coastal twist. And when it comes to steak, they are a cut above. With over ten cuts on the menu (yep, you read that right!), from melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet to a beastly T-bone, they’re seriously raising the steaks. Whether you’re soaking up the vibes indoors, kicking back alfresco, or feeling extra fancy in the private dining room, Lars has everything you need for a sizzling night out.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Craving a homemade feast but don’t feel like firing up the stove? Mike’s Kitchen has you covered. Housed in a charming Tudor-style building, this spot is serving up old-school steakhouse vibes with a fresh twist. The legendary ribs – slow-cooked to perfection, then flame-kissed for that smoky, finger-licking goodness – have a fan club of their own. Now let’s talk about the steak. These premium aged cuts are matured for peak flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, setting the bar high for serious carnivores. Got little foodies in tow? No worries – there’s a dedicated kids’ menu to keep the whole family happy. So loosen that belt, grab a seat, and get ready to dig in!
Where: 2 Gooding Drive, Merrimac
For a steak night with a side of glamour, make your way to Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen, perched on the first floor of the jaw-dropping 76-storey Ocean by Meriton in Surfers Paradise. This coastal hotspot serves up a high-steaks dining experience that’s worth every bite. Spread across multiple dining areas, it’s got room for you, your crew and all the indulgence your heart desires. Every cut is kissed by fire in a Josper charcoal oven, infused with the rich, smoky magic of native red gum wood. Sharing is encouraged (but no judgment if you’re steaking your claim on the last bite). For pure carnivorous bliss, sink your teeth into the Tajima wagyu rump or WX wagyu rump cap – so tender and juicy, you’ll be back before your cravings have time to cool.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Mermaid’s moody gastro-pub has garnered itself a solid rep indeed for punching out sear-riously good steaks over the years. These guys take their meat even more seriously than that one mate bordering on a situationship with their smoker, with a full breakdown of cut / weight / breed / producer / paddock / region / feed to agonise over. There are no less than nine top-quality cuts on offer from all over Aus (and that’s not including the stacked selection of share-style dishes) – making this a must-try destination for even the most discerning steak critics (*cough* looking at you, aforementioned mate with smoker).
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Oh yes, Broadbeach’s standout gem is so much more than a (breathtakingly) pretty face, elegantly gliding on in last year and securing a rightful place on this list. This euro-chic vibing contemporary bar & grill boasts one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, meaning anything not already nailed down is treated to that signature flame kissed treatment. There’s an assortment of steak cuts to acquaint yourself with, including a signature Dry Age Steak if you’re feeling a little lot extra.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
For born and bred locals, the former Labrador icon (affectionately known simply as Cav’s in our youths) summons a whole lot of nostalgia, and thankfully it still stands up to the hype and fond mems all these years on. In fact, this is one GC institution that has aged like fine wine (they’ve got those too), with a rooftop vibing re-location and grown up new look to match that signature Cav’s experience we’ve known for ~40 years now. They’ve got this steak business down to a fine art, with a sister butchery, an extensive selection of cuts and that traditional steak experience with all the classic trimmings – bc sometimes you just need a decadent, garlic prawn laden steak in your life.
Where: 6 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay
Another GC mainstay, Moo Moo’s has been serving up all the mouth-watering meat action (and resulting meat sweats) to Broadbeach and beyond going on 20 years now, and they’ve got the receipts – aka slew of awards to prove it. Specialty steaks are kind of their thing (as are fine wines), with ten mouth-watering options to choose from – though if you and a willing participant have brought your appetite, take on the infamous Spice Rubbed 1kg Wagyu Rump Cap Roast. Carved at the table served with Wagyu Fat Fried New Season Potatoes (and some green stuff for good measure).
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
A spot well known for dishing up the finer things, with a little help from some epic views of the GC skyline, The Darling’s crowning jewel Nineteen at The Star is the kinda place that has it all. Naturally, there’s an equally impressive selection of swanky steaks, which are almost exclusively sourced locally on the Darling Downs (with exception to the Cape Grim Grass Fed Rib Eye, which, we can definitely manage to let slide, quite frankly). If it’s truly time to treat yourself, these guys boast one of the largest selections of sumptuous 9+ MBS (aka ‘excellent’ grade) steaks on the Coast – the only thing higher is that stunner of an outlook, tbh.
Where: 1, Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Tucking into a Rib Eye of the Fillet surrounded by a cool couple of milli worth of yachts and marina views for days? #thatslivin. A fine dining style steakhouse, though the more upscale take will come as a surprise to absolutely no one given it’s situated within the swanky Sanctuary Cove dining precinct #ohshefancyhuh. This carnivore oasis has got your steak needs covered from A-Z, (or technically W) with a hefty offering including everything from Angus through to Waygu. Got a ravenous crowd of beef buffs on your hands? Tackle one of the mammoth 1-2kg Black Angus T-Bone steaks for your feasting pleasure.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 46E/4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
If it’s stellar steak you’re after, this cosy Surfers Paradise spot is certainly serving it up (along with some mighty fine beach views). Hurricane’s definitely lives up to the ‘Grill and Bar’ title, with a grilliant array of meaty morsels to choose from. On offer is everything from petite Sirloin cuts through to some very boujee beef options indeed – with the pièce de résistance, a MS7+ Tajima Wagyu Beef Sirloin sure to impress even the staunchest of steak snobs.
Where: 1/4-14 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew
Ay, caramba – it’s a culinary fiesta! The legends behind Rick Shores are serving double the deliciousness in Nobby Beach. Adding a dash of Latin flair across the top two levels of the new Oxley 1823 development, Norte and Sueño promise to be more than just the guac to your corn chips.
The Rick Shores team – Nick Woodward, David Flynn and Frank Li, along with award-winning architect Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE, have created not just places to eat but spaces to celebrate.
With design elements that nod to vibrant Latin American culture and a menu that’s equal parts tradition and innovation, Norte and Sueño are set to make your taste buds salsa dance.
“This concept has been in discussion since before the pandemic,” Nick Woodward said.
“There’s definitely that pressure. But we’re blessed to have an incredible team and we had to wait for the right location.”
Norte and Sueño have been worth the wait.
Walk up the impressive set of stairs and enter Norte, the chic and sultry level one venue. Inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant Roma Norte district, it’s where the big open kitchen takes centre stage. Watch the talented chefs make magic with fresh and flame-licked fare. Surrounded by bold architecture and furnishings, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous or a lively catch up with your amigos. Upstairs is Norte’s fun sibling, Sueño. This sun-kissed rooftop cantina embraces the breezy, open-air atmosphere with colourful Latin American touches to the terrace and its own kitchen for snacks with a view.
Now let’s taco-bout those menus!
Chef James Brady, head chef of Rick Shores, spent years perfecting the concept – traveling extensively around Latin America, drawing flavours from the mercados of Mexico City to the parrillas of Buenos Aires. James said, “I’d head back to the apartment and just cook and cook. It was such a great opportunity to develop the stocks, the sauces, the pickle blends, the salsas, the protein marinades – those foundation recipes for a restaurant and bar.”
Centred around the huge custom-made hearth, Norte’s menu goes on a culinary journey from raw dishes, bar snacks, masa (corn-based plates), mains, sides and desserts. Signature dishes include a 72 hour short rib, al pastor aji amarillo and pineapple and a mouthwatering flank steak, native chimichurri, caramelised onion. Seafood lovers can dive into the Fremantle octopus, guajillo, roasted bone marrow and fine herbs as well as Grilled coral trout, koji butter, guacachille and green pico de Gallo.
Upstairs at Sueño, it’s all about ceviches, skewers, and tacos. Soak in the sun and sink your teeth into fresh oysters and Hiramasa Kingfish served with avocado, leche de tigre, chilli and kombu oil.
For bigger bites, tuck into Moreton Bay bug “al pastor” tacos dripping with crustacean butter and pineapple or champagne crayfish skewers brushed with chipotle butter – flavours that hit harder than a mariachi trumpet.
And what’s a fiesta without drinks? Beverage director Peter Marchant has shaken and stirred a selection worthy of a Latin American party.
Norte boasts a 150-bottle wine list with nearly half dedicated to Central and South American varieties. Up at Sueño, it’s all about tequila, mezcal and cocktails that could make even Frida Kahlo crack a smile.
So grab your mates, raise a margarita and shout SALUD to the Rick Shores team’s latest jewels in their culinary crown.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Hours: Norte: 12:00pm – 11:00pm Tuesday–Sunday
Sueño: 12:00pm – 10:00pm Tuesday–Sunday
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby Photography
Get ready foodie friends because the culinary scene on the Coast has a sizzling new addition. The eagerly awaited Lars Bar & Grill is ready to fire up its woodfired wizardry and pop open the bubbly on Thursday 8th August.
Nestled in the heart of oh-so-trendy lifestyle hub, The Oxley 1823, Lars Bar & Grill brings a whole new level of deliciousness to the Nobby’s/Mermaid Beach ‘hood. Mark our words; if your taste buds had a bucket list, this place would be at the very top!
Helmed by Lars Kollrepp, son of Oskars on Burleigh founder and Gold Coast hospitality legend Marty Kollrepp, this joint is basically a Michelin Star in the making. With over two decades of experience and a resume that reads like a who’s who of top-notch dining (think Executive Chef of all Simon Gloftis’ Brisbane restaurants, including Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine and Sushi Room), it’s safe to say Lars would bring home the gold if cheffing was an Olympic sport.
“I had the dream of opening my own restaurant for a very long time,” he says. “I jumped at the chance when it came. I have a deep appreciation for fine dining cuisine, gained through my many years in the industry; however, being a Gold Coast boy, I love the laid-back lifestyle it brings.”
“My aim for Lars Bar & Grill is a restaurant where simplicity meets modern flavours, and quality dining and impeccable dishes meet a relaxed and welcoming vibe and where people can truly unwind and enjoy themselves.”
And unwind you shall. The menu is a mouthwatering mix of woodfired steaks and the freshest local seafood, promising a taste of Queensland like never before. Sink your teeth into starter and entrée style dishes like Caviar Tarts, Baked Scallops with garlic chive butter, and the decadent Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with sage brown butter and Pinenuts.
For mains, it’s a steak lover’s paradise with ten different cuts to choose from. Each bite celebrates the region’s coastal bounty and locally sourced stockyard beef, ensuring every steak is a cut above the rest.
Perhaps a melt-in-your-mouth Pork Tomahawk with burnt onion mustard and jus gras gets you going? Or for seafood swooners, the Grilled Coral Trout with smoked tomato and capsicum is sure to float your boat.
Lars Bar & Grill isn’t just about the food though. The vibe is as important as the vittles, with a dining room seating 80 and an outdoor area for 30 more, perfect for soaking up that sweet Gold Coast sunshine. For extra special occasions, there’s a private dining room offering an exclusive space for up to 10 guests, made to order for celebrations, business meetings, or just because you deserve a little exclusivity.
With its blend of fine dining and a laid-back coastal vibe, Lars Bar & Grill is set to become the new go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The grill is always hot, the vibes are always cool, and the food is nothing short of extraordinary so book yourselves in stat to experience this delicious new chapter in the Gold Coast’s ever-evolving culinary story.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: 5.30pm till late, Wednesday to Sunday
Forget passport stamps, your next Japanese dining adventure is right here on the Gold Coast. Arakawa, the beloved Japanese restaurant at RACV Royal Pines Resort has had a glow-up, and trust us, you’re going to want a front-row seat. This Gold Coast institution has returned with a sleek new look, elevated menus, and a dining experience that’s nothing short of immersive. Think teppanyaki theatrics, exquisite sashimi, and omakase artistry – all wrapped in a setting that effortlessly blends tradition with modern sophistication. If you haven’t been to Arakawa lately, you’re seriously missing out.
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this isn’t just dinner – it’s a whole vibe. Striking murals of Japanese women in traditional dress set the tone, while textured décor and moody flooring contrast with crisp table settings and delicate serve ware. And if you think the interiors are impressive, just wait until the food hits the table. Every dish is plated with precision, every cut of sushi and sashimi is intentional, and every bite is a masterclass in balance – flavour, texture, and aesthetics working in perfect harmony.
Now, let’s talk about the real stars of the show, the menus. Consider them a love letter to Japanese cuisine. You’ve got three main options: à la carte, omakase, and teppanyaki set menus, plus a separate (and surprisingly refined) children’s menu. The à la carte lineup spans everything from snacks to sushi, tempura to grills, and let’s just say – we have our eye on the Moreton Bay bug with spiced mayo, sea herb and fennel slaw, as well as the Kakuni braised pork belly with umeshu compressed apple and shiso. It’s fancy and we love it.
The true heart of Arakawa is its teppanyaki. If you like your dinner with a side of flames (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), the teppanyaki table is where you need to be. Skilled chefs turn cooking into a high-energy performance, flipping ingredients mid-air, setting fire to creations, and making sure your taste buds get just as much of a thrill as your eyes.
With four set menus – Akane, Murasaki, Sakura, and Vegetarian – plus a kids’ option, you’ll be treated to sizzling hotplates, expert knife skills, and a flavour explosion in every bite. We’re talking beef tenderloin with sesame yakiniku sauce, Hokkaido scallops with truffle soy butter, and, of course, a generous side of fried rice and ikura caviar. The only downside? Having to choose.
Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate tatami table experience or a front-row seat at the teppanyaki station, Arakawa delivers. Sophisticated but never stuffy, this is the kind of place that works for date night, group celebrations, or just a spontaneous treat-yourself moment. And while a trip to Japan might not be on the cards just yet, this is about as close as you’ll get, without the airfare.
Where: RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa
Phone: (07) 5597 8700
Website: Book today
Instagram: @racvroyalpines
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT
