Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is sssmokin’.
Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is sssmokin’.
There are few scents so instantaneously mesmerising that they can stop you dead in your tracks – but the aroma of charcoal-cooked fare sizzling away on the open coals is absolutely up there with the best of them.
If sudden hunger pangs have struck as the distinct hint of char fills the air around Robina of late, chances are you’ve caught the aroma of their new resident skewer-slinger, Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori.
The brainchild of husband and wife duo, owner Harper Sun says Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is their answer to the locale’s somewhat lacking late night offering, noting that tasty fare can be hard to track down in Robina after 8pm.
Marrying authentic Japanese methods with Western influences – the new Asian fusion haunt brings glistening bowls of Ramen, Sashimi, and the requisite assortment of juicy skewers – threaded with tantalising combos like M8–M9 Wagyu and lychee before being given the Binchotan charcoal grill treatment.
Traditional Binchotan, a Japanese white charcoal coveted for its smokeless and long-burning properties, is widely accepted as the secret to what makes the flavours of live-fire Yakitori methods just so special. So basically, if you’re craving juicy morsels charred and caramelised to perfection (and when are we not) Binchotan’s the best, chuck out the rest.
Of course, hankerings of the grill variety are not the only ones Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is now handling. The cosy 50 pax venue, which joins the smattering of fast-food style eateries fronting Robina Town Centre Drive, also boasts a curated array of Japanese-style sips alongside the specialty eats.
To wash it all down, bespoke beverage list includes a some of the finest brews from across the Pacific on tap, yuzu and peach infused Sake and a curated Japanese Whisky selection.
The good vibes are also flowing plentifully at Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori, whose inviting interior proudly showcases furniture and hand-crafted wine racks, repurposed from recycled timber. With the focus on natural materials carried throughout, this friendly neighbourhood nosher really is embracing its wabi-sabi era. Adding to its warmth, wood surfaces are complemented by floaty fabric canopies suspended from the ceiling, while the softly-lit paper lantern pendants infuse the space with ambience a’plenty.
An exciting addition to Robina’s eats scene, the charming and top notch Yakitori spot is impressive, but not surprising when you consider the duo’s credentials. Together with the biz-smarts of her other half, who formerly owned several venues abroad, Harper, a Commercial Cookery graduate, is currently also furthering her studies in hospitality. So, these guys are certainly no stranger to slinging tasty eats – and it shows.
On the menu, smoky and succulent grill-kissed skewers of Pork belly & prawn and Garlic soy sauce spiked Scallops mingle with mouthwatering cuts of marbled Waygu. For those feeling daring, there are also some often overlooked culinary deep cuts to be discovered, such as the Chicken diaphragm, tail, and tender oysters, plus classics like wings and thighs.
To complement the seared selection, comforting helpings of 10-hour slow-simmered Ramen, served with rich slices of Pork char siu will certainly be high on rotation with the return of the cooler months.
Whatever you opt for, pair it with a pint of frosty Asahi and you’re golden! Kanpai!
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
When: 5:30–9 pm, daily
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a username belonging to some rando causing a ruckus in the comment section? No, it’s Hwaro92 – a brand new, Korean BBQ flavour sensation – the latest to join Robina Town Centre’s ranks amid its elevated The Kitchens precinct.
Serving authentic flavours designed to transport you to the streets of Seoul, Hwaro92 delivers the traditional, Korean style of barbecue. A hands-on – and addictive – experience, where, with your choice of high-quality cuts at the ready, you converge with your crew around a glowing grill to char your mouth-watering selections to perfection (and attempt to keep the salivation levels in check).
Also known as “Gogi-gui”, the classic Korean method of cooking is complemented by a selection of specialty dishes from the kitchen such as tender and sweet beef Bulgogi Bibimbap, Kimchi Fried Rice and Spicy Soft Tofu Soup. So, yep, there’s plenty worth getting fired up over, here folks.
And if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to take food to a whole new level of delectable, it’s some smoky, barbecue goodness. Sear-iously – we challenge you to come up with even one ingredient that doesn’t benefit from being slapped across smoking hot grill.
So, whether you’re an old hand at the art of self-seared, melt-in-your-mouth meats, or totally new to the tantalising wonders of Korean fare, Hwaro92 should have the ‘ole tastebud alarms well and truly sounding.
Owner Allan Park can certainly stand the heat in this kitchen – his experience doling out East Asian eats already extends to two venues, including Chermside’s Bulgogi Bros. A grill-focused venture has been a long-term goal driven by Allan’s enthusiasm for carnivorous eats, ‘I love to handle and eat meats’ – and hey, who doesn’t – adding, ‘I’m always buying big cuts of meat… trimming and boning it to get a better cut and different texture’.
Of course, at a venue like Hwaro92 it’s the kitchen crew doing all the heavy lifting – so we can swan in and take all the grill glory, Steven Bradbury style. Enlisting the expert skills of Sangbong Seo, a gun, Korean culinary graduate head chef with whom Allan shares a lengthy hospo history. Diners are in excellent hands here.
With a fit-out flanked by the ubiquitous sight of grill-adorned tables throughout, the roomy 80 seater is more than equipped to handle the onslaught of flame-licked fare fans. Bedecked in classic black marble and oak finishes, the space – delivered by Yura Choi and Yoon Kang – also includes a 12 pax private area for those looking to gather a group for a delicious, grill-studded celebration.
So whatddya say, Gold Coast? Time to get in on some mouth-wateringly good GIY (grill it yourself) action? We thought so.
Whether you’re not yet familiar with the flame-kissed wonders of Korean BBQ or a keen connoisseur of the trademark, melt-in-your-mouth marinated meats – it’s high time we all met Hwaro92.
Where: T5037/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
When: Daily, 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Instagram: @hwaro92_robina
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
From sizzling, hibachi-style bulgogi beef (served straight from the grill #drool), to sticky and Crispy Fried Chicken as-if teleported straight from the streets of Seoul – lately it seems Gold Coasters can’t get enough of the lip-smacking flavours of Korea. Which is why you’ll be extra delighted to join us in giving a very (spicy kimchi-sized) warm welcome to ATTO Korean Cuisine, the new elevated East Asian eats darling for Chirn Park.
Lucky duck northern residents can officially tuck into banchan specialties of House kimchi, served alongside sensational mains such as Kohlrabi-infused kingfish sashimi and Char-grilled baby snapper served with ginger and fermented chilli… before finishing the delectable experience with Mango Bingsu, a traditional dessert served with lashings of Dulce de Leche.
Offering a modern showcase of Korean cuisine, ATTO’s elegant approach to the cuisine is one our foodie scene has been crying out for. Hot on the heels of Pac Fair’s NeNe Chicken and the arrival of Robina’s new KBBQ haunt, Hwaro92 – ATTO’s addition to our roster rounds out a rather delectable trifecta of Korean-style noshers we’ve scored of late. There’s absolutely no denying the cuisine is currently having its moment in the sun – and who among us isn’t here for the GC officially entering its Korean eats era?
While Chirn Park’s latest addition is a particular triumph for owner Yongsul Lee, the road to seeing his long-held dream realised hasn’t always been a ‘wok’ in the park. But with dishes like the katsu prawn stuffed Atto prawn burger to wrap the laughing gear around, we can all agree it is one worth celebrating (several times over).
Showcasing exceptional eats from his homeland Monday–Saturday, ATTO Korean Cuisine aims to marry traditional, cornerstone dishes of Yongsul’s childhood, with contemporary takes ‘that everyone can enjoy easily and deliciously’.
Yongsul, a civil engineer in a past life, has certainly never been one to shy away from a challenge – making the mammoth move across the Pacific to Sydney some 20 years ago. Rather serendipitously for Yongsul (and now our tums) it was this sea change of epic proportions that uncovered his love of food, after getting his start down south as a kitchen hand.
Working his way up the ranks in the decades that followed, Yongsul worked in respected kitchens across the country from Spice Temple (Sydney) to local darlings like Etsu, where he was Head Chef and Rick Shores, where he was Sous Chef.
For his restaurant debut, Yongsul opted to set up shop in Chirn Park’s up-and-coming eats scene – charmed by the locale’s chic yet cosy atmosphere. Joining the community’s small but mighty culinary cohort – Atto shares a ‘hood with two of 2023’s stellar additions, Walk-ins Welcome and our new fave cheesecake purveyor, Basque.
Yongsul’s long held dream to deliver a modern Korean establishment has come to life in the funky, 40-pax warehouse-vibing venue, tucked off the suburb’s Brooke Ave stretch. Surrounded in moody greys, the space packs in a surprising amount of warmth – from the eclectic furnishings to homely touches like the traditional Korean folk paintings adorning the walls.
The proof of course, is in the pudding, with a menu where mouth-watering signatures like the LA Galbi – a Hibachi grilled Black Angus beef short rib, served with spring onion salad and spicy ssamjang sauce, mingle with mains like the Bossam, a sticky-soy Braised Pork Belly.
So really, the only question here should be, not if (or even when) – but how soon you can swing by and say “annyeong” (or hello, works too) to ATTO. Our recommendation would be to go ahead and skip the socks though, because they’re bound to be knocked off anyway.
Where: Shop1/55 Brooke Ave, Southport
When: Monday-Wednesday 5pm-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:30am-2:30pm and 5pm-9:30pm.
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
If there’s one place on the Gold Coast where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, do some srsly cool stuff, and wander amongst stunning natural parklands, it’s Robina. There’s also a hospital, a train station and a sports stadium, one of which is exciting enough to make our list (hint; it’s not the hospital or the train station).
In honour of this central GC gem, we’ve compiled a list of 14 reasons why Robina peeps love their ‘burb, and why wider GC locals travel en masse to experience all it has to offer.
Pasta Emporium
With their Euro background and extensive experience in the food industry, mum and daughter duo Natalie and Sonia have created an artisan pasta boutique store like no other. Made with a high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B and also digestion friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of nasty-free slow cooked sauces. The.Best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
Palmer Golf Course
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this uniquely designed course is in the top 30 resort courses in the country #noice. A 6078-meter, 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course (Aust Course Rating 72) designed by the Marsh / Watson team, its rolling fairways, manicured greens, towering eucalyptus and natural water course make it a local and visitor fave.
Where: Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Zone Bowling / Timezone
This dual-branded entertainment venue is an uber-exciting entertainment experience, combining Zone Bowling and Timezone in one renovated super space. Perfect for a birthday of any vintage and for corporate functions, you’ll find ten pin bowling, the latest arcade games, a laser tag arena with a ‘futurism/apocalyptic robots’ theme, and super fun spin zone bumper cars (coming later this year). Just yay!!!
Where: Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
My French Pastries
A venue called My French Pastries needs no introduction but since it’s amongst the cream of the crop here on the GC, we’ll give them one anyway. Jen and Antonio Marchesi have created something really spesh with French pastries made from scratch. Think key lime Chantilly, lemon meringue, blueberry and chocolate tarts, and if you’re not salivating, you must be unwell. A special shout-out must go to the scrumptious savoury goodies, providing a well-rounded experience for your tastebuds.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Eddy + Wolff
The trendiest of the Robina bunch, Eddy + Wolff opened in early 2019 bringing exceptional, modern Asian eats to the people. It’s a sleek, 22-seat venue serving up ten-outta-ten eats, just like it’s northern brother from the same mother, Can Tho Kitchen at Runaway Bay. The menu features BBQ-style dishes, snacks, larger plates and sides, all of which are designed to share and hail from Thao and Vien’s home country of Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea to name a few. The drinks list is tight and perfectly curated to match the food with an unmissable lemon sake. An absolute fave.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina
The Kitchens
Fact; foodie marketplace-style situations are one of life’s greatest gifts. The Kitchens is precisely that, with an array of exceptional venues all in the one beautifully appointed area. Think tasty teppanyaki, big ‘ole burgers, a vegan foodie venue and even a craft beer bar offering delicious eats to name a few. There is more choice here than you can poke a stick at and bonus; it’s attached to one of the region’s best shopping centres #UnicornsDoExist.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
El Camino Cantina
A good time Mexi-joint at Robina Town Centre, what’s not to love? Rocking one of the most colour-filled interiors you ever did see, a menu packed with family-friendly Mex-cellent eats, and frozen margaritas, it’s love at first sight/bite/sip. The legendary venue is one of seven Queensland restaurants, synonymous with funky neon signage, sweet sombreros, and an all-round winning ambience. Gather the crew and get on it.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
CBUS Super Stadium
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
Robina Pavilion
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Robina Parkway Dog Park
Obviously one for the locals with hairy mates but if you live further afield and have a furry friend in tow, we highly recommend. There are all kinds of fun things for your doggo to explore including tunnels and hurdles, and they’re bound to make a new buddy or two in the process. If you don’t have a pooch, get down there anyway and score free pats a-plenty #GoodForTheSoul.
Where: Lot 21, Robina Parkway, Robina
Parkway Coffee
Ahh Parkway Coffee how we love thee and your equally irresistible sibling Third Base in Palmy. Like its southern sister, this Robina crowd pleaser offers similar laidback community vibes, and also serves up the same level of tasty brunch eats. Their Reuban Toastie with beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, and thousand island dressing on golden toasted sourdough is the perf example of Parkway’s culinary prowess. Pair your feed with some quality time in the garden…and day made.
Where: Robina Quays, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Cheltenham Park
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
The Sporting Globe
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Alpine Indoor Climbing
Robina’s state-of-the-art climbing centre is positively R.A.D if you’re somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for a new sporty-spice-esk challenge. Alpine Indoor Climbing is a favourite amongst both professional and beginner climbers (including those lacking in coordination, AKA us). There are varying levels of challenges and you can go across, straight up, or anyway you like really, and there are cushioned pads underneath should you lose your grip. Good times.
Where: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Words by Bianca Trathen.
