Bonsoir madames and monsieurs..

Aaand we’ve reached the limit of our French capabilities. Where do we head to fulfil our French food fantasies when the cravings just won’t quit? Straight to the heart of Broadbeach to the crème de la crème of the Gold Coast’s culinary crop, Room81, bien sûr.

You already know the Sofitel Gold Coast’s impeccable reputation for all things indulgent, so naturally, its very own French gem Room81 is a love letter to the world capital of gourmet cuisine. Taking all those beloved flavours and textures of classic French recipes and putting their own contemporary twist for a magnifique gastronomic journey.

Stepping in to the space feels kind of like being invited to some kind of exclu culinary club, it’s cosy and intimate with just the right amount of elegance that gives you the heads up to prepare for an experience that’s a little bit spesh. Rich timbers and dark accents bring the mood, with the exposed beams that line the ceiling drawing your eye out to the alfresco dining space on the deck and street beyond. Bringing the ambience to offset all those dramatic finishes is the warm glow of the various lighting features incorporated throughout the room.

At the helm is head chef YK, who brings a whole lotta experience whipping up deliciousness at the likes of other local faves like Social Eating House + Bar. We were fortunate enough to win him over during a GC holiday a few years back (take that, Sydney), and well, we’ve been reaping the benefits ever since.

Since we can’t resist a cheeky name drop, after previously notching up some rather prolific names such as Quay Restaurant and The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida, YK felt it was officially time for him to set his sights on his dream to “work at a restaurant in a 5-star hotel” here on the Coast. Keen to continue the well-respected reputation Room81 was known for with a YK twist, giving it the “young and kute” treatment, as he calls it. He adds “Room81’s signature dishes are evolving and it will continue to change for giving our lovely guests having fun every time they visit.”

Currently, the menu showcases the signature blend of contemporary and classic Parisian flavours (and of course a painstakingly curated selection of French wines for the full authentic experience). Our tip would be to leave it in YK’s expert hands for the full experience and indulge in the Chef’s Tasting Menu, with a continuous serving of Shared Plates, and at $89pp it’s an irresistibly sweet deal. With a focus on seasonal and local produce, the Chefs offering changes accordingly – but expect to be wowed by dishes such as Tartare de boeuf – Wagyu with dijon, pickles, capers, horseradish, wagyu fat snow, milk skin and the signature Apple salad aka Salade de pommes with compressed apple, almond cream, basil oil, apple balsamic.

And if you’re suddenly in the mood for a fancy French feast, #same. But before you escar-go-t straight over and book yourself in for the full wining and dining treatment that’s a oui bit different in all the best ways, check out our 5 minutes with the man himself, YK.

5 MINUTES WITH CHEF YK

What inspired you to join Room81?
My dream since arriving on the Gold Coast was to work at an established restaurant in a five-star hotel, I knew of Room 81’s reputation from its many awards and through my network of foodies. As soon as I had started in conversation with Executive chef Steve Forrester and learning about his vision and passion for food, I knew I could make this a success, Chef Steve allows me to put my own signature on the food served in Room 81 but it’s also great that I can lean on him for the true French influence from his vast back ground. I’m really excited to work with my young team of chefs and font of house team to honour the Room 81 reputation.

How would you describe the culinary style or concept of Room81?
It’s an homage to French classics, being part of the Sofitel hotel, we try to use classical French techniques and luxury styling as the base, our food, cocktails and even service are young at the moment, since the whole Covid experience impacted many restaurants across the world we felt like we had the chance to start again, so the style and concept will evolve as we do.

How do you plan to give the menu the signature YK touch?
I call it Young and Kute, ha ha, after my name, which is all about being playful, using quality seasonal ingredients and making them shine using colour and multiple textures and techniques on each plate, you really have to try it.

Can you share any signature dishes or innovative menu items that customers can look forward to experiencing at Room81?
Room 81’s dishes are ever evolving, but we always have something for everyone, like our wagyu tartare with wagyu fat milk skin and our yummy version of smoked Tasmanian salmon French toast, sounds like breakfast, but it’s even better as dinner. We are always working with our suppliers to enhance our offering, this next month we have a partnership with Woombye cheese. Chef Steve and I are always looking at new products, but always bring out the classic luxury items like Lobster, caviar and Truffle.

Where: Sofitel Gold Coast, 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Tuesday to Saturday – 4pm to late

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

STORY SPONSORED BY SOFITEL GOLD COAST & ROOM81

If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.

There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

As it turns out the Gold Coast is quite the good-looking city. With all of our green mountains and beguiling beaches, you’d expect venues to be taking full advantage of the glorious vistas we have on show. And guess what — there certainly are!

We propose you consult our trusty list of scenic dining spots and feast your eyes upon some infinitely more inspiring and soul-fulfilling sights than the mountain of half-folded washing on your dining room table. Or is that just us? 

We’ve taken a good look around our city and put together a list of the very best places you can eat with your eyes.

La Luna
Oozing luxury at every turn, if it’s knockout views you seek, there’s a whole yacht to love about La Luna. Perch up and be mesmerised by all the Broadwater action passing you by as you treat the tastebuds to some top notch Mediterranean and Asian-fusion inspired eats – and soak up some world class marina vibes while do it. With a spot that just screams long lunch, tuck into ocean inspired delicacies like Moreton Bay bug rolls and Kingfish Ceviche and sip the afternoon away on the signature cocktail menu. Pinky popping and fanciest pants, optional.
Where: La Luna Beach Club, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Hyde Paradiso
A light and airy stunner studded with cascading greenery, spacious ceilings, and of course, uninterrupted views to the iconic shores of our very own glitter strip – Hyde Paradiso is oceanfront, Surfers Paradise dining at its finest. Start – or finish – your day by gazing out to the rolling surf, watching the world go by while you refuel with your choice of breakfast, brunch, lunch and/or dinner at this Euro-chic noshery. And if we *have* to choose, Kingfish Tacos and a Salted Coconut marg sounds like a particularly swell way to farewell the day, no?
Where: Hyde Paradiso, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
Nab yourself a spot on the deck and watch the water goers weaving throughout the canals (aka jetski’s absolutely carving up) as you ponder working your way through the dedicated marg list – perhaps Pineapple or Watermelon to start? Situated on the banks of the Nerang River, Surfers Pavilion is a particularly stunning spot for scenic dining and/or drinking, with a mix of small bites, share plates, seafood and burgers on offer. Grab some mates, chuck in a helping of Bug and Prawn Linguine or a Pav Parmy, and you’ve got yourself a party for the peepers and the tum.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Akoya
Gonna take a little more than some enchanting views to impress you? The Langham Gold Coast’s five-star stunner, Akoya, dishes up an elevated and extravagant experience from breakfast through dinner, daily. Come Friday and Saturday evenings, the seafood-centric menu becomes a full-blown buffet of ocean odysseys inspired by the breathtaking beachfront backdrop. All dished up with that specific, over-achieving brand of Langham indulgence, it’s safe to go ahead and consider those socks well and truly knocked off (we’ll spare you the butchered Berlin ‘Take my breath away’ power ballad rendition, though).
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Rick Shores
Excuse us while we don our Captain Obvious pants, but, no waterfront restaurant list worth its salt(water) would dare omit an icon like Rick Shores. Located mere footsteps from the sand and directly underneath The Tropic, this place is certainly not riding on the coattails of its incredible views – an esteemed foodie haven renowned for its equally stunning and inventive array of eats. Get your fix of sensational pan-Asian flavours flanked by panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can ‘sea’. Their share plate menu is filled with absolute taste sensations and the cocktails are always pure perfection. For us, it doesn’t get much better than dining (and drinking, obviously) at Rick Shores.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Tropic
It might be one of our worst kept secrets, but there’s no denying there’s something magic in the water at Burleigh – and who hasn’t spent many a weekend scrambling to get a slice of that sweet outlook out to the Surfers Paradise skyline? Capitalising on that million dollar view, The Tropic brings a whole new level of luxe to our long standing weekend hill chill pilgrimage, with a windswept, sun-kissed deck to throw down Freshly Shucked Oysters, King Prawn Pasta and vodka-infused Caviar bumps. With a view like this, it would be rude not to also oblige in sunset inspired sips, like the Lucy Lava, made with Malfy Blood Orange Gin, Spiced Rum, apricot and aromatic rosemary notes.

Come for the water views – stay for the… *insert absolutely any item from the menu, here*
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
Sitting right on the sand in one of our most sought-after suburbs, the vistas extend the entire coastline from Surfers to Tweed. Though more specifically, it’s the mouth-watering, modern pub-style fare and frosty bevvys they’re consistently churning out breakfast–dinner that makes this surf club gem both worth a mention and a visit. An old-faithful that’s always a sight for sore eyes.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Tommy’s Italian
The epitome of la dolce vita vibes – Tommy’s Italian in Currumbin has so much more going for it than incredible Italian eats, courtesy of some killer ocean views. Housed in the heritage ex Beach Shack Cafe site, its breezy beachside abode is a dreamy sun-drenched spot for lazy afternoons spent slurping down grilled seafood, woodfired pizzas and hand-crafted pasta. Two levels of absolute beachfront bliss are backed up by an enticing and extensive sip menu of shaken cocktails, wines, spritzes and jugs. A trip to Tommy’s truly is a treat for all the senses.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Kirra Beach House
With a whopping 1200 sqm of sweeping surf views, newcomer Kirra Beach House was not messing around when it came to capitalising on the suburb’s relatively untapped surf frontage. And the uninterrupted, panoramic ocean views are just the beginning – equipped with not one, but three bars, an oh-so instagrammable mix of indoor and cabana-studded alfresco spaces, and chic beach club vibes aplenty. The epitome of elevated seaside dining, the vaycay-inspired sips like the Champagne Piña colada and ‘Cancun’ spicy watermelon margarita are complemented by a Mediterranean-style grazing menu, purposefully crafted to share with your crew as the waves roll in and sun sinks low.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Siblings
Bringing a fresh face to the iconic Kirra Beach Pavilion with some slick 1950s Miami vibes, Siblings is another vantage-blessed stunner at which to simultaneously treat the eyes and the tastebuds with Modern Australian style eats, available anytime from lunch onwards. Those lucky enough to snag a waterfront table can soak up uninterrupted beach views flanked by swaying pandanus palms, and people watch to our heart’s content. Pineapple salsa studded Steak tacos and share platters of Moreton bay bugs & king prawns go down an absolute treat surrounded by the salty sea air, as do cocktails like the Sicilian Summer – a frosty concoction made with Mulberry gin sour… and, er, what were we saying again? We were momentarily distracted by… *gestures vaguely at entire menu and IRL Baywatch unfolding in front of our eyes*
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra

Cooly Breeze
Sitting pretty on the 13th floor of the Beachcomber International Resort, Cooly Breeze is our only fine dining restaurant that boasts unique views to the southern coastline and the Tweed River surrounds. Easily one of the southern GC’s best kept dining secrets, the hidden rooftop gem channels an intimate, Amalfi coast experience with moorish Mediterranean-inspired eats from a sky-high vantage hidden in plain sight. The cosy ambience and sweeping surf vista is coupled with a fresh menu, such as the Seared Scallops da Costa and an azure-toned Rainbow Martini as vibrant as the view. Plus, there’s always the chance to catch a spontaneous whale show during migration season. Neat, huh?
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With surf clubs calling dibs on some of the most epic beachfront real estate the GC has got to offer, it will come as no surprise to find another SLSC gracing this list. Looking for waterfront dining, served surf club style? Look no further than Greenmount Beach Surf Club, a laidback watering hole beloved for many reasons – including its breathtaking outlook. As you’d expect from a SLSC, this place is situated just metres from the sand so you can perch up and tuck into pub-style classics and watch all the action unfold on the beach below.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta