It’s been a minute since we brought news from Broadbeach but what we have to share today will make up for that. You guessed it Gold Coasters, it’s a new eatery for the bustling suburb but not just any old eatery. It’s a sophisticated stunner that’s already amassed a horde of fans and you’re going to be one of them the minute you lay eyes on the place.

It’s called Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and it’s the work of Henry Hunt whose foray into the restaurant owning business is an impressive one and we think you’re going to adore it as much as we do.

His hospitality rap sheet is filled with some of Sydney’s finest and when it came to creating the newbie, he wanted to offer something truly unique (which he has) where absolutely everything is made in-house.

Found at The Oasis Shopping Centre, where Bloke in a Bar once lived, Sofia’s is the epitome of sophistication fit out with fresh coastal whites, exposed brick and glossy black tiles. It’s an entirely outdoor dining situation (undercover) but with an open kitchen and beautifully appointed bar, you won’t be far from the action.

Let’s talk about the best part though and that friends, is the food. Former Head Chef of award winning The Fish House in Burleigh Heads, Damien Styles, is now the Head Chef at Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar in Broadbeach. Drawing on flavours from coastal European cuisine, Sofia’s is serving simple, fresh seafood and salumi.

Dishes like Grilled Marinated Artichokes, Fresh Figs and Vincotto and Kingfish Crudo with Blood Orange dressing grace the share menu and we can confirm that it’s all absolutely exceptional.

The Cheese and Salumi menu allows you to choose from an extensive range of high end goodies, there’s also fresh oysters, stunning pasta dishes and a mains menu filled with treats like Grilled Mooloolaba King Prawns (some the most incredible we’ve ever sampled) and a 700g Grilled Whole Baby Snapper.

To drink, you’ll have the pleasure of choosing from a VERY impressive wine menu (one of the best in Broady we think!) with drops from across the world. There are cocktails like a Sgroppino Italiana, a Limoncello Pisco Sour and a Barrell Aged Negroni (made in house) and you’ll be hard pressed to choose just one.

Of course there are beers, champagnes and a section of ‘celebration’ sips if you’re in need of something special.

All in all, Sofia’s is something very special and one you’re going to want to return to again and again.

See, well worth the wait for some Broadbeach news.

LOCATION: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: Monday to Sunday 6am until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

There aren’t many things that are the first of their kind on the Gold Coast these days, particularly when it comes to eateries.

The one thing we absolutely didn’t have but absolutely did need was a dedicated gnoccheria but as they say, good things come to those who wait and here we are to discuss exactly that.

It’s called Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers and it comes to us from Brisbane where it is an extremely popular eatery dedicated entirely to (you guessed it) gnocchi.

Starting as a market stall it was the first of its kind in Australia and there are now two venues in Brisbane plus one for us, which opened recently in Southport.

The idea was to create fresh, handmade gnocchi using the finest fresh local produce, to create delicious light and fluffy potato gnocchi and quality traditional sauces cooked using ‘old school’ methods following secret family recipes. How good.

And that is indeed what you can expect at the newbie, found at Smith Collective in Southport. It’s an intimate space with an open kitchen (for catching all the delicious pasta scents), bench-seating overlooking the street and a few booths and tables if you’re going with the gang. It’s a bright, welcoming space perfect for spending a bit of time consuming all of the delicious dishes you can possibly fit in.

Which brings us to the menu.

To start there are small dishes along the lines of gourmet olives, vegetable chips, truffled salted chips with aioli, calamari and Italian Mopping Bread which is both the best name for a dish ever and designed to ensure you don’t waste a drop of the sauce that comes on your gnocchi. Italians are so smart.

For mains there are six types of gnocchi including Traditional Beef Bolognaise, Creamy Basil Pesto, Wild Mushroom and Truffle, Pork and Fennel Italian Sausage, Creamy Lobster and Barramundi and Spicy Cherry Tomato and Black Olive and let us tell you, they all taste (and smell) like they were imported directly from heaven.

Try every single one.

Dessert-wise there is Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli, Nonna’s Lemon Cake, Classic Italian Tiramisu and Panna Cotta with Raspberry or Passionfruit dressing.

To drink there are Italian beers, wines and cocktails and after dinner digestifs and all of those are an absolute delight obviously.

So, if Italian food is the love of your life (same) don’t miss out on this tasty treat. It’ll gnocchi your socks off. Sorry but it will.

LOCATION: Smith Collective, Nexus Way, Southport
HOURS: 12pm until 9.30pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith