An exceptional new, modern-Asian eatery for Robina.
An exceptional new, modern-Asian eatery for Robina.
They say good things come to those who wait and that certainly seems to be the case for the good people of Robina who have (probably) been waiting quite some time for an eatery of newbie Eddy +Wolff’s calibre.
The not-quite-open space has been the talk of the town for the last couple of months with owners Thao and Vien Nguyen (of Can Tho Kitchen fame) keeping tight-lipped on the location and style of venue. But it’s a secret no more with the intimate eatery set to open on Wednesday March 27th and here’s the low down for your learning pleasure.
You’ll find Eddy + Wolff in the midst of bustling Robina, just slightly out of the way and bringing all your Asian food dreams to life. The space, a former Laundromat, has been absolutely transformed into a chic, 22-seat venue with a curved, polished concrete ceiling, a neon sign reading ‘I love drinking beer’ (written in Chinese Mandarin, which is amazing) and a pink velvet corner bench seat we would give up everything we own for.
You can perch up at the bar, with iron shelves holding many a bottle of delightful spirits hanging overhead or, at said pink velvet couch underneath the front window. It’s all very edgy and understated and, to be honest, one of the most beautiful fitouts we’ve come across in our local travels.
Having taken over and transformed Can Tho Kitchen (from Thao’s Mum) in 2014, the pair were keen to create something quite different for the Coast. Eddy + Wolff is a combination of their travels throughout Asia and, a trip to sample many a Melbourne eatery, and it is indeed unlike anything else around these parts.
The menu is made up of BBQ-style dishes, snacks, bigger 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.
Don’t go past the Vietnamese-style Pork Collar, Korean BBQ Quail (with a bit of a spicy kick) and the Isaan Tofu Salad with Kaffir lime and sweet and sour caramel. All absolute taste sensations.
The wine list is tight, curated to match the menu perfectly and featuring a select few Canberra beauties because Canberra, friends, is the city where the couple met and Eddy and Wolff are the streets they lived on at that time.
There are just four cocktails on offer and we highly recommend Peace to the East with Jinzu gin, maraschino liqueur, Yuzu lime juice and cucumber. Fresh and zesty.
All your favourite Asian beers, and a few local ones, are on offer too and a very tasty Lychee cider that can’t be found anywhere else locally. YUM.
As always, you may choose your own adventure in the dish department or go with The Lucky Eight set menu ($40 for lunch and $45 for dinner), which is made up of two dishes from each section of the menu – BBQ, snacks, a bit bigger and side dishes. Such good value.
Oh and, quite the fans of meaningful little touches everywhere, the team have created a sweet menu that features both an illustrated cityscape of the spots they’ve travelled and also little speech bubbles with words like ‘love’, ‘tradition’, BBQ, and ‘spicy’ in many languages, dotted throughout.
So you see, good things really do come to those who wait. We’ll be in Robina if you need us.
LOCATION: 12-217/219 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
HOURS: Wednesday 5pm until 10pm, Thursday to Saturday 12pm until 2pm and 5pm until 10pm and Sunday 12pm until 2pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
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.
In happy news for the good people of Mermaid Beach (and the rest of us quite frankly) L’Viet Palais quietly swung open its doors a few short weeks ago, bringing authentic Vietnamese food that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.
Found on the highway next door to Mermaid institution bike central, the spacious venue is beautifully decked out with deep burgundy walls, giant, golden laughing Buddha’s and intricate chandeliers. On one wall, an artistic piece made of thick rope and artfully placed wine bottles steals the show.
The menu is perfectly authentic, filled with dishes you’d find in restaurants across the entirety of Vietnam.
While the whole thing represents all the rich flavours and mouth-watering combinations we love about Asian food, allow us to highlight a few that will ensure this place becomes your new fave quick smart.
To start, the Chim Cut Nuong XA OT is grilled quails in herbs and spices served with fresh lemon and white pepper dipping sauce and it is heavenly and then some.
Obviously get yourself several mains and make sure one of them is Thit Kho Trung – simmered chunky pork in young coconut juice, chilli, eggs and with steamed veggies.
If tasty salads are your thing, go the Goi Tom Ngo Sen which is lotus roots, king prawns, red onion, celery, carrot, mint, chilli, roasted peanuts, fried shallots and coriander.
ALSO. There’s a fun time in the way of wrapping your own rice paper rolls. Choose from two filling options and let your fingers do the talking. Or something.
An extensive wine list, including many a French option (of course) is the perfect addition to a menu filled with many dishes we’re willing to bet you’ve never heard of, let alone sampled.
As if that’s not enough, there is also the option of fried ice cream to fill your dessert stomach and don’t even start with your “but how can ice cream be fried”. It just is and it’s also just delicious okay.
Owners Josh and Tina, who clearly know their stuff having relocated to our shores from Vietnam recently, are a delightful pair and their restaurant is a mighty fine addition to the Mermaid Beach foodie scene so get in there and show them a little lovin’.
As they say at L’Viet Palais, good food is good mood.
LOCATION: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: Open Wednesday to Monday 11am to 3pm and 5pm until late
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Pho is, without a doubt, one of the tastiest of all the soupy dishes and since it’s getting colder, we are craving us some steamy, warming-from-the-inside-out goodness.
Luckily, on the Gold Coast, there are a few spots you can grab yourself some of the very best Pho there is.
From north to south, here they are.
Can Tho Kitchen
This Runaway Bay eatery can go toe-to-toe with some of the more luxurious asian restaurants when it comes to flavour, but as far as cost, its nearly half the price. It’s a pretty cool spot and fills up, so you may wanna make a reservation to get yo Pho on.
Where: 5/465 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay
New Saigon Restaurant
A local’s favourite, their loyal customers have been raving about the Pho at New Saigon for years. It’s a no frills little space next to the fire station but their food is unforgettable and you should absolutely get there ASAP.
Where: 2798 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Eddy + Wolff
The little Robina sister of Can Tho Kitchen is Eddy + Wolff, tucked away in suburbia offering some of the very best Asian eats around. Of course, their Pho is next-level, the baby dish of Can Tho’s famous one and it’ll warm you all the way to your bones.
Where: 12/217 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Aprés Surf
Known for their ‘deal of the day’ promotions, on Wednesday’s the guys at Aprés Surf whip up a batch of PHO that’s so good, if you didn’t know any better you would swear they had an old Vietnamese lady in the kitchen. At only $10 a bowl these soup slingers are treating our tummies and our wallets.
Where: 2376 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
My Saigon Tuckshop
One of Burleigh’s many hidden gems, this dynamite traditional Vietnamese Pho spot off of Taree St. serves up a mean bowl of Pho. Every dish is made to order, which makes it well worth the drive to industrial Burleigh. There are a few tables, but it’s better suited for grab and go. Eat it at home where pants are optional.
Where: 1/45 Taree Street Burleigh Heads
Words by Kirra Smith
