It’s the end of an era for The Polish Place.
It’s the end of an era for The Polish Place.
We relish our official status as bringers of only the very best #breakingbrews about all things eats and sips on the Gold Coast, but today is a very bittersweet day indeed as we gear up to bid adios to a long standing and much loved fixture on the GC.
A true Gold Coast and Tamborine institution, The Polish Place has long been source of merriment and fond mems after dishing up their signature Polish fare for 40 years, officially announcing their difficult decision to close their restaurant doors this September.
The family-owned business began their impressive legacy as a coffee shop in 1983 and quickly expanded to a Polish restaurant, with 5 self-contained Cottages and Gallery. With the restaurant and adjoining accommodation being built from the ground up by owners Phil and Ania Sowter all those years ago.
“Everyone has a story about The Polish Place – whether they enjoyed a Polish meal and vodka, whilst taking in our views, sunsets and birdlife. More importantly, they experienced a little bit of Poland in Australia” said the family.
In spite of a devastating fire that destroyed their iconic location in 2016, the venue managed bounce back even better than ever, adding “with the local community support we were able to rebuild, and reopen the restaurant.”
Going on to welcome thousands of guests and employing over 400 local staff during it’s incredible innings, the beloved establishment was also humbled to receive many awards over their time including a hat trick as recipients of the ‘Best European Restaurant’ award 3 years running by the Restaurant & Caterer’s Association.
While the news might be harder to swallow than a shot of cheap vodka, we are in fact comforted (literally) by the fact their accommodation remains open, with the charming European-style chalets ready as ever to offer up the mountainside R&R we know and love. Boasting 180 degree views to the west, the cottages offer idyllic views of the Scenic Rim which can be enjoyed from a private balcony and double sized spa (in your lounge room, no less).
All good things must eventually come to an end – and while we could never get enough of their famous Roast Duck and cherries for two, the next few weeks at least offers on last chance to have a red hot crack at getting our fill of top notch Polish nosh. A last hurrah for all the traditional faves, it’s only fitting to go all out on the Bigos (sauerkraut), Polish sausage, and Pierogi aplenty while we still can.
Last drinks have officially been called for September 4, a monumental and bittersweet milestone for the venue, marking exactly 40 years to the day to the day since The Polish Place first opened its doors.
Na zdrowie to you, The Polish Place. It may be farewell to your delicious food, but not goodbye to your fabulous hospitality.
Winter is officially here on the Gold Coast and baby it’s cold outside. When the temperature drops for that hot minute you bet we’re making the most of soaking up the winter vibes, and nothing says winter like cosying up by the fireplace with a glass of red and some of the best food the Gold Coast has on offer. We’ve found the best Gold Coast restaurants with roaring fireplaces so you don’t have to try and flex your fire making skills at home – you’re welcome.
Miss Moneypenny’s
The swankiest fireplace to be found in and around the central Gold Coast belongs to this Broadbeach fine dining favourite. The beautiful decor by renowned designer Paul Kelly Design is an Instagrammer’s dream, but while there is plenty for your eyes to feast upon, the grand-looking fireplace is the real treat here. Treat yourself to any one of their lavish cocktails, or for an authentic winter’s evening experience, grab a whiskey and submerge yourself in a velvet chair stat.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Polish Place
The beloved Polish Place at Mount Tamborine not too long ago got completely rebuilt from the ground up following a devastating tragedy. And we couldn’t be more glad that owners Phil & Ania were unequivocally committed to bringing back the best Polish food and hospitality around. The beautifully restored fireplace sits pride of place in their dining room, essentially there to warm your soul while you devour the eats and take in the spectacular view.
Where: 333 Main Western Road, Mount Tamborine
Woodchoppers Inn
We love a good old pub with a bit of charm, and with some of the best wood-fired BBQ meats around, this one is always on our repeat hit list. But why keep the wood fire in the kitchen? This modest family business has since 1995 been serving up all the wood-fired meats, craft beers and wine, right next to a big open fireplace, of course. That is if you can claim a seat beside it!
Where: 64 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
D’Arcy Arms
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub has been serving hearty Irish meals for over 30 years — a testament to their popularity amongst tourists and locals alike. While our winters are just a tad warmer than Ireland’s — ok, a lot warmer — we are still thankful they decided to bestow upon us a crackling, open fireplace to gather around over a Guinness or three. Take full advantage of their fireplace and book your Christmas in July for the full Euro-winter effect. We promise a fireside meal at D’Arcy Arms will soften the blow of missing out on that Euro trip.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
The Wine Barrel
It must be said, nothing else makes you feel as warm and fuzzy inside as a glass of wine next to an open fire, meaning The Wine Barrel in Mudgeeraba has seriously got its priorities in order. This tapas and wine bar is a family-owned and run hidden treasure, featuring some of the best tapas and share platters the Gold Coast has seen. So, grab a couple of mates and proceed to devour serious eats, next to the fireplace naturally…
Where: 8/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
The Fireplace
Ok, this one is in the name. Still, the fine-looking InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is home to a restaurant rightly named The Fireplace, and yes, you guessed it: it does indeed have an impressive fireplace within the dining room that is also used for cooking. But don’t just go for the roaring embers; the menu features locally sourced cuisine, a 300-strong wine library and a delightful wine-matched degustation. This is serious date night material, maybe even staying overnight wouldn’t be the worst idea you’ve ever had! There’s even a second fireplace located in the foyer at the Verandah Restaurant and Bar that you can cosy on up to with one of their 50 whiskies.
Where: Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Wolf Restaurant
Just in case you needed another reason to make your way up to Mount Tamborine, the newest kid on the block Wolf is bringing big flavour to bite size. Fine dining meets the relaxed mountain vibe you know and love, Wolf’s menu of seriously aesthetic dishes are begging to be ‘grammed. The cosy meets contemporary space fills with natural light, highlighting the showstopping stone-clad fireplace that takes up residence in the heart of the restaurant. There’s a reason locals are a big fan of this place, so don’t mind us while we plan a day trip up the Mountain pronto.
Where: 13 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
Panchos
It’s a Gold Coast institution for good reason, nestled in Mudgeeraba is the colourful ‘roadhouse’ style Mexican joint Panchos. It’s been lovingly restored to its former glory by local couple Lachlan and Maddie (the geniuses who brought us Suzy BBQ and TOKOH), holding onto the iconic 80’s character but dishing up a 2023-approved Mexican feast. We’ve pretty much never met a margarita we didn’t like, but something about them tastes even better when there’s a roaring fireplace and live music to keep you snug and beat the Hinterland chill.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba
Pasture & Co
If you haven’t been to Pasture & Co have you really been to Currumbin Valley? Local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients are the heroes on Pasture & Co’s menu, and it quite literally caters to everyone (and we mean EVERYONE’s) dietary preferences and cravings. Wholefoods are a hero but if you know a thing or two about coffee, the organic fair-trade brew will blow even the biggest coffee snob away.
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
Shiraz Persian Restaurant
It might be in the heart of Surfers Paradise, but that doesn’t mean they’ve compromised on comfort and cosiness. Enjoy your dinner or date night out in the lantern lit courtyard or sneak a spot inside by the fireplace, either way the home of refined Persian food might just be one of our favourite Middle Eastern restaurants on the Gold Coast (big call, we know),
Nothing says winter warmer like authentic Persian food, and Shiraz celebrates its roots with authentic and flavour rich entrees and mains. The menu has a little something for everyone from traditional skewers to the richest slow cooked stews, as well as a generous range of vegetarian options. We’re all about warming up from the inside out.
Where: Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
