We love a suburb with a generous helping of things to do, eat and drink (not necessarily in that order) and thankfully, we are blessed with several such ‘burbs here on the Coast.

One note-worthy standout is the seaside sweetheart Nobby Beach. Whether you’re footloose and fancy-free, or heading out and about with the fam, there is much to love.

Let us share with you thirteen local haunts which have helped gain Nobbys such an unwavering – and ever-growing – staunch following.

Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar
She may have just opened, but Ruby is one helluva lady who’ll leave you 110% satisfied with every bite and sip. With restaurateur and chef extraordinaire Michael Lambie in the driver’s seat bringing his international culinary prowess to the table, you know you’re in for something uber spesh. Between the drool-worthy modern Asian cuisine menu and it-girl feels, it’s simply unmissable.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Zephyr Kitchen & Bar
Its casual yet sophisticated vibe, cool elegance and tropical feel make this newcomer a welcome addition and an instant hit amongst Nobby’s locals. With Mediterranean nosh and cocktails so good you’ll order way more than your PT would like (side note: try the Mushroom Truffle Arancini Balls and ALL the pizzas), if you haven’t already been, off you pop.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Tropic Vice
This place is a VIBE. The sun-lit rooftop is the perfect setting to sip on signature cocktails & graze on a unique “Florribean” inspired menu, combining flavours of the Caribbean and South America. Promising an ‘overseas’ experience with styling accents from Palm Springs, California, Miami and Florida, trust us – she delivers the goods. And a view!
Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Mexicali
You had us at Mexican. Find us a human who doesn’t appreciate a good Mexican feed and no, this is simply not possible. With eclectic art, vibes-a-plenty and all the quintessential modern Mexican foods you could hope for, this place is a sure thing. It’s laid-back atmosphere and super friendly staff add to its appeal, and any place that serves churros and cocktails can do no wrong.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Bine Bar & Dining
Let’s talk Bine. Specialising in craft beer and perfectly matched food, and…need we say more? With 8 rotating taps, a bunch of different bottled beers, a selection of wines and mouth-watering cocktail options matched with a modest yet v decadent menu, there are plenty of reasons to love it….and come back again and again.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach

Okazu
Now there’s a decent dose of Japanese going around our hood, but we can never get enough. Have any of these sushi bars or poke bowl dreamboats failed us? The answer is a hard no. Okazu is no exception, this convenient grab and go spot featuring Donburi, Okonomiyaki and Sushi Rolls is as fresh as it is delicious and it has us coming back every day.
Where: 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Rare Groove
If you’re talking a GC institution, this.is.it. Rare Groove buys, sells and trades records, tapes and CDs of all genres (tapes – eeee!). Step inside and you’re transported back in time with old-school band posters which we recognise from our bedroom wall circa 1999, and hundreds of albums to peruse. Warning: you may end up here for three times as long as you intended.
Where: 2241B Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

BSKT Cafe
Ahh BSKT, you are simply the gift that keeps on giving. With a menu that never disappoints and a cool, confident yet relaxed vibe reserved for enduring supernovas of this calibre, if you haven’t been here yet are you even a true Gold Coaster? Consistently voted one of the best tables in town, there is not a single dish that doesn’t hit a home run.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Nobbys

Nobbys Shack
If health food is your jam (sugar-free jam of course), one would hope you’ve cottoned on to The Shack Superfood Café and if not, it’s about time you convert. With tasty eco-friendly meals like smoothies, acai bowls and wraps in a breezy, non-pretentious environment, the brand spanking new version of the previous fave The Shack Superfood Café, lives up to its predecessor’s high standards…and then some.
Where: 2221 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

The Backyard Café
Although tears-a-flowed when Yard Café closed (RIP), the silver lining is that it was reborn as the new-you-beaut Backyard Café. Serving up scrummy brekkies and brunches, don’t even start us on the actual ‘backyard’ area (hot tip: kids will love it), or the after hours Tex Mex with a side of many margies!
Where: 17 Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach

Cambus Wallace
A nautical-themed rum and whisky bar delivering old school service and quality, it’s a long-standing crowd pleaser for good reason. The space is low-lit, close-knit and always pumping. Swing in for some delish share plates, a drink or two and soak up the intimate ambience. Add live music to the equation and voila – it’s a recipe for amazingness.
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

That mural
Speaking of Mexicali and epic art, a notorious and much-loved part of the Nobbys highway strip is the eye-catching mural adorning one side of the restaurant. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation and all its pinky bluey goodness has become a favourite Insta-snap opp. Say cheese…or churros!
Where: The north side of Mexicali (you won’t miss it)

SOMM Wine Store
Yeah we’ve talked a lot about foody joints (how unlike us – said no-one ever) but there is absolutely no denying that SOMM Wine store is a firm local favourite of the vino variety. Owned by husband and wife duo Joe and Natalie, their backstory is reflected in the carefully curated wines begging to occupy real estate at your next dinner party. Specialising in a boutique wineries, you’ll find a winner (or five) every visit.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

If you’ve ventured down Nobby’s way lately, particularly after dark, you’ll have no doubt noticed the new kid on the block absolutely teeming with revellers and serving up the type of good vibes only a Gold Coast rooftop bar can.

It’s called Split (as in the city in Croatia) and it’s an eclectic, art-filled masterpiece unlike anything the Gold Coast has seen before and if the first few weeks of its existence are anything to go by, it’s your new summer go-to for a fun time.

The design is the work of Jason Grant someone whose feel good, artistic flair you’ll have probably laid eyes on before. At Light Years in Burleigh Heads perhaps.

At Split he’s created something very unique, a design lovers dream come true with standout features like a black and white checked floor, a graffitied wall, beach ball-esque light fittings, vintage pool chairs and a mesh roof situation to allow all that summer sunshine (fingers crossed) to shine through.

It all comes together in a way we would never be able to pull off and you’re going to be absolutely delighted.

But what’s to eat you ask?

Well all things Mediterranean Gold Coasters, exactly how we like it.

To start you can choose from delights like Prawn & Squid Ink Arrancini, Squeaky Cheese with honey and thyme and Mama Filipovic’s Dusted Calamari to name a few.

From there you’ll choose dishes from the BBQ like Garlic and Rosemary Marinated Chicken and Pork Cevapi (a style of minced meat).

Everything comes with pink pickles, salsa verde, ajvar mayonnaise, shredded cabbage and flat bread.

There’s also an array of salads if you’re after something light.

To drink, the passionate-about-sips (same) team have come up with some goodies along the lines of a Split-ini with Fords gin, vermouth and rose petals, a Pink Jalapeno Herradura Margarita with Herradura Plata tequila, triple sec, lime, pineapple and jalapeno and an a sweet selection of Spritz’ like the Saint Split with 78 Degrees Better Gin, Limoncello, elderflower liqueur and the spritz part.

And that’s only a tiny portion of the epic cocktail menu. There are also plenty of beers, wines and mocktails should those be your thing.

That’s not all though y’all.

Beneath Split you’ll find Mali – owned by the same creative team and also boasting much tastiness.

Mali’s is a more vintage aesthetic with lounge chairs like Nanna used to own – probably still owns actually – frilly doilies and painted landscapes upon the walls.

The food menu there is the same as upstairs but the cocktail list boasts delicious sips like The Former Yugoslavian with Ink Gin, lime and rosemary and the Croatia Cult with tequila, Croatian plum liqueur, pineapple and jalapenos.

It’s a slightly more laidback vibe downstairs so you may choose your own adventure Gold Coasters.

All in all, a good time is guaranteed no matter which you choose and since it’s almost holiday time why don’t we have both.

Happy party season.

LOCATION: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
HOURS: 3pm until late Monday to Thursday and 12pm until late Friday to Sunday

Words by Kirra Smith. Images via Shot by Jackson

Everyone loves a bit of oceany goodness on their plates, do they not? Okay, maybe not everyone but WE DO, so here’s a tale of tasty feasts from the sea and the best local Gold Coast venues to enjoy them at.

If you’re in the market for a seafood extravaganza, here are 11 exceptional Gold Coast venues to hit up ASAP. 

Restaurants

Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
A stunning space overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Omeros Bros have been serving up the highest quality seafood for as long we can remember. If you’re a fan of all the ocean eats, grab yourself a platter and let the good times (and full bellies) roll. Next-level indeed.
Where: Shop 55/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Kiyomi
Part of The Star Gold Coast, Kiyomi is a stunning Japanese venue showcasing the highest quality seafood in an array of dishes you’ll probably never forget. Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima has received a prestigious Chef’s Hat, so you know you’re in for an absolute treat.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Terraces Restaurant
Located within the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort at Main Beach, Terraces is a much-loved seafood buffet (currently serving an ocean-to-plate dining experience) that’ll make your mouth water on sight. The produce is the freshest and tastiest and you can go back for seconds or thirds. It might be time to loosen that belt…
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

George’s Paragon
Every local knows, George’s Paragon is where it’s at when it comes to seafood on the Gold Coast. Their legendary and huge seafood platters include fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed oysters, barbequed bugs, barbequed prawns, garlic prawns AND battered prawns. The extensive Greek-inspired menu is perfectly complemented by the restaurants’ perfectly positioned location overlooking the marina at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 46 The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove

Moana Restaurant and Bar
Moana can be found at Capri on Via Roma serving up the freshest of seafood, all locally sourced and with a focus on the flavours of the Pacific Rim, and let us tell you, there is many a tasty morsel on the menu. The Tahi is made up of the fish of the day, juicy prawns, scallops, bugs on rice and white wine beurre blanc sauce. YUM.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Seascape Restaurant + Bar
Pop your fancy pants on and get up to Seascape Restaurant + Bar. Perched above the Surfers Paradise oceanfront, you’ll experience some of the most incredible seafood of your life. It’s locally sourced and mouth-watering the whole lot of it.
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Soul, Surfers Paradise 

Choofas Smokehouse and Seafood
At the southern end of the coast, you have the casual dining option of Choofas to satiate your need for all things seafood and delicious. The selection of seafood is huge meaning there is likely something for everyone. You also have the option to eat your prawns there or take them home with you to enjoy at your leisure. With a well-stocked bar full of drinks to boot, this Coolangatta gem is a seafood lover’s dream come true.
Where:  150 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Rick Shores
I’m not sure we have to say much more here than… Bug Roll. Rick Shores famed the Moreton Bay Bug Roll with Sriracha, Bug Mayonnaise and Gem Lettuce. It may only seem like a few ingredients but it’s mighty big on flavour and reputation. Yes, every dish on the menu is top-notch and the magical view adorns many an Instagram account… but people, Bug Roll!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Takeaway

Charis Seafoods
The biggest seafood retailer in Queensland, Charis Seafoods has been supplying the freshest of foods to hungry locals for quite some time. Whether you arrive by boat and just want some freshly cooked fish & chips or you’re in the market for some fresh prawns, everything here is the goods, so feast to your little hearts’ content.
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador 

Two Wise Fish
Being hungry + craving seafood = two deciding factors to take you to Two Wise Fish. It can be found in Mermaid Waters and is up there with some of the best takeaways we’ve ever sampled. Get the seafood basket, and maybe some fresh fish for you to take home and throw on the barbeque?
Where: Shop 1/64 Karbunya Street, Mermaid Waters

The Jolly Roger
If healthy fish and chips are something you’d like to sample, look no further. The Jolly Roger offers Keto fish and chips and it’s all very delicious. The crumbs are made from an almond meal as opposed to flour and there’s also the healthier option of zucchini chips. YUM. Oh, and there’s beer on tap to sip while you’re waiting too.
Where: 3/110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson.