The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…

Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!

Terraces Restaurant
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Harvest Buffet
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

Horizon Sky Dining
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Il Barocco
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet — which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast and dinner daily.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Frenzy’s Food Court
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport

Skypoint Breakfast Buffet
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Shoreline Restaurant
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5pm to 8pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Cove Cafe
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet.  Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Akoya
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Friday and Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Waves Buffet Restaurant
Described as THE place for people who love buffets, it simply had to make the list! Enjoy eggs cooked the way you like them (#AllTheWaysThanks), seafood-a-plenty (our pick: whole prawns and rock oysters on the shell), plus platters overflowing with tropical fruit. Plus there are Asian, Indian and Mediterranean dishes, seasonal options, and holy happy kids Batman, a dessert bar. Combining fresh eats for a mix of healthy and hearty, it’s perfect for a special occasion or just because. Available between 6.30am and 10am seven days a week, and every Friday and Saturday if you’re down for a seafood buffet dinner, in the words of Nike – just do it.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Citrique
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Recently renovated, they are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks; it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bazaar
We would like to boldly state that QT Gold Coast’s Bazaar is exceptional, and if you have not been, no excuse will suffice! Feel like a steak cooked perfectly medium-rare? Not a problem. Their helpful chefs can create made to order dishes right in front of your eyes, bake pizzas, and dish up fresh and cooked seafood, slow-roasted meats, epic salads, an Asian food section and easily the most delectable dessert offering on the Coast. It’s an absolute must-try and is open for breakfast and dinner daily. For extra indulgence, we highly recommend their Sunday Brunch.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the GC has become quite the pin-up girl for culinary excellence in recent times. We have a plethora of world-class chefs taking up residence on our sunny shores, spearheading local restaurants to regional, national and international notoriety. Better yet, they’re embracing the celebration of local produce, with thoughtfully curated menus brimming with homegrown ingredients. Bravo!

One GC-based icon is uniting a bunch of his fellow chef Extraordinaires for a four-day exploration of South East Queensland’s finest produce. We’re naturally talking about JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s award-winning Executive Chef Paul Smart, and where better to showcase a collab of this calibre than Citrique restaurant.

Aptly named “Culinary Stars” and taking place from Monday 7 November until Thursday 10 November, food enthusiasts will be flocking to the resort’s signature eats venue for this sumptuous series. Featuring degustation dining, traditional high tea and culinary cooking classes, it’s set to be the hottest (and tastiest) ticket in town.

So just who has been hand-picked to craft menus from the big blue, GC hinterland and surrounding farms to serve up their gastronomic story on a plate? Get your autograph books at the ready for a stellar A Team, with Dayan Hartill-Law, Executive Chef at HOTA Gallery, Richard Le Deunff, Chef Pâtissierat at Aux Fines Bouches, Meyjitte Boughenout, Executive Chef at Glass Restaurant, Gavin Hughes, Senior Culinary Expert at Miele (ex-Head Chef at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa), and rounding out the ‘superstar six’ is Angela Brown and Emir Kusbeci, Sous Chef and Junior Sous Chef at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Talk about a lavish line-up and we can actually hear all the foodies licking their lips in anticipation.

Monday 7^th & Tuesday 8^th November
Starting this sumptuous series at 6pm on Monday the 7^th is ‘Ocean to Plate’ and cocktail pairing for $149 per person. Led by Paul Smart, Richard Le Deunff, Meyjitte Boughenout, and Emir Kusbeci, indulge in a four-course degustation with Snow Fish Ceviche, Red Emperor, Ocean Beef and Oysters, finishing with a Veliche Dark Chocolate Tart and look, we were sold at cocktail pairing #OldHabitsDieHard.

Or if a five-course ‘Hinterland to Plate’ degustation with wine and cider pairing is more your cup of sav, join Dayan Hartill-Law, Angela Brown, Richard Le Deunff, Gavin Hughes, and Meyjitte Boughenout on Tuesday 8^th from 6pm. For $179 per head, devour Zucchini Flower, Butter Poached Rainbow Trout, Wood-Fired Roasted Quail, Roasted Lamb and Yuzu Gold Bar. Sign us up pls and ta.

Wednesday 9^th November
This brings us to Wednesday 9th November’s ‘Traditional High Tea’ from 2pm, with Richard Le Deunff and Jeffery Santos. A rite of passage for Gold Coasters created by the JW Marriott GC culinary team, this humdinger of a high tea features homemade goodies inspired by the tranquil hinterland. Finishing with Veliche Dark Chocolate Tart, it’s the best $79 per person you’ll spend this year.

Also on Wednesday from 6pm, there’s ‘Farm to Plate’ with Witches Falls wine pairing. For $199 per person, the full culinary heroes A Team will assemble for a six-course degustation with Lobster and Caviar, Daintree Barramundi, Confit Duck, Rocky Farm Cobia, and Peach Illusion.

Thursday 10^th November
Rounding out this irresistible event on Thursday 10^th are two unmissable sessions. Worth the undereye bags thanks to the 6am kick off, ‘Creative to Plate’ led by Executive Sous Chef Selva Gopalakrishnan and the JW Marriott’s rising star culinary team presents a mouthwatering five-course degustation, influenced by local Gold Coast produce ($129 per person).

Then at a more ‘palatable’ hour from 10am, you can catch the ‘JW Culinary Class’ for $65 per person. Learn first-hand from Paul Smart and Gavin Hughes with Signature Moreton Bay Bug Dumplings and Peking Duck Betel Leaves. This intel is guaranteed to impress the pants off your friends at your next dinner party and we do apologise if this happens.

So, get booking Gold Coast or ‘whisk’ missing out on this opportunity to explore the diversity of delicious food in our region. For tickets and enquiries, go here.

Where: Citrique Restaurant, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday 7 – Thursday 10 November

 Word by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA

Looks who’s upping their foodie game even further folks. That’s right, Southport is the home of yet another sweet new venue and as of right now, the northern suburb is hot on the heels of its southern sisters.

Aviary Rooftop Bar opens this week on yes, the very top floor of the brand new Mantra at Sharks, and it really is quite a delight to behold. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean right behind that, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew.

There’s a couple of things going on, starting with an outdoor area called The Nest at one end (yes there are heaters) including a greenery laden wall and plenty of seating overlooking said skyline.

Through the other side is the main bar with lounge-style seating areas, dining tables lining the north facing window and higher tables overlooking the stunning Gold Coast seaway and beyond. We are 100% in love with the colourful, illustration style menus, coasters with hilarious alcohol related sayings and general good vibes due to all of the natural light streaming in from every direction.

A woodfire pizza oven takes up one corner with a teal tiled wall and (our fave) a neon sign reading ‘come fly with me’ (because all the bird-related things) taking pride of place. Plants are artfully scattered about and pastel-coloured tables give a sophisticated yet laidback feel. It’s really very lovely.

Food-wise the menu is filled with all our favourite things including, quite obviously, a selection of extremely tasty woodfired pizzas (tested and approved by yours truly). The In Bloom was a fave with zucchini blossoms, pine nuts, feta, tomato, baby spinach and lemon olive oil. Definitely give The Burrata a try – it’s got smoked burrata (an Italian-style buffalo cheese), shaved prosciutto, tomato, caramelized onion and arugula (rocket).

Share plates are also on offer and range from bowls filled with warm delicious olives and almonds to Pork and Veal Meatballs and, the love of our lives, a Charcuterie Board that must be eaten by everyone.

The cocktail menu is a good time too. We vote for the Bowerbird because it’s got Prosecco with ginger liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup and it is the most refreshingly delicious thing there has ever been. True. The Black Swan is a healthier style of tipple which is (get this) a spiced herbal blend featuring charcoal powder mixed through Settlers Yuzu Gin, Mandarin Liqueur, Licor43, lemon and simple syrup. Insta-worthy and yummy!

The bar is stocked with many a local tipple and all liqueurs are sourced from Tamborine Mountain because supporting local is a thing we Gold Coasters do.

There’ll be a DJ playing all the best house beats on Friday and Saturday nights and acoustic tunes on Sunday arvos. PLUS a cinema area will offer a regular art-house night.

It’s quite the exciting time to be a Southport local what with next-level venues literally springing up all over the place.

Gather your gang Gold Coasters, winter or not, there are good times to be had.

LOCATION: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Court, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)
HOURS: Monday to Friday 4pm – late and Saturday to Sunday 12noon – late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith