Us Aussies have a love affair with Japan that just keeps simmering – much like a perfect ramen broth. Every year, thousands of Aussies jet off to Japan, lured by the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the powdery slopes of Niseko, and, of course, the slurpalicious bowls of noodles. With the opening of Ramen Kyo, you can now experience the soul-warming flavours of the land of the rising sun right here in Mermaid Beach.

A passionate ramen aficionado from Tokyo, Ayano Low moved to Australia in the 90’s, bringing with her a love for the comforting, umami-rich bowls she grew up eating. For years she dreamed of sharing the comforting dish with locals, and after two decades on the Gold Coast, she’s finally made her dream into a reality, introducing true Tokyo-style ramen to the local food scene. And trust us, this is the real shoyu!

Stepping into Ramen Kyo Mermaid Beach, you’ll find yourself in a modern yet minimalist space that lets the food do the talking. Whether you’re a local, a ramen connoisseur or just someone craving a warm hug in a bowl, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere makes every visit feel like a trip to Tokyo – no passport required.

At Ramen Kyo, the magic starts long before the first slurp. A great ramen is only as good as its broth, and the slow-simmered broths are the heart of every bowl, carefully cooked for hours to extract deep, complex flavours.

Noods are also made in-house to ensure the perfect texture and bite. Paired with low-temperature cooked chicken chashu – tender, juicy, and oh-so-flavorful – it’s a match made in ramen heaven.

Ordering is by its colour, and there’s a rainbow of ramen to choose from here: Shiro/ White, Ao/ Blue, Aka/ Red, Midori/ Green, Kuro/ Black, Kin/ Gold and Aka Oni/ Red Demon. 

Whether you opt for the signature Shiro/ White chicken broth ramen – made with premium chicken – or the Kurt/Black ramen, featuring a special bonito and truffle-flavored clear soup, each spoonful is a sip of Japanese tradition.

Feeling spicy? The Aka Oni/ Red Demon packs a punch with a spicy creamy chicken broth and crispy Chicken Katsu to top it all off.

To round out your ramen, indulge in irresistible side dishes like plump, juicy gyozas, and golden, crispy karaage chicken that crunches with flavour.

No Japanese experience is complete without a sip of something special. Ramen Kyo proudly serves Kizakura Yamahai Junmai, a sake with deep, rich flavours that complement the umami goodness of their ramen. It’s the first pure rice sake in Japan to be labeled “Yamahai-style” — a nod to traditional brewing methods.

For Ayano, ramen has always been more than just food. It’s about bringing people together, just like it did back home in Japan.

So, if you’re looking to satisfy your ramen cravings with an authentic Tokyo-style experience, grab your chopsticks and slurp your way to happiness.

Where: Shop 6/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
When: Daily, 11:30am–8pm

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby

If you’re ready to shout OPA! at the top of your lungs while sinking your chompers into some next-level souvlaki, then get excited because Mana Souvlaki serves up a Greek feast worthy of the gods. It’s like a trip to Mount Olympus without the altitude sickness – just pure gastronomic goodness.

This new Tamborine Mountain fave is where big, bold Hellenic flavours meet cosy, sun-kissed island vibes, and every bite feels like a holiday in the Med.

This joint is all about quality produce, relaxed vibes, and good old-fashioned Greek hospitality. It’s a place where plates are full, tunes are chilled, and food is made with love. And you’re guaranteed to leave in a food coma.

At the helm of this flavour-packed operation is Yiani Giannaros, a chef with 25 years of experience and a family legacy steeped in the art of Greek hospitality. If there’s one thing this guy knows, it’s how to turn simple ingredients into something truly mythical.

But it’s not just the food that will transport you straight to the streets of Athens or a beachside taverna in Santorini. The restaurant itself, designed by Spiroula Giannaros, is a stunning mix of Ancient Hellenic charm and breezy island aesthetics, making it the perfect spot to sip on their signature Watermelon Rose Spritz – while contemplating a move to Greece (obvs).

With just 40 seats available inside and out, it’s the kind of intimate, family-style dining where you’ll leave feeling like a lifelong friend, not just a customer. It’s cozy, it’s charming, and you’ll wonder if you can sneak a few leftovers into your bag (jokes – as if there’ll be leftovers).

What would we recommend from the menu and we’re so glad you asked. For starters (or “meze” if we’re being cultured), who can go past the Feta Filos wrapped in feta and finished with honey and sesame (certainly not us). Or for those who love a good mediterranean spud, have a go of the Lemon Patetes with lemon baked potatoes, herbs, and Evgoo. One bite and you’ll be totally starch-struck.

For the main event, let’s talk perfectly grilled, charred-in-all-the-right-places Souvlaki that will have you ready to smash a plate in pure joy. Think chargrilled pita, tzatziki, tomato, onion, and tzips with either free range chicken, grass fed lamb, or everyone’s cheese of choice, haloumi.

Whether you’re a die-hard kalamaki kid, a souvlaki stan, or just someone who appreciates great Greek food made with the kind of love that’d make Yia Yia proud, you’ve just found your new go-to for all things grilled, golden, and Greek.

So, Gold Coast foodies, mark your calendars – your next feta-stic dining experience awaits. And trust us, the only thing better than the food? The fact that you can enjoy it all while daydreaming about a Greek island getaway – no flight required!

Where: 3/11 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain
When: 5pm – 9:30pm Tuesday to Thursday, Friday & Saturday 5pm – 11pm

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Carly King

When one door closes, another one opens – preferably one with high ceilings, exposed brick, and timber facades. And obvs, a really REALLY, good menu.

After nearly a decade of delighting Burleigh diners at Willow Dining, Ian “Chef Choi” Banghal has a brand-new and equally fabulous breakfast brunch and lunch-born beauty.

Introducing Rise & Set, another notch in the northside’s (ever expanding) brews, breakfast and beverages belt.

Opening its doors in mid-December, it’s all about fresh starts, good vibes and even better food. If you thought the OG Willow was a masterpiece, wait till you see (and taste) what Ian’s been cooking up. And we mean that quite literally coz there is nothing this man can’t do.

Once an architect, Ian traded blueprints for brûlées, studying culinary arts in Europe and working his way across the world, blending his love for food and design into one glorious gastronomic experience.

Now, with Rise & Set, he’s combined his two passions into a space that’s as visually stunning as it is mouth-wateringly delicious. Think of it as ‘Foodchitecture’ – the perfect marriage of artistic plating, bold flavours, and an interior so now that it deserves its own Pinterest board #WeDo.

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane Road, Rise & Set is so much more than just a café; it’s a place of community, connection, and creativity.

The name itself is symbolic of growth, transformation, and the promise of a good meal – of both the AM and arvo variety. This naturally leads us into the menu and friends, she’s a homerun.

With a gourmet Aussie breakfast and lunch offering that fuses Asian and Mediterranean influences, every dish is a work of art with a whole lotta flair. As for signature standouts – where do we even start?!

You can’t go past the French Toast and Chicken with soaked brioche, southern fried chicken, bacon bits, mixed compote berries and sweet chipotle infused chilli maple sauce.

Perhaps the Asian Breaky is more your vibe with a homemade Asian chorizo patty, adobo rice, roasted tomato, pickled papaya, fried egg, sweet and spicy BBQ, crispy hay, and dried shallots.

Or, how about the Kofta and Croquettes with lamb kofta, potato croquette, buttered spinach, beetroot chutney, poached eggs, bacon bits, and lemon dill hollandaise?

For lunch, tuck into their Cream Garlic Prawn with caramelised onion, cherry
tomato, avocado, and crispy sweet potato served inside a toasted BunBowl, and for those with a sweet tooth – the Red Velvet Cake is basically love in edible form.

But let’s talk drinks, because no great café experience is complete without something equally fabulous to sip on and because, well, drinks.

From the tropical vibes of the Mango Matcha and the berry-loaded goodness of the Very Berry Smoothie to the rev-me-up (in a cuddly way) of the Red Velvet Latte, the beverage lineup is as Instagrammable as it is refreshing.

With both indoor and outdoor seating, private function space for up to 70 guests, and a pro-pet vibe (BYO four-legged brunch buddy), it’s the kinda place that invites you to linger for a little – or a lot longer.

The styling is effortlessly chic, featuring reclaimed timber doors repurposed as tabletops, vintage furniture, lush greenery, and rustic touches that make the whole space feel home.

And just when you think it can’t get any better, Rise & Set is already planning its next big move, with dinner service mid-year thanks to a tapas menu inspired by the flavours that made Willow Dining legend-ary (#SaidLikeBarneyStinson).

So, whether you’re an OG Willow fan craving a fix, or a northerner in search of gold-standard grub – you’ve just found it.

Grab your coffee crew, brunch buds, and of course, your dutiful doggos and head to Rise & Set.

Where: 610 Pine Ridge Road, Coombabah
When: 6:30am – 2:30pm, Monday to Sunday