If you haven’t noticed already, Winter is officially here on the Gold Coast. The temperatures have dropped dramatically, and it’s high time to pull out your finest wintery gear — you know the stuff we’re talking about, the clothes you’ve lovingly been eyeing for the last nine months, but it wasn’t nearly cold enough for. Whilst you’re at it, how does a good old campfire sound? However, camping isn’t for everyone. So, if you prefer sleeping in your own bed and your dinner and clothes smoke-free, make a booking and snuggle up with a glass of red at one of these Gold Coast establishments with a crackling fireplace included (yes, we do have some!)
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 the Gold Coast, 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.
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
It’s that time again, Gold Coasters. So, hands up if cooking a Christmas lunch/dinner is the very last thing you feel like doing after copious a few champers and opening all of your gifts. Yep, us too.
Therefore, it’s only fitting that we did a round-up of the top feasts you can add to your Christmas Day agenda — to save you the hassle of cooking and the many hours of cleaning that could be better spent in a food coma. It’s worth noting, that all prices stated are for adults.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
A lot is happening at this stunning spot on Christmas Day. If you are after an intimate lunch of 2-5 family and friends that opt for lunch at Oyster Bar & Grill, including a seven-course degustation lunch, expertly matched wines, roving entertainment and a visit from Santa – tickets are $349pp. Plan of catching up with the whole fam (AKA 5+ people)? Enjoy lunch with ocean views at Horizons with a signature seven-course degustation menu, expertly matched wines, live entertainment – tickets are $349pp. You really can’t go wrong at the Sheraton!
Christmas Day Degustation at Oyster Bar & Grill SOLD OUT
Christmas Day Degustation at Horizons
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Star Gold Coast
Let The Star Gold Coast take care of your Christmas celebrations with one of their many delightful dining packages or even their Takeaway Christmas Hampers! (Yep, so you can bring the elegance of The Star Gold Coast to your very own home!) Either way, let the talented team of chefs treat you to a delicious assortment of traditional and inspired Christmas offerings to ensure an exceptional occasion for you and the family. You can chow down on a multi-course banquet lunch and 2.5-hour beverage package at recently opened Chinese sensation Uncle Su for $148pp or enjoy a delectable all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and 3-hour drinks package at the Harvest Buffet which is set to re-open for all meal trades from Friday 3 December. At Harvest, you have the option of lunch (which includes live entertainment) for $220pp, or dinner for $175pp. And getting back to those aforementioned Hampers, you can pre-order your choice of Classic ($475) or Enhanced Hamper ($575) which both serve 6 people and come with varying choices of main meats and sides. Plus you can also upgrade your hamper to include fresh seafood for $205 or fresh salads for $50 (each upgrade catering for 6 people.) Guys, this is you ticket to being the Christmas host with the most!
Christmas Takeaway Hampers SALES CLOSED
Christmas Day tickets at Uncle Su SOLD OUT
Christmas Day Lunch tickets at Harvest SOLD OUT
Christmas Day Dinner tickets at Harvest SOLD OUT
Where: Casino Drive, Broadbeach
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Spoilt for choice you’ll be sure to enjoy the big day at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa! Keep things simple, fresh, and light at Chapter and Verse bar by tucking into a sumptuous seafood tower and glass of Moet Champagne for $219 served between 12-3pm. Or head to Citrique Restaurant as they will be pulling out all the stops this year with an incredible display of the freshest seafood style buffet dining, and 3-hour drinks packages for both their lunchtime and dinnertime sittings. Lunch will feature the addition of live entertainment and activities for the little ones. Tickets for lunch are $365pp and dinner $255pp. Looking for more ‘atmosphere’? Opt for the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom lunch for $299pp and include face painting and a visit from Santa to keep the kids entertained.
Festive Feast tickets at Chapter & Verse SOLD OUT
Seafood Buffet Lunch tickets at Citrique SOLD OUT
Seafood Buffet Dinner tickets at Citrique SOLD OUT
Seafood Buffet Lunch tickets in the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom SOLD OUT
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Palazzo Versace
If you admire the finer things in life, then don’t let Christmas day slip by unnoticed. Push the boat out and find yourself at one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious properties and celebrate the day in style. Il Barocco will feature an eclectic four-course lunch with complimentary flowing beverages (two sittings available beginning at 12.30pm or 1.30pm). Tickets are $264pp. Santa Claus will also make an appearance including a personalised gift for each child (12 years and under) – how cute?! It’s worth noting that their Restaurant Vanitas and Medusa Ballroom event have both already sold out so get a move on and book!
Christmas Day at Il Barocco tickets SOLD OUT
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Southport Sharks
Start your Christmas Day right with an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with a festive twist! There’ll even be Christmas-style dishes on offer, such as glazed ham Benedict and cinnamon rolls. Yuuuum! Tickets are a very affordable $45pp. But if breakfast will be a feat to round up the troop on the big day, then look no further than Frenzy’s Food Court! This local’s favourite will be offering a seafood-style buffet lunch, which will include goodies for the kids, plus a visit from the big man himself. Tickets are priced at $130pp.
Breakfast Buffet SOLD OUT
Seafood Buffet Lunch SOLD OUT
Where: Olsen & Musgrave Avenues, Southport
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Set in their beautifully themed ballroom, the stops will be all pulled out here for you and your family. A hearty buffet-style lunch including a 3-hour drinks package is on offer with a dedicated kids zone including, petting zoo, face painting, balloon artist and carnival treats! So the gifts keep on giving here this Christmas. Ticket prices are $229pp. SOLD OUT
Where: Ross Street, Benowa
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
An indulgent seafood dinner awaits those who choose to dine at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s Cove Cafe. An extensive buffet will feature fresh local seafood, antipasto, traditional Christmas roasts, worldly dishes, gourmet salads and desserts with festive flair – because we always have room for dessert! The best thing is, there are two sittings available (5-7pm or 8-10pm), so you won’t need to compromise on that afternoon nap if need be! Tickets at $169pp.
Book your Cove Seafood Buffet Dinner 5pm-7pm tickets here.
Book your Cove Seafood Buffet Dinner 8pm-10pm tickets here.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove
Miss Moneypenny’s
A Christmas feast sure to dazzle, this Broadbeach beauty is the place to be this Christmas Day. Choose between 2 seatings: 11am until 1pm or 1.30pm until 3.30pm and prepare for a good time to remember. Expect locally sourced seafood, followed by Christmas banquet roasts with all the festive trimmings and finishing with traditional Christmas pudding from Executive Chef Adam Dundas-Taylor. Book in for $169pp. SOLD OUT
Where: Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
The wait is finally over Gold Coasters, famed Sunshine Coast venue Miss Moneypenny’s has opened her doors in Broadbeach this week and it’s the very good news we need right now.
The stunning, fine-dining (without the fuss) restaurant can be found underneath Avani on Surf Pde and right next door to the also-very-new Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar and Diner and it’s one you’re going to want to experience at the earliest possible opportunity.
Upon entering you’ll be met with a pared back aesthetic, both sophisticated and cosy and perfectly curated for dining experiences from breakfast through to late night snacking.
The interior is made up of low leather chairs set against plush, cushiony booths you could nap in for days. A wooden wave-style ceiling and a stone-backed bar, beautifully lit and stocked with premium tipples are the most eye-catching features and the entire space comes together as what can best be described as sleek, beachside chic. We’re in love.
There’s an outdoor area in the front and The Rimini Room (an equally stunning private dining room) can be found tucked away at the back.
The menu, by acclaimed Aussie Chef Braden White who once headed up hatted Brisbane restaurant Stokehouse Q and was the Executive Chef at Noosa’s multi-award winning Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant, is as exceptional as you’d expect.
Filled with all the very best options from bar bites to pizzas, entrees, mains, sides and desserts, you’ll want to go back time and time again to taste it all.
If you’re in a snacking mood (us, always) you absolutely must order the Mushroom Fritters, Chargrilled Ora King Salmon Stick, Green Pea Croquette and the Doughnut of Smoked Crème Fraiche (life changing) because they are quite simply, taste sensations.
For entrée, the Oakey Beef Tartare with torched gochujang, garlic custard and chilli threads. It’s the best we’ve ever sampled.
Because we love the concept of share-style dishes (and want to eat everything) we recommend the Social Share Dining section and in particular the Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with spicy chermoula, burnt lemon, chilli oil and watercress. It is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
If sharing isn’t your thing (fair), don’t go past the Coral Coast Barramundi. It not only looks mind-blowing, it tastes mind-blowing with clam and potato puree, warrigal greens and wood sorrel.
The breakfast menu is equally impressive with tasty dishes the likes of which you’ve never had the pleasure of coming across before now.
Of course, everything Chef White and the Miss Moneypenny’s team touches turns to gold so there isn’t a dish on the menu we couldn’t eat every single day forever.
Cocktail-wise, prepare for something really special. There are MANY to choose from including a selction of Miss Moneypenny’s favourites, sparkling cocktails, an array of gin and tonics, The 80’s Cruise Ship set and a House Crafted section and they’re all exceptional.
In case you’re wondering, we’d choose the Kombucha Spritz with Aperol, kombucha, lemon, passionfruit, prosecco and thyme because fresh and oh so delicious.
All in all, Miss Moneypenny’s is one of the most exciting restaurants that’s opened on the Coast probably ever and we have no doubt you’re going to love it as much as we do.
Go for breakfast, stay until bedtime is our plan.
LOCATION: 50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: 9am until 12am daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
