Inaho Omakase brings Tokyo-level Japanese dining to your kitchen.
Inaho Omakase brings Tokyo-level Japanese dining to your kitchen.
Why go out when the chef can come to you? No parking battles, no dress code (unless your dressing gown counts), and absolutely zero chance of ending the night Googling “what is ankimo?” (it’s monkfish liver, and it’s a delicacy).
Enter Inaho Omakase, a jaw-dropping, show-stopping, 16–8 course omakase experience that happens right in your kitchen. At the helm is Chef Ayato: a world-travelled Japanese chef who’s turning Gold Coast homes into private Tokyo-style dining rooms, one perfectly seared slice of wagyu at a time.
Here’s the vibe. You round up your chosen crew – mates, family, hot date, or hey, just you and your cat – and Chef Ayato turns your home into a seriously slick sushi spot. He brings everything: ingredients, knives, magic. You just supply the space, a stovetop, a sink, and an appetite.
Suddenly, your kitchen becomes a theatre of flames, precision and flavour. There’s slicing, sizzling, plating, and plenty of “OMG, what is this and why does it taste so good?” vibes. Think buttery toro, sweet tamago, delicately dressed sashimi, and secret seasonal dishes that change depending on the freshest finds.
And here’s the kicker – you didn’t even lift a finger (except to pour the sake).
This isn’t just a fancy dinner party. It’s immersive, intimate and completely unforgettable. Chef Ayato blends tradition and technique with a pinch of personal flair, curating dishes that honour Japanese heritage without the Western shortcuts. Just pure, unfiltered Japanese, artfully plated and served up with charm.
A bar dining setup is ideal if you want a front-row seat to the action, but if your vibe is more “backyard picnic meets fine dining,” that works, too. Whether you’re going full zen or full bougie, this is Japanese dining your way.
Want to keep things low-key? Inaho also offers premium sushi and sashimi boxes for delivery, perfect for date nights, celebrations or treating yourself ‘just because’. It’s the same quality, minus the live-action slicing.
Chef Ayato has worked in top kitchens across the globe and knows how exhausting (and expensive) chasing fine dining can be. So instead of flying to Tokyo, let Tokyo come to you – complete with culinary fireworks and no jet lag.
From birthdays to anniversaries, cheeky Thursdays to “I just felt like it” Fridays, this is the kind of dining experience that’ll have your friends talking for weeks.
So, grab your chopsticks. Slip into something stretchy. And get ready to experience omakase like never before – where the hottest seat in town is your own dining chair.
BYO wine, BYO vibes – they’ll handle the rest.
Where: your place.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY INAHO OMAKASE
Been wanting to get the gang together for the ultimate dinner party but the six-seater dining table you’ve got at home isn’t cutting it? Allow us to introduce the private dining room. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to host the family, your besties or work colleagues, the private dining experience is the ultimate for high impact and low effort so you can outsource the wining and dining.
We’ve scoured the city for the best private dining spaces at some of the city’s top-tier restaurants so that you can sit back and relax (without prying eyes) for a fab meal that you and your guests won’t forget in a hurry. And even better, no dishes to clean up – consider us sold.
If you’re after an intimate dining experience with serious wow factor, One Eighty’s private dining room is where you want to be. Seating just eight guests, this exclusive hideaway is perfect for special occasions, offering a front-row seat to the magic of omakase. With Chef Akihiro Kitade curating each course, expect a seamless journey of sashimi, yakitori and indulgent bites like wagyu sukiyaki and the 180 Original Eye Fillet Sandwich. Pair it all with a pour from their legendary Japanese whisky collection, and you’ve got a night to remember—no passport required.
Where: 180 Marine Parade, Labrador
Elegant and refined, Glass is many people’s go-to place for delicious bites in Main Beach. And it’s relatively easy to see why, with sumptuous seafood and exquisite meat dishes, the incredible view of million-dollar yachts across the Broadwater is merely the cherry on top. Their private space sits up to 10 guests and is prime champagne and oyster territory!
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive & Marina Mirage Waterfront, Main Beach
If you haven’t been to Misono then where have you been, honestly? While you’re probably familiar with the uber entertaining teppanyaki experience, you might not know they’ve got an adults only private dining space. If the sound of an elevated teppanyaki experience, even more theatrics and paired sake sounds like your vibe then say no more – this Gold Coast institution is here to deliver.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Level 3/158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Bumbles Café offers a selection of intimate private dining spaces perfect for those looking to enjoy a discreet and memorable experience away from the hustle and bustle. Nestled in a quiet, leafy corner of Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise, this charming café is renowned for its homely ambiance and exceptional hospitality. With several private dining rooms, including the stylish Blue House – complete with a bar and French bistro flair – guests can enjoy a serene breakfast, lunch, dinner, or event, just as celebrities and dignitaries often do, without drawing attention. Whether for a small gathering or a grander affair, Bumbles provides the perfect setting.
Where: 19-23 River Drive, Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
Yamagen’s Kanpai Room offers a semi-private enclave that combines the excitement of a chef-led omakase menu with the elegance of a whisky or wine pairing. Designed to mimic the energy of a Tokyo restaurant, this space allows guests to enjoy the flavours of izakaya dining while still being immersed in the lively atmosphere of the venue. With space for 10 to 16 guests, the Kanpai Room offers a memorable evening of flavour and flair.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
How does an exclusive dining room with an ocean view in the heart of bustling Surfers Paradise sound? The private dining room at Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen is a decadent space completely separated situated alongside the outdoor dining area. The intimate space features a stunning sandstone dining table with 12 luxurious velvet chairs to keep your guests in the upmost comfort. Endless ocean views from the elevated position teamed with exceptional food and drinks, make this venue a topnotch pick!
Where: Ocean by Meriton, Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When it comes to superb views of our spectacular skyline and unadulterated servings of all things delicious, Edgewater Dining is very high up on the list — if not at the very top. Great seasonal Australian produce meets with a twist of traditional Italian style cooking, and the colossal drinks list is truly something to marvel at. Book in for a function/event to their private dining room for an exclusive setting (with an adjacent private balcony) and see what all the fuss is about.
Where: Shop 3 G7, Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise
If boujee is the brief, the Gold Coast’s crown jewel – The Langham – is here to deliver. Bringing to the party not just one, but two, private dining rooms they’ve got something to suit both your vibe and your size. Akoya’s private dining space seats up to 16 so you can spread out as you tuck into their iconic buffet, with seafood the star of the show along with global flavours, even your fussy friends will be satisfied. If Cantonese and fine dining is more your vibe, then T’ang Court’s private dining space is the place to be for you and nine of your nearest and dearest. It’s won an AGFG Chef Hat for good reason, so if you didn’t already trust us – trust that.
Where: The Langham, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
If you’re looking to wine, dine and celebrate in style, Vida Seafood’s private dining room is where it’s at. Tucked in the corner of the venue, this sleek little hideaway is all warm wood panelling and floor-to-ceiling wine displays, because let’s be honest, the best parties happen with a bottle (or three). The long dining table is made for lingering, and there’s even a flat-screen TV for when the occasion calls for a presentation or a celebratory slideshow. Need more space? Vida’s got you. They can host up to 40 for a sit-down feast or 80 for a cocktail-style soirée, bringing all the Mediterranean magic with just the right amount of exclusivity.
Where: 69-71 Surf Parade, Broadbeach (Aria Building)
The vibrant street hawker foods of Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpar are lovingly brought to the Gold Coast in deft fashion at Maggie Choo. Apart from amazing cocktails and a colourful atmosphere any time of the day and any day of the week, you can book yourself into their secluded dining space for a cosy meal with colleagues, family, even your running club if you must! There’s space for 14 people, and you have the choice of their Maggie Tease and Maggie Luxe banquets to tuck into.
Where: Shop 105/89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The newest venture from Steven & Autumn Adams has some dauntingly big shoes to fill. As you might have gleaned from its culinary lineage, this little sib is just little bit extra. The lofty, double-story venue which formerly housed The Bavarian, is wooing up to 150 diners at one time – complete with a lush 24 seat private dining room up on the upper floor.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
A contemporary bar and grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, this mammoth space redefined the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach. Along with seafood towers, roving champagne and caviar trolleys, and a purpose-built dry aged cool room that can be seen (drooled over) from Oracle Boulevard, our wining and dining game copped a serious upgrade. The luxurious space boasts an impressive 130-seat restaurant, in addition to private dining room, bar dining and outdoor pavilion spaces.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
It’s the home of casual fine dining and since its recent reno, the team at Social Eating House have created the most beautiful private sanctuary for small groups. The intimate dining space seats eight and is meticulously styled (no surprise there) so you can really immerse yourself in the Social experience. We’ll take any excuse to tuck into their puffed sesame rice cracker fish tartare or lamb empanada en masse without judgement.
Where: The Oracle, Shop 137/3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
If variety is the spice of life, The Star Gold Coast is serving up a full-flavoured feast with five private dining options to suit every occasion. Whether it’s a sun-drenched gathering at Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Conservatory (max 40 guests), an Italian feast at Cucina Vivo (max 20 guests), or an elevated fine dining affair at Nineteen at The Star (max 26 guests), there’s a space for every celebration. For those craving Cantonese cuisine, Uncle Su offers three private rooms (max 36 guests), while Kiyomi’s intimate space (max 16 guests) delivers an exclusive Japanese experience complete with Omakase menus. No matter your pick, The Star guarantees a memorable meal with a side of style.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Little Truffle has been treated to a grown-up glow-up to match its refined eats, combining moody Hollywood Glam elements with Jazz Bar vibes for an aesthetic that we’ve officially dubbed ‘Gold Coast Grandeur’. The suave space is about as opulent as our eateries on the GC get – bedecked with opulent baroque mirrors, chandeliers, luxe herringbone floors, strategically draped velvet curtains and two private dining rooms. The second of which remains shrouded in mystery, as a very exclusive vault-vibing space for 20 guests with its own private entry (in sad news for our star spotting ops).
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
For those looking to dial up the exclusivity, JuJu offers a stunning 40-person private dining room that can be fully secluded for an ultra-exclusive gathering or partially opened to soak up the electric rooftop atmosphere. With plush seating, high and low tables for cocktail-sipping comfort, and a “naughty level” energy that keeps the party going, JUJU’s private space is where indulgence meets a touch of mischief.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When your crew deserves a feast fit for a K-drama finale, Hwaro92’s private dining space is where it’s at. Tucked inside this sleek, flame-fuelled Korean BBQ joint, the exclusive 12-seater room is perfect for sizzling celebrations, business banquets, or just a next-level feast with your favourite foodies. Expect premium cuts, smoky flavours, and all the classic sides—because every good meal needs kimchi. Grab your grill gang and get ready to turn up the heat.
Where: T5037/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Tarte Beach House’s private event space, “The Hideout,” offers a serene and stylish setting for intimate gatherings, with stunning views of Currumbin Creek through the lush canopy of a Moreton Bay Fig. Ideal for groups of 12-36, this coastal chic venue is perfect for everything from leisurely brunches to special celebrations like birthdays or baby showers. Choose from curated function packages featuring delightful offerings such as High Tea, brunch boards, or a family-style lunch, all complemented by refreshing drinks.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Cadillac Supper Club offers an intimate private dining experience perfect for small groups. Nestled within its moody, wood-paneled interiors, the private room accommodates up to 10 guests, providing an exclusive setting to enjoy the offerings of this Italo-American pizzeria and bar. Whether you’re sipping expertly crafted martinis or indulging in a wood-fired pizza, this is the place for unforgettable moments, complete with vinyl DJs adding the perfect soundtrack to your evening. It’s the ultimate spot for a sophisticated yet relaxed gathering.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Mamma Mia, if you haven’t checked into this hotbed of Italian goodness in Palm Beach, then you need to rectify that — STAT. If the graceful standalone building and décor aren’t enough, then the stone-baked pizzas and handmade pastas should quash the pain from not being able to visit the old country! Their private dining space is upstairs and seats you and eleven of your nearest with your very own dedicated servers for a superb taste of Italy.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Madame V’s private dining rooms are a game-changer. Choose between the Sakura Room (up to 16 guests), the Lotus Room or Jasmine Room (both up to 18 guests), or combine the Lotus and Jasmine rooms for a party of up to 50 guests. For the ultimate experience, there’s even the option of a private chef and bartender, making your evening unforgettable.
Where: 6-8 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
If you’re planning a long lunch or intimate dinner by the sea, Hanks’ private dining room is calling your name. Seating up to 24 guests, this stylish space is the perfect setting for indulging in their coastal European-inspired menu, designed for sharing and savouring. Think handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and chargrilled delights, all served with a side of ocean views. With a cocktail list boasting 29 specialty sips (hello, Mango Margarita), your event is guaranteed to be as lively as it is delicious. Gather your crew and let Hanks take care of the rest.
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
Kirra Beach House offers an array of delights, including a cosy wine bar that can be booked for private dining. Additionally, guests can enjoy a private barbecue area, a versatile function space and a dedicated room perfect for weddings and special events.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
It was a sad day that we farewelled the GC’s last Pizza Hut buffet, but the building’s resurrection as Siblings Kirra is a triumph. Now a modern Australian brunch and dinner destination, dripping with 1950’s Miami beach vibes goodness from pillar to post. There’s no endless soft serve, but there is a stunning private dining room. The perfect choice for your next shin-dig this room seats 26 guests, with a small private deck attached for a long lunch or intimate private dinner.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
If you haven’t visited Cooly’s panoramically-blessed gem presiding over Point Danger, let’s just say it has foodies giddy with glee for good reason. Leveraging sweeping views of the beachfront that stretches from Snapper Rocks across to DBar, Pipi’s vacillates between laid-back and luxury. Nestle into the sought-after Private Dining Room with magnificent 220 degree views of the Pacific Ocean for an intimate dining experience.
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski and Belinda Symons
As some of the world’s most highly revered cuisine, it’s little surprise that Japanese food is loved worldwide. The depth of flavours and incredibly focussed and precise cooking techniques are the foundation for some damn tasty food — and that ain’t no lie.
Finding exceptional examples of far eastern delicacies isn’t as easy as you may think. Sure, there are a great many good Japanese restaurants out there, except here we are only eager to discuss and dissect the exceptional ones!
We’re talking about the kind of places with that undeniable ‘X’ factor and take your taste of the orient to an entirely new level. Lucky for us, there are a mustering of such venues here on the Gold Coast, so start practicing your chopstick skills as we run you through the places that are exceptional odes to Japan — minus the 10-hour flight.
Kiyomi
Often regarded as the flagship Japanese restaurant on the Gold Coast, you might think their inclusion on this list required little thought. Yes, Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima has created amazing mouth-watering dishes on the robata grill, and the tempura menu is a tantalising read as any menu you’ll come across. But here, the finer things and the premium setting speak for themselves, like highly sought after Beluga Caviar and Char-grilled Queensland grown Wagyu, which are lovingly dished up and are sure not to disappoint.
Where: Lobby Level, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
RaRa Ramen
What these folks don’t know about ramen simply isn’t worth knowing. After opening their first Queensland venue, in blissful Burleigh, we were a tad excited earlier this year. The team behind some of Sydney’s best-received ramen bars takes their noodle and broth game extremely seriously, so much so there was a severe amount of time spent in Japan learning and researching the craft before their first bowl was even served. Atmospheric, welcoming and stacked full of great drinks: go ahead and slurp as if nobody is watching!
Where: 21a/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Kemuri
Tucked away in Carrara and simply waiting for you to discover it is the small and quaint Japanese-style eatery of Kumeri. They dish up nothing short of authentic flavours and unadulterated Japanese dishes. How do crispy hand-rolled gyozas matched with incredible examples of European wines sound? A little too good to be true, perhaps. However, let owner — and qualified sommelier — Hiro guide you through his extensive collection of European and boutique Australian wines for a well-rounded and unique dining experience.
Where: 3/124 Pappas Way, Carrara
Etsu
Everyone’s favourite Japanese restaurant is still the light of our lives and knocking out superb food in Mermaid Beach. It was certainly groundbreaking a few years back, and now it seems a slew of other Japanese restaurants have caught up to the party — however, the dedication to service, great seasonal produce, and an impeccable drinks offering has never wavered one bit. Ideal for a midweek escape and perfection for a weekend feast; the standout features of this establishment are, without a doubt, its down-to-earth and charming decor and an ever-evolving cocktail list worthy of anyone’s attention.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cafoo Izakaya
For a while now, the locals of Palm Beach — plus those in the know — have been quietly enjoying the spoils of this Osaka-style back alley Izakaya all to themselves. But we think it was about time it was shared! Deeply authentic and brimming with a menu of carefully constructed and drool-inducing dishes, including the ever-famous Okonomiyaki savoury pancakes. What sets this place apart is the dedication to cultural accuracy — oh, and the fact you can book out the entire restaurant should you have the occasion that calls for it (and enough friends)!
Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Misono
When it comes to a hearty combination of flavour and showmanship, teppanyaki-style dining is a surefire way to beat hunger — with a slice of entertainment thrown in there for good measure. One of the best in the business, and an unsurpassed way to experience this highly revered form of Japanese cooking, is Misono at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa. Let their talented and affable chefs delight you and your friends with an abundance of flames and flavour.
Where: Level 3, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa,158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
The magic word here is omakase, which translates to “I’ll leave it up to you.” It’s the ultimate culinary trust fall, and at One Eighty, you’re landing in the expert hands of Chef Akihiro Kitade. This isn’t just any chef, Kitade is a culinary maestro with Bib Gourmand nods and a spot on Tokyo’s top restaurant lists. He’s bringing that next-level expertise to the Gold Coast, crafting each course using the freshest seasonal ingredients for a bespoke dining journey designed just for you.
Let’s get into those flavours, shall we? Your omakase adventure might kick off with the comforting embrace of chicken clear soup, setting the tone with a subtle warmth. From there, it’s a rollercoaster ride of fresh sashimi so pristine it practically whispers of the sea, crispy prawn tempura that’s light and crunchy perfection, and yakitori skewers flame-licked to juicy, smoky glory. Each bite feels like a chef’s kiss, but the premium menu? That’s where things really get wild. Think tuna belly sashimi so buttery it melts on contact, wagyu beef sukiyaki that redefines indulgence, and the pièce de résistance: the 180 Original Eye Fillet Sandwich. It’s the kind of dish you dream about long after the plates are cleared.
And don’t worry, veggie lovers—they’ve got you covered too. Juicy mushrooms and crisp sugar snap peas add a refreshing balance, while unexpected delights like hamachi carpaccio and soft quail eggs keep you on your toes. It’s all about harmony, each course carefully orchestrated to surprise and satisfy in equal measure.
Let’s not forget the drinks because, honestly, what’s an omakase without a perfect sip to match? One Eighty’s lineup of Japanese whiskies is the stuff of legend. Each smooth, smoky pour pairs effortlessly with the bold flavours on your plate, elevating the entire experience to a whole new level.
The vibe? Pure Japan, no jetlag required. The venue blends contemporary design with striking Japanese accents, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. And if you’re planning something special, go ahead and skewer a spot in the private dining room. With seating for eight, it’s an exclusive hideaway that’s perfect for celebrating with your nearest and dearest.
But what really sets One Eighty apart isn’t just the food—it’s the omotenashi. This Japanese tradition of selfless hospitality goes beyond meeting your needs; it anticipates them. From the moment you sit down, you’re not just a guest—you’re royalty. Every detail, from the perfectly timed courses to the warm, attentive service, feels like it’s been tailored just for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned yakitori enthusiast or a curious first-timer ready to take the plunge, One Eighty is about to blow your mind (and your taste buds). Prepare to be bowled over—or should we say skewered?—by impeccable service, unforgettable flavours, and an experience that’ll leave you planning your next visit before you even leave.
Where: 180 Marine Parade, Labrador
When: Tuesday – Saturday 4:30pm – 10pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
