Inside Gold Coast launches Home: dedicated to the spaces, places and people shaping Gold Coast living.
Inside Gold Coast launches Home: dedicated to the spaces, places and people shaping Gold Coast living.
For more than a decade, Inside Gold Coast has been your trusted guide to everything worth eating, drinking, seeing and doing across our beautiful city. We’ve celebrated the venues, events, people and businesses that make the Gold Coast one of Australia’s most exciting places to call home. And now, we’re taking that concept a little more literally.
Introducing ‘Home’- the newest addition to Inside Gold Coast. Created to celebrate the incredible talent shaping the way we live on the Gold Coast, Home is a dedicated space for beautiful homes, inspiring interiors, clever design and craftsmanship, and the local businesses that bring them to life. From architectural masterpieces and dream builds to landscaping, styling, and everything in between, we’ll be shining a light on the people, businesses, and creative thinking that help shape our city’s most impressive spaces.
After all, we spend a lot of time talking about where to eat, drink and play. It only felt right to start talking about the spaces that inspire us, too.
Because while we love discovering the Coast’s hottest new restaurant or hidden cocktail bar, there’s another story unfolding across the city every day. One told through stunning design, innovative construction, beautiful craftsmanship, and the talented local creatives who bring dream homes and spaces to life, and we think it deserves a little more airtime.
Whether you’re new here or have called the Gold Coast home for decades, it’s hard to miss the remarkable evolution taking place around us. Inspiring architects, builders, interior designers and landscapers are reshaping the city in all the right ways, creating homes and spaces that seamlessly blend living, working, entertaining and everyday life, the Gold Coast way. Meanwhile, talented local makers, artisans and suppliers are adding the details that bring those spaces to life, proving that great design really is in the finishing touches.
Let’s be honest, we’re pretty spoilt when it comes to beautiful spaces. From sprawling waterfront masterpieces and hinterland retreats to thoughtfully designed workplaces, hospitality venues and clever renovations that somehow squeeze a butler’s pantry, wine cellar and resort-style pool into a suburban block, Gold Coasters have developed a knack for creating environments worth talking about.
Yet despite the incredible talent shaping our city, until now there hasn’t been a dedicated platform to bring those stories together. We spend our days uncovering the Gold Coast’s best restaurants, bars, cafés and experiences, but increasingly found ourselves admiring the spaces people were creating just as much as the food, drinks and experiences they housed. Enter, Home.
Home will shine a spotlight on the wider community of creatives, tradespeople, designers and industry leaders who help shape the Gold Coast’s built environment. It’s a platform designed to celebrate collaboration, innovation and local expertise while inspiring readers with fresh ideas, beautiful spaces and the people behind them. And frankly, if there’s one thing Gold Coasters love almost as much as discovering a new brunch spot, it’s having a stickybeak inside a beautifully designed space.
As always, our mission remains the same: championing local businesses and connecting our readers with the people making the Gold Coast a better place to live, work and play. Over the years, we’ve proudly helped shine a light on thousands of local operators, from family-run cafés and boutique retailers to innovative service providers and industry leaders. Home simply gives us another avenue to do exactly that.
Experience Inside Gold Coast’s first ‘Home’ feature online now at Inside Gold Coast. Whether you’re planning a dream build, renovating a space, searching for fresh inspiration or simply appreciate great design, Home is your invitation to discover the people, projects and businesses shaping the way the Gold Coast lives, works and connects.
See the Inside Gold Coast Home launch video here.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Tiana Acosta
Inside Gold Coast hits double digits.
Socials of our VIP celebration: view the photos and video!
Turning 10 is important. Particularly in a world where attention spans are bite-sized at best, everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing and how you’re doing it and in the world of online media, you’re only as interesting as the last thing you created.
It’s rough out there and yet, if you’re passionate (and stubborn) enough you’ll build something millions of people will come to love and rely on when it comes to learning about the greatest city in the world – the Gold Coast.
Since you’re here, you understand that thing is Inside Gold Coast and this year, the Coast’s sunshiny-est local media organisation turned 10 years old and I’m going to tell you all about it
First things first, there was a party at The Star Gold Coast way up high at The Darling – and it involved champagne and dancing and a toast to the one who started it all, Carly King.
If there’s ever been a person more passionate about the Gold Coast, I’ve never heard of them and I’ve done at least 6438 laps of this city meeting people who are big, big fans. Carly however, loves it so much that she started Inside Gold Coast as a way to keep people informed of everything to eat, drink and do here.
The first year of IGC was probably very interesting and growthy but THEN in 2016 I joined the team as the sole Content Creator and everything became hilarious and entertaining and fun.
Over the next few years Carly and I lived and breathed the Gold Coast. Together we nurtured and grew Inside Gold Coast into something that felt far more like part of who I was than simply just a job.
The job bit though, was very fun. In just my first few weeks of working here I rode a jet ski so fast, floated about on Quack‘R Duck, had the time of my life at the likes of Infinity and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and experienced almost every tourist activity the Gold Coast had to offer.
Over the years Carly (and I) went to parties and restaurant openings, stage shows and circuses and I met more incredible, interesting and impressive locals than I thought it was possible to fit into one city.
All of it changed me and my life in ways I had never imagined possible.
Fast forward to today and Inside Gold Coast is still growing and thriving with a team of 15 women from writers to designers, social media whizzes, organisers of absolutely everything, photographers, a sales team and of course, Carly still leading the charge.
In the last 10 years the Gold Coast has been through some absolutely incredible changes and exponential growth and Inside Gold Coast was right there for all of it, covering everything from a new cafe on the corner to the Commonwealth Games and beyond.
I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Inside Gold Coast team, my time here has gifted me people, experiences and a life I would never have dreamed possible before I met Carly and she told me not only did I have to write stories but take photos out in public with a real camera (something I had no idea how to do at the time).
I’m even prouder still of Carly for her passion and dedication and everything she’s built for the Gold Coast.
So, cheers to 10 years of Inside Gold Coast, the thing that changed my life and the thing that makes everyone else’s that little bit easier, tastier and more fun.
Here’s to (at least) 10 more.
Words by Kirra Smith
Carly King, Managing Editor
What’s your coffee order and go-to cafe: Soy latte in winter, iced coffee of any milk variety in all other seasons. Ooh go-to cafe… wherever is closest, but love All-Time Coffee in Mermaid Beach, Sparrow Coffee in Nobby’s and Caffeine Kings in Miami.
Brekky catch up: Paddock, Tarte Beach House, BSKT, Elk or Bam Bam Bakehouse do an incredibly impressive spread, catering to a variety of sweet and savoury tastebuds, or porque no los dos?
Brunch with bubbles: See above but add Bloody Mary’s.
Long Lunch with the girls: The Tropic has to have one of the best views on the Coast, great for share food, and then within a hop, skip and jump to Burleigh Pav to continue the party.
Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: Any surf club along our coastline for the win.
Fancy Date night: If you have planned well enough in advance to get into Rickshores, you get my tick of approval.
The bomb takeaway comes from: No one does Butter Chicken and heat in a curry than Temple of Spices in Mermaid Beach. For the largest portions of Chinese I’ve ever seen, Magic Wok in Miami, IYKYK.
Where to boogie: Retro’s you have a piece of my heart always.
Fave store for retail therapy: I can spend hours in both Mecca Maxima and Bookface at Pacific Fair. Also Somm Wine Store for expert advice on matching wine to food.
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: The Exhibitionst Bar or anywhere with a chilli marg.
Belinda Symons, Assistant Editor
Coffee order and go-to cafe: Skim Cap. Oasis & Co. Amazing coffee and it’s super close to home, so you’ll often find me grabbing a coffee there before taking Charlie (our puppy) for a walk on the beach. Social Espresso is right around the corner the corner from work AND they have a handy app so I can order as I leave home and the coffee is ready for me to swing by and pick up on my way into the office.
Brekky catch up: It’s hard to go past Tarte. I always order the chicken sandwich. I highly recommend it. And obviously everything from the treats cabinet is out of this world.
Brunch with bubbles: Elk. Elk can do no wrong. They mix up their menus seasonally, and their food is a work or art. There’s always something fun and new to try. And the option to upgrade to mimosas is a fun bonus.
Long lunch with the girls: Siblings. This ex-Pizza Hut spot has one of the best views on the GC and the food and cocktails are amazing. I don’t often head to Kirra so it feels like a little getaway, but is only 30 mins from home.
Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: Precinct Brewinghttps://www.insidegoldcoast.com.au/franc-jrs-nobby-beach
Fancy date night: Franc Jrs. I love the Old School pizza parlour vibes. Great mood lighting and ridiculously good pizza. You usually have to wait for a table – it’s that good – but you can enjoy a frozen margi on the sidewalk outside while you wait, so that sweetens the deal.
The bomb takeaway comes from: Temple of Spices
Fave store for retail therapy: Pac Fair. It’s my local. I’m a daily grocery shopper so I’m there all the time and I’m constantly walking around thinking how lucky we are to have such a great shopping centre. The Resort area in particular is gorgeous and I love that they always have something going on. Pops ups and new store openings.
Filipa Scott, Art Department
Coffee order: Coffee order and go-to cafe: Always a mocha (love the smell of coffee, not so keen on the taste – needs the choccy… mmmm chocolate!)
Brekky catch-up: Go-to brekky order is the “Not so French Toast” at Cruize Espresso Chirn Park. Mmmmm Maple Bacon, yum!
Brunch with bubbles: The Sheraton at Main Beach (fav middle child works there), plus you can’t beat the tropical vibes and beach views.
Long lunch with the girls: Usually a team lunch (thanks Carly!) can be supporting anyone of our awesome clients…
Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: Last catch up with the girl crew was at Garden Kitchen & Bar, (loved the igloos for winter).
Fancy date night: For special event nights we head to Videre at Royal Pines (when they have them), top sunsets from the top floor!
The bomb takeaway comes from: Kampung Malay, must order at least one of the Rainbow Beef dishes (if not two).
Fav store for retail therapy: Just one store? Fav shopping destination is Pac Fair . . . so many stores to choose from.
Tiana Acosta, Digital Content Assistant
What’s your coffee order and go-to cafe: An early morning walk on the beach ends with an Almond Chai Latte from The Oxley.
Brekky catch up: My go-to is Palm Springs at the moment, their breakfast sliders are to die for. But hurry because they sell out so quick!
Brunch with bubbles: The Island Rooftop for a bottomless brunch.
Long Lunch with the girls: Rick Shores means bug rolls, wine and a long yap with the girls admiring the amazing views.
Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: Find me at Burleigh Pavilion on a Sunday, enjoying a sunset cocktail.
Fancy Date night: Etsu Izakaya has amazing Japanese, with dark moody lighting creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
The bomb takeaway comes from: Noodle Broadbeach. Their curry sauce is the bomb!
Where to boogie: It’s been a good night if I end up having a boogie at the Atrium Bar.
Fave store for retail therapy: Bec and Bridge and Natalie Rolt can take all my money.
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: The Malibu Racquet Club with a Chili Coconut marg in hand.
Will Kendrick, Senior Client Manager
Coffee order and go-to cafe: Currently, I’m rocking with Sunnyboy Espresso. It’s nearby and a great spot, always seems to be loads going on and the staff are great. My go-to order is a decaf latte, I don’t mess with caffeine.
Brunch with bubbles: I’m pretty new to the Gold Coast so I haven’t dabbled with a bubbly brunch yet, but I do like the look of Nineteen at The Star, because I love a rooftop bar.
Long lunch: Again, not too familiar, but Light Years isn’t too far from me and has been catching my eye every time I walk past. Give me until the end of the week and I’ll have been twice.Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: This would be KDV Cararra – Sunday doesn’t have to be a rest day. No better time to hit the courts with your mates!Fancy date night: The Glenelg! It reminds me of home, and the food is fab. It’s got that quiet, moody but rustic vibe to it, makes you feel cosy.Fave store for retail therapy: Anywhere in Pac Fair honestly, what a place that is! But if I had to choose one it’d be JB HiFi, nothing better to therapise with more than treating yourself to a new piece of kit!
Hannah Boycon, Sales Assistant
What’s your coffee order and go-to cafe: I’m definitely more of a matcha girl, so you’ll usually find me grabbing a matcha from Palm Springs. But if I’m in the mood for coffee, it has to be an iced almond latte with cold foam from Moustache in Nobby’s.
Brekky catch up: You can’t go wrong with Tarte Bakery or Palm Springs for a brekky catch-up. The food is always amazing, and as someone who’s gluten-free, having so many gluten-free options is a game changer.
Brunch with bubbles: Moustache is my go-to for brunch with bubbles. I love that it is a café during the day and turns into a wine bar at night. If not Moustache, then definitely JuJu for rooftop cocktails and one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast.
Long Lunch with the girls: Light Years in Burleigh has been a favourite for years — you can never go wrong with their famous bao buns. Otherwise, you’ll probably find me at Costa Taco because, honestly, they do some of the best tacos on the Gold Coast.
Hang with the crew on Sunday sesh: The Henchman has become a weekly tradition for me and my friend. We always say we’re “just going for one drink,” but somehow always turns into us cancelling our early Monday plans.
Fancy Date night: Miami Marketta is my favourite spot for date night — the food trucks, live music and laid-back atmosphere make it such a fun place to spend the night.
The bomb takeaway comes from: O Bagel is my ultimate post beach-walk takeaway. Nothing beats grabbing a fresh bagel after an early morning walk and either eating it on the beach.
Where to boogie: Burleigh Pavilion on a Saturday night is always a good idea. Drinks, music and a fun atmosphere right by the beach — it’s hard to beat.
Fave store for retail therapy: You can never go wrong with doing some damage at Mecca in Pac Fair. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever walked out empty-handed.
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Local has become one of my favourite spots for drinks with friends. It has such a great atmosphere and always a fun crowd.
Bianca Trathen, Writer
Coffee order, go-to cafe, brekky catch-up and brunch with bubbles: All roads lead to Substance at Runaway Bay. Soy double-shot cap is my jam (their coffee is the business), the food is always top-notch, booze is available from 10am, and the fabulous owners & beautiful people who work there are like family. Our twins were basically raised there!
Where to boogie: Sorry (not sorry) but Retro’s cannot be beat. I’m eternally in my 90s/naughties girl era and this place always belts out the bangers.
Fav store for retail therapy: ALL of the stores ha ha but Aje, Dissh, David Jones, and Mecca are my biggest Achilles heel.
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Anywhere that serves a mean chilli marg. Special shout-out to The Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA’s House Hot Marg. If you know…
Chelsea Ipsen, Writer
Coffee order and go-to cafe: It’s an almond cappuccino- hello, chocolate sprinkle!! My fav coffee shop is Social Espresso in Burleigh 🫶
Brekky catch-up: hmmmmm I’m going to have to say Tarte Bakery. What can I say, if I’m going to do a breaky date I’m going to do it in style
Brunch with bubbles: Farm and Co, Sunday Brunch!
Long lunch with the girls: oooh. How about a rug on Burleigh Hill BYO wine and nibbles!
Fancy date night: Has to be Etsu. Or for a sunny summers day, Tommy’s in Currumbin.
The bomb takeaway: My partner and I have a weakness for Fishbowl.
Where to boogie: I can’t stay awake late enough for dance floors to come alive hahah. But maybe the Pav
Fav store for retail therapy: I’m a nerd. It’s Bookface. I grab a coffee or Chai latte from their coffee shop and wander the store for like an hour. That’s my kind of therapy!
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Rosellas. Their wine selection is amaze and their cocktails are even better.
Liam McDonald, Photographer
Coffee order and go-to cafe: Iced latte or cappuccino depending on the weather. My go to spot is The Holliday. Great vibes, great coffee and an epic place to work from.Brekky catch up: The Paddock BakeryBrunch with bubbles: I’m not much of a bubbles kinda guy haha.Long lunch: The Kurrawa Surf Club. Right down the road from my home.Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: Kirra Beach House. Some of the best views of the Gold Coast.Fancy date night: Lars Bar and Grill. One of the best dinners I’ve ever had.The bomb takeaway comes from: Francs Jrs in Nobby’s.Fave store for retail therapy: Camera House or you’ll catch me in Industrie.
Lisette Drew, Writer
Coffee order and go-to café: Piccolo post-surf, then batch brew ‘til the arvo. Salt Mill (Currumbin), Love Street Store (Kirra), or Switchfoot (Rainbow Bay) depending on where the waves are at.
Brekky catch-up: Home in Currumbin levels up avo toast and eggs benny, with St ALi coffee sealing the deal.
Brunch with bubbles: Tarte Beach House – bubbles and baked goods are brunch goals.
Long lunch with the girls: Tommy’s Italian for catch-ups and carbs.
Hang with the crew on Sunday session: Rainbow Bay Surf Club – Beach side and the best sunset view of the Gold Coast
Fancy date night: Rick Shores for spice and sea views.
The bomb takeaway comes from: A quick and healthy FISHBOWL in Burleigh hits the spot
Where to boogie: Eddie’s Grub House for live tunes, good vibes and dance floor magic.
Fav store for retail therapy: I’m a vintage fiend and love a rummage through Dusty 54 above Dust Temple.
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Bruce in Currumbin for cocktails by the beach.
Mathilde Bouby, Photographer
Coffee order and go-to cafe: I’m all about a good, long black (I know, kinda boring haha). My go-to spot is Stables at Cornerstone. That’s usually where I go to do my editing, when working from home gets too much. Plus, they have a French breakfast!
Brekky catch-up: Custard Canteen, by the creek. Their halloumi roll is delicious! Best part is you can dive into the creek for a swim right after breakfast.
Brunch with bubbles: Farm & Co. all the way for a brunch. The peaceful farm atmosphere adds a special touch to the experience
Long lunch with the girls: Tweed River House. It is a bit of a drive but it’s so worth it! The food, service and atmosphere are top-notch.
Fancy date night: Rick Shores is my top pick, the view makes a date night even better!
The bomb takeaway comes from: Sticky Rice. Discovered it recently and it is by far my favorite place to get takeaway from. The prawn on betel leaf and red curry duck are my favorite dishes on the menu.
Where to boogie: Apres Surf or Cambus Wallace. Music never disappoints and the crowd is always up for a good time there!
Fav store for retail therapy: Strange Days in Palm Beach, they have the coolest selection of vintage pieces
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Paloma, my favourite wine bar on the Gold Coast! Their wine selection never disappoints. Plus, food there is amazing.
Kirra Smith, Photographer + Writer
Coffee order and go-to cafe: Large almond cappuccino at Dune Cafe – it’s right near my house and the beach where I take my Staffy Jagger.
Brekky catch-up: The Bread Social in Currumbin – love an early morning pastry
Brunch with bubbles: The Tropic for brunch because you can’t beat that view.
Long lunch with the girls: Labart in Burleigh Heads – a beautiful dining experience all round (and a fab wine list)
Hang with the crew on Sunday sess: Kirra Beach Hotel – they have live music and a good crowd on Sunday’s
Fancy date night: Haha I don’t go on dates
The bomb takeaway comes from: I’m not really a takeaway gal but The Collective for a burger if I do.
Where to boogie: Burleigh Pavilion for a dance
Fav store for retail therapy: Emte Boutique in Burleigh stocks tons of my fave brands and always has something cute to take home
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Bar Evelyn – unmatched Dirty Martinis
Lauren Doogan, Fashion Correspondent
Jacqueline Bojanowski, Writer
Coffee order and go-to cafe: I’m an oat latte girl but I’ll shake it up for an iced one come spring and it’s got to be from Milkman’s Daughter
Brekky catch-up: Tarte Burleigh
Brunch with bubbles: Palm Springs but let’s skip the bubbles and go straight for a spicy marg
Long lunch with the girls: Jimmy Wah’s is my forever favourite – the food and vibes are unmatched
Fancy date night: Social Eating House
The bomb takeaway comes from: Poke Poke
Where to boogie: I may or may not be partial to a boogie at Atrium Bar after a few too many Prosseco’s
Fav store for retail therapy: I’m a Pacific Fair Stan and you’ll find me doing damage in Dissh (can’t stop, won’t stop)
You’ll find me grabbing a drink at: Cantina in Mermaid – bonus that the food is epic too
We’re all fired up about these new hotspots.
While the temperatures might be dropping, the Gold Coast is only getting hotter, when it comes to new venues that is.
May delivered a stacked lineup of openings, taking us from Parisian-style garden cafes to British pubs and moody Japanese bars. Whether you’re after robata skewers and cocktails or a cold foam and a perfectly flaky croissant, there’s something for every mood. Let’s take a bite (and a sip) out of the Gold Coast’s freshest arrivals.
Hidden down a Burleigh laneway and already buzzing with locals, The Laneway is bringing cosy wine bar energy, carb-loaded comfort food and cocktails worth cancelling plans for. Taking over the old JFK Woodfired Kitchen & Bar space, the new spot from the team behind The Arc serves up truffle arancini, creamy pastas, loaded pizzas and crispy pork belly that absolutely steals the show.
Where: 37a Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads
Need an excuse to slow down? Pause Button Cafe has arrived in Coomera serving colourful brunch plates, playful drinks and major feel-good energy. From the duo behind Humble Cafe, the bright new spot dishes up spicy honey chicken waffles, octopus nduja scramble and OTT sweet treats alongside creative coffees and boozy brunch sips.
Where: Shop 13 31-37, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
A proper British pub has arrived in the heart of Surfers, with Artesian Hospitality officially opening the doors to Fig ’n’ Fox. Spanning two levels, the venue serves up all the pub classics you’d expect, from fish and chips to bangers and mash and hearty Sunday roasts. Inside, you’ll find warm timber finishes, cosy booth seating and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for long lunches and after-work pints.
Downstairs, Timmy’s Tea Room brings a grungier edge, with live music, pool tables, electronic darts, a dance floor and a cheeky basement bar atmosphere that’s already earning a loyal following.
Where: 2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Helensvale’s cult favourite Italia Moto has officially levelled up, trading takeaway-only queues for a full dine-in Italian garden experience. The new space feels like a rustic European escape, with olive trees, citrus groves and fairy-lit tables setting the scene for long lunches and easy dinners. Alongside the signature woodfired pizzas and gelato, the menu now features burrata, gnocchi al ragù, calamari fritti and seafood-packed frutti di mare.
Where: 104 Helensvale Road, Helensvale
A seriously sweet newbie has landed in Robina, with iconic American chocolatier See’s Candies opening its very first Australian store. Bringing over 100 years of confectionery heritage, the cult favourite arrives with glossy chocolate boxes, buttery caramels, peanut brittle and those famous lollipops that taste like pure nostalgia.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Thrift meets caffeine fix at Gritty Garms, the Mermaid Beach newcomer blending curated vintage fashion with specialty coffee and sweet treats. Born from founder Hugo Cunningham’s global sourcing obsession and barista partner Amara Gray’s cafe know-how, the space feels like a retro treasure hunt with cold foam in hand.
Where: 2550 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Broadbeach has officially turned extra sweet with the arrival of Milk & Marble Rolled Ice Cream Co, serving up ice cream with a side of theatrics. Forget simple scoops, this is rolled ice cream made live on a sub-zero plate, chopped, spread and scraped into silky spirals right before your eyes.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Burleigh’s brunch scene just got très chic with the arrival of Choubidou Cafe, a French-inspired cafe on the Hibiscus Haven block. From the duo behind Le Jardin, this sunny new spot brings Parisian charm with crepes, croissants and indulgent brunch plates.
Where: 2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Our sandwich obsession has reached new heights with Smug Club, the Coomera Collective newcomer already selling out daily. From the team behind Bear Boy Espresso, this deli-style hotspot is all about giving the locals what they want with loaded focaccia sandos and playful cold foams.
Where: Shop 1, 31-37 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Palm Beach’s new Boococks Butchery is bringing back old-school charm to the weekly shop. With roots stretching back to 1923, the family-run business is all about quality cuts, trusted producers and proper counter service that feels more neighbourhood chat than checkout scan.
Where: 19th Avenue Shopping Centre, Palm Beach
Southport’s beloved Italian has had a glow-up with the return of JAFA, now serving a refreshed slice of La Dolce Vita. Reopened under owner Roshan with chef Manoj, the space blends cosy neighbourhood warmth with polished timber tones, and a new menu featuring vodka rigatoni, twelve-hour beef ragu and hot honey pepperoni pizza. Suddenly Southport feels a little more Italian holiday than weekday dinner.
Where: Shop7, 253 Ferry Road Southport
Burleigh nights just got a little moodier with the arrival of SHŌTŌ, the new Japanese bar from Etsu founder Nathan Horwood. Taking over the former Kin space, the dark and buzzing venue pairs yakitori, handrolls and robata skewers with smoky cocktails and serious Tokyo backstreet vibes.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Nobby Beach has scored a little slice of Europe with the arrival of La Vie, the cosy wine bar and cafe from three French friends missing the rituals of home. Bringing South of France energy to Chairlift Avenue, the intimate space serves up crêpes, loaded charcuterie boards, European wines and cocktails made for long, lingering afternoons.
Where: Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach
Mermaid Beach’s viral wellness café has officially launched its long-awaited food menu, transforming its famous smoothie stop into a full brunch destination. Expect Scandi-inspired dishes including loaded bagels, fresh salads and nourishing bowls, alongside the signature smoothies that have made House of Hälsa one of the Coast’s most talked-about cafés.
Where: 1/2453 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Lisette Drew
