How Instyle Agency can help you trade up to a better lifestyle.
How Instyle Agency can help you trade up to a better lifestyle.
If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered when exactly your spare room became a graveyard for forgotten hobbies and ‘I’ll use it one day’ purchases, you’re not alone.
Turns out, swapping more house for more life is becoming one of the Gold Coast’s biggest property trends, and the women behind Elanora-based Instyle Agency know exactly why.
Opening the business in September 2025, Instyle Agency is a boutique buyers agency founded by co-owners Nerida Smith and Amanda Campbell. Between these two house-hunting heavyweights, they bring decades of experience across finance, sales, property investing and negotiations, along with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Gold Coast market.
The duo specialise in helping buyers navigate what can often feel like one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing your first home, investing or embracing a simpler lifestyle through downsizing, they’re here to represent one person throughout the process. You.
Unlike selling agents, whose job is to achieve the best outcome for the vendor, buyers’ agents like Instyle work exclusively in the buyer’s corner. That means one or all of the following; sourcing properties, uncovering off-market opportunities, researching values, arranging inspections, negotiating the purchase, and managing the entire process from search to settlement.
Translation? You get the goods (keys, profit, and someone else doing the ‘heavy lifting’) minus the stress, frown lines, and the frantic dash to smooth out the ‘11’.
What makes Instyle Agency stand out, though, is that their passion for downsizing comes from actual lived experience. It’s perspective you can’t get from Google – only from people who’ve walked the walk and come out lighter, brighter, and no longer held hostage by four bathrooms.
Not long ago, Nerida and Amanda traded their sprawling five-bedroom, four-bathroom abode for a breezy three-bedroom home that better suited the way they actually wanted to live. Less maintenance. Lower mortgage. More weekends doing things they enjoy instead of waging war on an endless list of household chores.
That personal experience shapes the way they work with clients. They understand that buying or selling a home isn’t just a financial decision; it’s an emotional one too. Every client has different priorities, whether that’s finding a low-maintenance lock-and-leave lifestyle, moving closer to family, relocating interstate or finally finding the home you’ve always imagined.
Plus, they’ve been helping family, friends and clients purchase property for years, have formal real estate qualifications, are licensed in both Queensland and New South Wales, and own property across both states.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service, Instyle Agency tailors every search to suit each buyer’s lifestyle, goals and budget. Their transparent flat-fee structure keeps costs predictable, while their local knowledge helps clients avoid costly mistakes and spot opportunities others might miss.
For anyone considering downsizing but haven’t the foggiest where to begin, they’ve also created a free downloadable Roadmap for Downsizers. It covers everything from preparing your current home for sale to avoiding common pitfalls and choosing a property that supports the lifestyle you actually want (not just the postcode).
Whether you’re dreaming of less mowing, fewer spare rooms to clean or simply a home that fits your current stage of your life better, Instyle Agency is proving that buying property doesn’t have to be overwhelming. All it takes is having the right people in your corner and guidance that’s grounded in real experience.
Because the best move isn’t always into a bigger house. Sometimes, it’s into a better lifestyle with the freedom to trade chores for weekends and square metres for quality of life.
Website: instyleagency.com.au
Instagram: Instyleagency_
Facebook: Instyle agency
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY INSTYLE AGENCY
New restaurants, who dis?
If there’s one thing the Gold Coast is going to do, it’s deliver on good food, and this year is shaping up very nicely. From slick new dining destinations to laidback eateries serving up seriously good plates, the restaurant scene has welcomed a wave of fresh faces we’re already obsessed with. Whether you’re planning your next date night, long lunch or spontaneous midweek outing, here’s every restaurant that we’ve covered so far this year.
Surfers Paradise has a new locale for long lunches. Taking over the former Hyde Paradiso site, Valentina Restaurant + Bar pairs Mediterranean-inspired feasts with sweeping ocean views and cocktails created alongside the team behind Maybe Sammy. Expect share plates, fresh seafood, handmade pasta and standout spritzes, all served in a breezy coastal setting inspired by Barcelona and the Amalfi Coast. It might just make you cancel your Euro summer plans.
Where: Level 2, Peppers Soul, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
After a four-month Mediterranean-inspired makeover, Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has reopened bringing elevated coastal style and a refined new menu, crafted by owner and Executive Chef Marcondes Almeida Neto – the culinary mastermind behind fellow Cooly kingpins Black Dingo and La Stradina. Whether you’re chasing sunset spritzes, long lunches or just sweeping ocean views, this refreshed favourite is officially back and better than ever.
Where: Beachcomber International Resort, Level 13/122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Part of the new hospitality precinct on Hicks Street, Hicksville’s Smokehouse & Backyard Bar is bringing serious smokehouse energy to Southport, serving 16-hour brisket, sticky ribs, smoked chorizo and stacked BBQ buns. Expect low-and-slow meats, share plates like the Pitmaster’s Plate, and a strong drinks list heavy on bourbon, whiskey and local brews. Perfect for post-work knock-offs or weekend feasts.
Where: 11 Hicks Street, Southport
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
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
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
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
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
Modern Japanese meets traditional technique at this family-run izakaya, where Aya Amemiya leads the kitchen alongside daughter Dianna front-of-house. Head chef Dai Nakata draws on Kyoto roots and years across Osaka and Tokyo, shaping a menu of share-style dishes. Expect standouts like shiso prawn toast, sushi pizza and slow-braised kakuni pork, alongside vegetarian heroes. The space is warm and intimate, with cocktails like the matcha martini keeping things lively.
Where: Shop 12, 2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
This takeaway pasta bar by chefs Rodrigo Abranches and Stefano Mondonico brings Italian classics into a fast food format. Choose from handmade pasta, then build your bowl with sauces like Napoli, pesto or creamy rose, and finish with toppings from vegetables to prawns or slow-cooked beef. There are also house favourites like Bolognese and chilli prawn if decision fatigue hits. With just 15 seats, it’s designed for quick, quality dining, plus gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options to suit all.
Where: Shop 3/ 1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Melbourne-born burger and froyo brand lands at The Pines with a bright, social space built for casual hangs. The menu covers premium Angus beef burgers, plant-based options and loaded fries, alongside thick shakes and rotating specials. The real drawcard is the self-serve frozen yoghurt bar, with changing flavours and a generous toppings station. Designed for everything from post-beach refuels to family dinners, it’s a community-focused spot that leans into fun, flexibility and crowd-pleasing combinations.
Where: The Pines Shopping Centre, Shop 69, Corner Guineas Creek Road, K P McGrath Dr, Elanora
Texas-style barbecue gets a takeaway twist at this Southport newcomer, where brisket is smoked low and slow for 14 hours before landing in grab-and-go meals. Run by father-son duo Ivan and Edward Nunez, the menu focuses on smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork and flame-grilled chicken, paired with sides including waffle fries, mac and cheese and jalapeño bites. Meals can be built as bowls or loaded plates, with a range of house-made sauces bringing that full Southern flavour.
Where: Shop 1c/82 Marine Parade, Southport
From hospitality veterans Jackie and May Cheng, Jade Room brings a design-led take on Chinese dining to Robina. The moody, mid-century-inspired space sets the tone for a menu that blends traditional Cantonese flavours with modern yum cha. Highlights include truffle dumplings, beef ho fun and a signature Peking duck carved tableside. Larger plates like mud crab and XO pipi are built for sharing, while a dedicated cocktail list, including a lychee martini, will round out the evening in style.
Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Broadbeach favourite Rumi expands into Surfers with a larger, more dramatic space that reflects its Persian roots. The menu focuses on traditional dishes made for sharing, from saffron chicken and kebabs to slow-cooked lamb shank and beef ribs. Banquets are a key feature, designed for groups, alongside fresh salads, dips and house-baked bread. Interiors lean bold with rich colours and ambient lighting, while desserts like kunefe and cocktails such as the 1001 Nights level up the experience.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Sunset sips just got a upgrade at Bar Bruto in Casuarina. This Euro-style wine bar is made for date night, girls night or any night that starts with one glass and ends with a bottle. The menu celebrates Spanish tapas and Euro-inspired small plates designed for sharing while the wine list is small but mighty too, with a focus on natural drops. It’s late-night Barcelona vibes just over the border.
Where: Shop 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina
Carb lovers rejoice! Sicily by Fratello is serving pasta, pizza and all the Italian comfort your stretchy pants can handle. Think fresh handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Aperol spritzes and Nutella gnocchi that should probably be illegal. It’s warm, welcoming and made for long lunches that turn into dinners. Arrive hungry, order too much and roll out happily planning your next visit.
Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba
Hidden in Byron Bays’s industrial estate, Attaboy Pizza is all about really good pizza without needing to venture into the busy town centre. The brainchild of the crew behind Ciao Mate! and You Beauty, this casual takeaway joint is slinging New York slices for lunch, and full 13-inch rounds and Detroit deep dish for dinner with three-day fermented dough and toppings like Byron Hawaiian and Spicy Pepperoni that don’t mess around. It’s pizza night done right.
Where: 4/20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
If Euro summer isn’t on your calendar this year, don’t stress! La Stradina has you covered. Tucked down a Cooly laneway, La Stradina lets candlelit tables and spinning vinyl set the tone. Mediterranean morsels like Moreton Bay bug skewers, Blue Fin tuna rice cakes, and homemade rigatoni are just the beginning of a moreish menu. Settle in with a signature cocktail and you’ll be saying “Euro, who?”
Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse is raising the steaks and the roof in Surfers Paradise. Think smoky brisket, a show-stopping 1kg Tomahawk Steak, and wings that deserve their own fan club. There’s a mechanical bull daring you to hold on, a d-floor for line dancing and a stage for live country music straight outta Nashville. It’s boot-scooting, bucking-bull fun for both family get-togethers and full-throttle nights out. Saddle up!
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Chicken tonight? Don’t mind if we do! The Salty Chook is spinning golden birds in Rainbow Bay and serving pure post-surf satisfaction. Think free-range rotisserie chook with crackly skin, Nashville hot burgers that bring the heat, and chippies dusted in extra chicken salt (obviously). It’s nostalgic with no-fuss, where sandy feet and salt-of-the-earth souls are always welcome.
Where: 13 Ward Street Coolangatta
Tedder Avenue’s newest Italian stallion is here to wow. Bar Ricci in Main Beach is serving coastal Italian glamour with limoncello buttered barramundi, blue swimmer crab pasta, and arancini that’ll steal your heart. Think Aperol Spritz like Amalfi, Michelin-worthy mains and a wine list that’s world-class. With breezy terraces, private rooms and service as stylish as the interiors, Bar Ricci is perfect for long lunches, intimate dinners or Italian family feasts.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Spice up your life at SABA Kitchen in Surfers Paradise! Tucked inside Hotel Jardin, this pan-Asian hotspot serves bold, flavour-packed dishes designed for sharing (or not, if the game-farm duck breast steals your heart, and it will). Think sashimi kissed with yuzu, smoky robata-grilled skewers, and Mooloolaba prawns in XO coconut sauce, all washed down with cocktails that sparkle as much as the food. Sleek, intimate and unpretentious, SABA is where long lunches turn into late-night feasts.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Fish and chips, anyone? Red Hot Cod in Burleigh Heads just levelled up with tropical alfresco dining, a breezy bar and all Bali-inspired. Tuck into their famous golden, crispy fish, snapper poke bowls and new satay sticks that pair perfectly with coconut margaritas or Red Hot Cod Lager. Run by local legends Simon, Buffie, and daughter Mila, it’s where post-surf feeds turn into long lunches and holiday mode kicks in even if you’re just on a lunch break.
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Look at MOI now! Mad Over Italian has opened its second venue, bringing its much-loved Italian comfort food to Emerald Lakes. After winning fans in Hope Island, this family-friendly fave is serving up woodfired pizzas, classic pastas and vino-fuelled good times in a dreamy “Little Europe” setting. Satisfy midweek carb cravings with long lunches by the water and date nights that end in tiramisu. Casual, cosy and completely irresistible, this is one opening Emerald Lakes is already mad about.
Where: 3030 The Boulevard, Carrara
Seoul food incoming! Pacific Fair has gone all out with Seoul Garden’s all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot experience. Think sizzling grills, endless meats, bubbling broths and neon-lit vibes made for group hangs. You and your crew can sizzle and slurp your way through premium cuts, banchan galore and comfort classics. Come hungry, leave very happy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Words by Lisette Drew
YOMG lands in Elanora.
If you find yourself craving burgers, frozen yoghurt and a side of good times all in one hit, you’re in luck. YOMG (aka Yo My Goodness) has officially opened its doors at The Pines Elanora, marking its third Gold Coast outpost and it’s giving “local fave” energy already.
The Melbourne-born brand has been making serious moves in South East Queensland, and the Gold Coast in particular has really rolled out the welcome mat. After launching in Chermside in 2024, then quickly setting up shop in Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach, The Pines feels like the natural next step. And if first impressions are anything to go by, the southern Gold Coast is more than ready.
So what’s the vibe? Think bright, buzzy and built for everything from post-beach refuels to family dinners and casual catch-ups. The space has been purpose-designed to feel welcoming and social, somewhere you can settle in, share a spread and maybe lose track of time over a stacked burger and dessert from the self-serve froyo bar.
And yes, let’s talk about the food. Because YOMG doesn’t do things by halves. The menu is stacked with premium Angus beef burgers, alongside plenty of plant-based options for the vegans and veg-curious among us. Add to that a lineup of loaded fries, thick shakes and all the indulgent extras you could want, and you’ve got yourself a choose-your-own-adventure situation, one we’re very much on board with.
But the real MVP? That iconic self-serve froyo station. We’re talking an ever-changing rotation of flavours, plus a toppings bar that lets your inner child and outer adult run wild. Whether you’re a minimalist with a swirl of vanilla or someone who piles on mini M&Ms, strawberries and Biscoff like there’s no tomorrow, it’s all fair game here.
Of course, if you know YOMG, you’ll know it’s not just about the core menu. The brand has built a loyal following thanks to its limited-edition drops, those creative, seasonal specials that get people talking and lining up. From collabs to one-off menu moments, these releases have become a bit of a thing at their Burleigh and Pacific Fair locations, and the good news is Elanora is getting in on the action from day one.
Behind it all is Co-Founder Justin Wilson, who says the Gold Coast has been one of YOMG’s standout markets. And it’s easy to see why. The brand’s mix of quality food, fun atmosphere and community focus hits a sweet spot for locals looking for more than just a quick bite.
That community angle is a big part of the Elanora opening too. The store has been staffed by a local team, with a clear focus on creating a space that genuinely feels part of the neighbourhood. Not just somewhere you pop into once, but somewhere you come back to again and again.
And in a spot like The Pines, that makes perfect sense. It’s one of those centres that locals already love, so adding YOMG into the mix feels like a bit of a glow-up moment.
YOMG is cementing itself as one of the region’s most exciting dining destinations. Whether you’re chasing a quick burger, a loaded shake or a full-blown froyo creation, Elanora just became your new go-to.
BRB, grabbing a spoon.
When: Daily from 10am–10pm
Where: The Pines Shopping Centre, Shop 69, Corner Guineas Creek Road, K P McGrath Dr, Elanora
Words by Belinda Symons
The freshest spots you need on your radar right now.
April on the Gold Coast came in sizzling, with a lineup of openings worth rearranging your week for.
From a Smokehouse takeaway and a Persian banquet, to a French patisserie and a Japanese izakaya bar, there’s something new for every palate and postcode. Let’s jump into the hottest openings from last month!
The long-standing local favourite Paradox Coffee Roasters opens a flagship in Broadbeach, centred around an oval coffee bar and innovative batch brew tap system. Expect rotating single-origin beans, frozen V60 options and creative drinks like strawberry brownie and lychee pavlova lattes. The food menu, led by Head Chef Vivek, includes dishes like chilli scrambled eggs, miso mushrooms and soba noodle salad. With indoor-outdoor seating and a strong focus on quality sourcing, it’s a step up for your daily coffee ritual.
Where: 4 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Broadbeach favourite Rumi expands into Surfers with a larger, more dramatic space that reflects its Persian roots. The menu focuses on traditional dishes made for sharing, from saffron chicken and kebabs to slow-cooked lamb shank and beef ribs. Banquets are a key feature, designed for groups, alongside fresh salads, dips and house-baked bread. Interiors lean bold with rich colours and ambient lighting, while desserts like kunefe and cocktails such as the 1001 Nights level up the experience.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Opened by Sophia Buntine, LOAF picks up where Mylk Well left off, offering a relaxed, beachside cafe just steps from the sand. The menu leans into easy, quality options like acai bowls, avo toast, smoothies and specialty drinks, alongside Supreme coffee. A standout is the weekend-only tiramisu iced latte, created in collaboration with Chef Frankie. With a breezy deck, dog-friendly setup and grab-and-go window, it’s designed for quick stops or slow mornings pre or post beach hangs.
Where: 1237 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
From hospitality veterans Jackie and May Cheng, Jade Room brings a design-led take on Chinese dining to Robina. The moody, mid-century-inspired space sets the tone for a menu that blends traditional Cantonese flavours with modern yum cha. Highlights include truffle dumplings, beef ho fun and a signature Peking duck carved tableside. Larger plates like mud crab and XO pipi are built for sharing, while a dedicated cocktail list, including a lychee martini, will round out the evening in style.
Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina
From Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef Janine Carampot, this Surfers cafe blends French patisserie with Filipino flavours. Display cabinets are filled with croissants, choux, tarts and petit gâteaux, alongside fresh sourdough and grab-and-go baguettes. There’s also a full brunch menu, Campos coffee and a strong matcha lineup. The light-filled space features blue-framed windows and a relaxed coastal feel, while interactive cake-decorating adds a playful touch for those wanting something beyond the usual cafe stop.
Where: G31, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Texas-style barbecue gets a takeaway twist at this Southport newcomer, where brisket is smoked low and slow for 14 hours before landing in grab-and-go meals. Run by father-son duo Ivan and Edward Nunez, the menu focuses on smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork and flame-grilled chicken, paired with sides including waffle fries, mac and cheese and jalapeño bites. Meals can be built as bowls or loaded plates, with a range of house-made sauces bringing that full Southern flavour.
Where: Shop 1c/82 Marine Parade, Southport
The Melbourne-born burger and froyo brand lands at The Pines with a bright, social space built for casual hangs. The menu covers premium Angus beef burgers, plant-based options and loaded fries, alongside thick shakes and rotating specials. The real drawcard is the self-serve frozen yoghurt bar, with changing flavours and a generous toppings station. Designed for everything from post-beach refuels to family dinners, it’s a community-focused spot that leans into fun, flexibility and crowd-pleasing combinations.
Where: The Pines Shopping Centre, Shop 69, Corner Guineas Creek Road, K P McGrath Dr, Elanora
This takeaway pasta bar by chefs Rodrigo Abranches and Stefano Mondonico brings Italian classics into a fast food format. Choose from handmade pasta, then build your bowl with sauces like Napoli, pesto or creamy rose, and finish with toppings from vegetables to prawns or slow-cooked beef. There are also house favourites like Bolognese and chilli prawn if decision fatigue hits. With just 15 seats, it’s designed for quick, quality dining, plus gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options to suit all.
Where: Shop 3/ 1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Modern Japanese meets traditional technique at this family-run izakaya, where Aya Amemiya leads the kitchen alongside daughter Dianna front-of-house. Head chef Dai Nakata draws on Kyoto roots and years across Osaka and Tokyo, shaping a menu of share-style dishes. Expect standouts like shiso prawn toast, sushi pizza and slow-braised kakuni pork, alongside vegetarian heroes. The space is warm and intimate, with cocktails like the matcha martini keeping things lively.
Where: Shop 12, 2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Lisette Drew
