Authentic Japanese food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, particularly when it can be enjoyed without hopping on a plane and with a side of salty ocean breezes. Which makes anyone who has ventured down to Coolangatta to sample brand-new Harahetta Ramen recently, the richest of Gold Coasters.

It’s pho-real the newest hotspot for authentic Japanese cuisine. See what we did there?

Located in Coolangatta’s foodie precinct where Baskk and Bar Evelyn also reside, this new ramen joint is the miso happy place you’ve been looking for, and it’s already a hit with those of us who appreciate flavour-filled dishes created by people in the know.

So who are the culinary geniuses behind our new fave ramen joint, you ask?

Harahetta Ramen’s roots trace back to Goukai Ramen, the beloved Burleigh gem that established a devoted following thanks to its delicious broths and exceptional service. Owners Hiroshi and Sarah Takeyama who are Tweed locals, sold Goukai Ramen in February when they saw an opportunity to create their dream venue in Cooly.

Hiroshi trained to be a Ramen Chef in Tokyo and has created a signature broth for the ramen dishes that must be sampled to be believed.

The talented pair have brought the same attention to detail and signature touch to this new venue, building on the strong legacy that Goukai Ramen set to deliver a modern twist while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavours that put their name on the map.

Sarah’s dad, Peter Arnold, designed the fit-out and was project manager. Hiroshi and his friends built the space, which is low-lit and moody with exposed ceiling beams, a textured bar, and glossy black tiles that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Japan.

Now let’s talk food. The menu begins with a choice of eight ramen dishes and please, allow us to indulge you for a minute.

The Original Ramen is made up of half a marinated egg, shallots, wood ear mushrooms, two slices of pork chashu and seaweed. Perfect.

Then there’s a Spicy Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen, Shio Ramen with a Yuzu flavour, Maze Soba (brothless) and, of course, both a veg and vegan option. Obviously, you can (and should) add extra toppings.

If you feel like something a little different, there are Rice Bowls with options like Teriyaki Mayo Karaage, Sweet Chilli Karaage, Nanban Japanese Tartar, and Ponzu Radish. You can also snack on burgers, Gyoza, and Karaage Chicken too. All of which is a true delight for the taste buds.

To drink, there is beer, wine, and spirits, but we highly recommend sampling the Lemon Chu Hi—a popular Japanese sip that is fresh and zingy and the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of ramen.

All of this plus a balmy beachside location. What more could you want? Make your next dinner out an authentic Japanese one at Harahetta Ramen.

Where: 3/ 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Monday – Saturday 5pm -9pm, last orders at 8.30pm
Instagram: @harahetta_ramen

There are few things better on the Gold Coast than a perfectly put together coastal European-inspired venue overlooking the ocean in Kirra. Throw in the fact that said venue is named after a beloved family pup and that it has been created by the clever team behind Siblings (also in Kirra) and there’s nothing better.

Introducing Hanks. This sophisticated newbie is a delightful addition to the Southern Gold Coast’s growing dining scene, taking over the corner space on Musgrave Street in Kirra where Bread and Butter once lived.

Of which Hanks owners Peter, Tracey and TJ Cianci along with Jarrod Kyle are no strangers. All in all they have been the previous owners of Edgewater Dining and Fish Emporium and of course, current owners of Siblings Kirra. As usual, they’ve created something very special that we expect will become a firm favourite for everyone who has the pleasure of visiting.

Inside Hanks is a designer’s dream come true thanks to Zero9 and Space Cubed Design Studio with an absolutely stunning Sovrano marble bar as the centrepiece, low hanging pendant lights, windows on every side, an open kitchen and a private dining space you’ll want to book for every event for the rest of your life.

As we mentioned, all of this is just steps from the ocean creating the relaxed, seaside ambience you thought you’d only ever find in the Euro summer you’ve long been dreaming of (same).

The cuisine has been stamped as ‘coastal European’ which suits us just fine thank you very much and the team have created the menu around the concept of the table being the platter. Which means everything is for sharing and you get to sample more than you otherwise might. Lucky for you.

The menu is crafted around fresh ingredients, sourced daily including homemade pasta, sliced meats, fresh seafood and Tuscan Schiacciata bread. You’ll find dishes like ‘Cacio e Pepe’ arancini to start, small dishes like Crudo of Fraser Island scallops with finger lime dressing and Burrata with caramelised honey, fennel seed. Fresh handmade pasta dishes include Bay Lobster spaghetti with cherry tomato, chilli, garlic and lemon and Cavatelli with pork & fennel sausage, broccolini and pangrattato.

On the grill, there are Ballina king prawns with green garlic butter and lemon and Chargrilled spatchcock with nduja butter and charred lemon.

Desserts are all made in house too. Expect tasty bites like Pistachio Cannoli and Hanks New York Cheesecake plus liquid desserts like a Screwball Delight involving Peanut Butter Whiskey.

To sip, the Mango Margarita is a must and there are a further 29 specialty cocktails to make your way through too, with several incorporating locally distilled spirits such as Familiar Spirits and Six-Tricks.

Most importantly, via all of that aforementioned goodness, the team hopes to deliver the Gold Coast the same level of joy their boy Hank brought to them and though those are no doubt big shoes to fill, we think they’ve got it covered.

Now go. Treat yourself to some time at Hanks.

Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – late

Talk about Thai-riffic! Pink Whale is making a splash in Surfers Paradise, serving up Thai street food that’s as bold as its venue. This brand-new eatery from the masterminds behind Valyn Thai, LimLay Thai and Nahm Talay is the latest addition to the Nahm Group – a family of restaurants that has grown from a single venue to a beloved collective, each offering a unique take on Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. After 10 years in the hospo game, the team has taken over the iconic Charlie’s spot and given it a seriously fun makeover.

Just like its sibling restaurants, Pink Whale is all about elevated street food – a perfect mix of traditional Thai flavours with a modern twist. But where LimLay pops with vibrant furnishings, Pink Whale explodes in colour.

Inspired by the buzzing, chaotic energy of Thai street stalls, the space is decked out in neon lights, glittery rainbow tables, and an unapologetic pink aesthetic. It’s bright, it’s loud and it’s designed to feel like a walk through the late-night streets of Bangkok.

But let’s get to the real star of the show – the food. Pink Whale is bringing the hustle and bustle of Thai street eats straight to Cavill Avenue, serving up sizzling, slurp-worthy, and oh-so-snappable dishes.

Kick things off with their mouthwatering Thai BBQ skewers, perfect for grabbing on the go or pairing with a beer tower while you soak in the Surfers Paradise buzz. Choose from Tropical Chicken, Beef, Pork, Chicken Wings or classic Satay Chicken – each marinated, grilled, and dripping with flavour.

Feeling a little soupy? Their Tom Yum Jumbo is a must-try. Build your own noodle bowl by picking your favourite noodle, protein, and broth. Whether you go for a rich and spicy Tom Yum base or a comforting, aromatic broth, it’s a slurp-worthy experience that warms the soul.

One dish that’s making waves is the Pineapple Fried Rice, served straight from a pineapple half. Packed with prawns, egg and their signature Thai seasoning, this dish is a tropical dream come true. And if you’re a fan of the classics, Pad Thai and Pad See-ew are always a winning choice.

Got a hungry crew? Go big with jumbo-sized servings available for soups, noodles and rice – because when it comes to Thai food, more is always more.

Want some table-side theatrics? The Sizzling Tenderloin is the one to order. Juicy beef, peppercorn, chili and mixed veggies come together on a sizzling hot plate, with the sauce poured over right in front of you – cue the mouthwatering aroma and dramatic steam. Spice lovers, be warned: this one brings the heat.

And what’s a Thai feast without a refreshing drink? Pink Whale serves up homemade Thai Milk Tea, Thai Lemon Iced Tea and Coconut Juice, perfect for cooling down after a fiery dish. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, grab a cold Asahi or Stone & Wood on tap, a bottle of Corona or a crisp Somersby Apple Cider.

And if you’re really settling in for the night, that beer tower is calling your name.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Their signature cocktails, including the Long Thailand Iced Tea, Aperitivo and ‘Sunrise’, bring the perfect Thai twist to your sipping session.

With indoor and outdoor seating for 80–100 guests, a menu packed with crowd-pleasers, and a neon-lit, high-energy vibe, Pink Whale is a tail-slapping good time. The team chose this buzzing location because, “it’s just like Thai street food – busy, chaotic, and a little over the top.”

After a decade of creating beloved Thai eateries, Pink Whale is their boldest concept yet – a love letter to Thai street food, brought to life in the heart of Surfers Paradise. More than just a place to eat, it’s an experience. So next time you’re in the area, wade in and get ready for a whale of a good feed!

Where: Shop EP024/2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily from 11.30am to 10pm