Sun. Sip. Selfie. Repeat.
Sun. Sip. Selfie. Repeat.
Did you hear the commotion on Tuesday night coming from the northeast out by the ocean? Was it a bird? Was it a plane? No, it was the sound of the glitterati running towards Marina Mirage en masse for the unveiling they’ve all been waiting for and as if, they were actually fanging it in their Lamborghinis but #details.
We’re of course referring to the much-anticipated encore to the opening of La Luna Dining, a sneak peak at La Luna Beach Club. And if this VIP affair was anything to go by, Australia’s first floating beach club is THE hottest destination (packed with the coolest peeps) on the Coast.
Promising an unparalleled level of chic and modelled on life aboard a yacht, it smashed expectations with its stunningly simplistic yet chic design, luxurious Euro vibes, and more high roller cocktails that you can poke a swizzle stick at.
Open just in time for our glorious Gold Coast summer, we were born ready for this level of luxe. Yet again, we are filled with gratitude for Patrik Gennari of Gennari Group fame and srsly, this man is da man. Enlisting Open Projects Group, Gold Coast Marine, August Homes and Space Cubed to bring the beach club vision to life, the result is a destination worthy of its own island in the Mediterranean.
The panoramic Broadwater views from La Luna’s dreamy day beds and chic cabanas will transport you to an unparalleled paradiso, and don’t even get us started on the people watching #PrettyCommittee101.
With a cocktail in one hand and, well, another cocktail in the other, the only thing more satisfying than double parked drinks in a cushy cabana is the five-star feasting boards. Suitable for up to 10 guests, choose from the likes of the grazing platter, freshly shucked oyster platter, and a charcuterie, cheese and fruit platter.
But back to the cocktails coz priorities, the signature Fortune 500 is a V.I.B.E, with a taste (and $500 price point) that’ll knock your socks Gucci platform slides off. Served on a diamond ice cube and made from 500 Woodford Reserve Barracat edition, fancy sugar syrup, cherry and old-fashioned bitters, it’s worth forgoing next quarter’s electricity for.
If all that poolside lazing and ocean gazing Mykonos style has left you with an appetite for something more substantial, step inside La Luna Beach Club’s exclusive alfresco Mediterranean restaurant, MĀRE. Here you’ll find a seamlessly executed on-fleek space, VIP service, and a menu boasting a carefully curated selection of European eats.
We’re talking cold bar options, mezze, small plates, De Cecco artisanal Italian pastas, mains, sides and salads. May we recommend you start with the Bass Strait Scallop Ceviche infused with citrus leaves and olive oil, and/or the Slow Poached + Grilled Fremantle Octopus with lemon gel, oregano and chili. If you’re not worried about bikini bloat, don’t hesitate to order the Orecchiette Pasta with braised local swordfish, eggplant puree and semi dried truss tomatoes. Or, for an epic splurge, look no further than the 1.3kg Tomahawk, Angus grass fed, 36 months old from Cape Grim in Tassie.
If the stress of choosing what to order is causing your frown lines to deepen (blasphemy), trust Head Chef Meyjitte Boughenou to take the lead (we do), and embrace the venue’s set menu. With 6-courses of gastronomic greatness, it’s guaranteed to float everyone’s boat superyacht and please the most refined palettes.
Oozing endless summer vibes and highbrow flex for days, this is irrefutably the place to see and be seen. Not for the penny pinchers, sun beds will start from $150 per person and for a cabana, you can pretty safely double that per head. But we can confirm that the sun shines brighter here, and that the La Luna Beach Club experience is quite simply unmatchable. It soothes the soul, stimulates the senses, and is the epitome of the (insanely) good life.
So have your bougiest bikini on standby and get ready to luxuriate at this AM to PM intimate boho haven.
Where: Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
When: 11am – late, Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Listen up foodies, cocktail enthusiasts and cool chasers. The time is here for the unveiling of La Luna Restaurant – and we’ve got All.The.Feels.
Officially open from Thursday 13th January 2022, Marina Mirage’s newest resident has reinvented the space where good-times-icons of yesteryear Saks and Pier once lived their best lives. Adding to the appeal of its prestigious location, the restaurant connects directly to the hotly anticipated floating beach club section of the venue. And no folks, that’s not a typo – it legit floats on pontoons (watch this space for launch date deets pencilled for April 2022, we’ll be all over it like mint on a mojito).
Summonsing diners to escape the ordinary and embark on a sensory-arousing journey through the Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine, La Luna Restaurant has all the on-fleek trimmings you’d expect from its trailblazing owner, Patrik Gennari of The Gennari Group. This group is a Gold Coast institution, masterminding the likes of Koi, Glass, Maggie Choo, The Loose Moose and Roosevelt Lounge.
You’ll spend your afternoons and evenings here ocean gazing and grazing with the glitterati, revelling in a selection of flavours to stimulate even the most refined palettes. Using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, the mouth-watering eats and effortless luxury oozing from every nook and cranny will have you chanting “shut up and take my money”.
To set the tone, first stop: the bar (obvs) and the signature cocktail menu is lit. We’re drawing inspo from the fancy yachts in our peripheral, and Tulum-esk accents at the beach club next door and ordering Paprika Spiced Pineapple Margaritas. Then it’s on to an appetiser from the delicious Mezze menu, like perhaps the Wagyu Bresaola.
It’s starter time and the combination of flavours in the Kingfish Ceviche with coconut milk, lime, pickled onion, grapefruit jam and chilli is guaranteed to take you to your happy place. No menu is complete without a Lobster or Moreton Bay Bug Roll these days, and at La Luna, you have the option of either, both come drizzled with lemon and dill mayo and tangy hot sauce.
Back it up with an equally show-stopping main, like the Miso Pork Belly with pickled apple and chilli salsa offset with cloudlike cauliflower cream. Or, perhaps the Fish of the Day is more your thang, grilled to perfection and served with a creamed leek, fennel and citrus salad. YUM!
If you’re in the mood for something to soak up the cocktails (because trust us, you’ll be several deep at this point), there’s plenty of Flatbread Pizza and Pasta options. A standout is the Seafood Linguini, jam-packed with a plethora of seafood goodness straight from our local waters.
Sold yet? Of course you are. See you there – with a margi in hand!
When: Wed – Sun 12pm – late (closed Mon & Tues)
Where: La Luna Beach Club, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Over the last few years, a lot of attention has been cast around our city by way of new up-and-coming eating precincts and suburbs with hospo prowess to rival our southern neighbours. One such stretch of the Gold Coast which has always been a hotspot for good dining experiences is Main Beach. Sure, it may have been a little in the shadow of other areas in recent times, but we certainly believe there is still a serious collection of great restaurants deserving of your hard-earned eating-out budget! Plan ahead, people: start blocking out next weekend and booking tables, as we run through our picks of the suburb.
Omeros Bros Seafood
If you’re in the market for fresh, first-class seafood, Main Beach is where it’s at: and more specifically, it’s at Omeros Bros Seafood at Marina Mirage. A multi-award-winning venue with the most fabulous to-die-for seafood platter around. It’s called Omeros Indulgence, and it’s a mix of hot and cold seafood and possibly the most decadent dish you’re likely to find in the city. Do you know what else goes well with quality seafood? Quality beverages. You’ll find a superb drink offering here to match the food also.
Where: Shop 55/74 Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Main Beach Fish Grotto
New to Tedder Avenue dining scene is this luxe adaptation of a humble fish and chip shop worthy of anyone’s attention. This nautical-themed and whitewashed eatery serves only the best seafood alongside crispy chips and a wisely sized selection of wines and beers. There’s ample reason to stay and dine in with comfort, but if you do decide to takeaway, a drink or two can’t hurt whilst you wait.
Where: 20-22 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Terraces – Sheraton Grand Mirage
Should a 5-star experience be on the cards for your break from the kitchen, then strip off your apron and make a beeline for this Main Beach culinary gold mine. You’ll be spoilt with a luxurious setting overlooking the renowned Sheraton Grand Mirage swimming pool and grounds before you even take your first glance at the food. A deluxe buffet-style arrangement means you’ll have a sophisticated ocean to plate favourites hand-delivered to your table, so you can focus on all the coastal tranquillity this fantastic property has to offer.
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Shuck
This Main Beach institution has been around since 2001, and affection for the cleverly named venue has only grown in that time. The team pride themselves on sourcing the outright freshest seafood; so much so their Crab Lasagne is absolute proof, and out of this world! Take in the tranquil tree-lined street of Main Beach while you enjoy your dishes and wash it all down with an icy glass of Chardonnay — or two.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Another Main Beach restaurant, another mind-blowing view. Glass Dining & Lounge Bar is found at Marina Mirage overlooking the water and serving up fine dining treats and some pretty sweet cocktails too. The menu uses only the best quality produce, meats and fresh local seafood, and it’s long been a local favourite. We highly recommend the Tempura Battered Bugs marinated in garlic and chilli served with mayo and grilled lemon. Just wow.
Where: Level 2, Marina Mirage, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
Picture the scene: the sun is dipping behind the hinterland, the last light is caressing the still water over the Broadwater, and you’re sat soaking it all in with some fantastic food. Sounds too good to be true, but, at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s yours for the taking. Right on the water, the casual setting is unflawed when it comes to relaxing over eats whilst enjoying drinks and taking in some wonderful regular live music.
Where: Shop 40, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Southport Yacht Club
Overlooking the sparkling Broadwater, Southport Yacht Club is the ultimate in epic views and affordable eats for not just you but the entire family. It’s a casual eatery open for breakfast (weekends only), lunch and dinner! Or why not just head in for a drink to overlook one of the most beautiful stretches of water (and yachts of course) you’re going to find in Australia.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
Vanitas
An utterly remarkable European dining experience is found behind the golden doors of Palazzo Versace by way of Vanitas. A five-star dining setting with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make up some of the most stunning dishes you’ve ever sampled. If you needed any more convincing, Vanitas has won a multitude of awards over the years and can boast of A-list celebrities, from far and wide, enjoying the deluxe dining experience regularly.
Where: Palazzo Versace, 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Domanis Café Restaurant & Bar
For nearly a staggering 30 years, the team at Domanis have been serving up good times and even better food — and it shows in the hordes of people constantly streaming in and out. Their pizzas are award-winning and putting it simply: epic. Perched on the corner of Tedder Ave, it’s the perfect spot for a frosty cold ale and relaxing lunch or dinner. Try it for yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
Where: 1/19-21 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
With already a staggering 25,000 people through their doors in the first two months of operation, the $10 million development, Cali Beach, has already solidified its place as the Gold Coast’s premier day and night rooftop venue. If the lineup of fabulous live summer music and endless hours spent basking in the sun with a cocktail in hand weren’t already enough, then you’re going to love this news hot off the press. Cali Beach is about to open its brand spanking new signature Japanese restaurant, Saké Sisters.
The venue boasts unadulterated views of Surfers Paradise seascape and will seat 120 guests with ease. The emphasis from the outset was securing an Executive Chef with the skill and knowledge capable of delivering a world-class sensory experience — and luckily for us, they managed to find somebody who fits the bill perfectly. Marcelino Papio Jr brings his extensive culinary expertise to Saké Sisters from some of the best restaurants in the world, including Nobu Sydney, Toko Restaurant in Surry Hills and Zuma Japanese Restaurant in Dubai. With such an impressive resume, Marcelino is zealous to make the venue a much sought-after dining destination.
“I am excited to draw on all my experience to create this very special hand-crafted menu for Saké Sisters. I have utilised Japanese umami flavours, combined with the absolute best fresh produce Queensland and Australia has to offer. The result is a modern Japanese menu that’s uniquely suited to the beautiful beachside location and stunning ocean views”, said Executive Chef Marcelino. “I can’t wait for guests to taste the menu, with my personal favourite dishes being the Kingfish Usuzukuri and the free-range Spatchcock cooked in a signature seven spiced marinade.”
Sounds pretty good to us!
The menu aims to take diners on a whole salivate-inducing journey from lighter style dishes such as Wagyu and Cheese Gyoza to their raw bar with prime made before your eyes sashimi, ceviche and carpaccio featuring fresh Hiromasa Kingfish and Atlantic Salmon. The grill is where substantial flavours come into play with dishes such as the Grilled Pork Cutlets and Japanese Sweet Corn. And tempura fans can rejoice with King Prawns, and Moreton Bay Bugs set to wow your tastebuds.
In addition to a striking food offering, the Saké Sisters cocktail menu incorporates classic Japanese flavours with a wide range of saké, umeshu, Japanese Whisky, yuzu and togarashi in an innovative yet approachable way designed to complement the dining experience. Feel like trying an entirely new type of drink — now’s your chance!
Saké Sisters will officially open for the first time on Friday 3rd December from 5.30pm with bookings highly recommended and a smart casual dress requirement.
When: Friday-Sunday 5.30 pm — late
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
