The Langham x Balter Brewing = Dad’s Day sorted.
The Langham x Balter Brewing = Dad’s Day sorted.
With Father’s Day only a few short weeks away, it’s time to turn our attention to just how exactly we’re going to come up with the perfect gesture to sufficiently communicate just how spesh Dad really is #nopressure.
To the collective relief of Dad’s everywhere, we can all officially give the scratchies, socks and jocks combo a rest this year, because the Langham Gold Coast has cooked up the ultimate way to celebrate – a (just the right amount of) fancy-pants lunch to knock Dad’s socks off complete with everything we – we mean, Dad could ever want. Okay, so #spoileralert – there’s a dessert buffet so the everything we could ever want still stands either way.
This year, we’re proposing you treat Dad three of his favourite things, a good brew (or three), top notch nosh and the pleasure of his (unofficial) favourite child’s company. Though with a little help from a shin-dig like this, we can probably just go right ahead and drop that little ‘unofficial’ there.
This Sunday 3rd September, The Langham Gold Coast is going all out for their first ever Father’s Day soiree, putting on a full 3-course lunch at their beachfront restaurant Akoya to mark the occasion. And they’re pulling out all the stops, with the Balter brewing crew invited along to provide the very enticing, ice-cold, thirst-quenching cherry on top of the whole shebang.
Whether Dad considers himself a bit of a foodie or full blown appreciator of the finer things, Akoya offers the best of both worlds. It’s world class wining and dining, but in the chic, inviting kind of surrounds where you’re welcome in your smart-cas threads (the preferred uniform of Dad’s everywhere), and where you still feel comfortable gathering the extended fam (let’s be honest, we’re defo referring to the chaos that is taking the kidlets out to eat, here).
Settle in and soak up those trademark ocean views as far as the eye can see (the Langham really did call #dibs on one of the best beach outlooks on the Coast) and luxuriate over some share-style entrées to start (and the most salacious family goss, obvs). Followed by your choice of main selected from no less than six tantalising options on offer from the Executive Chef’s favourite dishes. Expect mouth-watering deliciousness from start to finish, with the likes of the shellfish trio – oysters, spanner crab and wood fired Moreton Bay bugs and the line caught coral trout served with Quattro Stelle prosciutto and hazelnut romesco to win over even the most discerning seafood enthusiasts hook, line and sinker.
Though clearly there will be some big decisions at steak because we haven’t even got to the Imperial Blossom wagyu ‘butcher’s cut’ or the White Pyrenees lamb pressed ribs with mint gremolata yet.
To complement this epic gastronomic experience, guests are also treated to impeccable vibes all around in the form of live music. And the good brews just keep coming, with the exclusive first opportunity to sample Balter Brewing’s brand new Mexican-inspired creation, the Balter Cerveza #we’llcheerstothat #orshouldwesaysalud
Tickets are $165pp, including an incredible 3-course meal, 3 Balter Cerveza beers – and as many trips around the all-you-can-eat dessert buffet as your waistband can handle, and children aged 5 to 12 dine half price. And of course, the fabulous company comes free, #you’rewelcomeDad.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 12:00pm – 3:30pm (last sitting 2:30pm)
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE LANGHAM GOLD COAST
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
The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Buffet is open daily for breakfast, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet, which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast daily, with Seafood buffet dinner on Saturday nights.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Saturday and Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above. SkyPoint’s breakfast buffet is served every day between 7:30am – 10:30am.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet. Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
From brekkie platters piled high with tropical fruit to eggs cooked exactly how you like them (#PoachGoals), voco Gold Coast has your morning sorted. Sip on a fresh espresso and mix it up with healthy bites or hearty classics – or both, it’s a buffet, live a little! And if seafood is your love language, come back for the seafood buffet dinner. We’re talking whole prawns, rock oysters on the shell, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean faves, and seasonal dishes to keep things exciting. Oh – and did we mention the epic kid-friendly dessert bar? Breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am – 10am, while the seafood buffet rolls out Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm – 9pm.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. They are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks, it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski
