Get ready for a buttery good time – Dipcro Pastry has just opened its second location in Main Beach! After the OG Chevron Island outpost quickly rose to fame in 2023, this beloved patisserie has opened a second (and much larger) location, giving locals and tourists alike plenty of room to flake out (in the most delicious way)!

At the heart of Dipcro’s success story is its dynamic duo – Evelyn and Michael Njam – who blend culinary creativity and business savvy to serve up pastry treats that truly are next level. Evelyn is the mastermind behind Dipcro’s signature pastries, crafting everything from golden, flaky croissants to elegant mille-feuille. She’s also the genius behind the Dipscotti, a crisp biscuit designed specifically for dipping into croissants. This playful and interactive experience is the essence of Dipcro’s ethos, elevating every bite with a dunk of extra doughliciousness (but more on that later).

While Evelyn works her magic in the kitchen, Michael ensures the biz side of things runs as smooth as butter. His expertise has allowed Dipcro to scale up without losing its signature charm. Together, they’ve not only opened a second café at Main Beach but also introduced wholesale production to spread the Dipcro love even further.

The Main Beach venue offers significantly more seating – so everyone can have their cake and eat it too. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a chic European café bathed in Gold Coast sunshine.

Whether you’re here for a cosy solo coffee moment or a lively catch-up with friends, there’s room for everyone – indoors or alfresco – with soft neutral tones, warm wood accents, and elegant gold details creating a stylish yet inviting space.

Dipcro’s creations are a feast of yeast, beginning with its signature pastry – the Dipcro – a round, croissant-dough tart filled with flavours like Biscoff, coconut pandan or vanilla custard. Each Dipcro is crowned with a crisp dipscotti biscuit, perfect for scooping up the cream of the croissant crop.

That’s just the beginning of your pastry adventure, with classics levelled up with innovative techniques and a fusion of flavours. Almond Croissants, Pain Au Chocolat and the Cinnamon Scrolls are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

The Hazelnut Praline Cromboloni – a croissant roll, infused with decadent hazelnut praline, enveloped in creamy milk chocolate and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts – is a culinary work of art.

For the savoury lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. Spinach and cheese pain suisse, sausage crescents and truffle mushroom pastries are just a taste of the crust-worthy options. Even the ol’ ham-and-cheese croissant gets a glow-up with rich bolognese sauce and a honey-mustard glaze.

Dipcro’s beverage game is strong, too. They’ve got espresso and filter coffee courtesy of Campos, iced drinks, matcha lattes and juices to wash down those flaky creations. Feeling extra? These pastries deserve a toast, and Dipcro Main Beach is fully licensed, so you can level up your baked goods with French bubbles! You butter lock in that brunch date ASAP!

Where: 1/27 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
When: Monday – Friday 7am – 3pm

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Now we’re all a sucker for an Asian fusion restaurant and friends, this one has its finger on the pulse of food, drinks, ambience, and totally instagrammable, well, e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g! From the presentation of the dishes to the perfectly executed oriental opulence meets British colonial plantation vibes, Chevron Island’s Fu Manchu Oriental doesn’t miss a beat.

This dual level Lolita combines the best of South East Asia and European cuisines to create a tantalising and flavour-rich experience for intimate date nights, celebrations, corporate and special events. Or just because… which is a good enough reason for us.

First opening in 2016, Fu Manchu has since undergone a stunning makeover to reinvent and reinvigorate the venue. Owner, Malaysian born Melbournian-come-Gold-Coaster Zuraya Hamilton, has created a warmer and more feminine aesthetic, starting with the black London shopfront which welcomes you into a dark and cosy interior.

Upstairs you’ll find a truly breathtaking a la carte dining area, a private dining space for groups of up to ten, and for those spesh soirees or work do’s, a functions space for up to 50 peeps. Here you can immerse yourself in a tropical jungle, with a spectacular wall mural that you’ll take at least four dozen selfies in front of, a lush leafy greenified ceiling, and mesmerising metallic animal print. And let’s not forget the luxury fixtures like chandeliers, which never fail to level up the luxe factor.

If you’re channelling a more casual dining experience with some delish Asian tapas, the Fu Bar has style and swagger for days. Think high tables levelled with the bar so you can see all the cocktail action in play or settle into low set tables in the cool London shop front window space.  There’s another eye-catching jungle-esk statement wall with tigers and toucans (which kinda sounds like a cool band name or a cocktail), with oodles more content potential for the ‘gram. And this just in, customers usually order the luscious blue flowered ‘Love you long time’ cocktail because it’s as FUn to say as it is pretty to post!

Speaking of feeds, let’s talk food and the ten outta ten dining experience which will not only please, but broaden the palette. The menu embraces a bold blend of flavours from South East Asia, Europe and South America, and does so with finesse. Let’s start with the Loaded Dumplings, where you can choose the Pork with slow cooked pulled pork shoulder, spring and fried onion crunch pickled chilli, Aburi cheese and Fu’s special mayo, or the Wagyu Beef with marinated Bulgogi beef, pickled chilli, green mustard pickle, Aburi cheese and kimchi mayo. Can’t pick? Neither – get both.

For larger plates, it’s gotta be the Seafood Laksa Lasagne because it marries our two all-time faves (laksa and lasagne), and we are all kinds of here for this union. We’re talking barramundi, prawns, Moreton Bay bug meat and crab in a rich coconut laksa sauce, with Aburi cheese and prawn oil. Or, if the land rather than the sea is calling your name, hook yourself up with Beef Rendang and devour slow cooked tender beef cheek in a mild coconut cream rendang curry with peanuts and sweet potato chips.

If you want to sample the best-of-the-best larger plates, why not opt for a 5-course DegustASIAN set menu (and for once, that’s not us being punny coz that’s what they’re called… #amazing). Shared between two with a meat option, vegetarian option and even a pescatarian option, this will totally eliminate the chance of food FOMO (the worst kind).

The perfect beverage to pair with any of the delicious meals here is a cocktail. Obvs. Featuring GC producers like Winchester Distillery (Arundel), Capricorn Distillery (Burleigh) Ariane Vodka (Gold Coast) and Volando Tequila (Sunshine Coast), we love it when locals support locals. Our picks are the Chilli Margarita with Volando Tequila, chilli infused liquor, fresh lime juice and rimmed with chilli flakes (Hot Hot Hot), the Drunk Monk with Capricorn spiced rum, pineapple and lime, or even the Coconut Espresso Martini with Ariane vodka, Winchester’s chocolate liqueur, coconut cream and an espresso shot. Feeling exotic? Opt for their Singapore Fling featuring the home-grown Gold Coast Gin. Another round please!

So next time you’re looking for a fail-safe triple threat (looks, personality and LAKSA LASAGNE PEOPLE!!!), Fu Manchu is Chevron Island’s secret sauce, and the ultimate IYKYK.

Where: 2/44 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
When: From 12pm Friday. From 5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday. Closed Tuesday & Sunday.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY FU MANCHU ORIENTAL