We love a suburb with a generous helping of things to do, eat and drink (not necessarily in that order) and thankfully, we are blessed with several such ‘burbs here on the Coast.

One note-worthy standout is the seaside sweetheart Nobby Beach. Whether you’re footloose and fancy-free, or heading out and about with the fam, there is much to love.

Let us share with you thirteen local haunts which have helped gain Nobbys such an unwavering – and ever-growing – staunch following.

Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar
She may have just opened, but Ruby is one helluva lady who’ll leave you 110% satisfied with every bite and sip. With restaurateur and chef extraordinaire Michael Lambie in the driver’s seat bringing his international culinary prowess to the table, you know you’re in for something uber spesh. Between the drool-worthy modern Asian cuisine menu and it-girl feels, it’s simply unmissable.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Zephyr Kitchen & Bar
Its casual yet sophisticated vibe, cool elegance and tropical feel make this newcomer a welcome addition and an instant hit amongst Nobby’s locals. With Mediterranean nosh and cocktails so good you’ll order way more than your PT would like (side note: try the Mushroom Truffle Arancini Balls and ALL the pizzas), if you haven’t already been, off you pop.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Tropic Vice
This place is a VIBE. The sun-lit rooftop is the perfect setting to sip on signature cocktails & graze on a unique “Florribean” inspired menu, combining flavours of the Caribbean and South America. Promising an ‘overseas’ experience with styling accents from Palm Springs, California, Miami and Florida, trust us – she delivers the goods. And a view!
Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Mexicali
You had us at Mexican. Find us a human who doesn’t appreciate a good Mexican feed and no, this is simply not possible. With eclectic art, vibes-a-plenty and all the quintessential modern Mexican foods you could hope for, this place is a sure thing. It’s laid-back atmosphere and super friendly staff add to its appeal, and any place that serves churros and cocktails can do no wrong.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Bine Bar & Dining
Let’s talk Bine. Specialising in craft beer and perfectly matched food, and…need we say more? With 8 rotating taps, a bunch of different bottled beers, a selection of wines and mouth-watering cocktail options matched with a modest yet v decadent menu, there are plenty of reasons to love it….and come back again and again.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach

Okazu
Now there’s a decent dose of Japanese going around our hood, but we can never get enough. Have any of these sushi bars or poke bowl dreamboats failed us? The answer is a hard no. Okazu is no exception, this convenient grab and go spot featuring Donburi, Okonomiyaki and Sushi Rolls is as fresh as it is delicious and it has us coming back every day.
Where: 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Rare Groove
If you’re talking a GC institution, this.is.it. Rare Groove buys, sells and trades records, tapes and CDs of all genres (tapes – eeee!). Step inside and you’re transported back in time with old-school band posters which we recognise from our bedroom wall circa 1999, and hundreds of albums to peruse. Warning: you may end up here for three times as long as you intended.
Where: 2241B Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

BSKT Cafe
Ahh BSKT, you are simply the gift that keeps on giving. With a menu that never disappoints and a cool, confident yet relaxed vibe reserved for enduring supernovas of this calibre, if you haven’t been here yet are you even a true Gold Coaster? Consistently voted one of the best tables in town, there is not a single dish that doesn’t hit a home run.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Nobbys

Nobbys Shack
If health food is your jam (sugar-free jam of course), one would hope you’ve cottoned on to The Shack Superfood Café and if not, it’s about time you convert. With tasty eco-friendly meals like smoothies, acai bowls and wraps in a breezy, non-pretentious environment, the brand spanking new version of the previous fave The Shack Superfood Café, lives up to its predecessor’s high standards…and then some.
Where: 2221 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

The Backyard Café
Although tears-a-flowed when Yard Café closed (RIP), the silver lining is that it was reborn as the new-you-beaut Backyard Café. Serving up scrummy brekkies and brunches, don’t even start us on the actual ‘backyard’ area (hot tip: kids will love it), or the after hours Tex Mex with a side of many margies!
Where: 17 Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach

Cambus Wallace
A nautical-themed rum and whisky bar delivering old school service and quality, it’s a long-standing crowd pleaser for good reason. The space is low-lit, close-knit and always pumping. Swing in for some delish share plates, a drink or two and soak up the intimate ambience. Add live music to the equation and voila – it’s a recipe for amazingness.
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

That mural
Speaking of Mexicali and epic art, a notorious and much-loved part of the Nobbys highway strip is the eye-catching mural adorning one side of the restaurant. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation and all its pinky bluey goodness has become a favourite Insta-snap opp. Say cheese…or churros!
Where: The north side of Mexicali (you won’t miss it)

SOMM Wine Store
Yeah we’ve talked a lot about foody joints (how unlike us – said no-one ever) but there is absolutely no denying that SOMM Wine store is a firm local favourite of the vino variety. Owned by husband and wife duo Joe and Natalie, their backstory is reflected in the carefully curated wines begging to occupy real estate at your next dinner party. Specialising in a boutique wineries, you’ll find a winner (or five) every visit.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

It’s been too long between new venues opening in Nobby’s Beach, so we are super pumped for the latest addition, simply titled, Mr.
Opening on Friday 15th November, this sleek, new share-style dining venue is everything we expected it to be from the unstoppable sister duo and much more.

Located next-door to Shonel Alloway and Kylie Fitzgerald’s already established restaurants Forreal Kitchen & The Arc in Nobby’s Beach, Mr. is a tastefully designed intimate space with a menu that’ll suit the finer palate.

Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant/bar will seat a maximum of 52 guests at any one time, so you’re sure to have a bespoke dinner to appreciate the luscious detail on the menu and in the design.

You’ll first spot the gold accents, darkened windows and simple gold signage outside of Mr., certainly giving nothing away for what awaits you inside, but as always is the perfect position to perch for Nobby’s Beach people watching.

Upon entry, a feast for your eyes prepares you for the scrumptious food and delectable cocktails the girls are well-known for. Dusty pink leather booths line the surrounds, with teal tiles and teal leather bar stools encompassing the dark marble-topped bar.

Reminiscent of a sassy bar you’d find in a Mad Men episode eloquently spiced up with large scale floral features that can only be the handiwork of risk takers, who absolutely nail mixing different design elements.

The casual, sophisticated yet romantic environment is the perfect setting for date nights, business dinners or solo dining atop the bar.

But let’s get down to the delights on the innovative food menu designed by chef Beau Irvine. We are without hesitation that the 24hrs fresh from the rocks and shucked to order oysters are what the people will be coming for time and time again. There are seven different oyster styles to choose from and we’ll be taking them all thanks with a glass of champagne to match.

Moving onto the small plates section of the menu, we love crowd favourites like zucchini flowers, kingfish ceviche and prawn toast to kick off your night of taste sensation.
If you’re into slightly larger portions, the Asian dish of char sui pork with lashings of a thick, rich sauce will tantalise your taste buds, but we also wouldn’t turn down the bite size Peking duck wontons or garlic Mooloolaba king prawns cooked to perfection.

And if you’re sharing in a group (or by yourself, no judgment here) the soft shell crab risotto will not leave you wanting, beef flank for your weekly iron intake and fancy confit duck legs will keep the whole team happy.

Not to forget the sides, but can we make special mention of the mac and cheese as an inclusion? We’re so glad to see this on the menu, we’re not ashamed to pretend we don’t love it, as a side, or you know, just by itself.

We hope you’ve left room for dessert because if you miss the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate mousse cake, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice.

We know that not everyone is a dessert person, so may we interest you in one of the amazing cocktails on offer, of course we can… With three pages of the menu dedicated to cocktails, Mr. knows what the people want.

The 8 Year cocktail is listed on the Mr. inspired menu and it consists of chilli infused bacardi 8 year old with joseph carton apricot liqueur, lime juice, angustora bitters with a dash of house made ginger and chilli syrup, which is really just a fancy way of describing a smooth firecracker in your mouth.

If you’re more of a martini-style peep, may we suggest the Coco Chanel, a stunning blend of vodka, kahlua and liqor 43 with vanilla sugar syrup that is then shaken and double strained into a chilli martini glass, finished with a persian chocolate fairy floss float… see half the fun isn’t even in the name.

LOCATION: 28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach
HOURS: Wed & Thu 5pm until late, Fri – Sun 12pm until late

Words by Carly Snodgrass
Photos by Brittani Johnson