We’ve lost count of all of the best beachside spots on the Coast where you can eat, drink and shop your little heart away, but one of the ol’ favourites has had a comeback and we’re all here for it.

Nobby’s is well and truly in its slay era and to be honest, we can’t get enough. Locals have loved the beachside suburb forever and to be fair, so have we, but there’s been a surge of seriously epic new venues that have made us fall in love all over again.

We’ve taken the task of trying out the 16 reasons why locals can’t get enough of Nobby’s – you’re welcome – so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

The Oxley 1823
You’ve no doubt seen it pretty much everywhere (guilty), but have you actually visited The Oxley yet? It’s been one of Nobby’s most anticipated new arrivals for as long as we can remember, and we think it’s safe to say now it’s well and truly living up to expectations. They’ve got brekky and lunch covered with the crew at Sunkist, coffee on tap at Buoy and everything you need from groceries, fresh meats and seafood, flowers and made to order juices covered at The Oxley Village Grocer, Butcher and Sub Station. A little birdy also told us there are even more goodies opening a little later this year, so watch this space.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Holliday Coffee
Good vibes, great coffee and a seriously strong jaffle game(!!) – what’s not to love about Holliday? No seriously, our caffeine addiction is being single handedly fuelled by these guys. It’s pretty much always buzzing – what is always a good sign if you ask us. Follow the smell of the freshly ground coffee beans, grab a seat outside (our personal favourite spot) and spoilt yourself with a little treaty. Go on, you’ve earned it.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach

Franc Jrs
Okay big call but this may just be one of the best pizza joints on the Gold Coast and Franc-ly, it’s about time they spread the love to other parts of the city because why should Coolangatta have all the fun? The menu has all the signatures from the Cooly store and you can choose to eat in and soak up the vibes or grab and go – the perfect addition to a picnic on the beach if you ask us. Our favourite part of ordering to-go? Sipping on a cheeky frozen marg while you wait.
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Alfred’s Apartment
Mermaid’s loss is Nobby’s gain because you best believe we’ve been living at Alfred’s since the OG started calling its new address home. Still the same vibe you love from the original Alfred’s, the space now has a schmick industrial fit out, ripper coffee and, of course, all the merch that we know you can’t get enough of. If you’re off the coffee train you’ll want to get around their viral strawberry matcha.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Fosters Bakery
No one does pies or baked goods quite like Foster’s Bakery, they’re famous for a reason and known for delivering that classic bakery feel of yesteryear. The ultimate spot for a pie (you know you love them) or a jam donut loaded with sugary goodness, we’re nostalgic just thinking about it.
Where: Shop 1/2227 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid 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. The space was stylishly updated last year, still paying homage to the iconic Palm Springs and Miami influence, it’s one of those spots you just want to sip and stay all day.
Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

About a Girl
One of our favourite little gems in Nobby’s is of course, About a Girl boutique. They’ve got the perfect mix of wardrobe staples and current trending pieces, they’ve got gorgeous linen sets, minis, maxis and so much more for every occasion, as well as a curated selection of hand-picked homewares you didn’t know you absolutely need.
Where: 2/2211 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tayta Nikkei
This Nobby newcomer brought a taste of Nikkei cuisine to the Gold Coast. With its intimate setting boasting 60 seats, Tayta Nikkei exudes a dark and moody ambiance, complemented by traditional Peruvian colors and patterns. The menu showcases a delightful array of seafood and ceviche-style specialties, inviting guests on a culinary journey like no other.
Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali
You had us at Mexican. We challenge you to find someone who doesn’t love a good Mexican feed… Go on, we’ll wait. Calling Nobby’s home for probably longer than most of us have, Mexicali never fails to bring the vibes (and the bevs) all year long. Once you make your way upstairs it’s seriously like entering the ultimate secret spot, if you close your eyes for a second it’s almost like you’re actually in Tulum. Once you’ve knocked back a few tacos and cocktails, don’t forget to snap the iconic stair shot as you exit – you know what we’re talking about, don’t lie.
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 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

BSKT Cafe
Ahh BSKT, you are simply the gift that keeps on giving. The menu just keeps delivering year on year and honestly, 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, Nobby Beach

Nobbys Shack
If health food is your (sugar-free) jam, 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: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, 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. Live music with a side of gin and fresh squeezed apple juice? Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait…
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

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. SOMM (aka us) might even say it’s the only place you should be exploring to find your favourite drop.  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 boutique wineries, their wine experts will help you find a winner every time.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

That mural
Speaking of Mexicali and epic art (and no, we’re not talking about the food this time), a much-loved part of the Nobbys highway strip is the eye-catching mural adorning one side of the restaurant in all its bright-hued glory. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation and all its pinky bluey goodness is THE spot to snap the most aesthetic insta shot you could wish for. Say cheese…or churros!
Where: The north side of Mexicali (you won’t miss it)

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

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