The coast meets the mountains at Broadbeach’s newest café
The coast meets the mountains at Broadbeach’s newest café
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
<h5 style=”color: red;”><strong>PERMANENTLY CLOSED</strong></h5>
Psst Broady folk, Nan’s in town and can we just say she’s looking freeesh, rocking a super on-fleek coastal-meets-the-mountains look. Just to clarify no, Nanna hasn’t forgotten to take her meds again, we’re talking about Nan’s Coffee and thank God coz matriarchal meltdowns are not a vibe. Opening last week and already wooing locals with simple café food done right, you heard it here first – she’s a keeper.
Nan’s is the café child of gorgeous couple Hannah Chan and Jamiti Jamir. Hannah, an experienced cafe manager and baking enthusiast and Jamiti, a hotel outlets team leader, shared the Aussie dream of opening either a bar or a café and to quote old mate in Indiana Jones, they have chosen wisely.
Hannah grew up on the Gold Coast and Jamiti in Nagaland, a mountainous state in northeast India, so a marriage of the two different yet complimentary aesthetics was in order. The result is a beautiful mix of different shades of white (which as we all know, there are at least 3025 varieties at Bunnings alone) and glorious costal blues to represent our ‘hood, paired with greenery, natural wood, cane and rattan a-la-Nagaland style. They engaged QL Construction Group to bring their vision to life and ta-da – Nan’s was born.
Hannah and Jamiti chose the central location for two reasons. Firstly, there isn’t another café in that particular pocket of bustling Broadbeach and secondly, they’re splitting the space with Hannah’s family’s biz Noodle Broadbeach. Talk about two birds, one stone and we love a savvy start-up story – especially one that ends with us sipping on a coffee and eating something d-lish made with love.
Nan’s offers both indoor and outdoor dining and can seat up to 25 people. What we really love about this place is the high-top bar designed for people who work from home (‘home’ being their local café), with PowerPoints and USB points. Oh and Fido is totally welcome as it’s dog friendly which leads us into the backstory of the adorbs logo. The doggo featured is none other than Pablo, Hannah and Jamiti’s 12-year-old Labrador who will forever live on as the face of Nan’s. Cue the awwww’s and insert the eyes-welling-up-but-smiling emojis. Speaking of things that warm the cockles, the “Nan’s” name has a (special) split meaning and like the logo, is v sentimental. It stands for Neena And Nungtok who are Jamiti’s parents, plus it honours Hannah’s nan who raised her and srsly, could these guys be any sweeter?
Okay so the space is beaut and the founders are genuine good eggs, but what about the food and sips? So glad you asked coz they are totally worthy of an extra luminous glowing review. Slinging savoury and sweet eats, everything is made to maximise taste. The Chunky NY Cookies, banana bread (get it?!), and coconut loaf are all baked fresh daily, and the ham in their scrumptious sandwiches is glazed and baked on the bone for two whole hours and then hand sliced. This segues nicely into the signature dish, called The Ham One. Definitely ‘one’ of a kind, it is crafted with said sumptuous sliced house made ham on the bone, cheese, rocket, avocado and tomato relish on Turkish bread.
If that’s not enough to make you salivate, how about a sausage roll or ham and cheese croissant for the road coz you never know when hunger will strike (bi-hourly for us…and that’s being modest). Oh and in addition to their gluten free and vegan options, all sangas can be made with gluten-free bread, plus their protein balls and most of their smoothies are vegan. Speaking of, be sure to order an Into The Blue Smoothie. With blue spirulina, collagen protein, oat milk, almond butter, banana, pineapple, avocado, vanilla and coconut cream, your tastebuds and inner health will be trés grateful. Otherwise sip on a freshly squeezed juice or get your coffee fix brewed with Paradox beans.
So spruik it from rooftops – Nan’s the word…and the place to be for a faultless, folksy feed.
Where: 2763 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
When: 5.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Is there even a person alive who doesn’t go loco for Mexican and if there is, soz but you’re nacho our type. Fellow Mex-heads, do we have news for you coz California Tacos, the famous taco shop born in Burleigh, has now launched an authentic modern Mexican nosh and Margarita restaurant in bustling Broadbeach. And when we say “authentic” this is a whole new level of authenticity and keep reading to find out why #clickbait #sorrynotsorry.
Residing at The Oasis, it’s the perfect destination for a casual lunch for the fam (totally little Tacosauras friendly), or fun night out with your girl gang / bro bunch. The menu is truly Mexcellent, choccas with bold flavours and fresh ingredients, just the way we like it. Designed to transport you to the vibrant streets of California, it’s more than just a taste sensation, it’s also a visual feast with dazzlingly bright, colourful décor, and a chilled ambience to boot.
Franchise owner and California native Ty Yturralde moved to Oz in 2013 searching for the perfect location for his Baja inspired restaurant. During his journey, he studied and gained access to long-standing “secret recipes,” which were never seen outside of Mexico… until now. In particular, Ty is the holder of the OG fish taco recipe. Like, legit – straight from the inventor of THE fish taco. This is not a drill, but something he learned whilst working in the kitchen at a taco joint in Ensenada, Mexico. Holy guacamole, if that doesn’t give him some serious Mexi street cred, then srsly just eat our shorts.
Speaking of fish tacos, naturally The Original Fish Taco made its way into the menu’s Classic Taco selection. Served with corn chips and salsa, it’s a fiesta in your mouth with panko crumbed white fish, mango and pineapple salsa, white cabbage, Baja aioli, and salsa fresca on a corn tortilla. Or how about a signature taco and yes, we’ll take one of those too please. Our pick is the Surf & Turf Taco with chargrilled steak, chipotle and lime shrimp, melted cheese, cucumber salsa, chipotle aioli and avocado on a handmade flour tortilla.
If you’re more of a sharesies nacho kinda gal or guy, grab your mate/mates and bring an epic appetite because the nachos here are the #BiggestInAustralia (just ask Google)! There are also burritos (go for the California Burrito served in a flour tortilla with French fries, cheese, salsa fresca, baja aioli and paired salsa), Cali plates (including bowls and the ultimate quesadilla), with many dishes allowing you to pick your protein (chicken, beef, pork or plant based).
Now if you’re thirsty (always), when in Mexico, one simply must have a margi and this is a fact. Lucky for us, the Margarita Bar menu is lit with six epic varieties. Because it’s unlike any other we’ve ever had (and believe you me – we’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt), we’re ordering a Coconut Margarita with 1800 Coconut Tequila, coconut, lime and special recipe Coconut Foam (which also includes tequila!). Otherwise grab one of the other usual suspects including beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, or another Mexican rite of passage – a sangria jug. Oh and PS – there is a special Burleigh Brewing Mexican lager on tap called Sublime. No need to add a slice of lime coz it’s already infused with just the right dash of lime #MicDrop.
Meet us there next week for Taco Tuesday to eat our body weight in $6 tacos, washed down with $6 tap schooners. With the best food outside Mexico, a full bar and daily drink specials, California Tacos, Churro’ll we need.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: 11am – 9pm Monday to Sunday
Instagram: @californiatacosaustralia
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
The definition of cool according to the Inside Gold Coast edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is livin it large circa 1970, cocktail in hand (always), somewhere swanky in Las Vegas. Well friends, now we can do exactly that – sans the long-haul flight and time machine. Introducing Marilyn’s Diner & Bar, a high-end watering hole and American style burger bar, transporting us back to the hedonistic 70s with precision and panache.
Every aspect of this beautifully executed establishment is designed to immerse you in the glitz and glamour of the era. At the same time, it also pays tribute to one of literature’s most iconic tales of excess and adventure, Hunter S Thompson’s ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’. With nods to the classic book from pillar to post, Marilyn’s atmosphere is truly unique and captivating. From the specially crafted cocktails served in funky retro glassware, to the eclectic music selection and lively atmosphere, this place is #trending. It’s nostalgic but sophisticated, contemporary yet classic, refined but embraces the quintessential party girl. Simply put, Marilyn’s is unapologetically Marilyn’s.
Opening earlier in the year, the intimate venue boasts 50 seats across two areas including an outdoor “al fresco” lounge area. The bar child of long-term mates Alex Marks, Rupert Critchley, Brad Morgan, and Johnny Rogers, it’s a very welcome addition to the Broadbeach eats and sips scene. Alex (who also dons the Head Chef hat) is a chef, whisky specialist and award-winning cocktail bartender. He has cooked in some of London’s most loved restaurants, plus his impressive resume boasts stints at Melbourne’s Eau De Vie and a brief spell at Rick Shores.
Rupert has a background in cinematography and film making (cool much?!) specialising in filming food and wine. He’s also owned a cafe/ bar in the Austrian alps (again, cool much… quite literally) and worked at one of Sydney’s top rum bars, The Lobo. The gents found themselves in the right place at the right time meeting with local businessmen (and old friends) Johnny Rogers and Brad Morgan, and the rest as they say is history.
Championing the modern and contemporary styling with era-appropriate swagger was a breeze for Rupert, who worked tirelessly with Alex to design and build the majority of the venue. As luck would have it, the boys have a team of mates who conveniently have the specific trades they needed and note to self; must befriend more tradies.
To keep us coming back time and time again, there’s an ever-changing menu featuring the American-style smash burgers and other delicious delights. The staple offering is the Cheese Burger with two smashed beef patties with American cheese, house pickled onion, seasoned tomato, iceberg lettuce, pickles and signature sauce, served on a toasted potato bun. We also find it difficult to pass up the Prawns & Corns consisting of whole fried Tiger Prawns with corn ribs in Mexican brown butter.
It’s always cocktail o-clock at Marilyn’s and the expertly curated and eclectic selection is #goals. Do yourself a favour and order the Watermelon Sugar with vodka, spiced watermelon, lime, and whey, and suddenly we can’t get Harry Styles out of our head. Then go with a Rupus Du Sol with vodka, hibiscus, strawberry, eucalyptus, coconut, and sherry, followed by the Centre Court with minted rum, sour lime, fresh kiwi, and mescal. If you’re still vertical, finish with the Bold Fashioned with Starward two-fold Aussie whisky, coffee, and caramel.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, from fresh and crisp wines to delicious and delicate cocktails paired with quality eats, it’s Marilyn’s for the win. See you there.
Where: 10/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: 2pm – 11pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Instagram: @marilynsbargc
Website: marilynsbar.com.au
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
