From the Spanish coastline to the shores of Palmy.
From the Spanish coastline to the shores of Palmy.
San Sebastian, in the north of Spain, is a coastal surf hotspot lined with world renowned restaurants.
So it’s no surprise the most recent addition to Palm Beach’s rapidly expanding restaurant scene paid homage to this town by utilizing its name.
With live music, Spain’s traditional Pinxtos and an atmosphere akin to an energetic European holiday, San Sebastian is bringing vibrant, high energy dining to the Gold Coast.
Back to the Pinxtos. Translating to small finger foods, San Sebastian offers a variety of the customary dishes, perfect to accompany a glass of Spanish wine or two.
Try the ‘Gilda’, a traditional dish containing an olive, anchovies and pickled peppers skewered to create a salty, delicious bite.
A definite crowd pleaser is the tiger prawn Pinxtos with mango salsa, an olive, egg and sour cream piled high and skewered onto bread.
Larger plates include Chef Bruno’s pièce de résistance, the Moqueca – a unique blend of seafood and capsicum mellowed with coconut and tomato, served with saffron rice.
But leave room for dessert. Be enticed by the passionfruit and white chocolate mousse sprinkled with toasted coconut. This could well become a daily indulgence.
Of course, Spanish-inspired cocktails also grace the menu. The Lady Marmalade hits the spot, mixing gin, a slap of basil, lime marmalade and shaken. Summer nights never tasted so good.
If a night of music, share plates and guaranteed good times are up your alley, it’s time to give San Sebastian a try. Olé.
HOURS: 5pm to 11pm daily.
LOCATION: 1089 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (between Sixth and Seventh Ave on the beach side).
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has well and truly been embracing it’s new found cool kid status.
While we can’t pinpoint the exact moment it officially transformed to ‘it’ suburb, lucky locals have been living large of late, with the emergence of all the beachside haunts to frolic between (though they do have to compete a little more for parking these days).
While in years gone by, the only thing reliably making Palmy a ‘must stop’ destination was a quiet-ish (albeit stunning) beach, and the high chance of catching a red on the way through. With an influx of laidback eateries, noteworthy restaurants, swanky bars and luxe boutiques popping up left right and centre, there’s never any shortage of things to do. These days, we can think of at least 19 epic reasons that make this buzzing suburb THE place to be.
Palm Beach’s café game just levelled up with ’94, a matcha haven by Ahmet Taskin. Blending Japanese café vibes with vintage bar aesthetics, it’s serving up house-made syrups, killer matcha creations, and next-level toasties. More than just great sips and snacks, it’s a community hub with plans for running and swimming clubs. Basically, if you’re in Palmy, you need to be here.
Where: 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Rolling into the former Scottish Prince space, Cadillac Supper Club is bringing vintage vibes, moody lighting, and next-level eats to Palm Beach. The brainchild of Bar Evelyn’s Mark Catsburg and Nick Stanton, this spot opened in August 2024, but has recently reimagined itself as an Italo-American pizzeria and bar, serving up wood-fired pizzas alongside its classic dishes. Add in a stacked wine list, top-tier cocktails (hello, Cadillac Classic Martini), and vinyl-spinning DJs on weekends, and you’ve got your new favourite late-night haunt.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Palmy spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Any day featuring beachside, street-style tacos like the zesty Birria Beef (complete with signature consommé to dip), and a coconut marg (because marg) is a very bueno day indeed.
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Tallebudgera Surf Club has undergone a $12 million renovation, transforming it into a must-visit spot this summer. The upgraded venue offers everything from Bean Surfing Beach Café with coffee and breakfast classics, to a vibrant Sports Bar and an ocean-view Restaurant & Café serving fresh dishes like Lobster Tacos and Seafood Platters. There’s also a killer drinks menu, fun cocktails like the Tallebudgera Thunder, and a Gelato Bar with 12 flavours to cool off. Plus, every purchase supports local lifesavers, making it a win-win for beach lovers.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including GD brand Kivari, Byron Bay cult-fave labels SPELL and Arnhem. These guys were one of the first to bring us the magic of the laid-back luxe aesthetic before the #boho trend took over the world (and our wallets), so we trust them and their epic curation of all things effortless style endlessly. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Bringing mid-century charm and top-tier coffee to Palmy, Bantr is the new go-to for specialty sips, delicious eats, and a side of banter. Run by longtime locals Dean and Susan Olarenshaw, this laid-back spot serves up All Press Coffee, a TikTok-approved Strawberry Matcha, and crowd-favourite dishes like their famous Breakfast Burrito. With a vibrant atmosphere and a giant Samuel L. Jackson mural watching over your caffeine fix, bantR is where great coffee meets good vibes.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Launching a cafe in a hip and happening suburb surrounded by competition stiffer than a morning espresso is not for the faint of heart – but ever since they branched out from their OG Tugun location, locals and weary travellers alike have unanimously agreed it’s always a good day for Good Day Coffee Palm Beach. Friendly faces serving Blackboard coffee and other staples like pastries and goat’s fetta laden smashed avo toast – we could easily eat and drink here every day. The epitome of simple eats, and great coffee, done well.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Bringing big flavour and even bigger vibes to Palmy, Madame V is the newest hotspot from acclaimed Gold Coast chef Daniel Ridgeway. Expect a menu packed with modern Asian-inspired delights, from Sticky Pork Ribs to Spicy Beef Tenderloin, plus a must-try Yum Cha Sunday featuring all the dumpling goodness your heart desires. The cocktails are just as bold—think yuzu-infused whisky sips and sake-spiked tropical creations. Whether it’s a casual bite, a private dining experience, or an all-out Yum Cha feast, Madame V is the place to be.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Freshly made bagels with a variety of savoury and sweet options, from classic cream cheese spreads to loaded pulled pork and decadent S’mores French Toast Bagels. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-beach breakfast or post-pilates pick-me-up. The UE Bagels Reuben is elite. Winning gold at the Olympics level elite. With a relaxed, industrial vibe, this café offers both street-side and indoor seating to enjoy your bagels and their signature UE Brew Coffee Blend. Open daily from 6am (or until sold out), it’s a must-visit for any bagel lover!
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
As we’ve probably already well established by this point, us Gold Coasters are big suckers for a cute fit-out. It’s hard to tell if it’s the perfectly peachy-pink interiors, or the Italian aromas wafting from the kitchen that keep us coming back to Toro’s Pizza like moths to a flame. And spoiler alert: it’s definitely the latter, since there are few smells that compare to that of a freshly baked, still bubbling wood-fired pizza. Carbs, cheese, more cheese, and BYO – this place is what Italian dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 7/2 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach
Sporting a sunny new facade with striped yellow awnings and nautical touches, Neptune Kiosk is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and snack by the water. The kiosk now boasts an expanded space, including a dedicated pick-up window for quicker service. Alongside Marvell Street coffee, you can enjoy fresh juices, smoothies, ice creams, and sweet treats like fresh cinnamon donuts alongside oozy cookies and pastries from Custard Canteen. Open daily from 5:30 am, it’s the ideal stop for creekside caffeine and bites.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Early risers, rejoice! Mylk Well serves up top-notch brews and all-day eats from 5am daily. Brought to life by hospitality pros Sophia Buntine and Victoria Macbain (formerly of Commune), this sleek Scandi-inspired spot dishes out everything from Kimchi Toasties to Chilli Scrambled Sourdough, alongside Coffee Supreme creations that’ll keep you buzzing. Whether you’re after a killer House Hash Benny, a Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad, or just a perfect iced latte, Mylk Well has you covered. Safe to say, Palmy locals will be milking this one for all it’s worth.
Where: 1134 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Step inside this boutique hideaway, and you’ll be grinning like, well… you know who. What’s old is new again at this six-room motel, a nostalgic mid-century dream decked out with retro furnishings and a colour palette straight from the ‘60s—think tangerine oranges, teal blues, and pistachio greens. Whether you pick the Queen Room or the Bungalow, both are madly impressive. Tucked away on the buzzing Palm Beach strip yet hidden in plain sight, just follow the neon glow and cactus-lined walls—you’ll know you’ve arrived.
Where: 1005 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Words by Belinda Symons
Wildernis Café and Bar will soon add rooftop hotspot to their name with the opening of their latest venture, you guessed it, a rooftop-style space overlooking the ocean and bringing a whole new level of cool to Palm Beach.
A Mediterranean-inspired space with wide windows opening out to reveal the beach below, tons of natural light flooding in from every direction (including the retractable roof) and a secret laneway, Wildernis Bar and Café is the Coast’s new go-to for communal dining and cocktails.
Owners Josh and Andy have completely transformed the once dark, cramped space, installing skylights, Spanish tiled floors and a custom built bar perfect for watching the sun set and soaking up the sea breeze.
Serving up large share plates and signature cocktails, Wildernis Bar & Restaurant is the epitome of the laidback Palm Beach vibe you know and love, with a touch of style thrown in for good measure.
Four signature cocktails will be made fresh daily – think Watermelon Margaritas and Blueberry Amaretto Sours – along with more varieties of Espresso Martinis than you could ever imagine.
To eat, don’t go past the European-style Cured Meat Board, Fresh Oysters Three Ways and Szechuan Peppered Squid. Everything on the menu is made from locally sourced goods, further enhancing the community vibe of the venue.
There’s no doubt Wildernis Bar and Restaurant is set to bring a fresh new feel to the already thriving Palm Beach foodie scene.
See you there for a sunset cocktail.
HOURS: Opening Weekend – Saturday 3pm – 12am (Both restaurant downstairs and rooftop) Sunday 12pm – 12am (Both restaurant downstairs and rooftop)
Ongoing – Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 12am
LOCATION: Upstairs on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Eight Ave (above the BWS).
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
He’s one half of the brains behind Palm Beach favourite Wildernis Café and Bar and a Gold Coast local of 32 years.
We chat with Andy about the changes he’s seen in the local food scene and creating a venue inspired by connecting with the community.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My whole life, 32 years, I was born and bred in Palm Beach and then moved to Currumbin. I went to Currumbin Primary and PBC High School. Born in Southport Hospital. My friends and family are all here, it’s great.
You were a tradie before you were a foodie, how did all of this come about?
Josh and I just wanted to have a change and do something different, to see people with a smile on their face when they’re walking out of somewhere instead of going to work and seeing grumpy people every day. We’ve been mates for about six years, he’s a bit younger than me but we all went to the same school. He’s a born and bred local too.
What did you want to create with Wildernis Café?
We just wanted somewhere people could come and relax. Everyone is welcome here, no matter who they are. We have a broad range of people who come, young and old, and everyone enjoys themselves.
Have you always been a foodie?
I’ve always loved food, and I just wanted to be a part of the community, create somewhere to go. Growing up my father had a car yard in Currumbin so all my family and our friends would always go there. I just wanted to create something similar where everyone could go and hang out.
How do you come up with the menu?
We do bit of research see what’s trending at the time. We always look around the local region for food and use seasonal produce. The chef and Josh and I go over and figure out what we can do at the time. We try to change the menu every three months and keep it all fresh.
What are your thoughts on how quickly the food scene has been growing on the Coast?
It’s great, so good for the community. Palm Beach is such a good hub for everyone to come to now. I’ve been here for so long and seen it all, through the good times and bad times. It gives jobs to the locals and allows businesses to support and give back to the community. We sponsor a couple of football teams, it’s good to be able to get involved.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
We’ve got plans to build a beer truck to take to festivals and markets, which will have beers on tap and food available as well. Wildernis Weddings is our next thing and we want to start doing other events soon too.
Favourite piece of life advice…
You’ve got to have a purpose to get up for in the morning. Also, being happy and healthy is most important.
Beach… Currumbin and Palm Beach
Bar… Wildernis haha. Anywhere in Palm Beach, I just like keeping it local
Café…Wildernis
Weekend hangout…I’m always here seeing family and friends. Otherwise surfing, golf or cruising around on the Harley’s.
