When it comes to creating buzz, Naheda’s Dip House doesn’t just dip its toes in – it dives headfirst into flavour-filled, saucy glory. Freshly opened at The Oxley 1823 in Nobby Beach, this little hotspot is set to take the Gold Coast by storm, one delicious “bomb” at a time.

From the brilliant minds (and taste buds) of Gus and Naheda, who first launched their dip dynasty at Melbourne’s iconic Prahran Market, this new venue marks their Gold Coast debut. Sure, it’s a bit smaller than their Melbourne mothership, but don’t let size fool you. This place packs flavour bigger than your average backyard barbecue spread.

Naheda’s Dip House isn’t your run-of-the-mill hummus-and-guac operation. Oh no, these dip masterminds have revolutionised the art of dipping with their signature “bombs.” Imagine layers of handcrafted goodness stacked like culinary fireworks, ready to explode across your palate. And with over 60 combinations in their arsenal back in Melbourne, they’ve carefully curated seven of their all-time greatest hits to introduce the Gold Coast to their dipping dynasty.

What’s in these bombs, you ask? Think red pesto mingling with their famed olive-and-garlic concoction, the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. Or, for those feeling a little fancy, dive spoon-first into the Parmesiano, topped with indulgent Amarena cherries or sweet fig jam. And for the record, everything here is gluten-free, so no one has to feel left out of the dipping action.

Sampling is not just encouraged, it’s common practice. You can taste-test your way through their creations before committing because nobody wants to be stuck in a bad relationship… with a dip. Whether you’re heading to the beach, gearing up for a picnic, or simply stocking up for a Netflix-and-dip marathon, these bombs are your go-to sidekick.

The magic of Naheda’s Dip House lies not only in their flavour combinations but in their story. Gus and Naheda arrived in Melbourne with nothing but a suitcase of hope and a love for food. Darn good food. They started with a humble milk bar – the Australian dream – serving up simple dishes and big ‘ole smiles. But one recipe changed everything; a humble garlic sauce inspired by the generous spirit of their roots which set them on a path to foodie fame. Word spread, taste buds danced, and their little venture became the talk of the town. Now, they’re spreading their love – and their dips – to the sunny shores of the Gold Coast.

As locals discover this new gem, it’s clear that Naheda’s isn’t just a Melbourne trend that wandered north; it’s a Gold Coast necessity that’s here to stay. So, grab your chips, veggies, or just a spoon (no judgment here) and make your way to The Oxley. Because when it comes to dips, Naheda’s isn’t just raising the bar—they’re dunking it straight into flavour heaven.

Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
When: Monday – Saturday 5:30am – 7:30pm, Sunday 5:30am – 6pm

There’s a new kid on the block in Nobby’s and it’s quite literally all we’ve been hearing about. The doors to one of the most talked about new precincts – The Oxley 1823 – are open.

Nobby’s has long been a hive of activity for the Coast, whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your morning caffeine fix (aren’t we all) or a margarita (actually, make that 10) it’s one of the best beachside spots around.

Now Nobby’s is bringing back that charm you know and love but with all the good stuff you’ve been missing, like you know a grocer and butcher.

The Calile-esque look is a welcome addition to Nobby’s, it’s giving a resort vibe and we’re absolutely all about feeling like we’re on vacay while doing our weekly grocery shop.

Not only have the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new hangout spot, they’re also bringing us the legends behind Rick Shores who have announced a whole new concept coming to the precinct mid 2024.

A side-step from the Asian-style menu at the iconic Rick Shores, the new restaurant concept is set to bring a Latin American flavour by their Executive Chef James Brady, who’s been wining and dining at some of the world’s top Mexican and Latin American restaurants all in the name of market research – sounds like a job for us!

The space will spread across two levels with the Latin American restaurant on level one, an open-air rooftop ceviche bar and private dining rooms so there’s literally everything you need for the ultimate long lunch all in one spot.

In stage one of the precinct’s opening, you’ll see some familiar faces, with the brains behind Burleigh institution Seadog bringing a new café to the block. Buoy (pronounced boo-ee) is promising to deliver a pared back menu that is less on frills and big on flavour, think a super considered menu with the classics you know and love as well as fresh feeds with hero quality produce.

But what about the coffee we hear you ask? Think boutique harvested coffee from Colombia poured by expert baristas with unique flavours of milo and caramel – yes, you read that right – because life’s too short for boring coffee.

Also coming back to Nobby’s, is the legendary Gourmet Meats under the guise of the Oxley Village Butcher so you can say hello to premium meats to level up your BBQ game with fresh cuts from the best farms around.

The Oxley Village Grocer is bringing all the fresh produce and groceries you need as well as market flowers for whether you’re looking for ‘just because’ blooms or something that says ‘sorry I didn’t mean to forget your birthday’ – eek.

Last but not least, all that shopping and socialising is thirsty work so the Oxley 1823 Sub Station is your stop for hydration station with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, or a cheeky scoop of gelato because we’re in for a long hot summer.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting this pretty little newcomer and I think it’s safe to say it’s been worth the wait, so you know where to catch us kicking back for a bite and a beverage this summer.

Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Opening Saturday 2nd December

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

No Gold Coasters, your eyes ‘dough’ not deceive you – at long last, the local legends behind famed pizza joints Franc Jrs and Francie’s are slinging their signature slice from a brand new location in Nobby Beach.

The newest eat-in iteration for the Franc fam – an old school vibing pizzeria – is packed with plenty of soul, promising that same trademark, ‘good, honest Italian food’ fans have long been smitten with.

Fromage fiends can settle in for their Franc fix – with laidback vibes alongside cult fave Classic pizzas, crisp, Detroit style deep-dish pies, and frozen Margi’s.

With a lineage that can be traced back to 1996, the Francie’s origin story is fascinating, rich – and similar to the effects of a few too many frozen Marg’s – a little fuzzy around the edges.

An operation now run by Anthony Pattinson, Claudia Pattinson, James Young and Carlos Lara – the charming, 60pax Coolangatta neighbourhood pizza joint known as Francie’s was born way back in an era when, along with pizza, Anthony counted Baywatch and RnB among his great loves.

The humble spot with a shoebox-vibing kitchen was soon overwhelmed by its own success – by year two they were averaging 150 peckish patrons a night – a number that blew out to 250-300 punters in the years that followed, a frenetic pace that they couldn’t maintain.

Ultimately opting to close the door on Francie’s (cue first crush levels of heartbreak), another opened in the form of Franc Jrs, the compact and casual takeaway style little bro.

When it came to delivering a new and improved restaurant offering, the challenge was retaining the charm, while scaling up and refining the offering to meet demand.

The new venue is a 60 seater with indoor and outdoor tables, opting for counter service to streamline the experience.

Complete with mob movie vibing mood lighting, red leather and wood finishes aplenty, the interior fit out is a throwback to the classic, 1940’s Italian American style restaurant.

The result is a nostalgic feeling Anthony likens to the 90’s rite of passage – hitting up the local salad bar, “like Pizza Hut’s all you can eat, only really, really good”, he adds.

Anthony’s life-long passion for slinging ‘pies’ – is immediately apparent in the drool-worthy menu.

The offering is split into three types – Traditional 13-inch ‘Francies classics’, 16-inch cheese pies and square, Sicilian ‘Detroit style’ pizzas, as well as a full vegan selection to boot.

Now pizza, along with a sneaky pun or three, is certainly something we’re no stranger to – with catchy monikers such as Francie’s Classic, ‘Sage Against the Machine’ made with fresh fior di latte, roasted mushrooms, pancetta, sage & pecorino, only further fuelling our obsession.

Fans of the Franc Jrs Signature – the loaded and crispy edged, Sicilian style slice – can get amongst Tomato, made with roasted cherry tomatoes, confit garlic, whipped lemon ricotta & chilli sauce or the cheese-packed White Stripe, topped with hot honey.

And with the calibre of slice selection the Franc Jrs crew is slinging, we certainly wouldn’t blame anyone struggling to choose.

But if the fan following for these pizza purveyors is anything to go by – satisfaction is a sure thing (and a carb coma).

Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
When: 4pm-10pm Wednesday – Saturday  

Words by Kellie Leader.