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Wok this way

Pokkoi brings an Asian fusion feast to Coolangatta.

Hiramasa Kingfish, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Hiramasa Kingfish, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

Oh boy, Pokkoi! Coolangatta has a new culinary hotspot, and it’s bringing the spice to the southern Gold Coast. With lush rainforest vibes and zesty Asian fusion flavours, Pokkoi is here to whisk you away on a sensory journey.

Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Interior of Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

Owner Rachael Nguyen’s flavour-packed reputation precedes her from New Zealand. Having run successful venues there, she’s brought her expertise and enthusiasm across the ditch for her first Australian venture. Known for her hands-on approach, Rachael became a regular at the construction site and at the local Bunnings, ensuring every element of Pokkoi met her vision.

Whole Burrata, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Whole Burrata, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

All those Bunnings trips were well worth it, because the venue itself is a feast for the eyes. Think vibrant ferns and emerald-hued furniture that evokes the enchanting jungles of Vietnam. The outside dining area sparkles with fairy lights, while the interior offers a cosy yet chic space for up to 120 guests.

Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Outside dining area, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

Helming the kitchen is Rachael’s friend of six years, chef Cameron Knox, whose culinary journey is as rich as his signature curries. Cameron’s love affair with cooking began at Fourteen 7 in Western Australia, where he discovered not just his talent but also a passion for Asian flavours. From those humble beginnings, Cameron’s career skyrocketed him to London, France and even a superyacht.

Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

For two decades, Cameron followed the flavour trail, soaking in techniques, ideas and a whole lot of inspiration. He eventually returned to his homeland of New Zealand, crafting vibrant dining experiences at TOK TOK and Xoong, where his culinary finesse wowed diners, including the owner of Pokkoi. He stole the show at the Taste of Auckland, wowing celebrity chef judges George Calombaris and Marco Pierre White with his red fish curry and signature tacos to win the prestigious Best in Taste Award.

Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

Rachael wouldn’t settle for anyone else to create this restaurant with her, and for Cameron, it meant a return to Australia, where his love of cooking began. The duo have created a menu that is a treasure trove of creativity and bold flavours.

Prep your palette with a refreshing Hiramasa Kingfish, perfectly balanced with nam jim, citrus and turmeric coconut.

For the adventurous, you can’t go past the indulgent Beef Rendang Donut, paired with coconut cream and peanut. It’s a party for your taste buds.

Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

Those looking for a heartier dish, the Crispy Barramundi Dry Red Curry, topped with pickled chili, herbs and cashews will satisfy the hungriest of diners, while the Whole Burrata served with heirloom tomato, chilli oil, Viet mint and roti is the Asian fusion we’ve all been craving.

Suffering from menu anxiety? Can’t decide what to devour from these mouthwatering dishes? You’re not alone. Pokkoi offers a Taste Me menu at $100 per person, which includes a ten course degustation selected by the chef.

Cocktails, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
Cocktails, Pokkoi, Coolangatta (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)

Pair your plates with satisfying tipples from the curated cocktail and wine list. We recommend the Thai Tea Cocktail, a sweet and creamy concoction that promises to be a crowd favourite.

Ready to enjoy a flavour-filled feast at Pokkoi? Wok this way! Just don’t forget to leave room for the Popcorn Cheesecake to finish.

Where: 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: 4pm until late Wednesdays to Sunday
Instagram: @pokkoi.kitchen
Bookings

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby

STORY SPONSORED BY POKKOI

Siblings take two

Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)
Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)

There are few things better on the Gold Coast than a perfectly put together coastal European-inspired venue overlooking the ocean in Kirra. Throw in the fact that said venue is named after a beloved family pup and that it has been created by the clever team behind Siblings (also in Kirra) and there’s nothing better.

Introducing Hanks. This sophisticated newbie is a delightful addition to the Southern Gold Coast’s growing dining scene, taking over the corner space on Musgrave Street in Kirra where Bread and Butter once lived.

Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)
Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)

Of which Hanks owners Peter, Tracey and TJ Cianci along with Jarrod Kyle are no strangers. All in all they have been the previous owners of Edgewater Dining and Fish Emporium and of course, current owners of Siblings Kirra. As usual, they’ve created something very special that we expect will become a firm favourite for everyone who has the pleasure of visiting.

Inside Hanks is a designer’s dream come true thanks to Zero9 and Space Cubed Design Studio with an absolutely stunning Sovrano marble bar as the centrepiece, low hanging pendant lights, windows on every side, an open kitchen and a private dining space you’ll want to book for every event for the rest of your life.

Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)
Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)

As we mentioned, all of this is just steps from the ocean creating the relaxed, seaside ambience you thought you’d only ever find in the Euro summer you’ve long been dreaming of (same).

The cuisine has been stamped as ‘coastal European’ which suits us just fine thank you very much and the team have created the menu around the concept of the table being the platter. Which means everything is for sharing and you get to sample more than you otherwise might. Lucky for you.

Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)
Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)

The menu is crafted around fresh ingredients, sourced daily including homemade pasta, sliced meats, fresh seafood and Tuscan Schiacciata bread. You’ll find dishes like ‘Cacio e Pepe’ arancini to start, small dishes like Crudo of Fraser Island scallops with finger lime dressing and Burrata with caramelised honey, fennel seed. Fresh handmade pasta dishes include Bay Lobster spaghetti with cherry tomato, chilli, garlic and lemon and Cavatelli with pork & fennel sausage, broccolini and pangrattato.

On the grill, there are Ballina king prawns with green garlic butter and lemon and Chargrilled spatchcock with nduja butter and charred lemon.

Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)
Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)

Desserts are all made in house too. Expect tasty bites like Pistachio Cannoli and Hanks New York Cheesecake plus liquid desserts like a Screwball Delight involving Peanut Butter Whiskey.

To sip, the Mango Margarita is a must and there are a further 29 specialty cocktails to make your way through too, with several incorporating locally distilled spirits such as Familiar Spirits and Six-Tricks.

Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)
Hanks, Kirra (images by Kirra Smith Photography)

Most importantly, via all of that aforementioned goodness, the team hopes to deliver the Gold Coast the same level of joy their boy Hank brought to them and though those are no doubt big shoes to fill, we think they’ve got it covered.

Now go. Treat yourself to some time at Hanks.

Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – late

Words by Kirra Smith

Beachside bowls

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Authentic Japanese food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, particularly when it can be enjoyed without hopping on a plane and with a side of salty ocean breezes. Which makes anyone who has ventured down to Coolangatta to sample brand-new Harahetta Ramen recently, the richest of Gold Coasters.

It’s pho-real the newest hotspot for authentic Japanese cuisine. See what we did there?

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Located in Coolangatta’s foodie precinct where Baskk and Bar Evelyn also reside, this new ramen joint is the miso happy place you’ve been looking for, and it’s already a hit with those of us who appreciate flavour-filled dishes created by people in the know.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

So who are the culinary geniuses behind our new fave ramen joint, you ask?

Harahetta Ramen’s roots trace back to Goukai Ramen, the beloved Burleigh gem that established a devoted following thanks to its delicious broths and exceptional service. Owners Hiroshi and Sarah Takeyama who are Tweed locals, sold Goukai Ramen in February when they saw an opportunity to create their dream venue in Cooly.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Hiroshi trained to be a Ramen Chef in Tokyo and has created a signature broth for the ramen dishes that must be sampled to be believed.

The talented pair have brought the same attention to detail and signature touch to this new venue, building on the strong legacy that Goukai Ramen set to deliver a modern twist while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavours that put their name on the map.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Sarah’s dad, Peter Arnold, designed the fit-out and was project manager. Hiroshi and his friends built the space, which is low-lit and moody with exposed ceiling beams, a textured bar, and glossy black tiles that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Japan.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Now let’s talk food. The menu begins with a choice of eight ramen dishes and please, allow us to indulge you for a minute.

The Original Ramen is made up of half a marinated egg, shallots, wood ear mushrooms, two slices of pork chashu and seaweed. Perfect.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Then there’s a Spicy Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen, Shio Ramen with a Yuzu flavour, Maze Soba (brothless) and, of course, both a veg and vegan option. Obviously, you can (and should) add extra toppings.

If you feel like something a little different, there are Rice Bowls with options like Teriyaki Mayo Karaage, Sweet Chilli Karaage, Nanban Japanese Tartar, and Ponzu Radish. You can also snack on burgers, Gyoza, and Karaage Chicken too. All of which is a true delight for the taste buds.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

To drink, there is beer, wine, and spirits, but we highly recommend sampling the Lemon Chu Hi—a popular Japanese sip that is fresh and zingy and the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of ramen.

All of this plus a balmy beachside location. What more could you want? Make your next dinner out an authentic Japanese one at Harahetta Ramen.

Where: 3/ 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Monday – Saturday 5pm -9pm, last orders at 8.30pm
Instagram: @harahetta_ramen

Words by Kirra Smith
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Retro rewind: 7 unique stays on the Gold Coast

The Mysa Motel, Palm Beach (image supplied)
The Mysa Motel, Palm Beach (image supplied)

We all see it, the surge of sleek apartment buildings and towering high-rises staking their claim on Gold Coast’s coveted coastline. While we’re all for fresh faces and new places in our beloved beach town, we can’t help but hold a special place in our hearts for Gold Coast’s gems with character.

Each of these boutique accommodations offers a distinct blend of retro flair and modern comfort, perfect for those looking to soak up the classic cool vibes of this iconic destination.

But don’t just take our word for it – experience the magic for yourself! There’s a nostalgic getaway waiting for everyone. Pack your bags and get ready to relive the past while enjoying the comforts of today!

The Cheshire Cat Boutique Motel, Palm Beach (image by Andy Macpherson)
The Cheshire Cat Boutique Motel, Palm Beach (image by Andy Macpherson)

The Cheshire Cat Motel
Catch just a sight of this boutique hotel; it will be enough to broaden your grin and make your tale quiver. What was old is once again new at this boutique hotel, refurbished for our delight. The six-room motel is like a mid-century memento, a nostalgic transport back in time, even just for a night. With a careful curation of genuine era furnishings and colour tones- tangerine oranges, teal blues and pistachio greens- this place feels more like a cosy museum than a hotel. Choose between the impressive Queen Room or Bungalow- visit either you like: they’re both mad! You can find the motel perched on the energised Palm Beach strip, yet hidden in plain sight. Not to worry! Look out for the tall neon sign and cacti-studded wall, and you will be on your way. Grab your Walkman, ladies; we’re headed to the pool deck. We’ll hit The Collective later.
Where: 1005 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta (image by Destination Gold Coast)
The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta (image by Destination Gold Coast)

The Pink Hotel
You wouldn’t guess it, but this hotel is pink. Yep! Completely pink (with some white for contrast). We’re not exaggerating (at all) when we say it’s your childhood Barbie Dreamhouse- life-size edition. By all means eccentric, this hotel intrigues and excites. It’s fun, funky, and, surprisingly, a rich piece of Gold Coast history. Simply put, it’s impossible not to have a good time at this hotel. Between the rooftop bar (also the perfect place to watch the spectacular sunset), epic rooms, onsite food delivery (hello, burgers from Eddie’s Grub House) and endless surrounding activities, you will be entertained for your entire stay, and some. Just because we can never resist the siren call, we’ll be scoffing pizza at Franc Jrs.
Where: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Mysa Motel neon (image supplied)
Mysa Motel neon (image supplied)

The Mysa Motel
Welcome to Palm Springs, California. Oops! Sorry, we meant The Mysa Motel. Gosh! Don’t they look alike? It’s no wonder we got confused. The Mysa Motel is a sustainable luxury motel in Palm Beach. Their modern-retro twist is a perfect blend of pastel palette and of-decade decor that conjures a feeling that could only be comparable to being gumball first into a Bubble O’ Bill while rollerblading. Whatever worries you had are long gone now- at the bottom of their outdoor magnesium pool, in fact. Their rooms are a delight, with options for each of your seven personalities. To flaunt a few, we have “Sky Blue’, she’s breezy. With two comfortable king-size beds and sky-blue walls, you’re in for a cool, calm and collected time. ‘The Merillo’- she loves to host. The two-bedroom double-story unit is lush but altogether paired back, to focus on simplicity and the sacred element of ‘space’. For nosh, Well Bread & Pastry is high on our list of recommendations, along with Balboa Italian– it’s buono.
Where: 1100 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Blue Heron Motel, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)
Blue Heron Motel, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)

Blue Heron Motel
Welcome to Blue Heron Motel; a stunning family-owned boutique hotel in Mermaid Beach’s heart. This understated stay provides a calm and quiet haven to escape the buzzing Gold Coast activity. With a recent spruce, the motel’s design reminds us of the golden days of the Gold Coast. Ahh, what a time! Overall, their bases are covered as both a sanctuary and a centre for activity and exploration. Take a plunge in their picturesque pool, or hire a bike to explore the famous Gold Coast oceanway. After all, you’re only a pedal away from local favourites and attractions, including Pacific Fair and Holliday Coffee.
Where: 2323 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

La Costa Motel, Bilinga (image by Destination Gold Coast)
La Costa Motel, Bilinga (image by Destination Gold Coast)

La Costa Motel
La Costa Motel is a slice of 60’s inspired paradise. A vintage-style vacation set in the southern Gold Coast suburb of Bilinga. Picture this; you’ve just pulled up in your Dodge Coronet Wagon, hard case luggage in the boot and polka dot togs in hand- ready for your family vacation. The exterior replicates the classic beach-side shack, with each ‘studio’ accommodating its own white picket fence. Behind it sits two vibrant patio chairs, a petite round table and a mini floral garden- the cutest garden we ever did see. Greet your neighbour’s next door before jumping on your cruiser bike en route to breaky! Delicious options await at Halycon Coffee House. As your day draws to a close, head back to your home away from home, pull up a deck chair and watch the sunset from your very own front yard. Well, it’s yours for a little while, anyway.
Where: 127 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga

Gold Coast Tree Houses, Austinville (image supplied)
Gold Coast Tree Houses, Austinville (image supplied)

Gold Coast Tree Houses
Retro might not be the right word for this remarkable bed and breakfast style accommodation, but it’s definitely unique. With self-contained cabins nestled amongst the trees…How about tree-ific? Choose from six unique and individually styled treehouses, and enjoy off-grid living at its finest. The luxurious eco-accommodation is surrounded by lush bushlands, providing the perfect setting for seeking solitude and connection alike. Stay in Treehouse One or Two to marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views from your bathtub! Suppose you can muster enough willpower to leave your new hideaway. In that case, we recommend trying Panchos Mexican, for a late lunch or dinner!
Where: Lot 1,123 Mount Nimmel Rd, Austinville

qtQT, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
qtQT, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

qtQT
Take things up a notch with the lavish boutique accommodation at qtQt. Designed for discerning creatures of comfort, their contemporary-style cabins are cosy by definition, hidden amongst a garden oasis. With luxurious local amenities and the option of curated experiences, it’s clear, qtQT doesn’t need lessons in laidback luxury.  Unplug and unwind in a distraction-free zone. Whether you’re enjoying solo serenity or sharing space with a loved one, the options are endless. Enjoy barefoot indulgence in an outdoor oasis, free from the distraction of television. It’s all about comfort and connection. You’re in the centre of Surfers, steps away from the QT Gold Coast’s incredible restaurants and yet you feel a million miles away. It’s safe to say this hotel isn’t playing for a bronze medal.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

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