Ahh Bali. You hold a special place in the hearts of 99.99% of Aussies. Famous for many things including raw, natural beauty, introducing us to Rhonda and Ketut, and don’t even get us started on the food. Well, guess what? We now don’t have to wait for a flight (only to have Jetstar cancel it. Via email. At 1am…) to get there. We can simply head to Surfers Paradise’s Little Bali Street Food for some Indonesian influence and to be spoilt like a brat-tan.

With bright colours and equally authentic shiplap cladding, this place is more Balinese than a Bintang singlet. Little Bali has an alfresco dining area out front, complete with a statement tuk tuk 3-wheel bike cake cart. This creates a conundrum as we can’t decide which brings us more joy – the tuk tuk or its contents and just joshing, food always wins. Bright Bali-style brolleys lure customers in off the street, or is the smell of sumptuous satay chicken wafting in the air, and pls refer to the last sentence #rhetorical.

Down the lush laneway lined with Balinese plants, you’re guided to a super cool separate dining space. Decked out with a fitting water feature, more umbrellas, colourful traditional décor, and hanging plants, it feels #likasunrise. You’ll also find décor and handcrafted materials created by local Indonesian artists, and even traditional music or dancers (depending when you visit). Oh and we just have to highlight that this 25-person venue boasts real greenery not the faux stuff, creating an ambience that is cool, ‘palm’ and collected.

The iconic rustic Bali look is infused with very now trend factor, designed by owner Ana Labella. Ana has quite the head for hospitality, with over 30 years’ industry experience in Australia, Indonesia and across the ditch. Think big players like Sheraton Hotel and Shangrila Hotel, plus running her own successful cafes so yeah, she knows a thing or two(hundred thousand) about this sort of caper. She and fellow owner Matthew Tait waited patiently to find a location that ticked all their boxes, before landing on this clanga spot at Chevron Renaissance.

But let’s talk food and hold the tuk-tuk coz you won’t find Balinese, Indonesian and Asian Fusion eats this good outside of the motherland. The menu is filled with eclectic cuisine, just like you would expect to find on the bustling street sides of Bali. The signature dishes are the Chicken Satay and Nasi Goreng – and (U)dang are they tasty! Afterwards, indulge your sweet-tooth with a lil somethin-somethin from the in-house street cart serving authentic cakes and traditional Indonesian desserts. Drool.

Swing in off the beach for a variety of sips, from spider floats to AW root beer and watch this space coz the ink will soon be dry on the liquor license. We all know what that means – B.I.N.T.A.N.G, along with other alcoholic beverages. There’s a cheeky take away window for coffee or fast treats for those on the fly, plus it’s a magical venue for weddings, parties, anything!

So be a believer belieber Bali-ever – this place is the real deal so Gitgit on it!

Where: Chevron Renaissance, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 7am – 9pm Monday – Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Ah, Surfers Paradise. The jewel in the crown that is our fair city. The place visitors first picture in their minds and have done for the last several decades. While it is the most tourist-dense part of our Coast, what is it local’s love about it? Here we fill you in on the six best reasons locals love Surfers Paradise.

Belt out karaoke at Tune Up
The definition of karaoke, Tune Up is THE place to test out your vocal cords after you’ve had a few cocktails at bar instution The Avenue or a few schooners of ale from House of Brews. It’s an intimate environment that feels much like a house party where you can choose to mingle with everyone in the main bar or take up residence in your own little private room and sing your heart out. Count us in!
Where: Level 1, 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise (above Gold Coast Real Estate)

Have a Guinness at the D’Arcy Arms
Wet your whistle with a pint of Guinness at D’Arcy Arms where the historic first Guinness keg was brewed in Queensland (and arguably Australia), tapped onsite in 1988. This locals’ Irish pub fave offers a welcome change of pace if you want to take things slow, keep warm by the fireplace or if last night happened to get the better of you. There’s always great home-style food to be had, live music and a few friendly faces with some good craic.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Have a luxe afternoon at Surfers Pavilion
Aptly positioned with ceaseless waterfront views and boasting a substantial mooring site of 400sq metres, means if locals would like to arrive GC-style by boat or jet ski — so be it! Setting and glam aside though, the new arrival is perfect for enjoying our fantastic year-round weather with an outside frosé bar, and for those with a discerning palette, a dedicated oyster and Champagne station keeps the crowd more than occupied.
Where: 30-34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise 

Hit 9 pins at Strike Bowling
Prepare to lose a few hours when you step into this space which is a literal smorgasbord of entertaining activities and feast for the senses. The highlight is the 10-lane glow in the dark bowling alley where competitive urges can be settled with groups big and small. But, it doesn’t stop there either. If you fancy further fun, then a 15-person karaoke room, cocktail bar, two escape rooms, and pool tables should do it.
Where: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Sip cocktails on The Island Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are one of the greatest things that ever happened to the Gold Coast. Period. Now, take this sentiment and couple it with this — the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftop bar — and voila, you have one of the best places to drink delectable cocktails, watch live music, and live your best life at the stream of ever-changing events (drag queen brunch anyone?). You are promised great times and vibes when you head to The Island.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Grab breaky at Cuppa on 41
If you find yourself in Surfers Paradise before the afternoon, then you need to head to Cuppa on 41 to energise yourself for the day — as well as for all the other inclusions on this list! The café is an excellent concept that allows local underprivileged youth to become experienced in hospitality, and coincidentally isn’t so hard on your pocket either! Our pick is the Bauernomelett, a German-style omelette straight out of heaven. You’ll leave with a satisfied belly and knowing you have contributed to a change in a Gold Coasters future.
Where: 41 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Indulge at Alfrescos Italian Restaurant
Creating picture-perfect pasta and pizza for the last 25 years, you might say what Alfrescos doesn’t know about Italian food and ambience isn’t worth knowing — and you’d be right! This charming family-owned and run restaurant has stood the test of time with locals and continually returning for great Italian classics and drinks to match. If you haven’t been in a little while, be sure to change that, the venue underwent a slight facelift late last year and is looking as enchanting as ever.
Where: 3/3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Boogie on down at Retro’s
When it comes to having a boogie along to cheeky tunes of yesteryear, you no longer have to hide in your bathroom in your towel to do so. All the locals know that Retro’s is the ultimate answer to having a fun night out and dancing the night away to the music you grew up with. With themed nights and drinks specials coming at you from all angles, you are destined to have a good time no matter what day of the week it is at this hotbed of a disco.
Where: 3 — 15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Take in the view at Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
After a swish refurbishment, this 100-year-old surf club is the faultless place to go for an ice-cold beer for a spot of people watching, seamless views across the Pacific Ocean and to chat to a local. The family-friendly atmosphere is full of locals after their early morning beach walk tucking into a big brekky (but they’re also open for lunch and dinner too!) — a great option straight off the sand and when you feel the need to escape the crowds with some uber-friendly Queensland hospitality.
where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis so when Cinco De Mayo rolls around each year, we rejoice because we have an excuse to do just that (like we needed one).

For those who flunked history or have just wiped out too many braincells with said margaritas over the years, Cinco De Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 aaaand….we’ve lost you. Anyway, back to the margis (hello again), we have compiled a list of some of the Coast’s best Mexican restaurants that we love a whole enchiLOTa.

Goodness Gracias
A little (somewhat hidden) gem on the Gold Coast Highway is Goodness Gracias serving up plant-based Mexican eats that are some of the tastiest around. With some incredible menu items, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one dish. But if you ask us, regardless of which you choose you’ll be sure to have your sombrero knocked off, even if you aren’t vegan!
Where: 1A 1114 – 1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

El Camino Cantina
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Positioned on the promenade waterfront dining precinct at Robina Town Centre you have the perfect place to enjoy al fresco dining with your gang. Their Carne Nachos deserve a special shout-out. Because, if you know, you know.
Where: 1009/1010 Level 1, 19-33 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Beach Burrito Company
The southern belle can be found overlooking the ocean in Coolangatta, usually packed with people and with all of the good vibes on offer. There are what feels like endless burritos on offer, and why not go all boujee and get the ‘Cali upgrade’, which means the beans and rice are replaced with hot chips! Yes my friends, you read that correctly, and yes, our mouths are watering!
Where: The Strand,Shop 25/26 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Montezumas Burleigh
After relocating from the beachside arcade to just off James Street, this family-friendly Mexican purveyor of good times sure can serve up the goods. The menu is quite extensive, so shall we suggest the Combination Plate? Because why not have a little bit of everything and give ’em all a go. Plus through in a Margarita for good measure! Because it wouldn’t be a Mexican fiesta without one!
Where: 1/19 Park Avenue In the Alleyway From James Street to Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Agave Rosa
Fresh, delish dishes with dashes of distinct oriental flavour (say that after a few tequilas), served Mexican style is what you’ll get in spades at Agave Rosa. It’s funky, bright and welcoming feels are perfectly complimented by their phenom menu mixing our two fave cuisines with finesse. And like any Mexican establishment worth its salt, their cocktails and margaritas slay!
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
With its cool, casual laneway dining outside and inviting, home-style dining inside (open kitchens are life!), this feisty Latina dishes up the best Mexican outside of the Motherland. And we’re not actually joking. Plus, you can transform into a Mexican Masterchef yourself with super fun classes using authentic ingredients and tools. This sage and terracotta-hued heavyweight can do no wrong.
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

La Diosa Mexicana
If you’ve got cheap but cheerful Mexi goodness on your mind (same) this one’s for you! Taco Tuesdays offer delish $4 tacos or if you’re down for an all-you-can-eat taco fiesta (SAME!), you can go gangbusters on these Mexican bad boys. Serving up all your traditional faves, it’s great for groups as the fit-out and vibe are a’pumpin.
Where: Circle on Cavil, Shop 11/3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Hail Mary
Boasting a fit out and décor to die for and a delish menu to match, Hail Mary is a standout. Serving up the freshest, flavoursome Mexican nosh, it’s a no-brainer. With specials like two tacos and a beer/wine or soft drink for $20 on weekends, what are you even waiting for? Ohhh and don’t miss their Burrito Wednesdays!
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Bonita Bonita
Eats institution Bonita Bonita (and little sister Bon Bon pouring mezcals and tequilas for pre or post-dinner party starters) is a long-standing fave. Its dimly lit, moody and ornate interior design never ceases to impress and create an intimate vibe. Enjoy the mouth-watering eats (the grilled corn…OMG) and don’t even get us started on the cocktails.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali
Always busy, the Cali meets Mexico feels of Mexicali have us coming back again and again. You can’t go wrong with a banquette if you’re in a group, and you even have the option of adding a bottomless drinks package (sold!). Sunset cocktails on the balcony never get old, and a snap under the ever-changing lightbox message above the stairs is mandatory!
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Frida Sol
Sibling to Bonita Bonita and Bon Bon, this texture-rich stunner pays homage to the almighty Frida Kahlo and oozes a delectably sultry vibe. With live DJs on Sundays from 1pm – 4pm and a divine modern Mexican menu, it’s a Mexi lovers home away from home. One of our FAVES.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Holy Jala
This fun-infused Cooly local serves up a juxtaposition of Mexican, Spanish and other Mediterranean flavours and the result is mexcellent! Offering a free food banquet on Saturday when you buy a drink (yes, you read that right), why wouldn’t you give it a whirl. It also has a food truck so if you’re looking for catering, you know who to call!
Where: 140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

The Aztec
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings and an epic fluro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find. Insider tip; wear your oversized tee and order the loaded nachos.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen.