Iconic American chocolatier See’s Candies opens its first-ever Australian store on the Gold Coast.
Iconic American chocolatier See’s Candies opens its first-ever Australian store on the Gold Coast.
If your sweet tooth has been feeling a little under-served lately, you’re in very sweet luck- things have just gotten very delicious on the Gold Coast. Robina is welcoming a seriously iconic newcomer, See’s Candies Australia, and yes, it’s kind of a big deal.
For the first time ever, the cult-favourite American chocolatier is landing on Australian soil, bringing with it over a century of confectionery cred (they’ve been perfecting their recipes since 1921, no less). If you’ve spent any time in the US or have some American friends, chances are you’ve already heard the hype. Now, you can taste it for yourself.
Think glossy boxes of premium chocolates, melt-in-your-mouth buttery caramels, crunchy peanut brittle, and those signature lollipops that lean more into creamy cubes of deliciousness. Each flavour is as tempting as the next, with chocolate, vanilla, café latte, butterscotch, strawberry cream and orange cream to choose from.
Then, there are the heavy hitters. We’re talking Scotchmallow (a dangerously addictive combo of caramel, marshmallow and chocolate), California Brittle (sweet, salty and crackly to perfection), and the fan-favourite Milk Bordeaux– a creamy, brown sugar heaven we’ll 100% be hoarding.
The real sweet story behind Australia’s first See’s Candies store starts with husband-and-wife duo Jason and Megan, who saw a gap in Queensland’s dessert scene and thought, honestly… why should Americans have all the fun? Because while we’ve long had our go-to bakeries and beloved biscuit tins, specialty chocolate stores of this calibre have been noticeably missing from our lives. Tragic, really.
But beyond spotting a delicious business opportunity, the Gold Coast genuinely felt like the perfect fit. Much like See’s Californian roots, life here revolves around sunshine, good vibes and a little bit of indulgence. And if there’s one thing we do exceptionally well on the GC, it’s treating ourselves.
For Megan though, bringing See’s Candies to Australia means far more than opening a chocolate shop. Growing up in America, See’s was woven into family life, with her grandmother always keeping a stash tucked away at home. You know the feeling, like finding the good Arnott’s biscuits hidden in the pantry as a kid. In many ways, launching Australia’s very first See’s store is a full-circle moment steeped in nostalgia, tradition and a whole lot of heart. Frankly, we’re emotional… and hungry.
And speaking of tradition, See’s has stayed famously committed to its motto, Quality Without Compromise, for more than 100 years. We can thank Mary See herself for that. Her original recipes, dedication to fresh ingredients and refusal to cut corners laid the foundations for what became one of America’s most-loved confectionery brands. No preservatives, premium ingredients and recipes that remain 100% gluten free? That’s the kind of commitment we can absolutely get behind.
The space itself is every bit as dreamy as you’d hope. Brought to life by Elements Shopfitters, the design takes inspiration from See’s iconic Century City store in California, reimagined with a brighter, more relaxed Queensland feel. Think timeless Americana meets coastal chic. Warm, welcoming and dangerously easy to linger in.
Inside, you’ll find the brand’s signature candy counter, where you can handpick your favourites and build a custom box worthy of gifting… or keeping entirely to yourself. There are also ready-to-go selections packed with buttery caramels, rich chocolate creams and all the old-school classics that have earned See’s its cult following over the past century.
And yes, there are free samples. As there should be.
Consider this your official permission slip to overindulge. We’ll absolutely be doing the same.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
When: Monday – Wednesday and Friday – Saturday 9am – 5.30pm, Thursday 9am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Jade Room brings the drama… and the dumplings.
Robina just scored itself a seriously tasty new leading lady with the arrival of Jade Room Chinese Cuisine, and the buzz is entirely justified.
Opening upstairs at The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre, the latest venture from hospitality heavyweights Jackie and May Cheng has landed with the kind of swagger only the Chengs can pull off. With a reputation built on crowd‑favourite institutions like Jasmine Room, Dragon Cove and Canton Road Chinese Kitchen, they don’t simply open restaurants – they drop culinary blockbusters.
And Jade Room is shaping up to be their most cinematic release yet.
If their track record wasn’t enough to get Gold Coasters salivating, the interiors alone would do the job. Designed by Span Design and brought to life by Elements Shopfitting, Jade Room is a moody, nostalgic dreamscape blending Wong Kar-wai and mid-century modern.
Picture a contemporary remix of a classic Chinese dining room, where tradition has been given a design-forward glow-up. Warm timber panelling and softly lit banquettes set a cosy, intimate tone, while the rich mustard and jade green seating add a layer of retro-luxe charm.
Overhead, a playful canopy of suspended disc lights in shades of jade and cobalt floats across the ceiling like a contemporary art installation, casting a soft, ambient glow.
Vertical striped detailing along the walls brings structure and rhythm, balanced by curved elements like the oversized paper lantern and circular mirror that nod subtly to traditional motifs.
Add retro wall tiles paired with decadent marble and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a long lunch, a date night or a dumpling‑fuelled gossip session.
The Chengs chose Robina for its beauty, buzz and ever‑growing food scene, and Jade Room slots in like it was always meant to be there. With seating for around 150, a private dining room, plush sofa zones, intimate booths and those glorious big round tables that practically demand a lazy Susan, the space is built for everything from cosy dinners to multi‑generational feasts.
Let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food.
The kitchen is helmed by the original head chef of Landmark Restaurant and Jasmine Room, which means the classics are in very safe hands.
Jade Room’s unique selling point is its modern Yum Cha that’s been zhuzhed, elevated, and given a contemporary twist without losing the soul of tradition.
Think Aromatic Peppercorn Pork Dumplings, Truffle Veggie Dumplings, Pan-Fried Seafood Buns, Beef Ho Fun, Dried Meats Glutinous Rice, and Fresh Mango Pudding for a sweet finisher.
Then there’s the extensive A La Carte menu packed with mouthwatering options designed to be shared.
The signature Peking Duck is a theatrical, glossy masterpiece, freshly prepared in-house daily, seasoned with traditional spices and roasted to crisp perfection. Carved before your very eyes, each portion is presented with the flavorsome crispy duck skin, together with spring onions, cucumber and special sauce, wrapped in soft pancake.
The Singaporean Mud Crab is a showstopper, messy in the best possible way, while the XO Pipi brings that addictive, umami‑rich punch that will leave you wanting more.
And for the bovine buffs, the Stir Fried Eye Fillet with Tea Leaves is the MVP; tender, aromatic, and ‘udderly’ unforgettable.
The broader menu is a thoughtful bridge between old and new, weaving together the refined elegance of Cantonese cooking with the bold, aromatic flavours of China’s interior provinces.
Expect Sichuan spice that tingles, Beijing‑style sauces that cling in all the right ways, and modern interpretations that feel fresh without being fussy. It’s a culinary story that spans regions, eras and traditions – and Jade Room tells it beautifully.
Of course, no cinematic dining experience is complete without a supporting cast of cocktails. The Lychee Martini is already shaping up to be the breakout star, and the bar team has crafted a whole lineup of unique sips designed to pair with the menu’s depth and drama.
Whether you’re a wine‑and‑dumplings person or a cocktail‑and‑crab devotee, you’re covered.
Jade Room Chinese Cuisine is more than just another restaurant opening – it’s a stylish, flavour‑packed, mood‑drenched statement.
With its modern yum cha, signature dishes, cinematic interiors and the Chengs’ signature polish, it’s set to become one of the Coast’s most talked‑about dining destinations – and we’re here for it.
Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina
When: Daily 11am – 9pm
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Liam McDonald
For swirl queens and topping maximalists.
Fro-Yo dessert bars are THE ultimate choose-your-own-adventure moment, and frankly, we will not be told otherwise. If there were a Fro-Yo pro’s and con’s list it’d look a little something like this:
Pros: You get to build the dessert of your literal dreams. We’re talking swirl-on-sprinkle-on-drizzle-everything energy. It’s just as elite for the kiddos as it is for the grown-ups who take their topping strategy very seriously. And the combos? Endless. Unhinged. Borderline chaotic (in the best way).
Cons: …cute of you to assume there are any.
Lucky for us the Gold Coast’s frozen yoghurt scene is having a full-blown main character moment. Whether you’re refuelling after a beach sesh, cooling down post-market wander, or simply answering the very important call of “I deserve a sweet treat,” these local legends have your fro-yo cravings handled.
Remember, the concept is ‘self-serve’, not ‘self-control’, so don’t be shocked when you have none of the latter after stepping inside this purple palace of frozen yogurt. YOMG – so good you have to say it ‘yo-my-goodness’– serves handcrafted frozen yogurt using fresh milk and farmers’ yogurt alongside shakes, burgers, wings and other bites.
But today, we’re here for the creamy swirling goodness. Go wild with crumbly, bubbly, chewy, crunchy and drizzly toppings like brownie bite, boba bubbles, fresh fruit, jelly beans, crumbled biscuits and pistachio sauce (to name a few). Oh, and they do acai, too!
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach Waters and 15 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Their words, not ours: “For the swirl-obsessed, the spoon-lickers, the sweet-seekers.” Goo.E serves a mix of real ice cream and yoghurt, and boldly claims it’s 1000% better – confidence we respect.
With over 50 toppings, this is not the place for decision paralysis. Think milk rocky road bites, choc malt balls, sour neon worms, vegan granola, cremthick pistachio pastry, mango popping boba, cookie dough, fresh fruit… okay, deep breath- you get the idea. We’re going straight for the white choc yoghurt. Add a slick, moody fit-out, and you’ve got dessert done well.
Where: 6 Charles Ave, Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill South Tower, T43B/55 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
YOLO lives by its name- because you only live once, so you may as well add the toppings. Alongside classic flavours, they mix things up with options like matcha, peach and red apple.
Everything here is 98% fat free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and made with 100% pure, natural ingredients. Top it off with choc gold coins, marshmallows, fresh fruit and drizzles, then swing by during happy hour for 20% off (yes please).
Where: 8th Street B30 Harbour Town Premium Outlets Shopping Centre, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
With a line that stretches around the corner on the ‘reg (like, every single weekend) – locals have been going wild for Yo-Chi’s signature tangy and tantalising fro-yo goodness since the cult fave first swanned onto our scene in 2022.
Punters can get their probiotic fix in the most delicious of ways with a signature, soft serve style frozen yoghurt selection available on tap. The core range of year-round flavours are complemented by seasonal cameos, the majority of which are 98-percent fat-free… and 100-percent mouth-watering.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, 27 Connor St, Burleigh Heads, Shop 1009/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina, Shop T1.05A/4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise and 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Golden Yogurt is giving Gilmore Girls meets Starbucks – cosy, cute, and dangerously irresistible. Grab a cup, pile on as many fro-yo flavours as your heart desires, then absolutely go wild at the toppings bar.
Crunchy, chewy, popping, tangy – if a topping exists, it’s probably here. This is the spot for maximum customisation and zero judgement.
Where: G03/89 Scarborough St, Southport
Family-run, Australian-owned and gorgeously humble, My FYI keeps things friendly and fun. Start by choosing your base – choc, mango, plain, strawberry, biscuit, or even strawberry and biscuit if you’re feeling bold.
They offer low-sugar and vegan options, rotating weekly flavours, and toppings such as brownies, Nutella, fresh fruit, and lollies. It’s the kind of place that feels like a warm hug… but make it frozen.
Where: Unit 1/4 Griffith St, Coolangatta
With up to 97% fat free yoghurt, Yo Way proves you really can have it all. Everyday flavours include original tart, chocolate, strawberry and mango, while specialty flavours go big – think meringue, panna cotta, pear, pink bubblegum and more.
Their gluten-free flavours somehow get even better, with options like apple pie, Snickers cheesecake, cinnamon, biscuit and tiramisu. Toppings range from fresh fruit and slivered almonds to Tim Tam and white choc drops.
Where: Shop 2046/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters and 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Cocoflufferia isn’t technically a fro-yo bar, but it’s so delicious we had to include it. Their signature Coco Fluff is a creamy, coconut water-based soft serve that’s always vegan, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.
It’s fully self-serve, stacked with all the flavours and all the toppings, plus options for both vegan and non-vegan sauces, so everyone wins. They also serve dairy-free fro-yo and açaí, making it a dream stop for plant-based dessert lovers.
Where: 9 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Cooler nights and new season delights.
Autumn arrived and with it came cooler evenings and exciting new hot spots! From a new pizza slinger in Byron Bay and frozen sips in Southport, to tasty tapas in Casuarina and dreamy matcha on Tamborine Mountain, here’s your inside scoop on the latest openings from last month.
If Euro summer isn’t on your calendar this year, don’t stress! La Stradina has you covered. Tucked down a Cooly laneway, La Stradina lets candlelit tables and spinning vinyl set the tone. Mediterranean morsels like Moreton Bay bug skewers, Blue Fin tuna rice cakes, and homemade rigatoni are just the beginning of a moreish menu. Settle in with a signature cocktail and you’ll be saying “Euro, who?”
Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta
What started as a tiny tram-stop coffee spot has now grown into a new neighbourhood hangout. Run by husband-and-wife duo Alberto and Leanne, Origin Cafe’s Broadbeach Waters outpost feels less like a cafe and more like being welcomed into a friend’s house (if your friend made amazing lasagne, tiramisu and really good coffee). Come for a flat white and smashed avo in the morning, come back with the whole fam for pasta night in the evening.
Where: 11/1 Kalimna Drive Broadbeach Waters
Looking for somewhere to curb those late night dessert cravings? Look no further than The Petite Crepe! By day it’s My French Pastries, serving up flaky croissants and buttery cakes, but by night it turns into The Petite Crepe where paper-thin crêpes take centre stage. With sweet or savoury toppings like Nutella, strawberries, chocolate, chestnut, mushroom or cheese, there’s something for every after-dark desire. It’s a little bit of Paris, right here in Robina.
Where: Shop 5, 361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Day Off in Southport is serving up the coolest coffee in the city, literally. Drinks are poured into frozen glasses (chilled to -86°C to be exact) so your coffee or matcha turns into a soft and creamy dessert-like situation as you stir it. Couple your sip with a loaded sourdough slab like the Steak and Cheese or Peach and Honey, and you’ll be asking your boss for an RDO.
Where: 2 Short Street, Southport
Hidden in Byron Bays’s industrial estate, Attaboy Pizza is all about really good pizza without needing to venture into the busy town centre. The brainchild of the crew behind Ciao Mate! and You Beauty, this casual takeaway joint is slinging New York slices for lunch, and full 13-inch rounds and Detroit deep dish for dinner with three-day fermented dough and toppings like Byron Hawaiian and Spicy Pepperoni that don’t mess around. It’s pizza night done right.
Where: 4/20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Carb lovers rejoice! Sicily by Fratello is serving pasta, pizza and all the Italian comfort your stretchy pants can handle. Think fresh handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Aperol spritzes and Nutella gnocchi that should probably be illegal. It’s warm, welcoming and made for long lunches that turn into dinners. Arrive hungry, order too much and roll out happily planning your next visit.
Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba
Sunset sips just got a upgrade at Bar Bruto in Casuarina. This Euro-style wine bar is made for date night, girls night or any night that starts with one glass and ends with a bottle. The menu celebrates Spanish tapas and Euro-inspired small plates designed for sharing while the wine list is small but mighty too, with a focus on natural drops. It’s late-night Barcelona vibes just over the border.
Where: Shop 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina
There’s a dream combo waiting for you up on Tamborine Mountain. Clay Temple Co. and Muddy Matcha have teamed up where pottery wheels spin and matcha is whisked for the ultimate day out. Get your hands muddy, make something wonderful, then reward yourself with a perfectly frothy sip of green goodness. It’s creative and calming, especially as you soak up the mountain vibes.
Where: Shop 2-3 / 161 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
Note-worthy brews are hitting all the right chords at Coffee Note in Robina. This micro roastery is all about small-batch beans and flavour-packed coffee that feels a little bit like a science experiment. Sip, savour and maybe learn a thing or two about your brews while you’re at it. Add house-baked treats like Banana Bread or Chilli Mushroom Omelette, and suddenly your quick caffeine fix turns into a full-blown brunch. Consider this your new go-to for seriously good sips.
Where: 1 Parnell Boulevard, Robina
Words by Lisette Drew
