Honey, I’m Rome! The new Sofia’s has arrived.
Honey, I’m Rome! The new Sofia’s has arrived.
It’s no secret that The Oasis Shopping Centre houses some stellar eateries, and leading the pack is the new look Coastal European stunner, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar. Now a hop, skip and a jump up the road from its original spot, it’s bigger and more beautiful than ever. Everything about this luxe Mediterranean people pleaser is perfectly executed, from the on-fleek new fit-out, to the carefully curated menu championing simple, delicious food. In fact, even the plates were imported from Italy, handmade and hand painted to order and yeah, this makes our Ikea plates at home look like the poor cousins that they are.
Owner Henry Hunt has stayed true to his euro chic roots, keeping just the right amount of refined Mediterranean feels mixed with a very fresh and current aesthetic. Engaging Bridgette Ford for the interior design and Shopfit & Co. to manage the build, the result is everything we’d hoped for…and more.
The duck egg blue, white and gold ‘Sofia’s’ entry station still stands loud and proud out front of the undercover dining area, flanked by two beautiful fringed umbrellas in the same colour palette. There are marble tables with coastal wood and white hued chairs leading into the showstopping inside, boasting elegant booths, more tables and chairs, and THAT BAR. Yes, it deserves upper case. The benchtop surface is a stunning juxtaposition of grey, black and white terrazzo triangle slabs, set alongside equally lush peach, black and white triangle slabs. Adorning the bar back and restaurant wall, you’ll see statement wide archway shelves housing an iconic selection of spirits and srsly, arches get us every.single.time. Add a healthy dose of overhanging greenery and capacity for 100 people and voila, it’s the perfect destination for your next lunch, dinner, or private function.
Chef Dan Paulman cooks up handmade pastas, woodfired bread (#CarbsOnCarbs), fresh seafood, and beautiful sharing plates galore. To get into the nitty gritty, let’s go with a starter of Sofia’s famous house-made bread with extra virgin olive oil, oregano and salt, and perhaps a Baked Eggplant stuffed with mascarpone and parmesan. But wait, we just spotted the long list of cheese and salumi varieties to share and we’re so grabbing a Gorgonzola and a Truffle Salami #idie.
Moving on to the main event and the signature dish, Sofia’s Cacio e Peppe with linguine, cream, cracked pepper, sea salt, served at the table in our 40kg Parmesan wheel aged for 2.5yrs is a must! It serves two so bring your love, your besty, or just a really big appetite and decimate the lot. This will go nicely with a Heirloom Tomato Salad with fresh basil, truffle and balsamic reduction and whaddaya know, that’s on the menu too! If you’d prefer something for the grill, may we draw your attention to the Fish of the Day served with saffron broth, clams and muscles, with a side of Shoestring Fries garnished simply with oregano and sea salt. That’s amore alright.
Now let’s talk cocktails and thank God we hear you all say. They do a sensational Spicy Margarita and avid Inside Gold Coast readers will know we’re rather partial to one of these so when we say it’s good, it’s fricken good. Sofia’s make theirs with bird’s eye chilli infused Olmeca Altos tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, passionfruit puree and house made syrup and trust us, catch an Uber *orders several more*.
Speaking of Ubers, the epic mile-long wine list is another reason to resign from DD duty. They stock over 200 labels of wine and despite being mildly overwhelming for the indecisive, even the fussiest grape juice drinker will be on cloud wine.
So there you have it. The new Sofia’s certainly gets our tick of approval, and we look forward to saying “salute” (on repeat) at THAT.BAR too many times over the coming months.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10:30pm, Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Ok, so we know everyone is travel-mad at the moment because, well, we actually can. However, if you’re staying put but are super keen on getting your international eats fix (loaded with some seriously awesome special offers), The Oasis has come to the party!
To celebrate their wide array of restaurants, you’re invited to partake in the ‘Your Plate is Your Passport’ dining deals throughout September and October. Here are 9 of the centre’s finest eateries getting in on the action…
Mario’s Italian Restaurant
Ahhh Mario’s. You’ve been an Italian stallion staple on our radar for longer than we care to admit (#ShowingOurAge). The chow here NEVER misses a beat and this month, they’re throwing in a free glass of Fiorini Chianti with every pasta order when you dine in! Valid 12pm – 3pm, Monday to Thursday until 30 September.
Madison’s Café & Patisserie
Another long-standing fave who knows our love language (free wine), the Madison’s crew are offering a complimentary house wine (or beer) with every main meal, when booked directly. Serving up the ultimate café experience for many moons, their cakes and pastries are i.c.o.n.i.c! The bikini bod diet can wait another couple of months… Valid during September and October.
Harajuku Gyoza
Heard about the Air Cheesecake which almost broke the internet Kim K style? Well Harajuku Gyoza have created two delicious versions of this viral sensation which you can try for just $6! Enjoy the original version dusted with kinako powder and a pot of brown sugar syrup, or the matcha version served with a decadent white chocolate and matcha sauce. We’ll take both please. Valid September and October.
Grand Dynasty
Do you feel a traditional Cantonese or yum cha craving coming on? Same, and if you’re looking for a sweetener to get you over the line, Grand Dynasty are literally giving away just that. Book a table for four for lunch, dinner, or yum cha and receive a free dessert platter. Meet and ‘treat’ you there! Valid Monday to Friday during September and October.
The Spice Kitchen & Bar
Spice things up with Broadbeach’s answer to a big warm Thai-flavoured hug. Dine in and feast on one of their divine signature dishes and score a free bottle of beer or glass of house vino with each meal. Oh and side note, they’ve just launched a hum-dinga of a new cocktail, the Tum Yum Mojito and LBH, they had us all at mojito… Valid during September and October.
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
Coastal European dazzler Sofia’s is upping the ante and offering a complimentary bottle of our spring beverage of choice, Prosecco (come at us!) for tables of 4 or more when booked direct. If you haven’t been, this is the perfect excuse to pop along and sample the traditional yet refined Euro flavours and chic coastal fit out. Valid during September and October.
Base at Broadbeach
Base wasn’t going to miss out on the action, adding some sensational lunch offers to their menu! If you’re into an uber healthy tasty refuel, you NEED to try the Salmon Poke Bowl for $25. Using locally sourced organic healthy alternatives and encouraging less use of processed products, we are totally here for all of the above. Available now.
The Loose Moose
Always delivering a cracking good time with quality Canadian inspired fare and a packed house with feel-good vibes, tuck into half-priced baskets of buffalo wings, $6 Sliders (minimum of two), $6 tap beers and $16 beer paddles. Umm, if you insist! Valid 12pm – 3pm, Tuesday – Thursday during September and October.
Elk Espresso
Not a special offer per se, but Elk is serving up an entirely new spring-inspired breakfast and lunch menu! Roll in off the beach for a boozy brunch or snack at this ever-popular, beautifully designed space. With greenery for days, it looks as fresh and delicious as it tastes and is a popular choice amongst the Insta set. Valid September and October.
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: September and/or October 2022
Words by Bianca Trathen.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
There are very few things in life better than a traditional pizza straight out of a woodfired oven and made with a whole lot of Italian love. Except maybe a smorgasbord of cheeses and also handcrafted pasta topped with all of the Parmesan. Actually, we love them all equally.
Which is why it absolutely warms our hearts to bring you news of a brand new Italian deli that recently opened in Palm Beach by people whose work you already know and love.
It’s Pepé Italia Deli by yes, the team who gifted us Burleigh’s Pepé Italia in early 2017, so you know it’s going to live up to your highest expectations.
The newbie can be found in Palmy’s brand new refurbished shopping precinct Pavilions, on the highway and it’s the first restaurant to open its doors there. With street frontage, plenty of natural light and happy Italians scattered throughout, it’s a place you’re going to want to spend a bit of time.
Inside you’ll find cabinets filled with a variety of cheeses and dried meats (both local and imported form Italy) and fridges packed with homemade pasta and pre-prepared meals like lasagna and meatballs (oh my) you can take home and pretend you made. Which is exactly what we’re going to do.
The deli is a more casual, pared back version of the Burleigh restaurant but the dishes on offer are quite similar.
On the Antipasti menu, everything was a taste sensation but we particularly loved the Wagyu Bresaola with Wagyu beef, shaved parmigiano, reggiano, rocket and lemon juice – so so tasty.
Pasta-wise, everything is made in-house and while you should probably sample every single dish, we were quite partial to the Ricotta e Spinaci with spinach and ricotta, agnolotti, butter, sage and parmesan cheese and Paccheri Positano with clams, mussels, baby calamari, prawns, barramundi, cherry tomatoes and Napoli sauce. Both absolutely stunning.
In terms of pizza, you obviously can’t go wrong especially where Pepé Italia is concerned. If we had to choose one, it would be the Tropea with San Marzano tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, prawns, basil, garlic and chilli. Very fresh and very delicious.
Let’s not forget the desserts and if you’ve ever had an Italian dessert you’ll know they cannot be skipped. There’s homemade Tiramisu, Cannoli Siciliana and Semi Frozen Dark Chocolate to name a few and they’re the perfect accompaniment to a pizza and pasta feast (obviously).
Of course there isn’t a single thing on the menu we would eat over and over again so choose your own adventure and prepare to be wowed.
If you’d like a little tipple to go with your experience, all your favourite cocktails are on offer as well as beer and wine of both the Australian and Italian persuasions.
Perhaps the best news of all though is Sunday Apertivo – a tradition in Italy where everyone gathers on a Sunday afternoon for drinks and the venue provides the food. Which is exactly what’s going to happen at Pepé Italia Deli every Sunday. It’s the Italian version of a Sunday session and everyone’s invited.
Perfection has moved into Palm Beach Gold Coasters, get down there for some good old fashioned hospitality.
LOCATION: Pavilions Palm Beach, 10 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
HOURS: 11am until late Wednesday to Saturday and 11am until 8pm Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
