We’ve lost count of all of the best beachside spots on the Coast where you can eat, drink and shop your little heart away, but one of the ol’ favourites has had a comeback and we’re all here for it.

Nobby’s is well and truly in its slay era and to be honest, we can’t get enough. Locals have loved the beachside suburb forever and to be fair, so have we, but there’s been a surge of seriously epic new venues that have made us fall in love all over again.

We’ve taken the task of trying out the 16 reasons why locals can’t get enough of Nobby’s – you’re welcome – so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

The Oxley 1823
You’ve no doubt seen it pretty much everywhere (guilty), but have you actually visited The Oxley yet? It’s been one of Nobby’s most anticipated new arrivals for as long as we can remember, and we think it’s safe to say now it’s well and truly living up to expectations. They’ve got brekky and lunch covered with the crew at Sunkist, coffee on tap at Buoy and everything you need from groceries, fresh meats and seafood, flowers and made to order juices covered at The Oxley Village Grocer, Butcher and Sub Station. A little birdy also told us there are even more goodies opening a little later this year, so watch this space.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Holliday Coffee
Good vibes, great coffee and a seriously strong jaffle game(!!) – what’s not to love about Holliday? No seriously, our caffeine addiction is being single handedly fuelled by these guys. It’s pretty much always buzzing – what is always a good sign if you ask us. Follow the smell of the freshly ground coffee beans, grab a seat outside (our personal favourite spot) and spoilt yourself with a little treaty. Go on, you’ve earned it.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach

Franc Jrs
Okay big call but this may just be one of the best pizza joints on the Gold Coast and Franc-ly, it’s about time they spread the love to other parts of the city because why should Coolangatta have all the fun? The menu has all the signatures from the Cooly store and you can choose to eat in and soak up the vibes or grab and go – the perfect addition to a picnic on the beach if you ask us. Our favourite part of ordering to-go? Sipping on a cheeky frozen marg while you wait.
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Alfred’s Apartment
Mermaid’s loss is Nobby’s gain because you best believe we’ve been living at Alfred’s since the OG started calling its new address home. Still the same vibe you love from the original Alfred’s, the space now has a schmick industrial fit out, ripper coffee and, of course, all the merch that we know you can’t get enough of. If you’re off the coffee train you’ll want to get around their viral strawberry matcha.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Fosters Bakery
No one does pies or baked goods quite like Foster’s Bakery, they’re famous for a reason and known for delivering that classic bakery feel of yesteryear. The ultimate spot for a pie (you know you love them) or a jam donut loaded with sugary goodness, we’re nostalgic just thinking about it.
Where: Shop 1/2227 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice
This place is a VIBE. The sun-lit rooftop is the perfect setting to sip on signature cocktails & graze on a unique “Florribean” inspired menu, combining flavours of the Caribbean and South America. The space was stylishly updated last year, still paying homage to the iconic Palm Springs and Miami influence, it’s one of those spots you just want to sip and stay all day.
Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

About a Girl
One of our favourite little gems in Nobby’s is of course, About a Girl boutique. They’ve got the perfect mix of wardrobe staples and current trending pieces, they’ve got gorgeous linen sets, minis, maxis and so much more for every occasion, as well as a curated selection of hand-picked homewares you didn’t know you absolutely need.
Where: 2/2211 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tayta Nikkei
This Nobby newcomer brought a taste of Nikkei cuisine to the Gold Coast. With its intimate setting boasting 60 seats, Tayta Nikkei exudes a dark and moody ambiance, complemented by traditional Peruvian colors and patterns. The menu showcases a delightful array of seafood and ceviche-style specialties, inviting guests on a culinary journey like no other.
Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali
You had us at Mexican. We challenge you to find someone who doesn’t love a good Mexican feed… Go on, we’ll wait. Calling Nobby’s home for probably longer than most of us have, Mexicali never fails to bring the vibes (and the bevs) all year long. Once you make your way upstairs it’s seriously like entering the ultimate secret spot, if you close your eyes for a second it’s almost like you’re actually in Tulum. Once you’ve knocked back a few tacos and cocktails, don’t forget to snap the iconic stair shot as you exit – you know what we’re talking about, don’t lie.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Bine Bar & Dining
Let’s talk Bine. Specialising in craft beer and perfectly matched food, and…need we say more? With 8 rotating taps, a bunch of different bottled beers, a selection of wines and mouth-watering cocktail options matched with a modest yet decadent menu, there are plenty of reasons to love it….and come back again and again.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach

Okazu
Now there’s a decent dose of Japanese going around our hood, but we can never get enough. Have any of these sushi bars or poke bowl dreamboats failed us? The answer is a hard no. Okazu is no exception, this convenient grab and go spot featuring Donburi, Okonomiyaki and Sushi Rolls is as fresh as it is delicious and it has us coming back every day.
Where: 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

BSKT Cafe
Ahh BSKT, you are simply the gift that keeps on giving. The menu just keeps delivering year on year and honestly, if you haven’t been here yet are you even a true Gold Coaster? Consistently voted one of the best tables in town, there is not a single dish that doesn’t hit a home run.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach

Nobbys Shack
If health food is your (sugar-free) jam, one would hope you’ve cottoned on to The Shack Superfood Café and if not, it’s about time you convert. With tasty eco-friendly meals like smoothies, acai bowls and wraps in a breezy, non-pretentious environment, the brand spanking new version of the previous fave The Shack Superfood Café, lives up to its predecessor’s high standards…and then some.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Cambus Wallace
A nautical-themed rum and whisky bar delivering old school service and quality, it’s a long-standing crowd-pleaser for good reason. The space is low-lit, close-knit and always pumping. Swing in for some delish share plates, a drink or two and soak up the intimate ambience. Live music with a side of gin and fresh squeezed apple juice? Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait…
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

SOMM Wine Store
Yeah we’ve talked a lot about foody joints (how unlike us – said no-one ever) but there is absolutely no denying that SOMM Wine store is a firm local favourite of the vino variety. SOMM (aka us) might even say it’s the only place you should be exploring to find your favourite drop.  Owned by husband and wife duo Joe and Natalie, their backstory is reflected in the carefully curated wines begging to occupy real estate at your next dinner party. Specialising in boutique wineries, their wine experts will help you find a winner every time.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

That mural
Speaking of Mexicali and epic art (and no, we’re not talking about the food this time), a much-loved part of the Nobbys highway strip is the eye-catching mural adorning one side of the restaurant in all its bright-hued glory. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation and all its pinky bluey goodness is THE spot to snap the most aesthetic insta shot you could wish for. Say cheese…or churros!
Where: The north side of Mexicali (you won’t miss it)

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

How fun is it watching the (overly excessive we think) Instagram stories of all your friends currently enjoying a European summer holiday while you slog it out at the office. Yep, not that fun.

HOWEVER, we bring you news of the next best thing. Greek food, of which there is not enough on our golden shores in our opinion. Luckily Robina Town Centre newbie Zeus Street Greek is putting a stop to that with a delicious assortment of eats that’ll have you hot footing it over there quick smart.

Because get this friends, there are Haloumi Mac and Cheese Balls and you can dip them in harissa aioli and step aside because all of them are ours. Sorry, we’re calm.

Not only those though, the main attraction are the pitas and they are the goods. We think lamb is the place to start so grab yourself The Zeus which has yes, lamb, plus smoky eggplant dip, Aegean slaw, onion and parsley. Taste sensation.

If you’re in the market for a different meat, perhaps go for the Harissa Schnitzel with chicken, harissa aioli, quinoa tabouli and white cabbage.

All the meaty versions are made with flame-grilled goodness served straight from the spit and that is some mouth-watering stuff.

Oh AND there’s a soft shell crab with rocket, fennel slaw, caper dill aioli and mint and it may just be our new favourite thing in the whole world. Of course there are pork and vegetarian options so you can go back for more every day of the week if you like.

For sides, because obviously you need sides, you should sample the Loaded Yia Yia’s Chips. They’re covered in slow cooked beef brisket, harissa aioli, smoky yoghurt, feta and fresh sliced chilli. Or, if you’re shredding for summer, give the Roasted Cauliflower salad with smoky yoghurt, pomegranate and mint a go.

It’s all amazing and here’s some even better news, this Saturday the 4^th of August, Zeus Street Greek will be serving up free pitas as part of ‘I Love Free Pita Day’ which is one of the best days ever obviously. They’ll be giving away freebies from 12pm to 3pm and they’ll donate $2 to OzHarvest – Australia’s number one food rescue organisation.

Freebies will include the tasty Tzimmy Classic Chicken and the Lamb Pitas and they’ll be available for free until sold out.

So you better beat us there is all we’re saying.

LOCATION: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
HOURS: Monday to Wednesday 11.30am to 10.30pm and Thursday to Sunday 10.30am to 10.30pm

Words by Kirra Smith

New things are happening on the Gold Coast friends and that means our beloved dining scene is coming back to life. Which brings us (and no doubt you) much happiness.

One such new thing is the addition of a Greek eatery to Palmy’s favourite multi-cuisine venue The Collective, which is great for many reasons – first and foremost that we love Greek food and also that we can eat it there, on the rooftop overlooking Palmy and accompanied by bulk cocktails.

Not to mention that we obviously cannot travel for the foreseeable future so a little sojourn of sorts to the majestic Meditteranean is exactly what we need. And exactly what we’re going to get when Mazi opens on Friday June 12^th.

Meaning ‘together’, Mazi is the perfect fit for The Collective’s group of eateries, all of which come together to create a space that has community at its’ heart.

Start your night with something delectable from the Meze menu like the Saganaki with honey soaked raisin, Olive oil grilled octopus skewers or Sage & garlic charcoal baked half shell scallops. Drool-worthy, we know.

Executive chef Jake Furst has created traditional Greek food with a fun, modern twist and with the introduction of a new charcoal grill, the signature meats will be hard to pass up.

The large shared plates offer you Slow Cooked Lamb Gyros, Half Marinated Chicken or a Chargrilled 1.4kg Cape Grim Tomahawk (designed to be shared between four friends) and they’re all of the highest quality and accompanied by seasonal ingredients to produce the finest meze around.

For dessert, there’s sweet traditional Greek donuts (Loukoumades) made fresh daily in flavours like Honey Pistachio, Lemon Curd or Nutella. Obviously, you’ll need to try them all.

The new space is decked out in the prettiest of peaches and is the first new venue to be introduced to The Collective in three years.

Cause for celebration if you ask us!

Head down to Palm Beach to check it out, as well as a few of those rooftop cocktails we mentioned.

Happy days Gold Coasters.

LOCATION: The Collective Palm Beach, 1128 Gold Coast Hwy
HOURS: Monday to Friday 5pm to 8.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11.30am until 8.30pm