Your new favourite haunt in Nobby’s is officially here.
Your new favourite haunt in Nobby’s is officially here.
There’s a new kid on the block in Nobby’s and it’s quite literally all we’ve been hearing about. The doors to one of the most talked about new precincts – The Oxley 1823 – are open.
Nobby’s has long been a hive of activity for the Coast, whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your morning caffeine fix (aren’t we all) or a margarita (actually, make that 10) it’s one of the best beachside spots around.
Now Nobby’s is bringing back that charm you know and love but with all the good stuff you’ve been missing, like you know a grocer and butcher.
The Calile-esque look is a welcome addition to Nobby’s, it’s giving a resort vibe and we’re absolutely all about feeling like we’re on vacay while doing our weekly grocery shop.
Not only have the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new hangout spot, they’re also bringing us the legends behind Rick Shores who have announced a whole new concept coming to the precinct mid 2024.
A side-step from the Asian-style menu at the iconic Rick Shores, the new restaurant concept is set to bring a Latin American flavour by their Executive Chef James Brady, who’s been wining and dining at some of the world’s top Mexican and Latin American restaurants all in the name of market research – sounds like a job for us!
The space will spread across two levels with the Latin American restaurant on level one, an open-air rooftop ceviche bar and private dining rooms so there’s literally everything you need for the ultimate long lunch all in one spot.
In stage one of the precinct’s opening, you’ll see some familiar faces, with the brains behind Burleigh institution Seadog bringing a new café to the block. Buoy (pronounced boo-ee) is promising to deliver a pared back menu that is less on frills and big on flavour, think a super considered menu with the classics you know and love as well as fresh feeds with hero quality produce.
But what about the coffee we hear you ask? Think boutique harvested coffee from Colombia poured by expert baristas with unique flavours of milo and caramel – yes, you read that right – because life’s too short for boring coffee.
Also coming back to Nobby’s, is the legendary Gourmet Meats under the guise of the Oxley Village Butcher so you can say hello to premium meats to level up your BBQ game with fresh cuts from the best farms around.
The Oxley Village Grocer is bringing all the fresh produce and groceries you need as well as market flowers for whether you’re looking for ‘just because’ blooms or something that says ‘sorry I didn’t mean to forget your birthday’ – eek.
Last but not least, all that shopping and socialising is thirsty work so the Oxley 1823 Sub Station is your stop for hydration station with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, or a cheeky scoop of gelato because we’re in for a long hot summer.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting this pretty little newcomer and I think it’s safe to say it’s been worth the wait, so you know where to catch us kicking back for a bite and a beverage this summer.
Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Opening Saturday 2nd December
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Say what’s up brew to The Holliday Coffee.
Another week, another new coffee haunt. Awww, you shouldn’t have (srsly, you shouldn’t have, our raging caffeine addiction does not need any encouragement). And when it comes to new cafes, our self-control is nowhere to be found. Yes, the first half of that sentence was also entirely unnecessary #whereforeartthouselfcontrol.
And speaking of a total lack of self-control, we love any and every excuse to drop by Nobby’s, so the chance to sample a cute new coffee spot is reason enough for us. and we’ve been peachy-keen to check out newbies The Holliday Coffee ever since we heard whispers of their arrival on the scene.
Owners Marcus Wilkins and Olivia Ayres are two cool beans who know a whole latte about serving up our favourite nectar. Marcus co-owns Nook Espresso in Burleigh Heads, and Olivia has worked in the industry for 10 years. And when a certified GC hospo mastermind like Scott Imlach (behind names like Bine Bar and Dining, Tank Bar and Dining, Hideaway) offers up the opportunity to #sharesies some space backing onto his latest conquest, well, that’s an offer that’s pretty hard to refuse. Adjoining Nobby’s darling newcomer Okawari House, we get a twofer with The Holliday Coffee setting up a hole-in-the-wall coffee house round the corner/out the back – aaand would you look at that, we’re already lost.
Like little ferrets sniffing out our prize, we’ll just follow our noses and that unmistakable aroma wafting down the street from 5.30am daily. Delivering the morning glow in more ways than one, once you spot the trademark cheerful, peachy pops you’ll know you’re in the right spot.
Providing the perfect spot to catch the morning sun only sealed the deal for Marcus and Olivia, and finally, someone who gets the importance of soaking up some morning rays (after we get our coffee, that is #priorities)
Benny Young of Young Built designs helped them bring their small but mighty fit out to life, with a modern palette of white and dark timber finishes to let those warm pops of colour shine. If you’d prefer to linger a little longer, sidle up to one of the street tables under one of those cute af umbrellas that we’re definitely not trying to work out how to smuggle in to our beach bags.
But The Holliday is so much more than just a pretty face, coz they’re also dishing up light bites of happiness on a plate – think casual cafe fare like coffee (obvs), jaffles, croissants and crumpets. Imagine breaking open a crispy, lava-filled Spaghetti and cheese jaffle on a crisp winter’s morning… or perhaps a freshly buttered (macadamia & honeycomb butter – no less!), crumpet drizzled in honey aaand hello? Is anyone still here or are we all officially stampeding The Holliday to get a toast of that action?
… We’ll see you there, coz #same.
You can officially forward all our mail care of The Holliday Coffee, because like the rest of the GC we’ll be wanting a peach of that goodness daily, thank you very much.
(Don’t actually do that tho, jaffle grease on our important docs is never a good look)
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach
When: 5.30-1.30 weekdays, 5.30-12 weekends
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Say hello to a fresh-faced old friend, Kirra Beach Hotel.
Gold Coasters have long known the magical properties of perching up to sink a sneaky beachside brewski or two, mesmerised both by the surf and ice-cold beers.
For parched-as southerners, the particularly painstaking wait between drinks at Kirra Beach Hotel is finally over, with the ‘ole faithful frothy spot officially open and sporting a very dapper new look.
Kirra Beach Hotel has remained a steadfast fixture along the locale’s seafront stretch since 1956, beckoning sandy-footed beachgoers from the swell beyond.
The surf-blessed suburb said a bittersweet ‘so long’ to its former iteration of the beachside icon back in 2021 – the familiar (albeit well-worn) site demolished to make way for the hotly anticipated Kirra Point Precinct project.
A spruced-up Kirra Beach Hotel is just the beginning of the ambitious beachfront transformation – with KTQ Group graciously delivering our first frolic op with the multi-stage Kirra Point project just in time for summer.
Publican Greg ‘Hodgy’ Hodge promises that in spite of the swanky new digs, the waterfront site remains loyal to its laidback watering hole roots – adding at its heart it is still a friendly, no-fuss favourite where anyone is welcome.
The halls of the expansive, sea breeze and sunshine-filled space are decked with nostalgic memorabilia nods that encompass Kirra’s surf heritage.
“We want people to be able to pop in after a surf with sandy feet and grab a bite to eat, perch up with a beer in hand, watch the waves roll in, and soak up the sun and magic of Kirra.”
Oh alright, if we must, Hodgy.
For the final KO to our flagging willpower levels – the crowning jewel of the new venue is the expansive beer garden, strategically positioned for sun-drenched sips leveraging those knockout surf views.
Hodgy lays out one last (literal) thirst trap for the lot of us, saying the new alfresco addition is “unlike anything else that exists on the Coast.”
Just quietly, the breezy parking situation also ranks pretty highly – with the new location boasting a plentiful 130 space underground carpark – along with all the classic pub creature comforts: kids area, big-screen bedecked sports bar and a boutique bottle shop stocked with all the local faves.
Long-standing fans of the watering hole will welcome the return of old favourites such as schnitzels and fish and chips on the food menu, alongside new additions that like fresh bug rolls with tempura battered bug tails in a toasted brioche roll with crisp lettuce, lemon aioli and fresh chives, and a KBH seafood platter with 1kg of fresh prawns, half a kilo of fresh bugs, flash fried calamari, crumbed barramundi and hot chips.
Hot on the heels of the new look pub – will be another addition to the mammoth Kirra Point project set to be unveiled soon, Kirra Beach House. A brand new concept for the suburb, and one we surmise will be akin to a glam big sis upstairs.
It’s safe to say folks, Kirra has officially entered its chic era.
Where: 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Daily, 10am till late
Words by Kellie Leader.
New openings and cult faves.
Can we talk about the absolute glow-up happening in Nobby’s right now? Because this beachside pocket has gone from local gem to one of the Gold Coast’s hotspot burbs, seemingly overnight. New cafés, chic wine bars, next-level eats and vibey little hangouts are popping up left, right and centre, and frankly, we’re just eating it up.
Sure, Nobby Beach has always had a loyal following (understandably so), but lately the suburb has entered a whole level thanks to a wave of seriously good openings. Naturally, we took it upon ourselves to round up the spots fuelling Nobby’s new era. Tough job, but someone had to do it.
What started as one of Nobby’s most talked-about new arrivals back in 2023 has now firmly settled into local life, and now, we can’t imagine the neighbourhood without it. The Oxley 1823 has become a one-stop lifestyle precinct where your morning coffee run, bubbly lunch catch-up and grocery shop all roll into one. Alongside BSKT – Nobby’s beloved local café haunt that recently moved in – you’ll find Buoy Café, Oakberry, Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros, Giuseppe’s Deli and Bobby Bang’s all calling the precinct home. Add in the Village Grocer for all your grocery needs, and it’s easy to see why locals barely need a reason to leave.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
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
Okay, big call, but this may just be one of the best pizza joints on the Gold Coast. Those who have dined there would agree. It feels like you’ve stumbled into an old-school New York pizzeria with that Italian-American charm. Think red leather booths, dim lighting and convos over pizza racks and red wine– or slushy margs if that’s more your vibe. They’ve got these slab-style Detroit pizzas that are essentially 8 x 10 inches of pure heaven. Of course, they’ve also got your classics, as well as ‘gold standards’ and a vegan range that would have you believing otherwise- they’re that good. Basically, just get your butt there asap.
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
Sitting smart with a schmick industrial fit-out, Alfred’s Apartment offers both ripper coffee and stylish merch, so you’re leaving equal parts cool and caffeinated. Their house cold brew with a maple cold foam is an obvious win. If you’re off the coffee train, you’ll want to get around their viral strawberry matcha.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
If you’re ever craving a break from trending sweet treats and just want some good old-fashioned baked goods, this is the spot. Nobody does pies and bakery classics quite like Foster’s Bakery. NO ONE! Famous for a reason, it delivers that nostalgic, old-school bakery feel that’s getting harder to find. Craving a proper pie? A nostalgic jam doughnut? You’ve got it! Grab a bite of anything here and it’ll take you straight back.
Where: Shop 1/2227 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
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
This local crowd-pleaser specialises in craft beer and perfectly matched food and need we say more? With eight rotating taps, an extensive bottled beer selection, wines and seriously good cocktails, you’ll be settled in for the arvo in no time. The menu is indulgent pub classics meets street-food flavours (arguably the best combination going), and if you do one thing, make it the crispy Korean Fried Chicken with gochujang and miso mayo. Paired with an ice-cold beer? There’s nothing better.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach
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 let us down? The answer is a hard no. Okazu is no exception: this convenient grab-and-go spot featuring Donburi, Okonomiyaki, Noodles, Rice Bowls and Sushi Rolls is as fresh as it is delicious, and it has us coming back every day.
Where: 1/2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
This is a venue with priorities we deeply respect: coffee in the AM, wine in the PM. Did someone leak our self-care routine? Moustache has quickly become a local obsession thanks to its cool-girl energy, strong coffee and iconic cold foam creations. Their maple cold foam cold brew deserves a gold medal, and yes, they do a vegan version too. Come 4pm, the space transforms into a cosy little wine bar serving elevated eats, and happy-hour deals so good they feel mildly illegal. A $9 spritz? We’ll see you there!
Where: 3/2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
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
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
You can keep your fancy rooftop bars (sometimes), because honestly, nothing beats a surf club feed overlooking the ocean. Nobby Beach Surf Club is a true local institution- the kind of place that’s equally good for a post-swim beer, sunset dinner or sneaky midweek parmi situation. The views are elite, the vibes are relaxed, and there’s just something about a surf club schooner that tastes better than all the others.
Where: 25 Albatross Ave, Mermaid Beach
Just the word “gelato” is usually enough to have us on our way immediately, but hearing “Gelato Gemelli”? You’ll catch us breaking into a light jog (and that’s not something we do willingly). Serving no-BS authentic Italian-style gelato made fresh daily, this place is all about real ingredients, creamy textures and flavours that get an A++ in our books. The rotating lineup keeps things interesting, with the likes of Café Latte Caramel Crunch, Orange Choc, PB & Salted Caramel, and Butterscotch Popcorn joining the classic staples we all know and love. Do try one of their gelato sando’s or regret it. Grab a scoop, wander toward the beach and pretend you’re on the Amalfi Coast instead of dodging magpies in the car park.
Where: Shop 2/2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
If chic dining had an address, it would be 1/2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach- AKA, the home of Lars. This sophisticated spot has brought fire-led cooking to a sleek space, with a menu that heroes locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, and premium cuts cooked on live coals. Impressed? You should be. From freshly shucked oysters and hand-picked crab with yuzu mayo to steak frites and buttery scallops, everything feels a little lux, and you know we love every minute of it. Honestly, you do leave feeling sexier after dining here (not that you needed the help).
Where: 1/2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
If seafood towers, cocktails and long champagne-fuelled lunches are your love language, Eska is calling. This sleek little seafood spot delivers fresh-as-it-gets dishes, from ceviche and sashimi bombs to miso butter scallops and charcoal-grilled king prawns. Wash it all down with their Finger Lime Southside cocktail, made with London Dry Gin, finger lime shrub and mint, and suddenly you’re ordering oysters for the table…No complaints here.
Where: 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
When it comes to dinner-and-drinks combos, Norté and Sueño are doing some very heavy lifting for Nobby’s social scene. Downstairs, Norté brings the elevated Latin American dining energy with refined share plates and a custom-built open hearth turning out seriously impressive dishes. It’s moody, polished and perfect.
Upstairs, Sueño shifts gears into rooftop cocktail territory with ceviches, elevated snacks, good tunes, and dangerously sippable drinks best enjoyed as the sun goes down. One’s for the feast, the other’s for the follow-up margaritas.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Dark, moody and a little mysterious, YORU gives late-night Tokyo energy without leaving the Gold Coast. This intimate izakaya-style spot specialises in sashimi, yakitori, wagyu and curated drinks, including a Tokyo Lemon Highball that feels pretty close to mandatory ordering. It’s all low lighting and share-plate feasting with the gang. Add sake into the mix, and the night’s basically writing itself.
Where: Shop 1B 2249 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
More Thai is basically Gold Coast royalty at this point. A long-standing local favourite with multiple venues across the Coast, they’ve been dishing up consistently elite Thai food long before Nobby’s reached hot-spot status. Whether you’re chasing a quick takeaway pad see ew or locking in a full feast with the crew, it always hits. Comforting, flavour-packed and reliable. What more can you ask for? Maybe just a cheeky bag of prawn crackers…
Where: 2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Not just a pop-up anymore- BabyMama is officially here to stay, baby! The little sister to Mamasan brings moody interiors, bar dining and modern Asian plates that’ll knock ya socks off. We’re talking honey yuzu kingfish sashimi, Sichuan burrata, lobster wok-fried in umami black pepper and the iconic Mamasan KFC loaded with gochujang sauce and parmesan almond snow. PSA for newcomers: all small plates are $20 and under on Wednesdays! Thank us later.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
