As the weather is getting colder we think it’s a fair time to enjoy some heartier and soul-satisfying dishes, and nothing quite ticks those boxes like handmade pasta goodness — with ALL of the cheese naturally. The Gold Coast has many fine Italian eateries, so we painstakingly undid a notch on our belts and to compile a list of the very best. Because we’re nice like that.

We dare you to finish this list and not be tempted to attempt a GC pasta crawl for the ages (0/0 cardiologists recommend)

Gemelli – Spaghetti al Gamberi
The Gemelli twins are known for creating an authentic Italian experience and all their dishes, including mouth-watering pasta, are made fresh inhouse daily. While it’s near impossible to narrow our fave down to just one, if you twisted our arm we’d choose the Spaghetti al Gamberi every day of the week. These guys combine prawn cutlets, zucchini, chilli, garlic and olive oil in the best possible way.
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

La Calabrese – Gnocchi Sorrentina
Sorry pasta purists, we simply cannot help ourselves whenever these fluffy little hand-crafted pillows of deliciousness are concerned. Again, not technically a pasta but we can all agree, if it’s a big ol’ bowl of comfort food you’re in the mood for, no one can gnocc the magical properties of Wood-fired homemade potato gnocchi, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan cheese & basil coming together for one big party in your mouth. Even though cake gnocchi by the ocean doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, this still might be even better yet.
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Cucina Vivo – Spaghetti Carbonara
Cleverly denoting rustic and traditional Italian restaurant vibes whilst being located in the very modern The Star Gold Coast; the dining is certainly reminiscent of any local restaurant you’re going to find in Rome. The house-made Fettucine Carbonara is served in a rich, creamy sauce, pancetta, egg, cracked pepper and pecorino cheese. We implore you to go try it.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Lobby Level, Broadbeach

Glenelg Public House – Truffle Gnocchi
Ok ok, so gnocchi isn’t technically a pasta. But folks, hear us out. The kitchen at The Glenelg Public House is home to some of the Coast’s finest culinary steak wizards so when we say you have to swing by Mermaid Beach to savour their Truffle Creamed Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and air-dried Pecorino Cheese, don’t even question it!
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane – Pappardelle, Pork + Veal, Bolognese, Grana Padano
Few things in life are certain, but we all know that you’re guaranteed a great feed at Justin Lane. We LOVE their pizza, but their pasta game is also strong so you should probably try them all. Our pick of the bunch is the Pappardelle Pork + Veal Bolognese. Just like Nonna used to make. Eat, drink and be messy y’all.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Balboa – Roasted Lamb Cannelloni
Oh, Balboa you aesthetically pleasing thing you. Their fit-out, complete with a glamorous chandelier and bright red Vespa, is reason enough to visit. The pizza is outstanding, but most importantly their pasta is to die for. Do yourself a favour and try the Roasted Lamb Cannelloni. With porcini bechamel and  truffle mushroom jus this dish is what dreams are made of.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Ioesco – Spaghetti Marinara
As the ancient probverb goes: Knee’s weak, Mom’s spaghetti (okay so meme, technically) And the only spaghetti worth ditching Mum’s for, is the Spaghetti Marinara at Ioesco. We think even she’d agree that you can’t compete with local seafood perfectly finished in white wine, garlic and just a touch of tomato. Bringing their modern take on authentic Napoli eats to Sanctuary Cove, a trip to Ioesco is a treat for the tastebuds, and the marina views certainly aren’t bad on the eyes either.
Where: 3a Masthead Way, Hope Island

Mozza Mozza – Cacio e Pepe
Here’s a philosophical question for you: Is cheese wheel pasta, or Cacio e Pepe as it’s traditionally known, just Mac and Cheese for adults? Hopefully we’ve offended no purists with this potentially blasphemous #showerthought. Either way, roll on down to Mozza Mozza and get your cheese and carb fix all in one – for some wheel-y good value, grab two for $50 on Thursdays #yescheese
Where: Cnr. Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport

Sofia’s – Cacio e Pepe
Okay so since we wheeeelly love them that much, we couldn’t choose just one cheese wheel pasta. Might we suggest trying both to determine the ultimate Cacio e Pepe champion, y’know, for science? Plus, if you haven’t yet been to check out Sofia’s gorg new digs that were upgraded late last year, this one goes straight to the top of the priority list #shesa10but.. #thereisnobut #shesjusta10
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Radici Pasta House – Tagliatelle Tartufo E Porcini
Flying under the radar down on the southern end of the Coast, Radici is an Italian family-run restaurant who decided to make sunny Coolangatta home 5 years ago. This dish epitomises why Italian cuisine is so damn good. Take black truffle pesto marry it up with imported pork and fennel sausage and then smother it over handmade tagliatelle. That folks, is one of the finest dishes of pasta you will have south of Sicily.
Where: 99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Tommy’s Italian – Rigatoni all’amatriciana
Last stop on our virtual pub pasta crawl (but, avert the eyes cardiologists because, well firstly, are you lost – but does anyone else have the sudden urge to try this IRL). Who wouldn’t be satisfied after a hearty bowl of the god-tier cylinders that are too good to be tube, doused in a whole lot of red sauce, pecorino and crispy guanciale. If this is rigatoni, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Words by Kellie Leader.

The Gold Coast is no stranger to excellent eateries, they’re popping up all over the place, all the time. But perhaps the best kind of eatery is the kind that there’s two of, those so-good-they-made-another-one kind of vibes you know?

Case in point, Third Base Coffee in Palm Beach. It’s the kind of high vibe, community space that sees it absolutely pumping with locals all of the time, a firm favourite amongst everyone who knows it. So much so that the team there decided they needed to build a newbie in the ‘burbs for the people of Robina. And so they did.

It’s called Parkway and it can be found at Robina Quays on Robina Parkway and although it’s not exactly the same as Third Base, it does offer the same beloved local feel and a few of the menu favourites you absolutely must sample ASAP.

The new space is on a corner block with a big outdoor garden area overlooking the park and the perfect place for a spot of brunch and relaxation. There’s lots of parking too, love that.

Owners Kelly and Marie turned the space over in record time and used all local suppliers and builders to boot. As is often the way, the gals weren’t looking for a new space but lucky for us, they found one anyway.

The menu is still of the launch variety to see what the people like best but since we’re all here, lets discuss what we like best shall we?

There are a few dishes that have been brought over from Third Base, the most popular of the bunch and for good reason. These include delights like the Bacon and Egg Turkish which is like a Bacon and Egg Roll but LARGER with two rashers of bacon, two fried eggs and a choice of sauce. It’s next-level.

There’s also a Benny Burger, a Chipotle Burger, a saucy Ham and Cheese Toastie and an Avo and Greens Toastie and they’re all so very yummy.

The Bruschetta and the Mushrooms on Toast are tasty vegan and vego options and there are plenty of those if that’s your jam.

You can sip on Kuhl-Cher coffee, roasted in Brisbane too.

If you need something quick on the go, there are muffins, wraps, raw slices and cookies to take away too.

Not only all of that, you can also hire the stunning space for events if you’ve got one coming up. There’s more exciting news that will come out of Parkway in the next little while too so stay tuned for that.

Double goodness, how fun.

LOCATION: Robina Quays, 16b, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
HOURS: Monday to Friday 6am until 2pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am until 2pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

If there’s one place on the Gold Coast where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, do some srsly cool stuff, and wander amongst stunning natural parklands, it’s Robina.  There’s also a hospital, a train station and a sports stadium, one of which is exciting enough to make our list (hint; it’s not the hospital or the train station).

In honour of this central GC gem, we’ve compiled a list of 14 reasons why Robina peeps love their ‘burb, and why wider GC locals travel en masse to experience all it has to offer.

Pasta Emporium
With their Euro background and extensive experience in the food industry, mum and daughter duo Natalie and Sonia have created an artisan pasta boutique store like no other. Made with a high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B and also digestion friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of nasty-free slow cooked sauces. The.Best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina

Palmer Golf Course
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this uniquely designed course is in the top 30 resort courses in the country #noice. A 6078-meter, 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course (Aust Course Rating 72) designed by the Marsh / Watson team, its rolling fairways, manicured greens, towering eucalyptus and natural water course make it a local and visitor fave.
Where: Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Zone Bowling / Timezone
This dual-branded entertainment venue is an uber-exciting entertainment experience, combining Zone Bowling and Timezone in one renovated super space. Perfect for a birthday of any vintage and for corporate functions, you’ll find ten pin bowling, the latest arcade games, a laser tag arena with a ‘futurism/apocalyptic robots’ theme, and super fun spin zone bumper cars (coming later this year). Just yay!!!
Where: Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

My French Pastries
A venue called My French Pastries needs no introduction but since it’s amongst the cream of the crop here on the GC, we’ll give them one anyway. Jen and Antonio Marchesi have created something really spesh with French pastries made from scratch. Think key lime Chantilly, lemon meringue, blueberry and chocolate tarts, and if you’re not salivating, you must be unwell. A special shout-out must go to the scrumptious savoury goodies, providing a well-rounded experience for your tastebuds.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Eddy + Wolff
The trendiest of the Robina bunch, Eddy + Wolff opened in early 2019 bringing exceptional, modern Asian eats to the people. It’s a sleek, 22-seat venue serving up ten-outta-ten eats, just like it’s northern brother from the same mother, Can Tho Kitchen at Runaway Bay. The menu features BBQ-style dishes, snacks, larger plates and sides, all of which are designed to share and hail from Thao and Vien’s home country of Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea to name a few. The drinks list is tight and perfectly curated to match the food with an unmissable lemon sake. An absolute fave.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina 

The Kitchens
Fact; foodie marketplace-style situations are one of life’s greatest gifts. The Kitchens is precisely that, with an array of exceptional venues all in the one beautifully appointed area. Think tasty teppanyaki, big ‘ole burgers, a vegan foodie venue and even a craft beer bar offering delicious eats to name a few. There is more choice here than you can poke a stick at and bonus; it’s attached to one of the region’s best shopping centres #UnicornsDoExist.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina 

El Camino Cantina
A good time Mexi-joint at Robina Town Centre, what’s not to love? Rocking one of the most colour-filled interiors you ever did see, a menu packed with family-friendly Mex-cellent eats, and frozen margaritas, it’s love at first sight/bite/sip. The legendary venue is one of seven Queensland restaurants, synonymous with funky neon signage, sweet sombreros, and an all-round winning ambience. Gather the crew and get on it.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

CBUS Super Stadium
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina

Robina Pavilion
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Robina Parkway Dog Park
Obviously one for the locals with hairy mates but if you live further afield and have a furry friend in tow, we highly recommend. There are all kinds of fun things for your doggo to explore including tunnels and hurdles, and they’re bound to make a new buddy or two in the process. If you don’t have a pooch, get down there anyway and score free pats a-plenty #GoodForTheSoul.
Where: Lot 21, Robina Parkway, Robina

Parkway Coffee
Ahh Parkway Coffee how we love thee and your equally irresistible sibling Third Base in Palmy. Like its southern sister, this Robina crowd pleaser offers similar laidback community vibes, and also serves up the same level of tasty brunch eats. Their Reuban Toastie with beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, and thousand island dressing on golden toasted sourdough is the perf example of Parkway’s culinary prowess. Pair your feed with some quality time in the garden…and day made.
Where: Robina Quays, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Cheltenham Park
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina 

The Sporting Globe
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Alpine Indoor Climbing
Robina’s state-of-the-art climbing centre is positively R.A.D if you’re somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for a new sporty-spice-esk challenge. Alpine Indoor Climbing is a favourite amongst both professional and beginner climbers (including those lacking in coordination, AKA us). There are varying levels of challenges and you can go across, straight up, or anyway you like really, and there are cushioned pads underneath should you lose your grip. Good times.
Where: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Words by Bianca Trathen.