We know we’re guilty of banging on about it — but seriously how good is our climate for being outside socialising with drinks in hand and living your best life? When you look at the rest of the world, we have it pretty darn good year-round: 300+ days of sunshine and not one snowflake in sight!

So when we hear of impending venues opening that will fully utilise our terrific climate, we get a bit excited. When we see that they will be next level and something the Coast hasn’t ever seen before, our heart skips a beat. And when legendary Gold Coast operators Artesian Hospitality announces they’re opening a mega lifestyle and entertainment rooftop precinct in Surfers Paradise — we swoon hard!

It’s been a long time in the making, but we can now reveal Cali Beach will open to the public from Friday 24th September from 5pm! Yipeee!

Matthew Keegan is the Managing Partner of the group behind this fabulous new venue and excitedly tells us, “Cali Beach marks the start of something special for hospitality and entertainment offerings in Queensland, and Australia in general. But, at Artesian, our mantra is to lead, not follow. Given its scale, Cali Beach was a significant investment for our group, with development taking just under twelve months and costing almost $10 million. it’s a landmark venue for all of Australia that epitomises our commitment to creating unique experiences which exceeded all expectations!”

So what can you expect?

Featuring luxe poolside daybeds, incredible dining and bars, multiple glimmering pools, an outdoor cinema, and even a beach volleyball court for some sun-drenched sweaty action — Cali Beach is going to take daytime socialising on the Gold Coast to an entirely new level.

Stretching over 5000 sq. metres and situated on the corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd and Elkhorn Avenue — four stories above street level — the precinct enjoys a spectacular prospect over Surfers Paradise beach and unparalleled views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. Be it Day or night; it is simply breathtaking!

Prior to opening, Cali Beach will also unveil the roster of the national and international resident DJ’s and artists lined up to perform at the venue. You can expect to see some big names — our lips are sealed, though. If spending a day in one of their poolside cabanas sounds like your idea of heaven (ours too), bookings for these their booths and daybeds are available soon. Well, noon Friday 10th September to be exact. Set a reminder, people!

This fantastic addition to our hospitality scene on the Gold Coast has even attracted the attention of the leading man himself, Mayor Tom Tate. He gleamed, “This is exactly what Surfers Paradise and our city needs. I applaud the team behind this development as it will be a beacon for locals and visitors. I look forward to seeing the evolution of Cali Beach into one of those must-visit destinations year-round.’’

The luxurious and sophisticated precinct will open to the public at 5pm Friday 24th September 2021 before the official grand opening event on Saturday 25th September.

Cali Beach is sure to become Australia’s most prominent open-air destination — it’s official: we are spoilt and we can’t get enough!

> Check out our Facebook & Instagram for more photos! Or have a look around with a video here!

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

With already a staggering 25,000 people through their doors in the first two months of operation, the $10 million development, Cali Beach, has already solidified its place as the Gold Coast’s premier day and night rooftop venue. If the lineup of fabulous live summer music and endless hours spent basking in the sun with a cocktail in hand weren’t already enough, then you’re going to love this news hot off the press. Cali Beach is about to open its brand spanking new signature Japanese restaurant, Saké Sisters.

The venue boasts unadulterated views of Surfers Paradise seascape and will seat 120 guests with ease. The emphasis from the outset was securing an Executive Chef with the skill and knowledge capable of delivering a world-class sensory experience — and luckily for us, they managed to find somebody who fits the bill perfectly. Marcelino Papio Jr brings his extensive culinary expertise to Saké Sisters from some of the best restaurants in the world, including Nobu Sydney, Toko Restaurant in Surry Hills and Zuma Japanese Restaurant in Dubai. With such an impressive resume, Marcelino is zealous to make the venue a much sought-after dining destination.

“I am excited to draw on all my experience to create this very special hand-crafted menu for Saké Sisters. I have utilised Japanese umami flavours, combined with the absolute best fresh produce Queensland and Australia has to offer. The result is a modern Japanese menu that’s uniquely suited to the beautiful beachside location and stunning ocean views”, said Executive Chef Marcelino. “I can’t wait for guests to taste the menu, with my personal favourite dishes being the Kingfish Usuzukuri and the free-range Spatchcock cooked in a signature seven spiced marinade.”

Sounds pretty good to us!

The menu aims to take diners on a whole salivate-inducing journey from lighter style dishes such as Wagyu and Cheese Gyoza to their raw bar with prime made before your eyes sashimi, ceviche and carpaccio featuring fresh Hiromasa Kingfish and Atlantic Salmon. The grill is where substantial flavours come into play with dishes such as the Grilled Pork Cutlets and Japanese Sweet Corn. And tempura fans can rejoice with King Prawns, and Moreton Bay Bugs set to wow your tastebuds.

In addition to a striking food offering, the Saké Sisters cocktail menu incorporates classic Japanese flavours with a wide range of saké, umeshu, Japanese Whisky, yuzu and togarashi in an innovative yet approachable way designed to complement the dining experience. Feel like trying an entirely new type of drink — now’s your chance!

Saké Sisters will officially open for the first time on Friday 3rd December from 5.30pm with bookings highly recommended and a smart casual dress requirement.

When: Friday-Sunday 5.30 pm — late
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Paradise calling… And by that, we mean Surfers Paradise of course. You might have thought it’s all just bikini and booze but there is so much more just waiting for you to rediscover. Whether you’ve been looking for something laid-back to take the whole fam to or something a little bit fancy for that date night you’ve been putting off, and of course, somewhere to have a cheeky beverage – Surfers has it all. Did we mention it’s beachside?

So we’ve done the leg work and found the 10 must-try spots for you to get the best feed in the heart of the Coast.

Citrique
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved buffets, Citrique takes its reputation seriously. For real, its award-winning seafood buffet is the GOAT for a reason – think fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails (did someone say boujee) alongside flavours of the world. If breakfast is more your vibe then you’re in luck because they’re dishing up all-you-can eat breakfast and weekend long lunches alongside their signature seafood feast. Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Langham
If feeling a bit fancy is on the menu then The Langham Gold Coast is the destination. Just as luxe as you’d expect the international hotel to be, The Langham can’t stop, won’t stop on delivering the finest food from the East and the West. Meticulously plated, T’ang Court is where precision meets passion with each dish a show of art for the ultimate Cantonese fine-dining affair. Dine beachfront while you treat yourself at Akoya or pop down to Palm Court for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
Our pick: The Langham’s iconic chef’s menu at T’ang Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Palette
Palette stormed onto the dining scene just a few short years ago and it’s been a fan favourite ever since. Located within the HOTA Gallery, this dining spot brings art to life with Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law using the Gallery’s exhibitions to inspire the decadent degustation menu. The award-winning restaurant has also modestly received Two Chef Hats from AGFG, which is reason enough for us to book a table already. Art you can eat? Yes please.
Our pick: Go all in on the Tasting Menu you absolutely won’t regret it
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Shiraz have been calling their Surfers Paradise corner home for a couple of years now, so I suppose you could say they’ve settled in well. The perfect spot whether you’re looking for a cute date night or somewhere to take the entire family, Shiraz’s incredibly chic interior is big enough (like, 200 seats big) for you to get your authentic Persian fix. Best enjoyed with their namesake’s Shiraz. Ps. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Monday (honestly, who does) then pop in for their BYO day – it would be rude not to.
Our pick: We can’t pick favourites, so go hard on the banquet, we say
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast
This Island has long been a landmark of the Gold Coast and we think the reason locals and visitors on the Goldie love this place is in part thanks to an aptly named spot called, Goldies. With a huge lineup of foodie favourites from steak and seafood through to pizzas and parmy’s there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. If you’re after a tipple then the Rooftop is the place to perch up with a Pina Colada in hand while you soak in the iconic Gold Coast skyline, we just love a dining destination that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
Our pick: Mare e Monti Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. It’s modern fine dining in a way that ignites all of your senses while celebrating the best of authentic Japanese cuisine. Market fresh sashimi dishes are the hero of the menu, bringing the freshest fare and flavours together to be expertly paired with vast whisky list.
Our pick: Sashimi Moriawase for a taste of it all

Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Avenue
Everyone has a story from The Avenue, right? And for good reason. Where else can you go and literally spend all night long there. Pop in for a bite at the restaurant and stay for the vibes at the nightclub or one of the iconic drag shows. Live music venues are becoming harder and harder to find, but luckily for us The Avenue aka the home of live music is doing the heavy lifting so you can sip back and listen to sweet tunes every week.
Our pick: Crispy Pork Belly
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
There’s something about sipping back on a cocktail while you look at the ocean that just makes it taste that much sweeter. Fortunately for you, that view and those cocktails are accompanied by one of the best new additions to the restaurant scene. Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen brings the perfect balance of fancy food with a relaxed vibe, so you can soak up your surrounds while indulging on your choice of steak or seafood, or head out to the Terrace Bar for more relaxed bites.
Our pick: Kingfish Ceviche
Where: Ocean by Meriton – Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Central Lounge
Something you might not know about us is that we love a lounge bar, so you bet we were fans of Central Lounge the moment those glorious doors opened. Massive cocktail list? Check. Epic easts? Check. R&B Sunday sessions? Check. We’ll go ahead and call that a trifecta. If you’ve been hunting for a stylish spot to sip cocktails and people watch, then this the place for you.
Our pick: Crab Linguine
Where: 8/27 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Driftwood Social
Driftwood Social, tucked just off Ferny Ave brings blissed-out, Miami pool club vibes to the banks of the Nerang River – and if it’s been a while between drinks, this secluded social spot is every bit as lush as you remember. A stacked menu is another real drawcard, and don’t be tempted to assume we’re talking basic bar bites here.
Our pick: Linguine Alla Vodka And Prawns
Where: 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.