Tommy's Italian has stolen a pizza our heart.
Tommy's Italian has stolen a pizza our heart.
If big fresh flavours of Italy combined with unsurpassed views of our enigmatic ocean are the type of thing you long for, then might we suggest you take a trip down to Currumbin beach and take in the newly opened Tommy’s Italian!
For those with a keen eye, you will notice that this ode to Italian cuisine has taken over the 1920s heritage building where the once-loved Beach Shack Cafe once was. But where one thing finishes, another often begins, and the extensive refurbishment incorporating hues of deep green and earthy tones reshape this venue to take the space to another level altogether.
Behind any tremendous new opening, there are naturally some correspondingly impressive figures. Hospo young gun Tom Torchut first cut his teeth at Gemelli Italian, and then at Brisbane’s Eleven Rooftop Bar (now Maya) and Brisbane’s short-lived – but utterly brilliant – Arc Dining. Joining him in this particular venture is the former owner of Burleigh Heads’ Fish House, Ronnie Tarabay: together, the two men are hospitality forces to be reckoned with, and from what is going on inside these four walls at Tommy’s, you will begin to understand why.
With such an incredible stretch of beach right out the front, this is a fresh Italian Trattoria with a view we can get behind.
If you’ve ever made it to the old country and sat portside with a Negroni in the Cinque Terra or gazed out over a bowl of pasta at the cliffs of the Amalfi, you’ll agree that this cuisine and spectacular views were made for one another. And we’re pleased to report that although we may not be in the Mediterranean, you won’t give it another thought.
Should you be lucky enough to bag yourself a table upstairs, and in particular a place on the balcony amongst the red and white striped cushions, then prepare your eyes for a sublime feast of incredible scenery punctuated by some of the most drool-worthy eats we’ve seen to date.
The menu gives a respectful nod to Italian classics by working in excellent local produce. And we must say, these guys really nail everything.
In the mornings, you can wander off the beach and enjoy takeaway Single O Speciality coffee, baked treats and a Bacon and Egg Roll like no other; we’re talking thick-cut Mortadella ham, fried egg and mozzarella. When in Rome, right?
Or perhaps stop by for lunch or dinner, as this is where the real magic happens.
Set out like a traditional Italian menu, you have a few different options, yet the antipasti are a winning place to start. Prepare your tastebuds for the wonders ahead with a Heirloom Tomato Salad with a tangy Balsamic and basil dressing or perhaps their Grilled XL King Prawns.
After this, you’re spoilt for choice with an array of tempting seafood and meat options across delectable handmade pastas and pizzas – the latter displaying imaginative toppings and the former vying for your attention with dishes like the Duck Ragu Pappardelle with red wine, parsley and parmigiano. Or is the Italian Sausage Rigatoni with broccoli rabe and pecorino calling you?
For a taste of the sea, we think the big pizza winners are going to be either the Vongole with a mussel base, clams, fermented chilli and preserved lemon or the Gamberi with a zucchini base, fior di latte, garlic prawn, parsley and lemon zest.
Regardless, this is one menu where choosing what you’ll have is going to leave you feeling ever so perplexed ‑ #sorrynotsorry.
If making decisions is not your thing (same), there are two banquet set menus available for a minimum of 4 people priced at either $65 or $95 per person, which will ensure you won’t encounter food envy on another table.
Rounding off this seaside eatery’s whole casual and breezy demeanour is naturally a great selection of drinks. The cocktail offering is something to behold with separate headings for spritzes, jugs, signatures, mocktails, and not forgetting the classics. And beside a worldly and diverse range of quality wines on offer, the chance of you pairing amazing food with equally impressive drinks are at an all-time high.
Casual dining meets impeccably tasting food, underpinned by breathtaking vistas and some of the most attentive service around. Do yourself a favour and head on down to Currumbin for a slice of la dolce vita!
When: Monday – Sunday: Coffee window: 6am – 12pm (takeaway only)
Wednesday – Sunday: Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm & Dinner: 4pm – 10pm
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
For those who have a keen eye around the Southern end of the Gold Coast, you may have noticed some intriguing work being done not so long ago to one of the shop fronts on Currumbin Beach.
Suspicions started to fly around: was it a boutique clothing store, a surf shop, or indeed a café? Well, we can confirm the latter is the answer here and we give to you Barefoot Currumbin.
When you’re only a hop, skip and jump from the beach — and one of the most gorgeous we have — then sitting outside is never going to be an issue. The new café fully utilises its cute, elevated porch area to full capacity, with a good number of high tables outside, you‘ll be dazzled by the surf and catching ocean breezes without even trying.
Inside it’s a snug affair with cosy bench seating for those who feel like a break from the heat or for when the heavens decide to open. A modern and open barista area and kitchen mean you can see the talented people hard at work.
With three other highly successful cafes to their name, this fourth installment does not give any slip-ups. The coffee is consistently poured to perfection and comes from a Gabriel Roastery’s Monte Carlo Blend: with notes of candied citrus and chocolate — yum.
The menu will look familiar to those who are long-term fans of the other venues, giving you ample options to push the boat out and have yourself either an extravagant breaky, brunch or lunch. Famed for their Crispy Potato Hash, make no mistake, this is some seriously delicious carbohydrates people.
Should it be after midday and a burger is how you feel like tackling your hunger, the Cajun Fish Burger is wholeheartedly our recommendation. If you’re feeling like something a little healthier the Zucchini Halloumi Fritters Salad Bowl is the only way to go in our books.
No doubt you’ll stay awhile and enjoy yourself this brilliant space, so we strongly suggest you take a look at their tasty pastries and house-made cakes and slices — Pistachio and Cranberry anyone?
Barefoot Currumbin is shaping up nicely to be the go-to spot when the Southern end is calling your name.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
It’s the unassuming seaside suburb quietly making itself known for the hippest coffee haunts and an industrial area that has grown into THE place to be, seemingly overnight.
Because somebody has to do it, we’ve rounded up 13 reasons why locals love Currumbin.
Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever have the pleasure of sampling is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, Passionfruit and Salted Caramel to name a few, you won’t be sad if you buy at least four of each. Not only doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants, all of the baked goodies and coffee too. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters
The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is perhaps one of the most beloved cafes there is on the Coast. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches packed with goodness, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats, everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Gather Store
Hello homewares. And plants and art and jewellery and clothing. All the things you love and all delightfully arranged in the perfectly styled space that is Gather Store. In case you haven’t been in (WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE), allow us to enlighten you. Owners Jan and Sandy Hogg have carefully curated goods from local artists and craftspeople drawing inspiration from the local creative community. It’s pure gold, go now.
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Consciously Clean
The newest kid on the block, Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill that with the product of your choice or purchase one there and it’s all very affordable. Not only that though, you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Portside Coffee
The cry of “best espresso on the Coast” has been heard of Portside Coffee more than once and it’s true, this cool little joint is serving up the goods and not just in the coffee department. There’s also buttery homemade pastries on offer and intimate, friendly neighbourhood vibes galore. It’s the perfect place to get your early morning caffeine fix if you’re planning to explore Currumbin’s newly happening industrial area.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Panya Artisan Bakery
The only thing better than the smell of freshly baked bread is the taste of freshly baked bread. Sensory dreams can come true when you visit Panya Artisan Bakery. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t be alarmed, their main jam is supplying your favourite cafes and restaurants, but they do sell limited quantities of baked goodies to the public. Set your alarm for as early as you can handle, it’s well worth the wake up call.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a complete change of scenery make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend plans. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia with over 100 acres of trees. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can sample at the I Eight Cake Kitchen via a variety of delicious organic dishes and (more) baked treats.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley
Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets and an in-house ceramicist, leatherworker and silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Zipang Japanese
Casual Japanese dining at its absolute finest is what you’ll find at Zipang Japanese. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, it’s time you did yourself an absolute solid and booked in there to devour one of the best feasts you’ll ever have. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights at the moment and you’ll absolutely need to book ahead because Zipang is very, very popular. For good reason.
Where: 5/31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin
Iron & Resin Garage
Primarily a clothing store and coffee shop, Iron and Resin Garage was made for rockers and motorbike riders. The reclaimed industrial space features a famous Sunday session, #onanysunday. Every Sunday from 9am-12pm you and your crew are invited to enjoy great live music from the cream of local musicians and breakfast provided by assorted food trucks.
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Currumbin
Sanctuary Markets
Brimming with all the tasty food stalls, arts and crafts and live music, Sanctuary Markets are held every Friday night at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Oh, there’s a bar too. Whack on your stretchy pants and grab your gang, there’s fun to be had on Friday nights in Currumbin. Obviously check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary too for that matter, they’ve got a bird show that’s pretty fun.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Parker and Persia
Love all of the vintage things? Us too. Luckily newbie Parker and Persia has us covered with a shop filled with revamped vintage furniture and homewares and some of the most stunning Moroccan rugs we’ve ever seen. Owners Steph and Sam have curated goodies from all over Australia to bring the stunning space to Currumbin. We’re in love.
Where: 2a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
Words by Kirra Smith
