The definition of cool according to the Inside Gold Coast edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is livin it large circa 1970, cocktail in hand (always), somewhere swanky in Las Vegas. Well friends, now we can do exactly that – sans the long-haul flight and time machine. Introducing Marilyn’s Diner & Bar, a high-end watering hole and American style burger bar, transporting us back to the hedonistic 70s with precision and panache.

Every aspect of this beautifully executed establishment is designed to immerse you in the glitz and glamour of the era. At the same time, it also pays tribute to one of literature’s most iconic tales of excess and adventure, Hunter S Thompson’s ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’. With nods to the classic book from pillar to post, Marilyn’s atmosphere is truly unique and captivating. From the specially crafted cocktails served in funky retro glassware, to the eclectic music selection and lively atmosphere, this place is #trending. It’s nostalgic but sophisticated, contemporary yet classic, refined but embraces the quintessential party girl. Simply put, Marilyn’s is unapologetically Marilyn’s.

Opening earlier in the year, the intimate venue boasts 50 seats across two areas including an outdoor “al fresco” lounge area. The bar child of long-term mates Alex Marks, Rupert Critchley, Brad Morgan, and Johnny Rogers, it’s a very welcome addition to the Broadbeach eats and sips scene. Alex (who also dons the Head Chef hat) is a chef, whisky specialist and award-winning cocktail bartender. He has cooked in some of London’s most loved restaurants, plus his impressive resume boasts stints at Melbourne’s Eau De Vie and a brief spell at Rick Shores.

Rupert has a background in cinematography and film making (cool much?!) specialising in filming food and wine. He’s also owned a cafe/ bar in the Austrian alps (again, cool much… quite literally) and worked at one of Sydney’s top rum bars, The Lobo. The gents found themselves in the right place at the right time meeting with local businessmen (and old friends) Johnny Rogers and Brad Morgan, and the rest as they say is history.

Championing the modern and contemporary styling with era-appropriate swagger was a breeze for Rupert, who worked tirelessly with Alex to design and build the majority of the venue. As luck would have it, the boys have a team of mates who conveniently have the specific trades they needed and note to self; must befriend more tradies.

To keep us coming back time and time again, there’s an ever-changing menu featuring the American-style smash burgers and other delicious delights. The staple offering is the Cheese Burger with two smashed beef patties with American cheese, house pickled onion, seasoned tomato, iceberg lettuce, pickles and signature sauce, served on a toasted potato bun. We also find it difficult to pass up the Prawns & Corns consisting of whole fried Tiger Prawns with corn ribs in Mexican brown butter.

It’s always cocktail o-clock at Marilyn’s and the expertly curated and eclectic selection is #goals. Do yourself a favour and order the Watermelon Sugar with vodka, spiced watermelon, lime, and whey, and suddenly we can’t get Harry Styles out of our head. Then go with a Rupus Du Sol with vodka, hibiscus, strawberry, eucalyptus, coconut, and sherry, followed by the Centre Court with minted rum, sour lime, fresh kiwi, and mescal. If you’re still vertical, finish with the Bold Fashioned with Starward two-fold Aussie whisky, coffee, and caramel.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, from fresh and crisp wines to delicious and delicate cocktails paired with quality eats, it’s Marilyn’s for the win. See you there.

Where: 10/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: 2pm – 11pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Instagram: @marilynsbargc
Website: marilynsbar.com.au

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Summer’s here which means the days are longer, the nights are balmy and there’s no place you’d rather be eating than alfresco. Enter: the only dining destination you need to know about whether you’re looking for your coffee fix or something a little more fancy, we’ve found your Oasis for all things summer dining in Broadbeach.

Caffeine Hit
But first, coffee. A fan fave, Elk Espresso’s menu changes seasonally, but we inevitably choose their Panna Cotta served with seasonal produce. It’s always as delicious as it is ‘grammable. Paired with their speciality coffee it’s a combo that will have you wondering it’s bean all your life.

For a brew-tiful start to the day, Base Broadbeach have nailed the art of Cold Drip – served over ice and prepared for five hours for that sweetness and clarity you know and love. Our go-to all year round, you could say we love it a latte.

The Institutions
They’ve been around longer than you remember, or maybe even long than you’ve been alive (hi Gen Z). We can’t say no to The Broadbeach’s classic Chicken Parmigiana – family argument over whether it’s a parmi or parma optional.

It’s the classic Italian you know and love for good reason, Mario’s knows pizza and pasta like no other. Dine in alfresco or get your pizza to go for a cheeky picnic on the beach.

If you need a sweetie treatie, donut worry Madison’s have the ultimate line up of pastries and baked goods for when those cookie cravings kick in – did someone say Biscoff cheesecake?

Sharing Is Caring
They put the ‘yum’ in Yum Cha, Grand Dynasty is the place to feast with the fam or friends. They’ve got all the classics you know and love like steamed prawn dim sims and bbq pork buns, so we know you’ll be crazy a-bao it.

In the mood to spice up your life? Satay no more. If you haven’t Thai’d the Crispy Pork Belly with kaffir lime sauce (our flavour of choice) from Spice Kitchen & Bar then seriously, what have you been waiting for?

Appetite as big Godzilla’s? Well we’ve got the spot for you. Harajuku Gyoza say you’ll leave feeling like a sumo wrestler and they mean it because you’ll be wanting to taste each and every delicious dumpling. Their Cheeseburger Gyoza with ketchup, mustard and pickles is a must-try.

Chill Eats
Get the So-Cal vibes at California Taco and let’s taco bout how fish tacos > all other flavours. There. We said it. Grab a couple of the classic OG Fish Taco with crumbed white fish, mango & pineapple salsa, white cabbage, baja aioli and salsa fresca on a corn tortilla. Yes. Please.

There’s no better place to perch up with a pint and people watch than The Loose Moose. The Jalapeno Poppers are morsels of spicy goodness, balanced with your brew of choice of course.

Feelin’ Fancy
In case you needed a reason to pull out your favourite fancy ‘fit, these guys are bringing boujee to Broadbeach. Sofia’s classic Cacio e Pepe has hit cult status quickly for the flavour and theatrics, with linguine, cream, cracked pepper served at the table and tossed in their 40kg parmesan wheel – yes, you read that right. The parmesan might not be the only thing needing to be wheeled out.

One of the newer kids on the block, Luna’s Gnocchi al Pomodoro is a game-changer. With hand-made gnocchi, tomato sauce, parmesan and fresh basil – sometimes less is so much more.

Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Various opening hours

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE OASIS SHOPPING CENTRE

There are many things we never grow tired of and eating Italian is one of them. Our carb-pacity to carbo-hydrate (eat carbs and hydrate. With wine) is forever fierce and try as we might to give the whole Keto thing a nudge, just kidding, we’ve never tried. We know we’re not alone here, and lucky us living in a city brimming with quality Italian nosheries, like Broadbeach’s Luna’s Pizza & Wine.

Taking over Sofia’s previous digs at The Oasis in December last year, Luna’s shares more than just an address with her fellow Euro palette-pleaser. Both restaurants are owned by the one and only Henry Hunt, who couldn’t part with Sofia’s prime foot traffic position, glorious open kitchen, and signature wood-fire oven. Henry, quite frankly, can do no wrong, previously managing Sydney icon Establishment, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, as well as fine dining steakhouse 6Head in Sydney Harbour.

Luna’s and Sofia’s also share Executive Chef Daniil Paulman who boasts a resume any name-dropper would be proud of. With stints at local institutions The Fish House and Etsu, he’s anything but an ‘im-pasta’. Daniil is joined by Head Chef and Pizzaiolo Mattia Bianchi, who’s been making pizzas for over 20 years, so yeah, he knows his way around a Capricciosa. Starting his career at Ristorante Il Capriolo in Italy, he relocated to Melbourne opening Esplanade in St Kilda, before moving to Cicchetti in Isle of Capri and of course, Sofia’s.

With indoor and outdoor seating, voyeur-friendly open kitchen, and capacity for 50 people (or 80+ standing), it’s impossible to walk ‘pasta’ and not be drawn in by the amazing aromas and ambiance. Shopfit Co have nailed the modern Italian aesthetic, using a traditional but tasteful colour palette of red, green and white, along with modern black accents and a juxtaposition of textures. You immediately feel the warmth with stunning exposed bricks (a-la-Sofia 1.0), and the red and white fringed umbrellas out front. Green is introduced in the form of oh-so-now olive trees which always give us those exotic Mediterranean feels #mood. Inside you’ll find the famous brick woodfire oven in all its glory and the open kitchen, complete with a contemporary black subway tile backdrop.

Authentic Italian dishes await with a mouth-watering range of antipasti, pizza, pasta and sides. To get the ball rolling, we recommend a serve of Mushroom Arancini coz dough and pasta aren’t enough so let’s add rice…#WorthTheBloat. With mushroom, parmesan and truffle rice balls lightly fried, served with porcini mascarpone, they’re the only way to eat your shrooms.

The signature pasta is hands down the Gnocchi al Tartufo with hand-made gnocchi, cream, mascarpone, truffle paste, and truffle oil and LBH, this is our dream dish. Pizza enthusiasts will go bonkers for the signature Prosciutto Pizza, which is pure perfection with tomato, Fior di latte, San Daniele prosciutto, stracciatella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and rocket.

Now pizza and pasta are great and all, but let’s talk about cocktails and vino #AboutTime. The signature sip is a cracker, called Appassionato which sounds way more impressive with an Italian accent. With Absolut vodka, fresh lime juice, fresh passionfruit, sugar, and birds eye chili, one’s simply not enough. As for boozy ‘grape juice’, here’s the hot tip; there’s a secret beverage list featuring uber-premium wines from Sofia’s, BUT it’s only available upon request so #GetRequesting #You’reWelcome.

We may not be able to speak Italian but we sure as heck can eat it, and a meal at Luna’s Pizza & Wine is as good as it gets. ‘Crust’ us.

Where: Shop G0.71b The Oasis, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When: 5pm – 10pm Monday to Wednesday, 12pm – 10.30pm Thursday to Sunday
Instagram: @lunasbroadbeach
Website: lunasbroadbeach.com.au

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.