Savour the flavours of summer at The Oasis.
Savour the flavours of summer at The Oasis.
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
Hump day is always a fun time, the week is half over and it’s a downhill slope to the weekend. You know what else is a fun time? Cheap and delicious foods. Combine the two and you’ve got yourself the best day of the week.
Here you go hungry peeps.
NORTH GC
MID GC
SOUTH GC
Words by Belinda Symons.
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.
Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.
Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.
Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)
Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
