Staying on top of the Gold Coast’s latest restaurant openings is a full-time job – and one we take very, very seriously. We’ve hunted down, sipped and sampled the newest offerings and served them up right here, for you. Happy dining!
SHŌTŌ, Burleigh Heads
If you’ve been lucky enough to snag a table at Etsu in Mermaid, you’ll already understand the hype around its long-awaited Burleigh sibling. SHŌTŌ – meaning ‘short sword’ in Japanese – has slid into the Gold Coast Highway (next door to Rosella’s) and it’s already impossible to get into. The space leans darker and moodier than its Mermaid sibling: think reclaimed timber, leather booths, low lighting and a long bar. Reservations essential – and currently not easy to come by.
Conka Bar, Burleigh Heads
Part breakfast spot, part bar, all fiesta. Mexico City meets Burleigh at this family-run all-dayer – and it’s a match made in heaven. Coffee and breaky run from 6am to 2pm, serving Jalapeño Bennys, birria toasties on sourdough and a Mexa Burrito stuffed with chorizo, guacamole and the house secret sauce. From 4pm, the cocktails take over and the menu shifts into tapas territory: hand-pressed blue corn sopes, aguachile with Australian prawns and barramundi, and a slow-cooked birria plate served with handmade tortillas that’ll have you cancelling any plans you had after dinner.
Hicksville, Southport
From the team behind Fire Baby comes Hicksville, a multi-concept venue on Hicks Street that’s rolling out in stages, and already delivering. Hicksy’s Café is open weekdays from 6.30am for specialty coffee and stacked sandwiches, while the smokehouse is now firing Thursday to Sunday with low-and-slow BBQ built around 16-hour smoked brisket, pork ribs, southern fried chicken and the Pitmaster’s Plate for when you want the full picture. Gelato and a bar are still on the way. Basically, this street corner is only going to get better.
The Laneway, Burleigh Heads
Blink and you’ll miss it, which is exactly the point. Tucked down a laneway off Tallebudgera Creek Road, The Laneway is the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately want to keep to yourself. It’s hidden enough to feel special, close enough to feel like home. Open from 2pm, they’re dishing up stone-baked pizza, fresh pasta and cocktails. Early evening specials run from 2–5pm if you’re looking for a reason to show up before dinner (not that you’ll need one).
Fig ‘n’ Fox, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise just got its most convincing British export (since a sunburnt tourist asking for a flat white, that is). Spread across two levels on Elkhorn Avenue, Fig ‘n’ Fox is the real deal: warm timber, cold pints and a pub menu built around the classics. Beef and Guinness pie, homemade bangers and mash, beer-battered fish and chips, a Sunday roast every week from 11am – this is comfort food that will transport you to the chilly streets of London. When you’re done, head downstairs to Timmy’s Tea Room, the underground dive bar running live music, pool and darts until late every night.
Smug Club, Coomera
Smug Club isn’t in the business of humble sandwiches, and there’s no shame in being smug when you’re selling out before lunchtime. Since landing at the Coomera Collective in mid-May, they’ve been selling out daily ever since. The concept is simple and unapologetic: seriously stacked focaccia sandwiches and a lineup of specialty drinks with names like Smug Berry Blanc, Pink Pony and Chocolate Bounty. Open Thursday to Sunday from 7am until sold out. Go early, or go home empty-handed.
Feature image credit: Smug Club
