Category: Eat + Drink

Why fly to Paris when you can taste delicious French pastries here on the Gold Coast? Here are a few of our favourite patisseries around town.

Farina and Co, Southport

Say hello to the new kid on the block! Set to open soon, European bakery and café Farina & Co. will bring a taste of France to Southport. Stay tuned for updates on their Instagram.

www.instagram.com

Paris-Brest, Palm Beach

Do you daydream of biking along the street with a baguette tucked under one arm, in true Parisian style? Then hightail it to Paris-Brest, the Palm Beach bakery that specialises in authentic French breads, pastries and baguettes.

www.parisbrest.com.au

Franquette, Tamborine Mountain

There’s something about being up on the mountain on a cool, crisp morning that makes us crave a good croissant. Luckily, Franquette – one of Tamborine’s most beloved bakeries – always hits the spot.

franquette.square.site

Tarte Bakery, Burleigh

The French-bistro-inspired décor is almost as delicious as the pastries themselves. If you haven’t already, pay a visit to their Currumbin Creek-side venue – it’s even more beautiful than their leafy Burleigh location.

www.tarte.com.au

Aux Fines Bouches, Burleigh

If you’re looking for fancy French desserts, tarts or gateaux, this is the place for you. Aux Fines Bouches translates to ‘picky eaters’, so you know their standards are high.

www.auxfinesbouches.com.au

Feature image: Tarte Bakery

It’s the age-old question: can you tighten your purse strings and pinch your pennies while still enjoying yourself? While not all of the best things in life are free, there are plenty you can enjoy without splashing too much cash – like a great night out. Here’s how…

Go to Happy Hour

No matter what day it is, you’re guaranteed to find a Happy Hour deal somewhere around town. It’s like… science. At the link below, we’ve rounded up the very best Happy Hours on the Gold Coast for your drinking and dining (and money saving) pleasure.

www.scoutmagazine.com.au

Keep track with the Happiest Hour

It can be hard to keep track of the latest offers at your favourite local venues. With this app, they’re at your fingertips. It’s loaded with food and drinks specials from bars and restaurants in your area, so you can score great deals on drinks and food.

www.thehappiesthour.com

Try a BYO restaurant

There are so many reasons to go BYO. For one, it’s cheaper (we don’t need to tell you why that’s super important right now). Two, it’s easier – everyone can sip on their beverage of choice, or nothing at all, without having to quibble over the drinks bill at the end. Lastly, there are plenty of Gold Coast BYO restaurants to choose from. Here are our faves…

www.scoutmagazine.com.au

Sign up to Eat Club

This is the best way to score crazy discounts on your favourite local restaurants. Their regular emails will keep you abreast of the latest deals, but you should also download the app to score empty tables (for as much as 40 percent off the bill) at the last minute.

www.eatclub.com.au

Or try First Table

The concept for First Table is similar to Eat Club, though you need to act fast – you’re battling it out for the first table for breakfast, lunch or dinner (as the name suggests). The reward? 50 percent off your bill. You just need to pay $10 upon booking to lock in your place.

www.firsttable.com.au

Our nightlife scene is second to none, but there’s even more than meets the eye here. Have you been to these speakeasy-style hidden bars on the Gold Coast?

Lockwood Bar, Burleigh Heads

When it comes to Lockwood, if you know, you know. A true speak-easy, this bar isn’t just hidden down a Burleigh back alley – you also need to request entry via text message. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Order: An espresso martini.

www.instagram.com

Suga, Palm Beach

Aptly-dubbed ‘the bar with no sign’, you’d be forgiven for strolling right by Suga without noticing it – during the day, at least. By night, this hole-in-the-wall comes alive with live music and lots of dancing.

Order: A margarita (especially during happy hour).

www.instagram.com

Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach

Behind an unassuming barn door on the Gold Coast Highway lies one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Cool and cosy – with a mouth-watering menu of Japanese fare – it’s a favourite for celebrations or special date nights.

Order: The Yamamomo

www.etsu.com.au

La Bella Cellar, Burleigh Heads

La Bella takes the term ‘cellar door’ very seriously – because it’s hidden behind one. A wine shelf swings open to reveal a Mediterranean-inspired oasis nestled in the heart of Burleigh (near Light Years).

Order: The Pinky Promise

www.labellacellar.com.au

The Roosevelt Lounge, Broadbeach

With dark wood walls and velvet accents, the Roosevelt Lounge promises to whisk you away from busy Broadbeach and take you back in time. Their live music line-up is just as impressive as their theatrical cocktail menu.

Order: The First Lady

www.therooseveltlounge.com.au

Veladora, Broadbeach

Looking for the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy within The Star? Just head to Harvest Buffet and find the red palm tree. This walk-in only cocktail bar is the night starter or nightcap, depending on where your evening takes you.

www.thestar.com.au

Nightjar, Burleigh Heads

It may be hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast Highway and James Street, but Nightjar has become a popular Burleigh nightlife location nonetheless.

Order: Your go-to

www.nightjar.com.au

Soho Bar, Broadbeach

This bar isn’t exactly hidden – in fact, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Look for the classic English phone booth and you’ll find Soho Bar, a little slice of London in the heart of the Glitter Strip.

Order: The SoApple.

www.instagram.com

Naâmi, Burleigh

Bahn mi shop in the front, party in the back. Don’t be deceived by Naâmi’s façade – behind the takeaway counter is a true hidden gem, promising a speakeasy setting with a Vietnamese twist.

Order: The Let Me Take a Selfie (don’t forget to smile!)

www.naami.com.au

But wait, there’s more. If you love these hidden bars on the Gold Coast, check out our favourite wine bars.

Not sure how to spend your weekend on the Glitter Strip? A visit to one of these Gold Coast distilleries is sure to lift your spirits (pun intended).

Capricorn Distilling Co, Burleigh Heads

You can taste Capricorn’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in every beverage. Their range of gins and rums are inspired by the Capricorn journey – from Melbourne to Rockhampton and, finally, Burleigh Heads.

Top drop: Their Pineapple Rum

www.capricorndistilling.com

Six-Tricks Distilling Co, Mermaid Waters

The self-confessed rule benders behind Six-Tricks opened the forward-thinking distillery in November, 2023. Since then, they’re become a beloved fixture on the Mermaid Waters (and generally, the Gold Coast) hospitality scene.

Top drop: Their Premium Vodka

www.sixtricks.com.au

Granddad Jack’s, Miami

With live music, interactive tours, and a laid-back vibe, Granddad Jack’s promises a fun-filled experience for both locals and tourists exploring the vibrant Gold Coast scene. Plus, we love the family values behind this business.

Top drop: Any of their whiskeys.

www.granddadjacks.com

Cauldron Distillery, Tamborine Mountain

The inviting ambience and flavourful spirits make this a must-visit destination for gin-loving locals and tourists alike. They offer tastings, plus tours of their 18-acre property – and we promise, there’s nothing quite like sipping an ice cold gin on the grass.

Top drop: The limited release True Blue Gin

www.cauldrondistillery.com.au

White Oat Distillery, Biggera Waters

The White Oat story started on a farm in New Zealand, with a bored but science-obsessed 13-year-old boy. Now, you can visit their Biggera Water taproom to taste – no, experience – their unique take on gin.

Top drop: Their Sweet Tart peach and passionfruit sour gin

www.whiteoatdistillery.com

Wild Flower Gin, Varsity Lakes

A true boutique distillery, Wild Flower takes notes from its Gold Coast surrounds – and allows its visitors to do the same. Bring along flowers from your own backyard to create a truly custom blend in their masterclass.

Top drop: Their Lamington Vodka

www.wildflowergin.com

Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Tamborine Mountain

A true pioneer of the Queensland craft distilling industry, Tamborine Mountain Distillery has sat up on the mountain since 1993. They’ve adopted modern methods since then, but stay true to their heritage and traditional processes.

Top drop: Any of the schnapps

www.tamborinemountaindistillery.com

Alfred Wiley Distillery, Tweed Heads South

The team at Alfred Wiley are on a mission to prove that from little things, delicious things grow. What started out as a scheme for founder and distiller Will to spend more time with his dog has turned into tiny batch recipes that are complex and full of character.

Top drop:

www.alfredwiley.com.au

Husk Distillery, Tumbulgum

It’s not technically on the Gold Coast, but the drive to Husk Distillery is well worth it. Work your way through their range of artisanal spirits (including rum and gym) or take a tour of the distillery. Don’t leave without sampling the food menu, either.

Top drop: The Bam Bam spiced rum

www.huskdistillers.com

There’s a certain green drink that has become a firm fixture on Aussie café menus – and for good reason. But why are we so obsessed with matcha? And where can you track down the best Gold Coast matcha spots? Here’s the (green) tea…

First things first: what is matcha? It’s a kind of green tea, coming from the same plant as the one you’ve probably tried (or at least heard of) before, just grown and prepared in a different way.

Matcha powder is made by grinding up entire green tea leaves, which means it likely delivers even more benefits. What kinds of benefits, we hear you ask? Well, experts say matcha boots brain function, is high in antioxidants and promotes heart health, to name just a few of its reported benefits.

Fun fact: The green tea leaves used to make matcha are grown under special conditions, being shaded with bamboo for three to four weeks before being harvested.

So now that you’re sold on the powers of matcha, you’re probably wondering where to find it. Here are a few of our favourite spots on the Gold Coast.

Ninety Four, Palm Beach

The brains behind the Oatopia – a market fixture familiar to many a Gold Coaster – have set up shop in Palm Beach, and already they’re getting buzz in the local matcha scene (a very serious place to be).

www.instagram.com

The Milkman’s Daughter, Mermaid Beach

Organic matcha is just one of the many delicious drinks on the menu at The Milkman’s Daughter, Mermaid’s vegetarian hole-in-the-wall. Their standard matcha latte is served on coconut milk with maple and cinnamon, and you can take it hot or iced.

www.themilkmansdaughter.coffee

Chanoyu, Nerang

A true slice of Japanese café culture on the Gold Coast, Chanoyu serves up more than just a great matcha latte – they also have an array of matcha-infused treats and breakfast items to whet your appetite. We dare you to pass up the matcha pancakes.

www.instagram.com

Goya, Broadbeach

The team behind Goya are on a mission to give the Gold Coast a delicious taste of all that Japan has to offer – and matcha is only the start. Find them in Broadbeach (underneath the Meriton Suites) for your matcha fix, whether it’s a matcha tiramisu or their must-try iced matcha jelly.

www.goyacafe.com.au

Machi Machi, Southport

This Sydney sensation has spread all over the country – the Gold Coast included.  Their menu can be a bit overwhelming at first, but stick with the ‘Machi Matcha’ menu and you’re golden. The red been matcha smoothie is a crowd favourite.

www.machimachi.com.au

Heeretea, Southport

Even if you’re not a matcha fan (in which case, thanks for getting to the end of this story anyway), you should pay Heeretea a visit. Their menu of tasty matcha, bubble teas, desserts and snacks is second only to the whimsical décor – it really feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

www.heeretea.com.au