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Category: Eat + Drink

Home Category: Eat + Drink (Page 7)

New Gold Coast restaurants to try this autumn

The Gold Coast’s dining scene just keeps getting better. From coastal-inspired eats to modern Italian fare and laid-back neighbourhood gems, here are some of the new Gold Coast restaurants worth adding to your list this autumn.

Norté and Sueño, Nobby

Nobby Beach has a new two-for-one with the opening of Norté and Sueño – a dynamic restaurant and bar pairing just steps from the ocean. Norté serves up coastal, woodfired fare inspired by the Mediterranean, with a menu that heroes local seafood and produce in a relaxed, elegant setting. After dinner, guests can slip upstairs to Sueño, Norté’s adjoining rooftop bar, where creative cocktails and Spanish-style snacks flow into the evening.

www.norte.restaurant

Hanks, Kirra

As sad as we were to farewell Bread and Butter, Hanks has well and truly filled the burrata-shaped hole in our hearts. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, Hanks – brought to you by the team behind Siblings – serves up elevated Italian classics, inspired by the traditional trattorias of the motherland. On the menu: woodfired pizzas, handmade pastas and locally sourced produce, all paired with a sharp selection of wines and cocktails. Warm and welcoming, with a laid-back coastal charm, Hanks is all about sharing good food, good drinks and good company.

www.hankskirra.com.au

Bar Monte, Miami

A slice of European charm in the heart of Miami. Inspired by the lively aperitivo bars of Italy, Bar Monte is a neighbourhood spot where classic cocktails, natural wines and house-made snacks set the tone. The menu leans into fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with an emphasis on share plates – think house-made focaccia, fresh burrata and snacks with a nod to la dolce vita. Behind the bar, you’ll find Italian-leaning wines, spritzes and classic cocktails, all perfect for long afternoons that stretch into laid-back evenings.

www.barmonte.com.au

Sunnyboy, Mermaid Beach

If you’ve ever lamented the long lines at Elk Espresso, we’ve got incredible news for you. Elk owner Andrew Whiting has just opened a second café, just down the road on Hedges Ave in Mermaid. Sunnyboy lives up to its name: literal seconds from the sand, this sun-soaked spot dishes up a fresh menu of Aussie café classics – from loaded toasties to wholesome bowls and baked goods. With Parallel coffee on pour, Sunny Boy is the perfect pitstop for locals and visitors alike.

www.instagram.com

Lars Bar & Grill, Nobby Beach

For Nobby, the hits just keep on coming. Lars has joined the Oxley dining precinct, bringing a fresh take on the classic steakhouse. Inspired by the grills of New York and L.A., Lars serves quality steaks, seafood and share plates in a space that feels intimate and refined – the perfect ‘special occasion’ spot. It’s the first foray into ownership for head chef Lars Kollrepp, though he’s no stranger to fine dining – he’s served as the executive chef for restaurateur Simon Gloftis, at Brisbane institutions like Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster and Sushi Room.

www.larsbarandgrill.com.au

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Where to taste the world’s best coffee, locally

It’s official: the 100 best cafes in the world have been named – and an impressive nine of them are Aussie. Here, we run you through the big winners and let you in on where you can taste the world’s best coffee, locally.

World No. 1 | Toby’s Estate

It’s officially been crowned as the world’s best coffee shop, but what’s the story behind Toby’s Estate? It all started when a coffee-loving lawyer named Toby Smith ditched the legal briefs for coffee beans, embarking on a global quest to unearth the finest flavours. Immersing himself in remote coffee-growing communities, Toby witnessed the passion and perspiration behind each bean. He transformed his mum’s garage into a mini roastery in 1997, birthing Toby’s Estate – and the rest is history.

Up in Brisbane: Their futuristic Queensland flagship is located in Newstead.

www.tobysestate.com.au

World No. 8 | Coffee Anthology

Located in INTER/SECTION, the food and beverage collective nestled in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, Coffee Anthology prides itself on its range of high-profile specialty coffees from Aussie roasters. It’s now known as one of the best coffee experiences in the country – and not just for its premium pour. Owner Adam Wang has made expert use of the heritage-listed Midtown Centre, emphasising its grandiosity by highlighting original features like exposed brick and dizzying ceilings. Come for the coffee, stay for the atmosphere.

www.intersectionfd.com.au

World No. 19 | Veneziano Coffee Roasters

Once upon a milk crate, six-year-old Rocky Veneziano pulled his first espresso – little did he know, it would spark a lifelong love affair with coffee. Teaming up with industry veteran Craig Dickson, they founded Veneziano Coffee Roasters to transform Australia’s coffee scene. From a modest operation, they’ve brewed a vibrant community of coffee enthusiasts committed to evolving everyday coffee experiences. With a mantra of “Make. Achieve. Discover. Evolve.,” Veneziano continues to percolate positive change, one cup at a time.

On the Goldie: Head to SupermarCat Café in Southport to try Veneziano locally.
Up in Brisbane: Of course, you can also head to Brisbane’s West End to check out their very own café.

www.venezianocoffee.com.au

World No. 70 | Fonzie Abbott

In 2010, former race car driver Dan Pappas tried his hand at coffee roasting – a craft that, for him, blended his passions for surfing, travel, and good times into a bold brew. With a philosophy of sourcing top-notch beans and keeping things simple, Dan transformed that wild dream into reality and Fonzie Abbott was born. Over the years, this caffeine-fuelled venture has expanded beyond coffee, adding a brewery and distillery to its repertoire, turning their cosy headquarters into a one-stop libation station.

Up in Brisbane: Check out their ‘humble’ headquarters in Albion (home to the world’s only roastery, brewery and distillery in one)

www.fonzieabbott.com

World No. 87 | Seven Seeds

Coffee visionaries Bridge and Mark started Seven Seeds in 2007, blending their ideals of exceptional quality and radical transparency together and pouring them into Melbourne’s coffee scene. Inspired by the legendary 17th-century coffee smuggler Baba Budan, who smuggled seven fertile beans out of Yemen and into India to break coffee through the confines of the Arabic world, they named their venture in his honour. Today, Seven Seeds continues to champion traceability, proudly publishing the farmgate prices paid to producers, ensuring that every cup supports a sustainable future for coffee growers worldwide.

On the Goldie: You can sip on Seven Seeds at Canvas in Palm Beach.

www.sevenseeds.com.au

Further afield…

Heading to one of the southern states? Make note of these cafes that also made the ‘World’s Best’ list.

Click here to see the full list of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops.

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How to master the art of barbequing

Here in Australia, barbequing is basically an Olympic sport – and one that we practice all year ‘round. But what are the tips and tricks that will take your next grill up to the next level? We asked an expert…

First things first: did you know that there is a festival dedicated entirely to music and barbequing? It’s called Meatstock, and it’s taking place in Toowoomba next weekend (March 7 and 8).

We caught up with festival director Jay Beaumont ahead of Meatstock 2025, who was only too happy to share his expert tips for barbequing…

Choosing a home barbeque

It all depends on how much time and effort you’re willing to put into your barbequing. If you just want something quick and easy for grilling, go for a small gas grill or a classic charcoal kettle. They’ll get the job done for grilling, but just remember the quintessential barbecue flavour does come from smoke, so I do recommend using charcoal over gas.

If you’re looking to dive into the world of low and slow BBQ, things get a bit more interesting. You’ve got options: bullet smokers, ceramic smokers, pellet smokers, or the granddaddy of them all, the offset smoker. Choosing the right one comes down to a mix of budget, time commitment, and how much food you want to cook. Are you grilling for yourself, and a couple of friends, or are you the kind of person who wants to cater a feast for 20? The more ambitious you are, the more you might want to invest in a setup that gives you more control but takes more time. Or you can opt for something like a Traeger pellet grill, which still gives you a great result, but pretty much looks after itself.

What you need for the perfect barbeque

If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: get yourself a high-quality instant-read thermometer. Temperature control is the key to great barbecue. While professional pitmasters might go by fee, the rest of us need that thermometer to hit the perfect doneness every time.

Another must-have is a good pair of cotton gloves, ideally worn under latex gloves. They give you dexterity while protecting your hands from burns—essential when handling hot meat.

And let’s talk seasoning. People often underestimate the power of a great rub. Sure, salt and pepper are a great foundation, but some of the specialty rubs and seasonings that are now available from most butchers can take your meat to the next level. Personally, I love experimenting with different rubs, and trust me, some of them are absolute game-changers, especially when you get into layering.

How to choose the right meat

It’s simple: buy the best quality meat you can afford. The better the meat, the better the end result—no way around that. Look for good marbling, those thin streaks of fat running through the muscle can make a lot of difference to the end result.

If you’re doing low and slow BBQ, cuts like brisket, beef ribs, and pork ribs my best, best advice is to buy those cuts that are Cryovaced (vacuum-sealed) at the processing plant. You can still get them at your local butcher, but that normally means the cuts have a lot more meat on them and it can also improve tenderness through a mild wet-aging process.

Now… what to cook?

Honestly, there aren’t many foods that don’t get better with that smoky BBQ flavour. One of my personal favourites is smoked cauliflower – coat it in butter and dukkah, and you’ve got a ridiculously simple, crowd-pleasing side dish.

Vegetables in general are an underrated star of the barbecue. Smoke or grill them properly, and they develop incredible depth. As for meat, I think lamb is criminally underused in low and slow Barbecue. Lamb shoulder and lamb ribs take on smoke beautifully, and the low, slow cooking method makes them incredibly tender. If you’ve never tried smoked low and slow lamb, you’re missing out.

Jay’s top tips for barbequing at home…

Temperature control is everything. If you’re doing low and slow BBQ, you need to keep a consistent temperature and ensure clean smoke. If you see thick, white billowing smoke coming out of your barbecue, that’s a sign that things aren’t going well – you don’t want that bitter, heavy smoke flavour in your food.

If you’re grilling, be hands-on. Move the meat around, be active, have a hot zone, and a cooler zone on your barbecue. You want to make sure you get a good sear on the meat, and most importantly, use your thermometer to hit that perfect internal temperature, then rest it before slicing.

And for using a public barbeque

First tip? Avoid them if you can. Or better yet, bring your own.

If you’re stuck using one, bring your own cleaning supplies because they’re usually in desperate need of a scrub. Public barbecues also take forever to heat up, and even then, they don’t get particularly hot. You’re not going to get a perfect sear on a steak, so stick to things like sausages and bacon – foods that don’t really require high heat.

A digital instant-read thermometer is a must, no matter where you’re cooking. It will save you from under or over cooking things. Cotton gloves under latex gloves are always handy for handling hot food along with some good tongs. A sharp knife good quality knife for cutting is always a must, and, of course, a cold beverage to stay hydrated – because barbequing is work, after all.

Head to www.meatstock.com.au to learn more about the festival, taking place Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8 at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

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How to serve the perfect margarita

The margarita is so much more than a drink – at this point, it’s a cultural icon. And there’s no better way to serve yours than alongside these products.

  1. Azteca Classic Lime margarita mix, $39, www.aztecamargarita.com
  2. Sabbi The Very Oversized Margie tee, $79.95, www.sabbi.com.au
  3. Cointreau Orange Liqueur, $62.95, www.danmurphys.com.au
  4. Tanchen Studio 0/0 bag, $110, www.tanchenstudio.com
  5. Sunset Sips lemon lime margarita mix, $30, www.sunsetsips.com.au
  6. Margo Margo cocktail shaker set, $71, www.amazon.com.au
  7. Petal glass goblet, $39.95, www.styld.net.au
  8. D-STILL dried garnishes, $25.17, www.dstill.com.au
  9. Gippsland Salt Co. pickled jalapeno & pineapple salt, $27, www.mrconsistent.com.au
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The best places to enjoy golden hour on the Gold Coast

The hot summer days are officially behind us, so we want to eke out every minute of sunshine we possibly can – from sunrise to sunset. Here, we’re sharing our favourite places to enjoy a classic Gold Coast sunset.

Hyde Paradiso, Surfers Paradise

With art deco inspired interiors and a Mediterranean inspired menu, Hyde Paradiso is idyllic at any hour of the day. But it’s their oceanfront position on the Surfers Paradise esplanade that makes it an ideal choice for golden hour.

www.hydeparadiso.com

SkyPoint, Surfers Paradise

Formerly the world’s tallest residential building (and still in the top 20), SkyPoint offers an unparalleled view of the Gold Coast – and beyond. Whether you’re enjoying a meal or just a sunset cocktail, SkyPoint is well worth the climb.

www.skypoint.com.au

Nineteen at The Star, Broadbeach

It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Nineteen at The Star. The rooftop restaurant and outdoor lounge take full advantage of the panoramic views, making it an ideal place to catch golden hour – with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, of course.

www.star.com.au
North Burleigh Lookout, Miami

It’s not the most famous sunset spot on the Gold Coast (more on that one in a moment), but the North Burleigh lookout shouldn’t be overlooked. Grab a picnic blanket and some takeaway and enjoy the views both up and down the coast.

Burleigh Hill, Burleigh Heads

Locals know how tough it is to get a park in Burleigh after 4pm – and it’s for good reason. The green hill rolling down onto surfer-spotted waves, all set against the backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline. It’s magic.

Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads

Choose Burleigh Pavilion for your next golden hour and you’ll have plenty of choices: The Tropic, Rick Shores or the pavilion’s bar itself. Though you may need to jostle against the crowds to get a good spot, seeing those skyrises twinkle in the amber light will make it all worth it.

Tallebudgera Creek

The surf-side of Tallebudgera Creek gets a lot of love, but we’re partial to the beaches a little further up the creek – especially at sunset. It’s one of the few local places you can see the sun set over the water (well technically, the mountains behind the water).

Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, Currumbin

Currumbin’s Vikings Surf Life Saving Club offers more than just pub classics and quality drinks – it also serves up unbeatable views of the city’s coastline. Whether you’re enjoying a drink or watching surfers ride the well, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the sunset.

www.currumbinslsc.com.au

Siblings, Kirra

Set right on Kirra Beach, Siblings is one of the southern Gold Coast’s best spots to catch golden hour (with a cocktail in hand) – especially if you score an outdoor table. If you’re looking for a spot for a late long lunch or early dinner this summer, this is it.

www.siblingskirra.com.au

Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta

Last but certainly not least: Snapper Rocks. As the sun sets, the sky transforms above the crashing (and world famous) waves and the surfers chasing their last rides of the day. Whether you’re perched on the rocks or strolling beachside, it’s a must see.

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