After three years, scout magazine is officially back, baby! While we’ve been on a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Gold Coast has moved onto bigger and better things – especially in the food and bev’ department. Here are just a few of the best new restaurants and bars that have opened their doors while we’ve been gone…
Since we’ve been gone…
Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise
With pools (yes, plural), sun lounges, day beds and cabanas, plus vibrant dancefloors and live music, Cali Beach serves up a little slice of Las Vegas right here on the Gold Coast. A day and night club with free admission, it’s the perfect spot to hit up after your next boozy brunch or on a night out.
Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise
One pavilion in particular gets all the glory on the Gold Coast, but we’re here to tell you that Surfers Pavilion is equally worth the hype. Beloved by boaters (you’ll see patrons arriving in style on literal yachts, since the pavilion has its own jetty) and fans of day drinking alike, Survers Pavilion draws quite the crowd with its oyster specials, live music and special events.
Kurrawa Beach Club, Broadbeach
Why stick to the streets when you can take the party to the sand? That’s what Kurrawa Beach Club reckons, at least. Set upon the sand of Broadbeach, they really do put the ‘beach’ in ‘beach club’. Entry is free, too, but we suggest pre-booking a VIP cabana (which seats two to four people) since it even includes table service. Winner.
Las Palmas, Palm Beach
The very best of Latin American cuisine, a fit-out that would make an influencer cry happy tears, and beach views – all right here on the Gold Coast? We’re sold. Las Palmas occupies the space above the surf shop that was once Mr Buttergoods (RIP) meaning it’s the perfect post-surf pick me up or venue for your next long lunch.
Maman Bar Kitchen, Burleigh
Whether you’re strolling down James Street in Burleigh or scrolling through your Instagram feed, it’s hard to miss Maman. The brainchild of Port Douglas mums (and sisters) Lizzy and Karen, brought to the Gold Coast by Karen’s own child, Oli, Maman is a true family affair. Throw in a Grecian-inspired fit-out and artwork by Jai Vasicek and it’s a winning combo.
Palm Springs, Burleigh
You don’t need to travel far to get a taste of Palm Springs – there’s a Burleigh café that captures the kitschy, Californian vibe of the iconic desert town and serves it up for breakfast. The perfect spot to drink away a hangover or refuel after a coastal walk, we dare you to leave without snapping a photo.
Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin
Opening in early September 2021, Tommy’s Italian quickly cemented itself as the favourite venue for long lunches last summer. With uninterrupted views of Currumbin Beach, plus a diverse drinks menu and Italian dishes to suit all appetites, we’re sure this summer will be no different.
Costa Taco, Palm Beach
A little slice of Mexico in the heart of Palm Beach, Costa Taco became a local favourite soon after opening its permanent storefront last August. The Costa crew had a devoted following from their days popping up at the Dust Temple and Alfred’s Apartment, but they’ve gained many fans since then for their fresh and affordable eats.
Keen to stay up to date with the best new Gold Coast restaurants? Keep an eye on our ‘Eat + Drink’ segment, and make sure you’re signed up to our emails…
The best vintage shopping on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is the birthplace of some world-class fashion – Dylan Kain, Peony Swimwear, Rhythm and Princess Polly were all born right here. But did you know there’s a thriving scene of Gold Coast vintage shopping to be found, too? You just need to know where to look…
Strange Days Store, Palm Beach
Looking for the best vintage cowboy boots? Look no further than this Palm Beach treasure trove. Their name is particularly fitting, given that they opened their doors just months into the COVID-19 pandemic – those were strange days indeed. The team specialises in “rock ‘n roll with a touch of Western soul” and are always posting the latest and greatest additions on the ‘gram (@strangedaystore). Even so, we recommend regular visits to ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect denim dress or fringed jacket.
Bunker3
When it comes to vintage finds, why stop at your wardrobe? Nerang’s Bunker3 delivers the best of bygone decades, not only in terms of fashion, but homewares too. It’s here that you’ll find funky vases atop statement-making desks, right next to vintage film cameras. They really have everything. Their curation focuses on quality, condition and style – basically, you’re always guaranteed to find something you love.
Retrosheila
Going to Retrosheila with a list of ‘must buy’ items is a foolish pursuit – you can never predict what you’ll find here. With grass green carpets and shelves of gaudy knick-knacks, this is vintage shopping in its purest form. You’re as likely to leave with a powder blue safari suit as you are with an obscene coffee mug thanks to owner Gregory Pead’s eye for items from the 40s to the 70s. Find Retrosheila at 17 McLean Street, Coolangatta.
Vault Vintage
The hazy, free-spirited vibes of 1980s Gold Coast are alive and well at Vault Vintage. Combining the best of vintage clothing and surfing/skating culture, their accessories and fashion finds are the definition of cool. Think corduroy carpenter pants, funky button ups and more vintage denim than you can poke a stick at. They predominately cater to guys, but girls can find a few gems there, too.
Gold Coast Antiques
There are few places you can find 19th century oil paintings of Mermaid Beach for sale beside enormous cougar heads – in fact, we’re willing to bet Gold Coast Antiques is the only one. Run by fifth generation antique curators, they’re the real deal. Their specialties are varied, offering everything from antique porcelain to Sheffield Plate memorabilia.
A little further afield…
Melbourne is known as Australia’s (unofficial) Vintage Clothing Capital, but we say Byron Bay gives it a run for its money. When you’re done scouting out the Gold Coast vintage shopping scene, head south of the border to one of these spots…
- Mr Vintage | www.mrvintageaustralia.com.au
- Miss Brown Vintage | www.missbrownvintagebyronbay.com
- Joey (for the kids) | www.joeyrainbow.com
- Bruns Shop | www.brunsshop.com.au
- Fossil Vintage | www.fossilvintage.com.au
How to spend the public holiday
We’re fresh off the back of the summer holidays and, already, we’ve got another public holiday to enjoy. Not sure how to make the most of it? Don’t stress. Rain or shine, near and far, we’ve got your public holiday plans sorted no matter what you feel like doing.
Get out of town
One of the things we love most about the Gold Coast (this will sound crazy, but stick with us) is leaving it: we just have so many great day trips on our doorstep. From the Sunshine Coast to Toowoomba, not to mention having the Northern Rivers region and the Scenic Rim so close to home, we’re seriously spoilt for choice. Whatever the weather, use the public holiday to explore somewhere new or go back to an old favourite. Click here to find out how.
Support your local
While public holidays generally come as good news to some, others – especially small business owners – can struggling to accommodate for staff shortages. Many will likely close their doors for the occasion, but there will be some that remain open for one reason or another. Take the opportunity to support your local and spend with them during the public holiday, whether that means treating yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner out (surcharge and all) or taking the downtime to do some shopping in-store or online.
Go wild with local animals
Australia’s wildlife gets a bit of a bad rap, but we tend to believe that any tourist is just one positive (and professionally coordinated) experience away from loving our furry, feathered, scaly and slimy local residents. Why not take advantage of the public holiday to enjoy all the wildlife our city has to offer? Here’s where to see animals on the Gold Coast.
Take a bush walk
With showers and a possible storm on the radar, a trip to the beach may be out of the question. But if the weather is just overcast or no worse than a light drizzle, take advantage of the cooler temperature and head off on a bush walk. We have options both close to home (Burleigh Heads) and further afield (Springbrook National Park) here on the Gold Coast, so have your walking shoes at the ready and head off on a hike if the weather looks nice enough. Here’s where we’ll be walking.
Visit an Aussie icon
It’s one of Australia’s most internationally-known cities, but what are the ‘Aussie-iest’ spots on the Gold Coast? From the Jellurgal Cultural Centre (where you can learn about the Gold Coast’s rich Aboriginal history amongst Burleigh Headland’s beautiful natural scenery) to supporting your local surf club, we’ve ranked the top five iconic Aussie activities on the Gold Coast.
Where to host your Silly Season festivities
Can you believe it’s time to start thinking about the Silly Season? We can’t. But while we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Gold Coast group dining, you should definitely get in early (read: now) if you want to book your festivities without issue. From north to south, here are the bars and restaurants we love…
Ms Margot’s, Surfers Paradise
Perfect for: A staycation.
Set inside the Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s bar is the perfect location for a few nibbles and a lot of cocktails. It’s perfect – you get to enjoy a getaway or stay-cay, and you don’t even need to leave the hotel to have a great afternoon/evening out. Wash down the delicious share plates from their all-day dining menu with specialty cocktails, craft beers and ciders on tap.
www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au/ms-margots
Cucina Vivo, Broadbeach
Perfect for: A prosecco-fuelled long lunch, then the casino.
Indulge in delicious Italian eats at Cucina Vivo in The Star. While you can dine a lá carte, we suggest trying their Prosecco long lunch – it’s the perfect way to get your nearest and dearest together for great food and even better wine, with no fuss. After lunch, head to The Star Casino then rooftop drinks at Nineteen at The Star.
Mexicali, Nobby’s
Perfect for: Drinks and dancing
You can enjoy a long, hearty lunch at Mexicali (just look at their banquet options) but we recommend timing your reservation for later in the day. Not only do they have a great range of small dishes like jalapeño poppers, chilli salt squid and street corn, but they also turn their balcony into a dancefloor on select days in the late afternoon.
The Tropic, Burleigh Heads
Perfect for: Big groups that are keen to kick on.
Whether it’s a family get-together or a celebration with a big group of friends, you really can’t go past The Tropic. Not only is the food insane (you need to order the bread and burrata) but you can kick on at the Burleigh Pavilion next door, then head into Burleigh for a bar crawl between Justin Lane, the Pink Monkey and Nightjar.
Frida Sol, Palm Beach
Perfect for: Margaritas. Need we say more?
Mexican food is made for celebrating, and Frida Sol is one of the best Mexican restaurants for Gold Coast group dining. It’s super fresh, really diverse (just look at how many taco options they offer) and served up alongside one of the best cocktail menus we’ve ever seen – they have a quadrant chart, for crying out loud.
The Collective, Palm Beach
Perfect for: A group with diverse tastes.
Everyone will find something they love on The Collective’s menus. Yes, you read that right – menus. Offering five restaurants in one venue, The Collective is ideal for big gatherings or groups with unique tastes. Choose from Mexican, Greek, Asian, American or Italian, or sample something from each. That’s not limited to food, either; each restaurant offers its own drinks list, too (plus a cocktail tower!).
www.thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au
Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin
Perfect for: An aesthetic Christmas lunch with the girls.
If you know Currumbin, you’ll know that Pacific Parade offers some of the best beach views but has limited dining options. Enter: Tommy’s Italian. Dishing up the tastiest Italian food (obviously) and a great drinks menu, with beautiful décor for a great Instagram backdrop, Tommy’s is perfect for a long girls’ lunch.
Baskk, Coolangatta
Perfect for: An intimate get-together.
The Silly Season can be exhausting – sometimes, you want nothing more than an intimate lunch or dinner with your closest friends or family members, paired with amazing food and signature cocktails. For those moments, head to Baskk Italian. Their food is fresh and hearty, and their staff are super attentive. We love it there.
Joy & Joy Catering
If you’re hosting a Christmas celebration but don’t want to stress about the food, try Joy & Joy! They’re based in Southport but service the whole Gold Coast (and even Brisbane), and their founder and chef Angela has more than 20 years of experience under her belt. Just make sure you request the king prawn rolls.
Looking for more places to eat and drink on the Gold Coast? Head here…