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!
Nigiwai, Broadbeach
Nigiwai’s popped up in the Oasis with modern Japanese food that’s genuinely showstopping. Nothing’s plated without thought – this is the kind of place where the food looks as good as it tastes (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always a given). Go in hungry and prepared to take a few photos before you eat.
Common Supply, Nobby Beach
Common Supply’s landed in Nobby Beach, their first store outside the harbour city. It’s a taste-test version of what’s coming – the full flagship lands at The Alfred next year – but you’ll still find their performance smoothies, specialty coffee and daily essentials, plus an exclusive Gold Coast-only acai smoothie, too.
Twins Burgers, Palm Beach
Twins Burgers proves simple really is better. Their pared-back menu – double-smashed patties, beef tallow fries, an Oreo dessert – has had Palm Beach lining up in droves since they opened in July. They sell out regularly, so don’t rock up starving at 7pm expecting a sure thing.
Ace’s Coffee, Miami
When Well Bread shut up shop earlier this year, Miami locals were genuinely gutted. Where would they get a good coffee and a sweet treat to go? Their answer came in July, when Ace’s Coffee moved in with good coffee, good sandwiches and a solid rotation of sweet treats. The hole’s well and truly filled.
Bistro Margaux, Nobby Beach
Did you know Lars has a sister? Meet Margaux – same charm, different menu. Think French classics without any of the stuffiness: steak frites, tartare, escargot, all served without a hint of pretension. A little slice of Paris on the Gold Coast Highway, minus the jet lag.
Kostel Milk Bar, Burleigh Heads
You’d be forgiven for walking straight past Kostel Milk Bar – it’s tucked up Deodar Drive, easy to miss if you’re not looking. Not so easy to miss on Instagram, mind you. Since opening in mid-August, their plywood-lined, moody little space has been doing the rounds online, thanks, in part, to the Japanese-inspired treats and seriously good coffee.
Pasta Lovers, Currumbin
By day, it’s Home – one of Currumbin’s favourite cafes. But once the sun goes down, it turns into Pasta Lovers, all fresh, handmade pasta in a room done out in red gingham. Expect the classics done properly: carbonara, amatriciana, bolognese, even a vodka sauce. Grab a table or order ahead for pickup.
Blend Greenness, Miami
Yet another Miami spot that’s worth knowing about, Blend Greenness is dishing out fresh juices, smoothies, sandwiches and rice and noodle bowls – exactly the kind of thing you’ll want on hand as the weather warms up. Simple, fresh, and a sure-to-be-popular addition to the strip.
Burrata Boy, Coolangatta
Burrata Boy’s been going about business since opening back in June, earning a league of Cooly fans in the process. Sandwiches, bowls, coffee – and yes, plenty of burrata – all with an Italian lean. Nothing flashy, just casual food done with care (and a lot of fun).
Salty’s, Nobby Beach
Nobbys Shack used to be the go-to for smoothies and acai bowls. Now, as Salty’s, it’s still drawing a similar crowd, just later in the day. Come for lunch, stay for whatever the evening turns into – the perfect blend of pub, restaurant and beer garden.
The Flipside, Mermaid Beach
The Flipside has landed in Mermaid Beach, and it’s built for lingering. It’s a proper community effort – from the food to the art on the walls – and it shows. Sunny brunch, afternoon tapas, or a wander through the cocktail garden as the day rolls on – take your pick.
Red Horse Coffee Co., Miami
From the same crew behind The Henchman comes Red Horse Coffee Co., your new neighbourhood coffee spot set up right next door. Grab a table in the sun, order an avo on toast and your usual brew, and don’t be surprised if you’re still there a few hours later.
Blends, Burleigh Heads
If the name didn’t give it away, Blends is Burleigh’s new barbershop-café combo. And if there’s one thing they nail better than a fade, it’s a cold foam. Handy, if you’re the type who likes to multitask your morning.
