The Asian invasion is real. And we could not be more stoked.
Sure, we’ll never pass up a cheap, cheerful, and always-delicious meal from the long-standing oriental eateries around town, though it’s this new-age breed of restaurants who are really changing what we know about Asian cuisine and pushing the buttons of Gold Coast foodies.
While a handful of these hotspots have been around for a year or so now, 2016 has most certainly seen an explosion of Asian-inspired eats. Yep, we are in love.
Here’s our delicious guide to the best next-level Asian restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Fu Manchu Oriental Kitchen
This joint is so new you’d be forgiven for not having caught whisper yet. Fu Manchu Oriental Kitchen is the latest addition to the best next-level Asian eats on the Gold Coast, a true Asian fusion menu that morphs from devout traditions to dishes with a European twist. Our tip? Fu Manchu’s Singapore chilli crab and sticky Asian beef short ribs are life changing. No lie, this place is epic and totally where we want to hang on our next date night, with a dark and moody supper club-ish interior that lends itself to getting cosy and just a lil’ bit boozy.
Where: 2/44 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Hideaway Kitchen and Bar
Another newcomer proving the Gold Coast’s Asian food scene is oh-so-hot right now is funky Hideaway Kitchen and Bar in Broadbeach. This is street food that’s made for sharing, over drinks, lots of them, and rowdy convo with a crew of your closest mates. Hideaway’s mindbogglingly-long menu is a medley of Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Chinese, and so on. We suggest diving head first into the raw bar selections, Thai-style ceviche, sugar cane prawns, Wagyu beef dumplings, or the eye-balls-and-all tempura whole fish. Come summer, that umbrella-adorned alfresco backyard will be your new second home.
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Etsu Izakaya
We heart Etsu Izakaya. This immaculate venue has been a raging success since the day it opened, and it’s not hard to see why. Be it the sexy fit out, the energetic atmosphere (do NOT come for a night of quiet convo), the loveable owners and their seriously cool staff, or that Etsu are plating up some of the most nek-level modern Japanese eats the Coast has ever seen. And as if they couldn’t be any more perfect in our eyes, Etsu are throwing their first ever pop-up outdoor dinner party “Feast Under a Tipi” later this month. It sold out in days. We are not surprised.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Rick Shores
It seems sea foam-misted waterfront dining does not come without risk, but we’re stoked the charming lads of Rick Shores took the challenge head on and re-surfaced with grace after the #bigwet. With a carefully-curated Asian fusion menu of next-level taste-bud busters from Vietnam, Thailand, and further afield, this Burleigh Beach favourite not only offers lust-worthy views across the table but some of the most delish dishes we’ve tucked our knife and fork into. Firstly, quality over quantity is the name of the game here, but you will not leave disappointed after the likes of soft shell crab on betel leaf, Rick’s fried (Moreton Bay) bug roll, egg net salad with pork belly and cuttlefish, and king prawn yellow curry. Hot tip: the golden hour right around sunset is extra magical. Is this one of the best Asian restaurants on the Gold Coast? We think so!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Jimmy Wah’s
A collaboration of two born and bred Gold Coast hospitality veterans—a stellar resume that includes Verve, The Fish House, and Social Eating House—means a ridiculously tasty new eatery for us! Sleek Jimmy Wah’s is a contemporary take on Vietnamese food: crunchy banh mi baguettes, fragrant rice paper rolls, and delicious bowls of pho, alongside sweet, salty and sour delicacies such as braised beef steamed baos, blackened quail with slaw, scallop dumplings, soft shell crab and papaya salad, and Kingfish sashimi. Are you drooling yet?
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Kiyomi
This little gem, tucked inside Jupiters Hotel, is a benchmark of modern Japanese cuisine. The main attraction of Kiyomi is the seven-course omakase menu (created by internationally-recognised Executive Chef, Chase Kojima), which takes diners on an unexpected journey into flavourful tasty-gasms. Wallet not so fat? Come for a plate of the Binchotan slow-grilled charcoal chicken followed by Chase’s signature choco tower dessert, Goma Street. Heaven on a plate.
Where: Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Broadbeach Island, Broadbeach
Mamasan
This is where Asian fusion takes a left turn; Mamasan is the kind of place that drags you head first into a kaleidoscopic whirlpool of Asian flavours. The pork bao are worth the trip alone, but to get the full effect you’ve got to bring a party and let Mama feed you with the chef’s selection of share plates that look like soft sculptures on the plate. Pray for Mamasan’s spicy KFC.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Did we miss your fave among the best next-level Asian restaurants on the Gold Coast? Tell us in the comments!
Photo Credit: Hayley Williamson and Edmond Tsang for Metropolist