The food and drink news has been coming in thick and fast on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region, so to make sure that you're on top of all the tasty things happening the Urban List team have wrapped up everything that you need to know.
Read on for all the latest food and drink news on the Gold Coast.
Cult-Favourite Spread Pistachio Papi Is Launching At Yo-Chi
Image Credit: Yo-Chi | Supplied
What do you get when the Gold Coast's favourite frozen yogurt meets the country’s most-talked about spread? You get excited. A Yo-Chi x Pistachio Papi collaboration is hitting all Yo-Chi stores this weekend and it's set to be a sell-out success.
Since launching in May 2023, Pistachio Papi has gained a cult-like following for their spread made with 100% Italian pistachios and we can't think of a better collab than with Yo-Chi, Australia's fastest-growing frozen yogurt brand. Launching this Sunday 14 April at their Broady and Surfers stores, the collaboration between the two iconic Australian food brands will run until the Pistachio Papi topping sells out (which is very likely) or until 26 May. More info here.
Surfers Pavilion Goes Pet-Friendly And Serves Breakfast Seven Days
Image Credit: Surfers Pavilion | Supplied
If there's one thing Gold Coasters go barking mad for, it's our furry-legged friends. And Surfers Pavilion certainly knows this, swinging the doors open to dogs and offering an impressive doggie menu. The Surfers Pavilion waterfront deck will be catering to pet pooches, with the doggie menu starring puppachinos, ice cream sundaes with peanut butter, sausages and eggs, rump steak, salmon poke bowls and—for the pups on a shred—a raw diet menu.
For the two-legged patrons, Surfers Pavilion is now opening for breakfast from 7am daily so you can enjoy a side of riverfront views with your brunch. The lobster eggs benedict, six types of pancakes and waffles—including the crispy Southern fried chicken waffles—and the crab chilli eggs are all worth a sample. More details here.
Gold Coast Airport Unveils Plans To Transform Into A Wellness, Tech And Retail Precinct
Image Credit: Gold Coast Airport | Supplied
Gold Coast Airport has today unveiled plans to expand the airport into a huge destination precinct with a light rail link, larger hotel area and retail village complete with a health and wellness hub and technology and conference centre. The airport is set to be transformed in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and aims to become 'an airport of the future'.
Under the plan, Gold Coast Airport will reinvent itself as a destination within its own right, delivering a reimagined precinct that serves the communities of the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales. Smart aviation technology is at the forefront of the expansion—biometric enabled check-in and a fully digital passenger experience that anticipates customer behaviour are in the works. The master plan also reflects Gold Coast Airport’s commitment to sustainability including reaching Net Zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. More details and have your say here.
Indulge In A Unique Six-Course Seafood Degustation With A Spotlight On Sustainability And Rarity
Image Credit: Citrique | Markus Ravik
If there's one restaurant on the Gold Coast setting a new precedent in seafood-centric dining, Citrique would be it. JW Marriott's signature restaurant is cementing its position even further wth the launch of a collaborative new 'Producer Spotlight' series, celebrating the finest local produce and passionate producers. The first collaboration is with fish provedore Umar Nguyen and showcases unique and underutilised sustainable seafood in a decadent six-course degustation.
To describe the degustation as incredible would not do it justice. Perhaps jaw-dropping would suit. Even unforgettable. The exquisite culinary odyssey curated by Executive Chef, Paul Smart champions "Australia's bountiful seafood produce and experimentative flavours with subtle nods to Asia". Stars of the masterful menu include Rocky Point Cobia with blue scampi caviar, Fraser Isle Spanner Crab complemented by delicate Asian flavours, and Rocky Point Grouper topped with salmon pearls. Umar's passion project, a vibrant naturally blue wild scampi caviar that is a by-product from Shark Bay Scampi and was originally discarded, weaves throughout the menu and is a shining example of Citrique's dedication to sustainability.
The Producer Spotlight Menu is currently available at Citrique until the end of May for $129 per person. Elevate your experience and upgrade to a wine pairing for an additioanl $59pp. Highlights from the collaborative menu with Umar Nguyen are also available on Citrique's new a la carte autumn menu, available Mondays to Thursdays.
Elk's New Autumn Menu Is A Delicious Ode To The Changing Seasons
Image Credit: Brooke Darling Photography | Supplied
Surely the best thing about farewelling summer is the change in temperature. Hot girl summer is no more. Sleep-in’s suddenly feel increasingly lush. Layers are a possibility. Run club is attainable. Elk Espresso's new autumn menu is here. All of the best things in life.
Elk's new autumn affair is as delicious as it is art on a plate; buttery miso mushrooms, nostalgia-laden carrot cake oats and crispy chicken atop cornbread vie for your attention. Thankfully, you can take your time throughout autumn and sample every delicious menu item. Breakfast stars include the OG potato hash and breakfast burger, a South American-inspired crispy chicken and hot honey cornbread dish and matcha waffles with figs, white chocolate and silky black sesame ice cream. Lunch is by no means an ordinary affair, with feastable plates including the chicken and glass noodle salad with crispy skin chicken and a medley salad of heirloom carrots, chickpeas and beets. Keep up to date on Elk's exquisite Instagram.
Sundays Just Got A Whole Lot Better With Paloma's New 'Roasted Sundays'
Image Credit: Paloma Wine Bar | Instagram
As if we didn't love Paloma Wine Bar in Burleigh enough already, they've just gone and added an incredible new offering. Every Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, Paloma will be hosting 'Roasted Sundays' with a weekly rotating Sunday Roast, Happy Hour drinks (4pm-6pm) and a vinyl DJ spinning jazz, soul, funk and disco tunes.
While the roast menu changes weekly, the first Roasted Sunday feast starred Porchetta, duck fat potatoes, BBQ greens and salsa verde—all for just $24. Other menu items will be available, as always, so you can still feast on Palomas finger-licking bread and butter. Keep up to date here.
Sip On Bellinis Over Beachside Brunch At The Tropic
Image Credit: The Tropic | Instagram
The Tropic's ever-popular monthly Beachside Brunch is levelling up, adding Bellini cocktails to their beverage rotation. Pair strawberry, lychee or peach bellinis with the seasonal Mediterranean-inspired brunch menu and you're in for a good time.
Add live DJs, rosè and Veuve Clicquot into the mix and you're in for a great time. The Tropic's Beachside Brunch is held on the last Saturday of every month, starting from $75 per person. Bookmark 30 March in your calendar and round up the crew—more details here.
You Can Now DIY Your Own Acai Bowl On Tap At Yo-Chi
Image Credit: Yo-Chi | Supplied
Certified fro-yo legends, Yo-Chi have just announced their latest offering of acai on top and we couldn't be more ready to fuel our acai addiction. The new acai on tap has the toppings to match, including peanut butter topping, new home-baked granola, coconut flakes, fruit or a cheeky drizzle of Biscoff—you can create your own bowl just as you desire.
Yo-Chi Broadbeach and Surfers have also extended their opening hours earlier so they can be a stop-off on your morning walks, a brekkie spot on the way to work or as a brunch location with friends.
Harajuku Gyoza Just Dropped Sumo-Sized Sushi Tacos
Image Credit: Harajuku Gyoza | Supplied
Love sushi and tacos? Well at Harajuku Gyoza you can now combine your two loves thanks to their mega-loaded new sushi tacos.
Hitting the menu for a limited time only, the huge handfuls come in six finger-licking flavours; crispy chicken karaage, salmon, panko prawns, teriyaki chicken, vegetarian and beef tataki, with fillings wrapped in house-made crispy nori and rice paper taco-like shells. They sound like the ideal lunch to us, but you can also get them for dinner at Harajuku's Broadbeach location.
Burleigh Pavilion Could Be Set To Open A New Wellness Space And Oceanfront Restaurant
Image Credit: Burleigh Pavilion | Supplied
The groundswell around the potential redevelopment of Burleigh Pavilion's lower level has certainly been loud—if not deafening—and we finally have an insight into one of the Gold Coast’s most highly-anticipated developments.
The proposed development application aims to create a health and wellness space on the lower ground level, adjacent to Rick Shores. While details are still under wraps, the wellness space could house pools, a sauna, steam room, and a yoga and pilates studio. If that wasn’t enough already, there are plans for a new restaurant with an outdoor balcony overlooking the ocean. The proposed restaurant would be open seven days a week, from 6am to midnight, so we’re already planning many a night here. More details coming soon.
Tarte Beach House Has Opened A New Function Space Serving Miniature High Tea
Image Credit: Pandanus Lane | Supplied
We thought Tarte Beach House couldn't get any better, but oh how wrong we were. The two-storey coastal Hampstons-esque bakery and restaurant has just opened a private upstairs functions and events space and it's seriously gorgeous. 'The Hideout' is available privately for groups of 12 to 36, boasting panoramic views of the sprawling Moreton Bay Fig and Currumbin Creek, and boasts three different catering options, perfect ffor any special occasion.
The Hideout Brunch consists of a 'brunch board' loaded to the max with pastries, a main breakfast dish, a yogurt pot and beverages of choice (yes, coffee) for just $55 per person. The Hideout Lunch is a divine share-style luncheon with share plates of Tarte's most popular dishes and a few lunch-only specials, plus cocktails, wine or beer. At just $85 per person, this is a seriously savvy lunch deal.
Now, our favourite. The Hideout High Tea stars all of your favourite Tarte goodies—we're talking bagels, cruellers, tartlets, biscuits, crumpets and more—but in miniature form. It's the perfect way to celebrate a hen's party, baby shower, birthday party...any occasion really, and for just $75 per person with a cocktail, wine or beer, you can't say no.
A Japanese Cherry Blossom Garden Is Popping Up At Yamagen
Image Credit: Yamagen | Supplied
Escape to a cherry blossom wonderland in Yamagen’s revitalised Secret Cherry Blossom Garden, in full bloom this November at QT Gold Coast. Poised poolside, Yamagen’s terrace will transform into a radiant retreat under a canopy of cherry blossoms and Japanese-inspired décor—with Roku Gin cocktails on offer too, of course.
Sip cocktails under the vibrant cherry blossoms and indulge in the distinctive izakaya menu, starring delights such as house made Wagyu gyoza and popcorn prawns with spicy yuzu dressing. Launching on Tuesday 28 November, The Secret Garden will be spreading Insta-worthy goodness until the end of summer.
Experience A Refreshed Fine Dining Experience At La Bella Cellar
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Image Credit: La Bella Cellar | Instagram
Coming in fresh and reimagined, La Bella Cellar in Burleigh Heads has just re-opened its doors after a brief hiatus and ready to impress with their new fine dining experience. With new management, a new team and a new exciting menu, the sexily revamped speakeasy needs to be added to your hit list.
Their fine dining menu has a focus on modern Australian and Italian flavours, starring dishes like caviar bumps, beef short rib with burnt butter gnocchi and wild mushrooms and, delving into dessert, their apple tarte tatin with vanilla bourbon ice cream and poached fig is simply sublime. Elevating your fine dining experience, La Bella Cellar offers a refreshed range of cocktails, spirits, wines and beers that perfectly pair with their new and exciting menu.
The Langham Is Launching Beachfront Lunching At Akoya
The Gold Coast’s iconic beachfront dining destination, Akoya has just launched its highly anticipated ‘Long Lunch’ experience, combining panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with the finest coastal cuisine, available from Sunday 1 October.
Save Your Coin With PBA's $60 Three-Course Dinner Special
If you're anything like us, you want to treat yourself to a dinner out without breaking the bank. Luckily for us, Palm Beach Avenue boasts a cheekily cheap $60 three-course dinner deal that is sure to impress and certainly won't leave you struggling before payday.
The menu is as remarkable as all of chef Daniel Ridgeway's creations are—starring fresh seafood and premium cuts, you'll find yourself chowing down on plates like tortellini with prawn and bug, pan-seared scallops with chorizo crumb and wagyu rump with porcini and truffle risotto.
Two Yolks Have Dropped A Finger-Licking New Truffle Menu
Legendary Burleigh burger slingers, Two Yolks have just dropped some finger-lickingly delicious truffle dishes that you need to chomp into. They've got their hands quality, real truffles and we promise you can taste the difference in their jam-packed burgs.
The Double Truffle burger is packed to the max with double smashed patties, American cheese, rocket, pickled red onion, real truffle cheese saunce and truffle aioli. Pair this bad boy with Two Yolks' truffle cheesy fries with real truffle cheese sauce, Parmesan, chives and truffle aioli and you've got yourself a winner. The talented crew has plenty more in the works—stay up to date here.
Chow Down On $17 Curry Nights At This Broady Speakeasy
There's nothing quite like a good dinner deal to get rid of the Sunday Scaries—and our friends at Happy Endings have got you covered. Wander upstairs to this sexy Broadbeach speakeasy on any Sunday from 5pm and you'll be spoiled with a seriously loaded Japanese curry for just $17 (plus vegetarian options for our veggie friends). And if you're pulling a big one, they've got a cheeky Happy Hour from 10pm.
Bazaar Is Launching A Soul-Inspired Sunday Brunch With Flowing Champers
QT Gold Coast’s Bazaar Marketplace is dishing up a new spin on the usual Sunday brunch with Soul Sundays, launching Sunday 30 July. In partnership with G.H Mumm, Bazaar is rolling out the red carpet for picture-perfect moments and Champagne creations. Live soul music will serenade you and your pals as Bazaar's dedicated Director of Champagne ensures no bottle goes unpopped.
Every Sunday, the marketplace will be teaming with slow cooked meats and international delights fit for frivolity. The gorgeous Champagne station will boast a range of ready to pour juices to sweeten your sip for mimosa connoisseurs, while the Director of Champagne checks that no glass goes un-topped. Sounds like a pretty good job to us. Did we mention this boozy buffet is just $79 per adult or $65 if you're a Gold Coast local? Get all the details here.
El Ranchero Launches Tequila Tapas Boards For Just $50
World Tapas Day is Thursday June 15 and El Ranchero is celebrating in style, launching their new Tequila Tapas Boards. Sip your way through six tapas-sized margaritas of your choice and Spanish marinated stuffed olives for just $50, while kicking back and enjoying the sunshine on El Ranchero's sun-filled deck.
If that wasn't good enough already, El Ranchero is also launching new winter additions to their Hacienda-inspired drinks menu, such as the Rumchata Cinnamon Cocktail—a nut milk cocktail infused with vanilla, cinnamon and your choice of spiced or coconut rum.
Hard Rock Cafe Gets A $6.5 Million Rebirth As A Sports Brewpub
The sound of hearts shattering was palpable when the news broke that Hard Rock Cafe was closing last year, but fear not. A $6.5 million rebirth of the iconic Surfers Paradise venue will welcome a micro-brewery, the Gold Coast's largest island bar and bar space for 900 patrons. The Sporting Globe and award-winning brewery, 4 Pines, have partnered to convert one of Surfers' most-loved spaces into a sprawling sports bar-meets-brewpub.
With 80 taps of top-grade beer, including some special QLD-inspired 4 Pines limited-release brews, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines Brewpub is set to become the new home for beer and sport lovers on the Gold Coast. You certainly won't miss any of the sports action with 70 high-definition TV screens, a nine-screen video wall and signature booth with touch screen TVs. With 19 venues across Australia, The Sporting Globe certainly knows what works and The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines Brewpub is set to open by summer 2024.
Luxury Hotel St. Regis Is Opening Its First Australian Property On The Gold Coast In 2027
Marriott International is bringing the ultra-luxe St. Regis brand to Australia, with the $1.7 billion La Pelago project set to open on the Gold Coast in 2027. St. Regis is Marriott International’s leading luxury hotel brand with over 56 hotels and resorts globally, and will bring the brand’s timeless glamour, rich heritage, bespoke butler service to Australia for the first time.
The hotel is set to be part of the first tower in the La Pelago project—a premier lifestyle resort and destination within the prestigious Budds Beach precinct. La Pelago will feature 12,000 square meters of exceptional lifestyle amenities including luxury residential residences, The St. Regis Gold Coast Resort, and over 5,500 square meters of international hospitality and retail, encompassed in a lush and private landscaped setting. The new-build resort anticipates to feature approximately 185 guest rooms and suites that offer sweeping ocean and hinterland views.
Paloma Has Won Australia's 'Wine Bar Of The Year' Award
Australia’s leading luxury food title, Gourmet Traveller, has unveiled the winners of the Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Awards and *drumroll* Paloma Wine Bar in Burleigh has taken out top spot as 'Wine Bar of the Year'. Crowned Australia's best wine bar, Paloma was also the only Queensland venue to be nominated for the award.
Since opening in November 2021, Paloma has made waves in the Gold Coast dining scene with its impressive minimal-intervention wine list, European-inspired seasonal menu and refined yet laidback vibes. We'll drink to that.
Justin Lane Has Opened A Hot Italian Sandwich Pop-Up
Everyone loves a good sanga, but something magical happens when you fill that bad boy with drool-worthy fillings and toast that bread to golden, crisp perfection. Toasted sandwiches just hit different. And don't the smart folk at Justin Lane know it. Their latest delicious venture is a new Justin Lane sandwich pop-up at their takeaway shop, where you can devour incredible toasted Italian sandwiches for just $16.
Available between 12pm and 4pm on Wednesday to Sunday, the flavour-packed combos include meatball, ham and salami, vegan meatball and crispy eggplant. Trust us when we say these are like no toasted sandwiches you've eaten before. You can also add chips and a can on for just $5, which is obviously the smart choice.
Farm & Co Has Opened A Paddock-To-Plate Restaurant 
A world-class paddock-to-plate restaurant with an ethos of local and sustainable eating has just opened in the Tweed Valley. The recently revamped restaurant at Farm & Co—a 52-acre organic working farm in the heart of Cudgen—offers a vibrant, share-style dining experience, with a contemporary menu showcasing fresh farm produce, seasonal ingredients and sustainable wines.
Spearheaded by hospitality heavyweights Mark Wilson and Rachel Duffy, the Farm & Co restaurant will highlight the abundance of incredible farm produce, with delights like wood-fired lamb shoulder, whole smoked pumpkins, house-made terrines and macadamia nut butter starring on the menu. The Farm & Co restaurant will open on Friday 2 September and will open for lunch service every Friday to Sunday. The venue will also be launching Farm & Co Weddings, set to become a premium destination for weddings in the Tweed region.
Image Credit: Taverna, Little Truffle, Paloma, Justin Lane, El Camino Cantina, Farm & Co, JW Marriott & Brooke Darling Photography