Gold Coast restaurants are running out of ways to be subversive. When every second venue is an izakaya meets dessert bar meets speakeasy hybrid, it’s more non-conformist to do something classic. And by classic, we mean a fine dining waterfront Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.
It’s taken a while but the Gennari Group—the legends behind Gold Coast institutions including Glass Dining, Koi, The Loose Moose, Maggie Choo and the Roosevelt Lounge—have unveiled the latest jewel in their very delicious crown. The name is La Luna Restaurant, and make a mental note of this one, because if you haven’t heard about it already, you'll soon be hearing about it everywhere.
The La Luna experience starts well before you pull up a chair—a balmy ocean breeze flows over you, while your eyes are instinctively drawn to the luxurious superyachts parked mere metres away, as the setting sun frames this obnoxiously gorgeous image. Venture inside and you’re greeted with a contemporary, stylish interior that oozes classic Mediterranean vibes meets coastal chic. The space mixes fine dining class with just a dash of Gold Coast flair; think an expansive wraparound bar and clusters of dark green foliage paying homage to La Luna’s Mediterranean roots, while the neutral palette lets the panoramic views of the Broadwater take centre stage.
Once you’ve lusted over the Insta-worthy goodness (it might take a while), draw your attention to the sophisticated menu which puts a modern twist on Mediterranean flavours and in a nod to today’s demand for locally sourced produce, features only the freshest premium local produce and freshly caught seafood. Translation. Very fancy.
It would be a grave mistake not to start with the woodfired bread served with an array of dips, olives, marinated peppers, wagyu bresaola and pates. Warm your palate with a selection of small bites from La Luna’s extensive cold bar—the salmon sashimi with ginger marmalade and lemon is simply divine and the fresh fig salad with buffalo feta and rainforest honey can only be described as bites of heaven on a plate.
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Back it up with the signature confit duck leg with charred pear puree, caramelised onion and orange gel or dive into the souvlaki crispy chicken with caramelised onion, tomato jam, tzatziki and lemon. If that wasn’t enough for you (no judgement here) there’s an authentic pizza and pasta menu touting delights like seafood linguine, packed with freshly caught local seafood, and homemade gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, spinach and pickled apple.
You don’t need an excuse to dive into the extensive drinks list that takes you from pre-dinner cocktails through to exotic wines and dessert spirits. Browse the tempting selection of signature cocktails and prepare to fall in love with the East 8 Hold Up, which muddles Oginski vodka, Aperol, passion fruit liqueur, lime and pineapple juice or draw inspiration from the Santorini vibes and order the Paprika Spiced Pineapple Margarita. It’s—almost—too pretty to drink.
La Luna is the perfect marriage of sophistication and playfulness; if Mykonos, St Tropez and Tulum had a lovechild, La Luna would be it. The restaurant’s sister venue, La Luna Beach Club, an 840 square metre floating beach club decked out with a pool, restaurant, private cabanas, day beds, runway and poolside dining, is set to open in April. Stay tuned for an inside look.
THE DETAILS
What: La Luna Restaurant
Where: Marina Mirage, Main Beach
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to late
For more information, click here.
If this has you feeling all the romantic vibes, whisk your other half away on a loved-up getaway at one of the most romantic stays on and around the Gold Coast.
Image Credit: La Luna