The Collective

The Verdict

When The Collective’s doors first opened late 2016, the Gold Coast dining scene was changed forever. A collaboration of hospo experts and owner operator chefs, The Collective is a truly unique market style concept and an epic lifestyle destination worth hunting down. With five kitchens serving up American, Italian, Mexican, Asian and contemporary Australian, there’s ample choice and even the fussiest diner in your group is certain to find something they like. Grab some takeaway or book a table (bookings essential on weekends) and just be prepared for a nominal per head surcharge for table service.  

Love cocktails? Of course you do! The Collective's fanciful new selection includes the Au Lait Martini (espresso martini served in a waffle cone) and boozy tea cups aka Portuguese Breakfast with gin, Cointreau and homemade marmalade. Yes, please! 

With capacity for up to 300 diners, this sprawling foodie hub is bathed in natural light with a breezy indoor outdoorsy vibe, cosy bench seating on the fringes that catches the last of the afternoon rays, greenery, a pink frangipani tree, umbrellas, festoon and fairy lighting for after dark, and an impressive series of retractable roofs for when the weather is too hot or too wet. And if this all doesn’t sound ridic enough, The Collective boasts a huge rooftop bar for sunset drinks and weekend hangs, the posi boasting unobstructed views west to the hinterland. Helloooo, cocktails and perfect golden hour selfie lighting.

Image credit: Hayley Williamson for The Urban List