If your idea of winter involves eating your way through the season in five-star comfort, then do we have a hot tip for you (pun very much intended)! From seafood spreads, Thai food by the fire and Japanese delicacies, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is dishing up all the cosy vibes for those of us that want to see winter out in a food coma.

This season, as part of Citrique’s Chef Spotlight Series, JW Marriott welcomes Thai culinary talent Chef Aony Poolpipat to the Gold Coast. Straight from The Siam Room at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, he’s bringing his bold, aromatic Thai flavours and recipes, many passed down from his grandmother, for an authentic Thai experience that will warm hearts (and bellies).

During the week, the à la carte menu features signature dishes like Pad Thai Goong, Red Snapper Curry, and Lamb Shank Massaman. It’s like a trip to the streets of Bangkok, minus the jet lag.

On weekends, things spice up even further with a Thai-infused buffet featuring Tom Yum Goong, Khao Soi Curry, Mango Sticky Rice and more.

Now let’s dive a little deeper into the buffet, shall we? Citrique has rolled out a $99 Seafood & Grill special that’s basically a warm hug for your tastebuds. We’re talking Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, and a meat carvery with all the trimmings, plus Chef Aony Poolpipat’s Thai dishes and a dessert station you’ll need a separate stomach for.

Join the feast Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm, or Sunday lunch from 12pm, with flowing mimosas and live entertainment adding a little extra sparkle to your Sunday session.

Over at Chapter & Verse bar and lounge, winter’s feeling extra fancy with Chef Aony Poolpipat putting his special touches on the Chapter & Verse menu. Until July 31, you and your crew can tuck into Lemongrass Chicken Skewers, Moo Ping BBQ Pork Skewers, Prawn Cakes and Vegetable Spring Rolls.

On Saturdays, things get smoky in the best way. The Chapter & Verse Flaming Flavours BBQ is back, firing up juicy grilled goodness out on the terrace. Pair that with live entertainment and you’ve got yourself the ultimate winter weekend session that’s worth coming out of hibernation for.

If it’s dinner and a show you’re after, head up to Misono on level three, where Japanese tradition meets Gold Coast flair across three distinct spaces – teppan dining, a live sushi bar and a whisky bar with hinterland views. Expect flying rice, sizzling theatrics and precision knife work.

Get ready for a sizzling show where the knives flash, the flames dance, and now, your entrée is on the house!

From Tuesday to Thursday evenings from 5:30pm, you’ll score a complimentary entrée when dining from the teppanyaki banquet menu when you enter the codeword ‘MISONO’ when making your booking.

Choose from Torched Salmon Nigiri, Chicken & Avocado or Salmon & Avocado Sushi Rolls, Chicken Karaage or Edamame. Yes please.

Heads up: Offer not available with any other promotion.

Warning: a food coma after your meal is highly likely, and if you’re anything like us (we know you are!), you’ll want to find a doona to tuck under stat. Extend your evening and stay the night in luxury at the JW Marriott Gold Coast. Drift into sweet dreams on plush bedding and 5-star luxury, waking up refreshed and ready for the day (and the breakfast buffet).

To find out more about JW Marriott’s dining delights and to book a table, click here.

Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Various activations until 31^st July

Words by Lisette Drew

STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA

Everyone loves a bit of oceany goodness on their plates, do they not? Well, at least we know you do, or we’re afraid you may have clicked on the wrong article! 

If you ARE in the market for a seafood extravaganza, here are 11 exceptional Gold Coast venues to hit up ASAP.

George’s Paragon
Those who know seafood know George’s Paragon is where it’s at when it comes to seafood on the Gold Coast. Their huge seafood platters are legendary for a reason with fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed oysters, barbequed bugs and prawns three ways – barbequed, battered and smothered in garlic. Yum! The extensive Greek-inspired menu is perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s perfectly positioned location overlooking the marina at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 46 The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island

The Lazy Lobster
If you’re seeking a seafood platter that doubles as an eating competition, look no further than The Lazy Lobster. Not only do they have four epic (and we mean epic) seafood platters to choose from, but also whole and half mornay or thermidor lobster, oysters served four ways, and an extensive entree and main menu. They also go from surf to turf with a selection of succulent grass-fed Angus steaks.
Where: Shop 2/300 Marine Parade, Labrador

Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
A stunning space overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Omeros Bros have been serving up the highest quality seafood for as long we can remember. If you’re a fan of all the ocean eats, grab yourself a platter and let the good times (and full bellies) roll. Next-level indeed.
Where: Shop 55/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Glass Dining Lounge
For lovers of elegant dining and waterfront views, Glass Dining Lounge is an award-winning restaurant that has it all, with truly delectable seafood. Glass does everything with absolute finesse, from kingfish tartare and Moreton Bay bugs to prawn risotto to seafood linguine. Enjoy it all with luxury yachts in the marina as your view.
Where: 27/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Holy Ship
Let’s not do things in halves; why not hop aboard a real-life fishing trawler (cleaned and manicured) for your next seafood dining experience? Don’t be scared, think of a gorgeous little restaurant on the water. Tuck into fresh prawns, oysters and charcuterie board feast, and wash it down with a fine glass of Moet. Come between 3-5pm daily for Holy Hour (we agree) and half prices oysters!
Where: Berth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).

Shuck Restaurant
If all things opulence are on your scene, make Shuck your next reservation. Shuck is another fine dining gem that’s a must for all with a deep appreciation for seafood. Let the caviar-tasting plate set the tone for what is to come. Live music, lush settings and sumptuous seafood dishes await!
Where: 20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 

Galaxy
It’s the busiest seafood restaurant in Southport for a reason. Thankfully, it’s also the largest. The menu doesn’t take a laser focus on just seafood (but executes what they do, to perfection), which makes it perfect for the whole family with plenty of food options. Another point for Galaxy is that whilst they never compromise on taste and quality, their price point is a little nicer for our wallets!
Where: 6/50 Marine Parade, Southport

Seascape Restaurant + Bar
It’s time to pop on those fancy pants and get up to Seascape Restaurant + Bar. Perched above the Surfers Paradise oceanfront, you’ll experience some of the most incredible seafood of your life- it’s locally sourced and downright mouth-watering. The whole lot of it! You’ll also experience some of the most incredible views of your life with wall-to-ceiling glass windows that also open for that gorgeous ocean air.
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Soul, Surfers Paradise

Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar
If absolute world-class dining and seafood is what you want, then consider it done at Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around exquisite seafood, with salt-kissed caviar bumps and tempura Moreton Bay bugs on milk buns to show for it. The grandiose continues with architecturally sculpted ceilings and a world-class wine list. Need we say more?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach 

Eska
If your idea of the perfect afternoon is a glass of champagne and sashimi, then say hello to Eska! They’re a sashimi and oyster bar located in Nobby’s at The Oxley where relaxed indulgence is the vibe. The entire scene just begs to be snapped and storied on Instagram. 

Treat yourself to cocktails and caviar or something with a little higher sustenance like a plate of impeccable nigiri or some cute AF finger sandwiches.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Pipi’s
When this spectacular venue opened it immediately had us in its clutches. Pipi’s Restaurant is one of Coolangatta’s latest additions and is a Mediterranean dining darling. The absolute oceanfront position is one thing, the decor is another, but the faultless array of elevated seafood dishes had us speechless. Did we mention they have a dedicated oyster bar?
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta

Takeaway
Got a hankering for some good old fish and chips, to be enjoyed at home or on the beach? Hit up our list of killer Gold Coast fish + chip shops.

Buffets
Want a supersized helping of seafood? Buffets, baby! Hit up our list of the Gold Coast’s best buffets.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

First and foremost: our sin-sear-est apologies in advance to our plant-based brethren, with this roundup including exactly zero cauli steaks.

For the meat eaters among us, if it’s sear-riously good steak you seek, you are definitely in the right place. There are not many dishes that compare to the satisfaction of a succulent steak cooked to perfection, though there is often a lot more to the art of this dish than meats the eye.

When the urge for a next level steak won’t quit, sometimes you just have to leave it in the hands of the pros. Sit back and grillax, we’ve got those carnivorous cravings covered. Here are 10 of the GC’s most lit steak restaurants worth getting fired up over.

Lars Bar & Grill

Lars Bar & Grill burst onto the Nobby Beach scene last year, firing up the grill and bringing a perfect blend of woodfired magic and laid-back luxury to The Oxley 1823. Led by Lars Kollrepp – son of local legend Marty Kollrepp – this hotspot serves up a fine dining feast with a coastal twist. And when it comes to steak, they are a cut above. With over ten cuts on the menu (yep, you read that right!), from melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet to a beastly T-bone, they’re seriously raising the steaks. Whether you’re soaking up the vibes indoors, kicking back alfresco, or feeling extra fancy in the private dining room, Lars has everything you need for a sizzling night out.
Where:  2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mike’s Kitchen

Craving a homemade feast but don’t feel like firing up the stove? Mike’s Kitchen has you covered. Housed in a charming Tudor-style building, this spot is serving up old-school steakhouse vibes with a fresh twist. The legendary ribs – slow-cooked to perfection, then flame-kissed for that smoky, finger-licking goodness – have a fan club of their own. Now let’s talk about the steak. These premium aged cuts are matured for peak flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, setting the bar high for serious carnivores. Got little foodies in tow? No worries – there’s a dedicated kids’ menu to keep the whole family happy. So loosen that belt, grab a seat, and get ready to dig in!
Where: 2 Gooding Drive, Merrimac

Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen

For a steak night with a side of glamour, make your way to Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen, perched on the first floor of the jaw-dropping 76-storey Ocean by Meriton in Surfers Paradise. This coastal hotspot serves up a high-steaks dining experience that’s worth every bite. Spread across multiple dining areas, it’s got room for you, your crew and all the indulgence your heart desires. Every cut is kissed by fire in a Josper charcoal oven, infused with the rich, smoky magic of native red gum wood. Sharing is encouraged (but no judgment if you’re steaking your claim on the last bite). For pure carnivorous bliss, sink your teeth into the Tajima wagyu rump or WX wagyu rump cap – so tender and juicy, you’ll be back before your cravings have time to cool.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Glenelg Public House

Mermaid’s moody gastro-pub has garnered itself a solid rep indeed for punching out sear-riously good steaks over the years. These guys take their meat even more seriously than that one mate bordering on a situationship with their smoker, with a full breakdown of cut / weight / breed / producer / paddock / region / feed to agonise over. There are no less than nine top-quality cuts on offer from all over Aus (and that’s not including the stacked selection of share-style dishes) – making this a must-try destination for even the most discerning steak critics (*cough* looking at you, aforementioned mate with smoker).
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

kōst Bar & Grill

Oh yes, Broadbeach’s standout gem is so much more than a (breathtakingly) pretty face, elegantly gliding on in last year and securing a rightful place on this list. This euro-chic vibing contemporary bar & grill boasts one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, meaning anything not already nailed down is treated to that signature flame kissed treatment. There’s an assortment of steak cuts to acquaint yourself with, including a signature Dry Age Steak if you’re feeling a little lot extra.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

Cavill’s Steakhouse

For born and bred locals, the former Labrador icon (affectionately known simply as Cav’s in our youths) summons a whole lot of nostalgia, and thankfully it still stands up to the hype and fond mems all these years on. In fact, this is one GC institution that has aged like fine wine (they’ve got those too), with a rooftop vibing re-location and grown up new look to match that signature Cav’s experience we’ve known for ~40 years now. They’ve got this steak business down to a fine art, with a sister butchery, an extensive selection of cuts and that traditional steak experience with all the classic trimmings – bc sometimes you just need a decadent, garlic prawn laden steak in your life.
Where: 6 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay

Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill

Another GC mainstay, Moo Moo’s has been serving up all the mouth-watering meat action (and resulting meat sweats) to Broadbeach and beyond going on 20 years now, and they’ve got the receipts – aka slew of awards to prove it. Specialty steaks are kind of their thing (as are fine wines), with ten mouth-watering options to choose from – though if you and a willing participant have brought your appetite, take on the infamous Spice Rubbed 1kg Wagyu Rump Cap Roast. Carved at the table served with Wagyu Fat Fried New Season Potatoes (and some green stuff for good measure).
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Nineteen at The Star

A spot well known for dishing up the finer things, with a little help from some epic views of the GC skyline, The Darling’s crowning jewel Nineteen at The Star is the kinda place that has it all. Naturally, there’s an equally impressive selection of swanky steaks, which are almost exclusively sourced locally on the Darling Downs (with exception to the Cape Grim Grass Fed Rib Eye, which, we can definitely manage to let slide, quite frankly). If it’s truly time to treat yourself, these guys boast one of the largest selections of sumptuous 9+ MBS (aka ‘excellent’ grade) steaks on the Coast – the only thing higher is that stunner of an outlook, tbh.
Where: 1, Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Reds Kitchen & Bar

Tucking into a Rib Eye of the Fillet surrounded by a cool couple of milli worth of yachts and marina views for days? #thatslivin. A fine dining style steakhouse, though the more upscale take will come as a surprise to absolutely no one given it’s situated within the swanky Sanctuary Cove dining precinct #ohshefancyhuh. This carnivore oasis has got your steak needs covered from A-Z, (or technically W) with a hefty offering including everything from Angus through to Waygu. Got a ravenous crowd of beef buffs on your hands? Tackle one of the mammoth 1-2kg  Black Angus T-Bone steaks  for your feasting pleasure.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 46E/4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Hurricane’s Grill & Bar

If it’s stellar steak you’re after, this cosy Surfers Paradise spot is certainly serving it up (along with some mighty fine beach views). Hurricane’s definitely lives up to the ‘Grill and Bar’ title, with a grilliant array of meaty morsels to choose from. On offer is everything from petite Sirloin cuts through to some very boujee beef options indeed – with the pièce de résistance, a MS7+ Tajima Wagyu Beef Sirloin sure to impress even the staunchest of steak snobs.
Where: 1/4-14 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Words by Lisette Drew