So 'rice' to meet you KL Dining!
So 'rice' to meet you KL Dining!
If there’s one cuisine that makes us weak at the knees, it’s Asian. But not just any Asian will do, we’re talking Malaysian so you can imagine our glee when we heard rumblings of a new Malaysian / Chinese restaurant in the works. Setting up shop in the high traffic flow Mermaid Waters Shopping Village, we welcome KL Dining to our Gold Coast eats scene and although we love our man folk, #TheOnlyMenWeWantAreRamen.
Unlike other Malaysian fare on the Coast, KL Dining specialises in truly unique dishes AND pre-order specialties which you won’t find anywhere else on the GC. Like Rob the Dentist, there’s an air of mystery because these pre-ordered dishes aren’t featured on the standard menu. Nothing makes us want something more than knowing it’s so extra, it has to be pre-ordered and well played KL Dining, well played.
Owners Michael and Donna Chan are no strangers to the restaurant biz, previously running two successful Gold Coast nosheries over three decades. Michael is also the Head Chef and this man knows his chow, cheffing since the tender age of 18. A born and bred Malaysian Chinese, he moved to Oz back in 1983 and no, we are not giving him back (Australia: 1, Malaysia: 0). Working for many of the renowned restaurant groups in Singapore and Malaysia before relocating, Michael has valuable experience in all facets of the industry. A true food Picasso, he has always enjoyed the art of creating with new, traditional and super special ingredients and Sir, your skillz in the kitchen are second to none.
The modern yet authentic restaurant space was designed by Arran Woollams at Space Cube Designs, with Altran Constructions managing the build. Offering guests their choice of indoor or covered alfresco dining, it accommodates up to 150 people. In addition to high visibility from the always busy Markeri Street, Michael and Donna chose the location because they love the suburb, its people, and its laid back yet buzzy vibe #CanRelate.
Signature dishes include Garlic Roast Chicken, Duck Salad Platter, Diced Eye Fillet and Curry Chicken Bread and we wish someone looked at us the way we look at anything involving bread. In true Michael style, your meals won’t just be expertly prepared and cooked, but presented like a work of art.
So for a Malaysian Chinese eats experience packing laska love, taste, and true craftsmanship, wok on in to KL Dining.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: 5.30pm – 9.30pm Monday to Sunday (lunch coming soon)
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Nahm Talay Thai opens at the Paradise Centre
Do you like your Thai served with a side of oceanside luxury? And your dishes presented with high-end WOW-worthy details, feeding your eyes and stomach with spectacular flare and flavour? We’re even talking liquid nitrogen in some dishes, as well as bubble smoke on cocktails and no, this is not an immunity challenge on Masterchef, but what you can expect at Nahm Talay Thai in Surfers Paradise, opening Friday 9th September.
Situated in the newly renovated Paradise Centre, Nahm Talay Thai is the latest offering from Pattaree (Pat) Jiranuchaiwattana and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet. This duo know a thing or two about executing traditional Thai and Asian dishes in style, with a five-restaurant strong portfolio in Queensland, including Chong Co Thai at Pacific Fair. Add talented chefs Metira (May) Wongtom and Nitis (Kai) Shombunsode into the mix, as well as a stunning DBI Design interior, the final product is a total vibe.
Offering indoor/outdoor dining, a beachfront balcony (perfect for events may we add), plus booth and couch seating, the venue accommodates 120 guests. Picture luxurious accents blended with a high quality, modern beach aesthetic to complement the multi-million-dollar views. Cool grey hues and whites are warmed up with a sandy colour palette creating an oasis-like feel. There are contrasting textures throughout, a unique roof design, beautifully designed bar, and eye-catching golden metallic wave artwork.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner until midnight EVERYDAY, let’s start with the AM timeslot and oooh, the Soft Shell Crab Egg Lava definitely caught our eye. Featuring a croissant with salmon caviar, tobiko sauce, vine cherry tomato, and parmesan, LBR – we were born to eat caviar for breakfast. There is also a wide range of other brekky crowd favourites, but with an exciting Nahm Talay Thai twist. Pair your meal with a darn good coffee or refreshing (and super pretty) cold pressed juice and yep, you’ve started the day right.
If you’re more of a lunch or dinner person, the menu is once again off-the-Richter good. Order a serve of Crispy Pork Bao to start, with steamed bao, crispy pork belly, cucumber, coriander, spring onion, long red chilli, peanut and sesame oil. Then, it’s signature dish-o-clock and besides happy hour, this is our favourite time of the day.
Tuck into the Lamb Shank Massaman Curry with slow cooked lamb shank, mild curry, potato and cashew nuts, or the Barramundi Fillet steamed with lime sauce. Or, if you’d rather make friends with salad, you can’t beat the mouth-watering flavours of the Wagyu Salad. We’re talking Wagyu MBD 9+, Thai herbs, tomato, cucumber, rice power, chilli powder, house dressing and pear.
And for dessert, may we recommend the Cream Brulée, with egg, cream, pandan, sugar, coconut, vanilla ice cream and chocolate crumble. Drool.
Now let’s get down to business – cocktails of course. Pat and Alex certainly don’t do anything by halves and their jaw-dropping drinks menu is a testament to this.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a Bubble Smoke Lychee Martini and you had us at bubble smoke. With vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice and lychee syrup and bubble smoke top, the yum-factor is only rivalled by the presentation.
Laying off the harder stuff because you’re in detox mode? Same (not really) and good news, the Mocktails are as delish and insta-worthy as their boozy cousins. We’re ordering the Mint Lychee Frappe with lychee, lychee syrup and mint.
Also, a quick shout out to the Jellyfish Shots because these things are quite possibly the coolest thing we’ve seen, and yes we’re back to alcohol #oldhabitsdiehard.
This brings us to the pointy end and the hardest decision yet. Should you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner (no more complaints about not being able to find a restaurant for a late-night feed, finally a venue open till midnight!) and our advice is a unanimous “all of the above”.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 9th September, open 7am – midnight, Monday – Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY NAHM TALAY THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR
And why you will too!
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
She’s one of the Gold Coast’s finest, boasting 4.8 stars on Google and a 2025 AGFG Award to add to an already impressive list of accolades. The food is every bit as refined as the name suggests, crafted by genius minds. A reservation here means settling in for modern Australian dining at its best, served in an intimate, quietly sophisticated room. Fine food lovers, rejoice!
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is an appreciated presence in the GC and Mermaid distillery scene- a carnival of cocktails. It’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room is one of our favourite spots, not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast, for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential; open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Welcome to the Gold Coast’s official brunch destination. There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes, and Little Mermaid has done precisely that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends, this is the place to be. Open for breakfast and lunch the vibe is always pumping, so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out. You know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following as this gorgeous warehouse. It’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy, drawing plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens, but if that’s not your jam, just become a plant parent!
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse has it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis of recovery and tranquillity right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave. Pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest-standing taco joints on the Coast, it’s a favourite amongst the locals, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, should that be your thing. To answer your question, yes, they do have Taco Tuesdays, complete with $6 tacos and $20 jugs of sangria! Right next door is Bon Bon Bar, so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well, the Mezcal Margarita, of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Marked by yellow striped umbrellas, splashes of colour and plenty of smiling faces, Sunnyboy is the sibling of Broady’s Elk Espresso- a Gold Coast institution since 2011. From 7am daily, you can tuck into breaky, brunch and lunch classics that are seriously elevated. Like, too good to eat (but wayyy too good not to), Insta-worthy dishes that will blow your mind and taste buds. Then, for those weekends (or weekdays- no judgement here) that cause breaky with a side of bubbles, there’s Bottomless Boozy Brunches. Just take one look at their Insta, and you will be messaging the group chat to lock in a date.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
First, we were blessed with Rafiki By The Sea- a long-standing neighbourhood favourite serving flavoursome food, stellar coffee and unmatchable vibes. Then came Rafiki By The Park, thanks to the screaming success of the seaside original. That’s right, Gold Coasters… we’ve been blessed with two Rafikis, and honestly, we deserve it.
Both venues serve slurp-worthy smoothies, icy matcha, cheeky (and famous) toasties, house-made yoghurt cups piled with seasonal fruit and crunchy granola, and their cult-status African Avo Toast. Add in strong coffee, super-friendly staff, and a rotating roaster of smiling doggos, and you’ve got two of Mermaid’s most beloved local hangouts.
Where: By The Sea, 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach. By The Park, 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Bam Bam has long held elite bakery status in Mermaid Beach (and the rest of Australia), and once you’ve had one of their pastries, you get it. The place smells ridiculous, in a butter-meets-sugar way, and the pastry cabinet makes you lose all inhibition with zero regrets. There are loaded muffins, crispy cruffins, savoury and sweet croissants, melted-in-the-middle cookies, and so much more! They also cover scrambled eggs, sandwiches, acai bowls- even poke bowls and nasi goreng! They do it all, and they do so damn well! Needless to say, it’s a staple for locals, a weekend ritual for many, and a must-visit for anyone serious about baked goods.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Raspberry Room isn’t just a place to get a fine-line tattoo; it’s a speakeasy-meets-hotel-lobby-inspired haven. The waiting room channels New York lobby vibes, and the studio blends the founders’ favourite bars and hotels, all wrapped up in a colour palette straight outta Wes Anderson’s classic, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’. It’s the perfect place to pop your tattoo cherry, or collect more!
Where: 2/2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Etsu is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight spots- seriously, you’d walk straight past if you didn’t know what you were looking for, but that’s half the fun! Inside, it’s moody, intimate and buzzing in that way only great Japanese venues seem to pull off. The food is consistently excellent, from the sashimi to the small plates to the more playful specials. The drinks list is stacked with good sake and Japanese whisky, and the staff know their stuff without being over-the-top about it. It’s a favourite for celebrations, date nights or any time you want dinner to feel like an occasion without being overly fancy. Don’t go past the aburi salmon maki roll with avocado, seared salmon, spicy mayo, teriyaki and red tobiko.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Ritual is the calm in the chaos – the place locals escape to when they need to breathe, stretch or just reset after a big week. The studio is warm and welcoming, with pilates that burn and yoga that soothes. There’s a real community feel here which is always a standout feature. Whether you’re into slow, grounding sessions or you want something a bit stronger, the timetable covers it. They also have locations in Palm Beach and Robina!
Where: 2431 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Chevron Renaissance is home to your foodie dreams
We all have our favourite suburbs around the Coast. You know, the local where you go for coffee and hangs, the strip where you head for Friday knock offs, or the spot where you know you’ll get some great food and avoid the crowds. In saying this, though, where do you place Surfers Paradise in this mix?
Things have slowly been changing in our best-known suburb, meaning it’s not only the tourists who are flocking here. Ask any local. Quality eateries and first-class bars are popping up all over.
Pride of place in the centre of Surfers Paradise is Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre; however, not only will you find top-rated shopping here but three places we highly recommend you ought to put on your to-dine list; if you haven’t already!
Baritalia
Who doesn’t like themselves a taste of Italy every day now and then? Baritalia pulls out all the stops when it comes to a comfortable and genuine taste of the Mediterranean — and right in the heart of the Gold Coast, no less. Swing in for breakfast, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with dishes like Free-range Baked Eggs with chorizo and charred sourdough or all of the baked, flaky sweet treats. Not forgetting perfectly poured Allpress coffee. (What a way to start the day?!)
Lunch and dinner are serious odes to the old country. A salivate-inducing selection of 48-hour fermented pizzas, all hand-stretched and baked freshly to order, will have most people’s attention. But, if you can look past those, you could find yourself with handmade gnocchi/pasta dishes as well as made-to-order paninis that will truly make your mouth water! Backing up all this tasty fare is a superb range of Italian focussed beers and wines ‑ if you close your eyes and smell the aromas, you may convince yourself you’re somewhere in the European haven.
PappaRich
Asian food is without a doubt one of our favourites here on the Gold Coast. Chinese and Japanese are obvious frontrunners but, what are your feelings towards contemporary Malaysian food? For those in the know, this often-overlooked cuisine is a delicious and fragrant street hawker-style alternative — rewarding the curious with big fresh flavours and a whole new sensory experience.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the small no-fuss eatery is the spot to enjoy charming signature Malay dishes like Chicken Laksa or Crispy Fish Egg Noodles, with lighter bites like Chicken Satay Skewers the perfect way to start things off. There’s a great selection of vegetarian dishes and breads to choose from and a plethora of interesting Malaysian beverages — hot and cold — to try! We. Are. There.
The Local Tavern
Being such a busy place to be, for the most part, it’s always rewarding when you find yourself a comfortable and authentic venue to pull up a chair at. The Local Tavern, in our opinion, is the epitome of everything a local pub should be.
Being a true Aussie pub — minus the cliches — the venue serves ice cold drinks, an ever-revolving lineup of entertainment, and brilliant food with a classic pub leaning, all with utter ease. From oversized buckets of Loaded Fries to Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tacos and an array of lip-lickingly Schnitty’s, it’s a smart move to head this way when you find yourself famished. Tying the space together are giant screens dedicated to sport of any and all disciplines. Grab your mates (even if they support the other team) and head to The Local Tavern for your next fantastic matchday with a difference.
Chevron Renaissance really does have dining-out down pat!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
STORY SPONSORED BY CHEVRON RENAISSANCE
