There’s a lob to love about the beloved bug roll.
There’s a lob to love about the beloved bug roll.

Hands up if you grew up with the Moreton Bay bug making its once-a-year cameo on the Chrissy Day spread (one we were actually excited about, unlike the trifle…). Fast forward to now, and bug rolls are no longer an annual event, popping up on menus all over the Coast. And we are here for it.
Being able to wrap our mitts around these pint-sized parcels of seafood-stuffed deliciousness any day of the week is something we’ll never take for granted. Our willpower, however, is consistently #MIA in their presence.
If you needed proof this roll of the moment isn’t going anywhere, we’ve rounded up a list of GC spots serving up boujee bug (and lobster and prawn) rolls with zero effort required. Not a seafood fan? You may want to sit this one out and check our alternate list instead: 10 ways to be sad #justsquidding #moreforus.
Here are 9 places to get your bug (and lobster) roll fix on the GC.

The OG home of bug rolls- we will forever be indebted to the culinary masterminds at Rick Shores for our introduction, and resulting obsession with the now ubiquitous shellfish slider.
The famous Rick Shores Bug Roll has remained a staunch cult favourite that the entire GC (and beyond) has been going cray-sea for ever since.
Their signature combo of golden Beer-battered Moreton Bay bug with sriracha and Bug mayonnaise – yes, their boujee secret weapon whereby chopped bug is incorporated into the mayo for extra sweetness and deliciousness – all sandwiched in a brioche bun…undoubtedly the one to beat.
Where: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

We’re yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been absolutely smitten with this hot spot (hence – hot spot). This sprawling stunner of a super-venue has been setting hearts ablaze ever since they sauntered onto Broady’s eat scene, along with literally anything they can throw on their signature charcoal wood-fire grill.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the most boujee sando of the moment can also be found here: Australian Bay Lobster meets Mooloolaba King Prawns, topped with soft herb mayo and native lime. Take it up a notch by adding 5g of Kaviari Caviar – strongly advised.
Where: 135S/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

With the level of luxe La Luna is dishing up daily, it’s absolutely no surprise there’s also a cameo from our beloved bug roll gracing its menu. The swanky, euro-chic vibes are immaculate, as is the Crispy Tempura Moreton Bay Bug in a milk bun with Bug mayo and sweet + sour sauce.
Whether you’re luxuriating poolside in one of the sun-drenched La Luna cabanas, or sidling up for the full winning and dining experience at Mare Restaurant, one thing’s for sure, when you’re surrounded by yachts, superb sips and noshing on bug rolls, life is good.
Where: La Luna Beach Club Pool Pontoon, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Sitting right on the NSW/QLD border lookout at Point Danger, this breezy beachside fave has become a go-to for post-swim feeds and coffee with a view that seriously shows off. It’s all about easy, coastal eats you can grab and wander with, while pretending you’re on a permanent seaside holiday.
The Bug Bagel is the star catch: Moreton Bay bugs layered into a toasted bagel with crisp baby cos and a punchy hit of sriracha mayo. It’s fresh, a little spicy, and basically tastes like summer in sandwich form.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta

Blowfish has never been one to shy away from a seafood-focused delicacy, and their Moreton Bay Bug Roll is no exception. This luxe little number features sweet bug meat layered with iceberg lettuce, savoury remoulade and pops of flying fish roe, all tucked into a soft bun.
The Signature Spring Rolls deserve an honourable mention too – a playful, Blowfish-style remix on the classic bug roll that proves they’re not afraid to bend the rules in the name of #delish. Add prime people-watching and Broadbeach buzz, and you’ve got yourself a very convincing reason to stay for dessert.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

If by now you’re wondering whether the limit of seafood-laden sliders exists (it doesn’t), the professional sanga slingers at Joe’s Deli are here to throw their unique blend of American diner-style and Italian-inspired eats into the mix for your culinary consideration.
Joe’s crew are renowned for their ability to put together a next-level sandwich, and the Lobbie Roll delivers on that promise (and then some), made with lobster, crab, kewpie mayo, shredded iceberg lettuce, chives, black caviar and lemon. So much yes.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters

Never one to do anything by halves (unless it’s literally to cut one of those stacked signature NY Bagels in two), when our beloved Tarte takes on the lobster roll, of course, it was never going to be anything other than next level.
The Tarte Beach House offering includes real-deal Southern rock lobster, loaded in hot butter, celery, chives, and lettuce, all wrapped up in the most perfect of packages – a toasted house-made brioche. If you need us, we’ll be scoffing these buttery bug boi’s creek side allll summer long.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Perched right on the Cooly waterfront, this polished coastal favourite is the kind of place you come for a “quick lunch” that somehow morphs into sunset drinks (zero regrets).
While technically a prawn roll rather than a bug, we’re letting it slide because it’s that good. Think crispy prawns, pillowy bread and a luscious tarragon aioli doing the heavy lifting, all best enjoyed with sparkly water views and a glass of something cold in hand. Honestly, the vibes alone deserve a seat at this table.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Nestled in Mermaid Waters’ Q Super Centre, The Blue Lobster isn’t your average fish-and-chips pitstop, it’s a full-on seafood celebration. Their lobster roll stars cooked Western Rock Lobster tossed in herbed Kewpie mayo, topped with green oak lettuce and a sprinkle of Tobiko caviar, all nestled in a lightly toasted brioche roll.
Not in a lobster mood? Their prawn slider hits just as hard: a crispy Patagonian prawn cutlet on brioche with Kewpie mayo, green oak lettuce, and a hint of paprika. Fresh, decadent, and just the right kind of fancy for a casual lunch.
Where: Q Super Centre, Shop 7C/14 Allandale Entrance, Mermaid Waters
Words by Chelsea Ipsen