Harvest Foodhouse springs up in Robina.
Harvest Foodhouse springs up in Robina.
Blooming brilliant news for Gold Coast foodies! Harvest Foodhouse, a fresh crop of modern Australian culinary delight, has just burst into life on Robina Parkway. Led by the talented duo Anja and Jonathan Ede, it’s quickly cultivating a reputation for exceptional food, garden vibes and an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.
Anja Ede’s passion for baking runs as deep as her roots. With a family baking legacy that stretches back to Germany in 1898, Anja is a fifth-generation culinary virtuoso. Her father, a master baker and pâtissier, inspired her to carry the torch. Anja’s own accolades, including two Women in Business awards, reflect her dedication to excellence in the Queensland’s foodie scene.
While the word harvest is all about gathering food, Anje says Harvest Foodhouse is so much more than that. “It’s bringing together great produce from the South East Queensland food bowl and bringing together people to share our offering.”
The vibrantly muralled walls, crafted by Gold Coast artist Kiarra Clark, transport you straight into a Robina oasis.The heart of Harvest Foodhouse is its stunning rustic garden-inspired outdoor seating area, which accommodates up to more than 100 guests, complete with a full bar for private functions. Whether you’re basking in the sun or sheltering under the canopy, it’s a space designed to make your next get together feel like a serene garden party.
Head Chef Kristie Flower, a seasoned talent who’s been with the Edes for nine years at their other venture, the award-winning Café Alfons on Chevron Island , brings her magic to Harvest Foodhouse menu as well. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches, every dish promises to deliver a unique blend of cafe classics with modern twists.
Feeling hungry? The signature Harvest Feed is guaranteed to please. Tuck into toasted sourdough, thick cut bacon, forest mushrooms, roasted roma tomatoes, fresh avo, thick pork sausage, Harvest rosti, house made chorizo baked beans and two eggs your way.
For a sweet treat, the pancake tacos are fun and flavourful, featuring three hot pancakes filled with caramelised peaches, chantilly cream, pistachio crumble and a sprinkle of lychee popping pearls.
Lunch offers up wholesome delights like the tea smoked salmon featuring house prepared tea smoked salmon on a bed of soba noodles, served with grilled asparagus, green beans and a miso sesame dressing. The cauliflower steak served with a white bean hummus, house made chimichurri, crispy capers and kale is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to win over vegetarians and their meaty mates too.
Pair your meal with an array of delicious drinks, including the standout cold brew iced latte. Slow-brewed overnight, it delivers a smooth, clean kick without a trace of bitterness. Embrace the garden vibes with a refreshing green smoothie, blending mango, kiwi, lime and peach for a taste of nature in every sip.
Tucked away from the madness of modern life, Harvest Foodhouse is an oasis away from the chaos, where good vibes are always in season.
Where: Shop 16, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
When: 6:30am – 2:30pm daily
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Discover Aussie fusion cuisine at Native Harvest.
When you think of classic Aussie ingredients, the humble vegemite and smashed up Tim Tams may spring to mind. And if you were made in the 80s, chips without chicken salt were basically illegal. But fast-forward to 2024 and a new café and bar at Sanctuary Cove is flipping the script in the form of a GC-first; Australian fusion cuisine. Introducing Native Harvest, whose sensational menu is a love letter to ‘Straya’s native ingredients, showcasing the incredible flavours, aromas, and colours of our homeland.
Get ready to dive fork-first into its locally, sustainably, and ethically sourced native nomms, delivering familiar favourites with a unique Aussie swagger. Think pure, uniquely Australian herbs and spices with incredible flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
Born from a passion for delicious food, innovative flavour combos, and the joy of bringing people together, mark our words; this is your new café bestie. With a bright, welcoming atmosphere and indoor and alfresco dining options for up to 100 hungry peeps, Native Harvest is perfect for soaking up the marina views and enjoying some people-watching with your pals….and your pups (yes, it’s doggo-friendly!). And don’t forget to stop and smell the native plants out front – they’re not just for show, they’re for tasting too!
As the Marine Village is a melting pot of eclectic dining and shopping delights, Sanctuary Cove was a no-brainer choice of digs for seriously savvy (and spectacularly down-to-earth) founders, Brendan and Amanda Trapnell.
But here’s a fun fact; before Native Harvest bloomed into its café/bar era, it started as a successful corporate gifting and Native Australian herb and spice business, spearheaded by Amanda and sister-in-law Rachael. These lovely ladies tirelessly nurtured their biz baby from its infancy to passion-project-come-powerhouse status, during the lockdown days of 2019.
Fast forward to the end of 2023, Amanda and hubby Brendan started cooking up plans to bring Native Harvest to a wider audience in café form #genius. With an all-star team, prime location, and a mouthwatering menu, they’ve certainly hit the ground running. And fast.
Behind every great meal is an equally great team and these guys have struck staff gold. Let’s start with Head Chef Dony, who was tasked with a) cooking incredible food, and b) incorporating an entirely different cuisine (with very different flavours and preparation styles) – in just three weeks. Drawing on his 20 years’ experience as a chef in Oz and the UK and his god given gift to cook, Dony did good. Real good.
In his words, “I like experimenting with different dishes and for everyone to enjoy their meals, and Native Harvest is different. Something truly exciting to bring to the Gold Coast.” Editor’s note: he’s being endearingly coy. The man is a gastronomic genius.
A special shoutout must also go to front-of-house fabulist and bonza barista, Nicky, and the rest of the stellar crew who all bring something truly special to the proverbial and actual table.
As for the best dishes, good luck trying to pick one but we’re going with the Spicy Turkish Eggs with an Australian twist for breaky; poached Turkish eggs on sourdough with feta, fresh tomato, baby spinach, spiced Greek yoghurt and Turkish toast drizzled with bush tomato chilli oil and wild basil.
Brunch buffs, have a go of the Zesty Chicken Caprese Salad with buttermilk marinated chicken tenders, fresh tomato wedges, house-made pickled red onions, bush tomato relish, grilled haloumi, and fresh greens. Or, if you’re in a lunch state of mind, tuck into a native glazed Wild Beef Burger, with an Aussie beef patty, pepperberry and native thyme, caramelised onion, and bush tomato relish on a lightly toasted milk bun.
Okay we’ve neglected something v important thus far and how remiss of us; the cocktails. To wet your whistle, Native Harvest’s Native Berry Gin Fizz is the rizz, with locally distilled lilly pilly gin, fresh lime and club soda. We’ll take two (times two) thanks.
From the vibrant atmosphere to the friendly faces behind the counter, every aspect of Native Harvest exudes warmth and hospitality. Delight in the fabulous food, stay for the vibes, and leave with an insatiable hunger (and thirst) to come back again…and again.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: 6am – 2pm, Monday to Sunday
Website: Nativeharvest.com.au
Instagram: @nativeharvestaustralia
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Elk Espresso’s seaside sibling Sunnyboy opens in Mermaid Beach.
Mermaid Beach has gotten a lot more colourful with the vibey addition of Sunnyboy to its culinary ranks. The newbie is the work of one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved creators in the foodie space, Andrew Whiting and it is exactly as delightful as you’d expect. And then some.
Found on the corner of Hedges Ave and Montana Ave where Café on Hedges once lived, Sunnyboy is marked by yellow striped umbrellas, splashes of colour and plenty of smiling faces enjoying glimpses of the ocean and tucking into some of the very best eats you’ll find on the Coast.
Sunnyboy is the sibling of Broady’s Elk Espresso a Gold Coast institution since 2011, much-loved by absolutely everyone. Before Elk Andrew owned fine dining venue Sparrow and Nobby Beach and his first venture Vintage Espresso was the favourite of Mermaid Beach locals from its very first day. In what he calls a full circle moment, Sunnyboy opening in Mermaid Beach has brought the Vintage coffee loving community back together to delight in a new, neighbourhood-centric space.
The idea behind Sunnyboy was to remind people of an era gone by in Mermaid Beach, long summers spent by the ocean without a care in the world. It’s a little bit retro with white Besser blocks and of course, the colour palette is a nod to the Sunnyboy ice blocks that we once couldn’t get enough of on a hot day.
In keeping with Elk, Sparrow and Vintage, the menu is filled with seasonal dishes that are both a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. There’s Summer Fruit French Toast made with a crispy cornflake brioche and topped with plum compote, fresh peaches, cherries, honeyed macadamias, rock salt caramel gelato and coconut mousse. Yep.
Faves like Avo Toast and Stracciatella Toast grace the menu and then there are special dishes like a Sticky Pork Hoagie with plum sauce, roasted pork belly, miso butter, sesame fried eggs, rocket and fried shallots.
For lunch there are colour-filled salads, an array of exceptional burgers and an Open Steak Sandwich with rare eye fillet, horseradish, aioli, rocket, fried shallots, cured egg yolk, Chimichurri and herbs on toasted sourdough and you’ve never tasted anything like it in your life.
To drink there are all the kinds of coffee (made with Sunnyboy beans of course), tea, smoothies, pressed juices, milkshakes and booze of course. You may also sip on a Mimosa, Spritz or a Paloma (an elite selection) and for $49pp you can enjoy your choice of meal plus bottomless Mimosas for an hour, which is so great.
So obviously Sunnyboy is the new love of all our lives and perfectly timed to make the upcoming Gold Coast summer even more enjoyable. Cheers to that.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
When: 7am until 2pm daily
