Kemuri Kitchen, the hidden izakaya with a cult following.
Kemuri Kitchen, the hidden izakaya with a cult following.
Tucked between a laundromat and a local Thai restaurant on Pappas Way in Carrara, there’s a little spot doing big things. And when we say little, we mean it, blink and you’ll miss it. But those in the know? They’re already hooked on bao, yakitori and a sake list that’ll have you speaking fluent Kanpai by dessert.
This is Kemuri Kitchen, and if you haven’t been yet, you’ve just found your next obsession.
Run by husband-and-wife duo Hiro and Yuki Okubo, Kemuri began life on the market circuit, first at Helensvale Night Markets back in 2015, then quickly gaining a loyal fan base at Miami Marketta and NightQuarter. Their signature bao buns and clever Japanese-fusion plates built a rep fast. The good kind. The line-up-outside-before-they-open kind.
In 2018, they planted roots in Carrara and opened a bricks-and-mortar version of their dream. And lucky for us, they’ve recently knocked through the wall next door to create a second space, a moody, minimalist izakaya where yakitori rules and sake flows.
Let’s talk food. Or more accurately, let’s talk pillowy-soft bao, stuffed with the likes of char siu pork, tempura bug, wagyu beef and miso-glazed eggplant. They’re fluffy, steamy little flavour bombs. And yes, you’re going to need more than one.
Then there’s the gyoza, golden and pan-fried to perfection, plus karaage chicken, yellowfin tuna, agadeshi tofu, and Japanese-style dumplings so good they may ruin you for all others. Got ramen cravings? Sorted. Thursday through Saturday, it’s skewers galore. Picture prawn and pork yakitori, zucchini with pecorino, and caramelised wagyu short ribs, all sizzling over white-hot binchotan charcoal. Smoky, juicy, salty-sweet perfection on a stick.
And don’t even think about skipping the drinks list. Hiro’s a certified sommelier, and it shows. He’s handpicked an ever-changing line-up of sake, Japanese whisky and boutique natural wines, many from small Aussie producers, that pair beautifully with the food. There’s nothing snobby here, just clever combinations, flavour-driven decisions, and a genuine passion for the craft.
Yuki’s still in the kitchen too, hand-pressing her bao dough in small batches and plating dishes with quiet finesse. The whole experience feels intimate, calm, and quietly cool. And here’s the best part: no matter which side of the venue you’re seated in, you can order from both menus. Choose your own adventure.
If you’re a planner, lock in a spot for their fortnightly Sunday omakase, a multi-course chef’s menu that takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Japanese technique, texture and flavour. All for under $80 per person. Just don’t forget to follow their Insta for surprise events, like omakase hot pot nights, which are low-key legendary.
Dessert? Always. You’ll want the matcha ice cream, or at the very least, a final pour of sake to toast the best neighbourhood meal you’ve had in a long time.
Kemuri Kitchen might not shout about what it’s doing. But once you’ve been, you’ll be telling everyone you know.
Where: 3/124 Pappas Way, Carrara
When: Wednesday to Saturday 12pm-2pm, 5pm – late, Thursday to Saturday 5pm – late
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Pandanus Lane
Seize the slice at Gemelli’s new Papa Rolly’s.
Carrara, say “ciao” to your new nightly hotspot. The dough has risen and the wait is finally over — Papa Rolly’s has opened its doors, ready to roll into the hearts (and stomachs) of locals with its fresh, handmade take on casual Italian dining.
This cosy new eatery is the sixth venue from the Carney brothers – Paul, Alec and James – the culinary masterminds behind the Gemelli Group Restaurants – Gemelli Broadbeach, Gemellini Nobby Beach, Roys by Gemelli, Gelato Gemelli and Gemelli James Street in Brisbane.
While it shares the same pasta-loving DNA, Papa Rolly’s is saucing things up with a more laid-back, trattoria-style vibe. Think nonna’s recipes in a setting where you can BYO, grab a pizza to-go, or linger over limoncello with friends — it’s amore at first bite.
The name Papa Rolly’s isn’t just a playful nod to rolled-out dough, it’s a full-circle moment for the family-run business. Inspired by their late grandfather and born from their first food truck back in 2016, the concept has now been given a permanent home, kneaded into something truly special.
“Our goal was to create a place that feels like home, where families and friends can come together over great Italian food in a relaxed, fun environment,” said Alec.
Step inside, where the 85-seater space blends modern design with rustic trattoria charm. It’s the kind of place where tomato sauce splashes are forgiven and second helpings are encouraged. And for those who prefer their pasta in pajamas? A strong takeaway focus means you can ciao down from the comfort of home.
When it comes to the menu, Papa Rolly’s is dishing out comfort by the forkful.
The restaurant houses a Ferrari-grade pizza oven, crafting pizzas so authentic they might as well come with an Italian passport. Bella Donna is set to be a fan favourite with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, hot salami, burrata and hot n’duja honey. Seafood lovers can dive into Pescatora Double San Marzano tomato, chilly, garlic, calamari and prawns.
Taste what Gemelli is famous for by ordering a classic handmade pasta dish for the table. Tuck into a hearty bowl of Rigatoni Ragu of slow cooked lamb ragu, crushed San Marzano tomatoes and parmesan, or feast on the fruits of the sea in Spaghetti Marinara with market fish, prawns, calamari, clams, mussels, served with Napoli sauce or olive oil base.
As if things couldn’t get any sweeter – Papa Rolly’s is also scooping up joy with Gelato Gemelli! Similar to the Nobby Beach outpost, this gelateria will offer 12 irresistible flavours of creamy indulgence that’ll have locals lining up faster than you can say “pistachio”.
When it comes to drinks, the house wine comes by the glass or carafe, or go full Italian and bring your own bottle – yes it’s BYO-friendly! With Papa’s classic cocktails and Italian favourites like Aperol Spritz and Negroni, all you need to do is let the good times roll.
Where: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara
When: Tuesday–Saturday 5pm–8pm
We just know yuzu are going to love Café Junie.
Hey Carrara, we heard you were getting a bit hungry over there? Well, you’re in luck because things have just gotten a whole lot tastier with the opening of newcomer, Café Junie – and they’re promising to fill the brunch shaped hole in your belly.
Café Junie is bringing a modern Asian-style brunch menu to life, wrapped in a coastal European exterior and it might be one of our favourite culture collabs in a while. Trust us when we say, you’re going to want to make this your new weekend hangout.
The space and menu seem familiar for a reason, because the legends behind Currumbin institution Refinery are the brains behind Café Junie.
Novices no more, owners Gabrielle Hows and Brendan Hill are no strangers to the café game and have been delivering the goods down south for the past few years. Now it’s time for the rest of the Coast to get a taste of the good stuff.
Refining their passion for great coffee and food with Refinery Coffee, they’ve taken that experience to create a whole new dining experience at Café Junie.
Leading the kitchen is Ryo Miyamoto, bringing a unique flair to the menu with his heritage and background in Japanese cuisine. The result? A modern Asian brunch menu that’s already turning heads.
The Asian influence on the menu carries through to the breakfast classics, with the Eggs Benny getting a fresh twist, served on house-made hash browns and topped with yuzu hollandaise – an absolute must try along with the signature Chilli Scam, scrambled eggs with a delish kick.
Sometimes you do win friends with salad and that’s exactly what’s happening with the Bang Bang Chicken Salad, with poached chicken, seven minute egg, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, coriander and a miso sesame chilli dressing – this is one you won’t catch us saying no to.
For the burger lovers the Wagyu Ragu Cheeseburger is guaranteed to be a hit marrying a wagyu patty, savoury mince tomato sauce, tomato, lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles and mayo – complimented by their signature Umami salt fries and side of vegan yuzu mayo.
And while the menu might hero modern Asian flavours, the fitout is distinctly inspired by the European coastline with white arches decorating the space complimented by neighbouring ABI Interiors finishes, as well as accents of sand and seafoam green throughout – even down to the coffee machine – bringing that cosy feel so you’ll want to hang around long after your last sip of coffee finishes.
The covered outdoor courtyard is perfect if you want to bring your pooch along for a pupachino – all dogs are good dogs in our book, so they deserve it. The sunshine filled space features a mix of greenery with olive and citrus trees that are giving aesthetic. It’s the perfect spot to soak up some of that glorious winter sun.
Café Junie’s outdoor courtyard can seat up to 60 people, making it the perfect spot for everything from lazy brunches to quick coffee breaks. And while our all-time favourite liquid – coffee – isn’t going anywhere, matcha is seriously having a moment so this is your time to get around their signature Matcha Whip—a dreamy iced matcha latte topped with white chocolate and matcha whipped cream— even the biggest coffee lovers will be converted.
Where: 45 City Link Drive, Carrara
When: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 2pm
The team continues to expand across the Coast.
When you find yourself in a hurry first thing in the morning, you need a reliable spot to grab a coffee as you face traffic light after traffic light on the daily commute.
Well, should you find yourself in the vicinity of Carrara, the team behind the already much-loved Papercup Coffee cafes in Southport and Labrador are back at it again with a just-off-the-M1 location at Boonooroo Park Shopping Centre.
Not just for the early morning commuters though, the café also suits those with a leisurely morning ahead of them: prime lounging and reading the paper territory if we ever saw one!
The whitewashed light-filled space welcomes you in with cushioned bench seating and an oversized rustic table for you to sit back and enjoy a few board games or even some colouring activities for the little ones.
Not only are kids welcomed with open arms, but your furry little friends are too! With a doggy water bowl outside and complimentary treats, be sure to bring your doggo as they are totally made to feel welcome!
By their own admission, the café, like its sister venues, is coffee and bowl focussed. But don’t be fooled. Beyond incredible coffee and sumptuously piled up Acai bowls (of which there are six to choose from), there are equally impressive hot dishes like bagels, wraps and brekkie rolls, as well as cabinet treats that will no doubt keep everyone happy.
Fresh in-house baked White Choc/Raspberry and Blueberry Muffins and Vegan Raw Treats from the ever-popular Nourishing by Sally give way to an assortment of toasted sandwiches. One of these is their Chicken, Avo, Cheese Toastie — which we are energetically told has risen to an iconic status from the contingent of loyal customers at their other two venues. Surely this is worth visiting for just alone!
Using two separate blends of Veneziano beans, one for regular white coffee and one for those who just have it black means the taste delivery and drinking experience is nothing short of superb.
Whether you have a morning mission ahead of you or find yourself cruising through in the am with the kiddo and/or doggo, you’ll discover Papercup Coffee at Carrara has got you lovingly covered.
Where: 2 Coelia Court, Boonooroo Park Shopping Centre, Carrara
Hours: 5am – 3pm every day (including public holidays)
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
