Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. And while some of our neighbouring cities may have once side‑eyed the Gold Coast’s dining scene, it’s official: the tables have turned, and the GC is strutting its stuff.

This year, a whopping 25 of our favourite local eateries snagged at least one hat, and we’re practically bursting with pride! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20, and although nobody’s hit that elusive perfect score just yet, there’s plenty of brilliance on display.

In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with seven venues receiving hats. The newly revamped Mamasan charmed its way to a score of 13, while Social Eating House and Bar (13) matched it with its masterful blend of modern Australian favourites.

The Oracle Boulevard scene was further flaunted by BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar (12) and kōst (13), each offering their own distinct flavour explosions for diners.

Of course, several of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs. Japanese sensation Kiyomi scored a sophisticated 14, while the sleek Modern Australian fine‑dining gem Nineteen at the Star earned 13.

Rounding out Broady’s winners, long‑standing steak haven Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill received a solid 13, keeping carnivores grinning from ear to ear.

Travel south to Mermaid Beach and you’ll find boutique dining superstar The North Room boasting an impressive 15, a testament to its thoughtful, modern dishes executed with technical precision. Beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar earned 14, and esteemed Japanese haunt Etsu Izakaya scored 13, continuing its legacy of refined flavours.

Slick Latin American newcomer Norté, with its vibrant, fiesta‑inspired energy and bold Mexican flavours, made its debut with a 12. Euro-inspired Juju (13) and The Oxley’s stalwart fave Lars(12), rounded out Nobby’s award recipients.

Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets.

Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 13, while Bundall’s Mediterranean‑meets‑local gem Bar Leo Food & Wine debuted with a solid 12.

Burleigh wasn’t left behind either. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian offerings. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s(13).

Daniel Ridgeway’s Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 13, while Kirra’s beachfront Billy Chow (12) made its debut, earning recognition for its playful pan‑Asian menu.

Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, topping the list with a stellar 16. This Modern Australian standout blends bold flavours with innovative techniques, earning its spot among Queensland’s finest.

The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen scored 13 and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.

Over in Main Beach, La Luna Dining scored 12 with its modern Australian waterfront charm.

Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…

Words by Belinda Symons

Something grill-iant has been a ‘cookin in Broadbeach, with the eagerly anticipated arrival of kōst Bar & Grill set to swing open its swanky new digs this Saturday.

A brand new spot for sophisticated sips taking up residence in the Oracle Blvd precinct will lure us in with the hypnotising aroma of flame-grilled food and an equally enticing facade.

A contemporary bar & grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, this mammoth new space is set to redefine the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach.

Along with seafood towers, roving champagne and caviar trolleys, and a purpose-built dry aged cool room that can be seen (drooled over) from Oracle Boulevard, our wining and dining game is about to cop a serious upgrade.

A meticulous project three years in the making for hospitality honcho Dave Galvin, kōst is the ultimate culmination of 25 years of hospitality experience all poured into one shiny, sleek and sexy venue.

After already bringing us faves such as Crafty’s, Mozza Mozza and Bird Royale, Dave has really been playing the long game to ensure kōst is a show stopper in every sense of the word.

The brief was to deliver a coastal inspired, design led space with a sensory immersion through food, wine, cocktails and live fuel cooking methods — with the first two-metre Mibrasa charcoal grill and oven in Australia the venue’s crowning jewel.

Dave adds “I have always been a huge fan of charcoal and live fuel cooking and dining in a beautifully designed venue. These are just two of my passions that were part of the inspiration for creating Kōst. After an extensive search, we finally managed to find the perfect location where we could bring this concept to life.”

Seizing the opportunity to snap up three previous tenancies, kōst has amalgamated the sites into one sprawling super-venue.

The luxurious space boasts an impressive 130-seat restaurant, in addition to private dining room, bar dining and outdoor pavilion spaces.

Though the space is just as pretty as it is functional, with cascading greenery, marble surfaces, chic lighting and arches a-plenty.

Returning to Australia this year to oversee the culinary direction for kōst, Executive Chef Sebbie Keynon developed the entire menu, bringing inspiration from restaurants across the globe in Paris, London, Moscow and Jakarta.

The trademark theme of relaxed luxury is also carried through the menu, with top shelf produce elevated with a little help from the signature wood-fire treatment.

Treat yourself to everything from boujee ‘bar snacks’ like coal roasted potato, labne, smoked roe, through to the roll of the moment, bay lobster roll, gem lettuce, kōst signature sauce, and the premium Australian wood-fired lobster where 24 hours notice is required #worththewait.

There’s a full suite of premium seafood with options like the Raw Bar, and dishes such as kōst ceviche, citrus rressing and a prawn cocktail, kōst signature sauce revival, through to the seafood platter and seafood tower when it’s truly time to indulge.

Though, how coal-d you skip the kōst specialty ‘Over Embers’ offering, with a full selection of ocean, land and earth delights to spark a whole lot of culinary joy?

Even the drinks get the grill treatment, with a Mahalorita, 1800 coconut Tequila, Cointreau, charred pineapple, toasted coconut, lime, smoked salt we’d be tempted to walk over hot coals to get our hands on.

Though it might come at great kōst to our social budgets and waistlines — we’re tipping that pretty soon, reflecting on Broadbeach’s eats scene will be defined as a whole new era: before-kōst and after-kōst, with this impressive new venue set to steal the show.

Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
When: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 11:30 am–9 pm, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30 am–9:30 pm and Friday, Saturday 11:30 am–11 pm
Instagram: @kostbarandgrill_au
Website: kostbarandgrill.com.au

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

If you’ve been wondering where to get your Mamasan fix while the Broadbeach institution undergoes her glow-up, we’re here to tell you to wonder no more. Meet BabyMama—the spicy little sister serving up big flavours and even bigger vibes, now open in the heart of Nobby Beach.

This pop-up isn’t just a placeholder – it’s a whole moment and if you know anything about us, you know there’s nothing we love more than exploring a new feed, especially when it comes from the likes of Mamasan’s pedigree.

Think rich interiors and moody lighting the lend themselves perfect to the intimate dining experience, plus a menu that hits all the right notes (and taste buds). Whether you’re dropping in for a midweek dinner date or rounding up the crew for cocktails and shared plates, BabyMama brings the same soul you know and love from Mamasan, just with a fresh Nobby twist.

Born out of the team’s desire to stay connected to their loyal diners while the OG undergoes a major reno, BabyMama is part homage of what they’ve built in Broadbeach, part teaser for what’s to come.

The menu? A banger. You’ll find Mamasan classics like the Spanner Crab Tortellini Dumplings (hello, old flame), the fan-fave KFC (Korean Fried Chicken, but make it sexy), and that Wagyu Red Curry that dreams are made of. But there are also some seriously impressive new arrivals, thanks to Executive Chef Sebastian Tan – who, by the way, has worked in kitchens like Hakkasan and Crown’s Silks, so yeah, he knows what he’s doing.

We’re talking Sichuan Burrata with chilli crisp and Chinese doughnuts (um, yes please), Scallop & Prawn Brioche Toast (like a seafood hug), and a 72-hour Whole Roasted Duck that might just change your life. Dramatic? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.

Our recc? Get the gang together and go family style so you can get a taste of everything so you don’t end up with food fomo – works every time!

Gosh, all that eating will have surely made you thirsty so you’ll be happy to know they did not hold back on the holy grail cocktail list – trust us when we say it’s better curated than your favourite Spotify playlist, and we know you see that bad boy as a work of art.

You’ll find some familiar flavours along with newbies like the Wagyu Fat-Washed Old Fashioned (yes, fat-washed – don’t knock it till you try it), a punchy house favourite called Big Mama (no less) or for a new spin on a classic try the Blood Orange Paloma, and of course premium sake options for the true connoisseurs. Bonus points for their wine list, artfully curated to enhance the flavours of the menu AND everything is available by the glass – yep, even the premium drops – thanks to the very fancy Coravin wine preservation system. Boujee.

Owners Lauren and JP Duitsch say BabyMama is all about keeping the Mamasan spirit alive while they build something seriously special in Broadbeach. But judging by the early buzz and full tables, this “temporary” venue is already making itself right at home in Nobby’s bustling scene.

So how long will BabyMama be around? Who knows. But like all good things, don’t leave it too long before you book a table – you don’t want to be the friend who still hasn’t been, or that misses out!

Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
When: Open for dinner Tues – Sun, lunch & dinner Wed – Sun

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Images by Mathilde Bouby