Is that a summer breeze drifting across the GC? No, it’s a fresh gust of flavour blowing through Broadbeach! Meltemi Mediterrania, named after the summer winds of the Aegean, is the newest culinary escape from the team behind Xenia Grill, and it’s serving up a full-blown Mediterranean odyssey.

Owners Dino and Kate Georgakopoulos, the legends who brought us Xenia Grill at Main Beach and Coolangatta, have teamed up with hatted chef Tapos Singha (yes, the culinary maestro who’s worked at Miss Moneypenny’s, est, and Gowings Bar & Grill). Together they’ve built a menu that sails across the entire Mediterranean, from the spice markets of Morocco to the cliffs of Kastellorizo, all while paying homage to the Greek roots that started it all.

Meltemi Mediterrania is what happens when the Mediterranean coast meets the Gold Coast. Curved walls and archways channel that sun-soaked seaside style, while rich drapery ripples like a sea breeze drifting in from the Med. Space Cubed Design Studio have done it again with their Euro-inspired interior, transporting you to Europe with wall features like a sun-soaked image of colourful houses clinging to cliffs as a backdrop and a beautiful bronze-hued mirror behind the bar that’s basically begging for a cocktail cheers at golden hour.

And the food? Let’s just say this is no ordinary mezze.

Tapos’ menu isn’t just about mixing Mediterranean cuisines, it’s about telling a story. Every dish and every spice has a history, and warning: every bite may cause spontaneous plate smashing and uncontrollable urges to dance.

Start your journey with crudo and raw delights like freshly shucked Tasmanian oysters or local bluefin tuna tartare paired with preserved lemon. Then dive into house made Piadina, Italian soft flatbread, taramasalata or saganaki.

Mezze plates bring new meaning to “sharing is caring”. Think Southern Italian-style lightly fried cuttlefish, prawns & whitebait or grilled octopus skewer with caperberry, lemon, pimenton and romesco.

Meltemi Mediterrania is all about gathering the crew together for a big flavour feast, where conversation flows as easily as the ouzo.

The true showstopper is the rotisserie, a slow turning traditional Cypriot grill, front and centre in the dining room like a sizzling work of art.

Choose your own adventure with traditional Lebanese-spiced chicken, slow-turned on the rotisserie spinning alongside Greek-style pork neck and Turkish Köfte made with wagyu beef. Pair your meats with a supporting cast of vegetables and sides like Turkish Pilaf or deliciously crispy twice-cooked potatoes.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Mediterranean feast without something to toast with. The drinks list is an island-hopping holiday in itself with ouzo, mastiha, limoncello and Aperol cocktails to keep the good times rolling, paired with an international wine selection spanning Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia and New Zealand.

Whether you’re chasing that Euro-summer high or just craving a little Mediterranean magic, gather your crew and channel your inner seaside sun god or goddess at Meltemi Mediterrania.

Where: 17 Albert Ave, Broadbeach
When: Wed & Thu 12 – 3pm, 5 – 8:30pm, Friday 12 – 3:30pm, 5 – 9pm, Saturday 12 – 3pm, 5 – 9pm, Sunday 12 – 3pm, 5 – 8:30pm
Website: meltemi.com.au
Instagram: @meltemi.meditterania

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith

STORY SPONSORED BY MELTEMI MEDITERRANIA

Sharpen your chopsticks, Gold Coast! Mamasan is back, and it’s serving a whole new tasty chapter! After ten years of dishing up dumpling dreams and wok-tossed wonders, the Broadbeach institution has reopened this month with a fresh look, a new Executive Chef and a menu that’s set to bao-wow locals all over again.

Marking their milestone 10th anniversary, the Mamasan team has gone full banquet mode. Think sleek, moody interiors with subtle, timeless details that make every corner feel like the perfect setting for a culinary love affair.

The expansion has opened up an intimate ten-seat private dining room for those nights when you want an exclusive eating experience, plus a transformable space that can host 30 to 40 guests. Talk about host with the most.

The fortune in this cookie is Executive Chef Sebastian Tan. With more than 18 years of experience, he has cooked his way across continents from Hakkasan at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat to Silks and JINJA in Sydney. In 2023, he even took home gold at the World Master Chefs Competition for Cantonese Cuisine. You may have tasted Chef Tan’s dishes at Mamasan’s spicy little sister restaurant in Nobby Beach, BabyMama. Now, he’s bringing his world-class talent to the OG.

Mamasan’s new menu promises to be a flavour journey through East Asia. From the street-side grills of Seoul and the lantern-lit streets of Tokyo, Mamasan will blend authentic traditions for modern palettes.

Expect show-stoppers (thanks to their brand-new dry-age cabinet!) like Three Day Dry-Aged Whole Duck, infused with chinese five spice, aromatic herbs, and signature marinade, roasted with crisp skin and served with pancakes, cucumber, scallions and a duo of sweet hoisin and plum sauces

Seafood lovers can dive into Yellowfin Tuna Taco, ginger ponzu, ikura, pink pepper mayo and nori as well as Hong Kong style ‘Typhoon Shelter’  Eastern Lobster with chilli garlic crumb and umami butter.

But don’t fret, loyal diners, your favourite dishes aren’t going anywhere. The legendary Spanner Crab Tortellini Dumplings, Korean Fried Chicken Ribs and Hervey Bay Scallop and Prawn Toast will be tantalising your tastebuds all over again. It’s the perfect balance of new flame and old flame.

For the adventurous (or indecisive), Mamasan’s banquet menu from $88 per person offers a eight-plate or more journey, showcasing the chef’s finest selections.

Sip on cocktails that are as artful as the dishes themselves like the Jade Garden, a fresh and botanical blend of Belvedere, shochu, nashi pear sake, aloe, yuzu and soda, or the Red Lantern, a floral and fruity mix of Bombay Dry, umeshu, chrysanthemum, lemon, raspberry and whites.

“We want this new chapter to feel both familiar and elevated,” said co-founder Lauren Duitsch. “From the interiors to the menu, every detail has been carefully reimagined with our guests in mind.”

In other words, it’s still your Mamasan, just with a little extra sizzle.

Where: 3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach
When: Daily, 12pm–10pm

Words by Lisette Drew

Spring cleaning done? Well, now’s the perfect time to refresh! Pacific Fair is buzzing with new energy this season, and if your wardrobe, jewellery box or scent collection needs a lift, you’re in luck.

The Gold Coast’s premier shopping destination has welcomed a batch of new boutique stores, each bringing a unique style. From sun-kissed jewellery to playful fragrances, here’s a roundup of five must-visit openings that are guaranteed to add a little extra sparkle to your shopping spree.

Arms Of Eve

Arms Of Eve is turning everyday styling into an luxe affair. This Australian jewellery and lifestyle brand is all about pieces that feel as free-spirited as a coastal breeze. Think handmade, 14k gold-plated jewellery that’s waterproof, tarnish-free and built to last, all backed with a one-year guarantee. Whether you’re hunting for stackable staples or a statement piece to steal the spotlight, Arms Of Eve nails it. Each design is created with gifting in mind, making it the perfect excuse to treat yourself… or someone special. And because these pieces are designed for everyday wear, you can go from surf to sundowner without a second thought.

Mister Zimi

For summer vibes all year round, step into Mister Zimi’s colourful world, where bold prints and relaxed silhouettes are always in season. Known for creating collections that scream holiday mood, this boutique makes race days, weddings, parties and even casual brunches feel effortlessly chic. The current Spring/Summer collection, Spritz, is alive with vibrant hues, while upcoming Resort and Summer launches promise even more sunshine. The Pacific Fair store is a modern, welcoming space where you can linger over every pattern and colour palette, soaking in personal styling advice that feels as relaxed as a weekend getaway. Destination? Definitely Zimi.

Rebecca Vallance

Rebecca Vallance fans, rejoice: the designer’s highly anticipated Resort 2025 collection has landed. Inspired by the sparkling waters and sunlit terraces of Lake Como, the collection brings Italian elegance to contemporary, wearable glamour. Think fluid silhouettes that move like water in a palette of deep navy, sun-kissed yellow, watermelon and vivid pinks, all designed with a luxe feel. The Cruise Capsule within the collection ensures you can glide seamlessly from a sun-soaked afternoon to an intimate evening soiree. And for those looking to push the glamour dial up a notch, the Holiday 2025 LUNARISELLE collection is a bold, celestial-inspired line featuring shimmering snakeskin motifs, luxurious velvets and sparkling sequins. Talk about a lunar eclipse.

Calleija

If diamonds are a girls best friend, consider Calleija your new bestie. The international design house, helmed by John Calleija, is synonymous with innovation and elegance, producing creations that blend age-old techniques with contemporary artistry. From bespoke masterpieces to the Glacier® Diamond exclusive to Calleija, the boutique offers a one-of-a-kind jewellery experience. With global recognition and collaborations like the Zara Tindall Collection, stepping into Calleija is like stepping into a world where diamonds don’t just sparkle, they share stories, just like a bestie does.

Mask Co
Rounding out the list is Mask Co, Australia’s playful fragrance brand that has just opened its first-ever retail store at Pacific Fair. If you’ve ever dreamed of a scent playground, this is it. With nostalgic fragrances inspired by childhood favourites like musk sticks, red frogs and fairy floss, Mask Co makes exploring perfume seriously fun. The interactive Scent Bar lets you sample 30 fragrances, while limited-edition collaborations like the Wizz Fizz Original Sherbet collection add a sweet twist. And the best part? Mask Co is proudly Aussie-made, family and pet-friendly and socially conscious, having raised over $74,000 for The Pyjama Foundation through children-designed collections. Let your inner child run wild at Mask Co.

Whether you’re treating yourself, gifting someone special or simply hunting for that little spark of magic for the silly season, these stores are ready to welcome you with open arms… and plenty of style.

Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: Times vary depending on outlet
Website: www.pacificfair.com.au
Instagram: @pacificfair

Words by Lisette Drew

STORY SPONSORED BY PACIFIC FAIR SHOPPING CENTRE