The dinner-and-a-show era may be fading, but teppanyaki restaurants seem to be keeping the art alive. Sanctuary Cove’s newest venue, Kuroki Teppanyaki, is ready to take centre stage.

Situated in Sanctuary Cove Village, Kuroki Teppanyaki is the latest creation from hospitality duo Kevin Teo and Eddie Cheng, two names already well-seasoned in the local dining scene thanks to venues like The One Food Republic, Kamikaze Teppanyaki Coomera, Superwok Coomera and Bam Bam Korean Fried Chicken & Beer. Basically, if it sizzles, they’ve probably perfected it.

But with Kuroki Teppanyaki, they’ve turned it up a notch… or ten. This is teppanyaki for those who love the theatre but crave refined flavours, high-quality ingredients and chefs who cook with intention, not just flipping wizardry.

Kuroki means ‘black wood’ which to Kevin and Eddie represents depth, warmth and character, the kind of qualities built slowly over time. They have etched those qualities into every wall, floor and ceiling of their new venue.

The interiors, designed by Tracy Ni of Ni Design, are a masterclass in understated drama. Think moody colour palettes, light-reflecting surfaces and textured wood wall panels that nod to the restaurant’s namesake.

With space for 80 guests, Kuroki Teppanyaki offers private dining, cosy indoor seating, and of course, seats around the teppanyaki grill. Every person becomes part of the show where strangers become friends as the smoky aroma fills the air.

At the heart of it all stands Head Chef Eddie Cheng, who commands the grill with the quiet confidence of someone who’s spent more than ten years learning exactly what guests want.

Starting with a contrast to the smoke, Kuroki Teppanyaki’s a la carte menu eases you in with a raw bar of fresh sashimi and oyster platters. From there, the heat slowly rises with pan-fried gyoza, delicate tempura, and yakitori skewers like the indulgent Aburi Salmon.

The entrees maintain the flame. There’s Truffle Edamame (a dangerously addictive upgrade on the classic) and a Charcoal Prawn Tartlet layered with ikura, cucumber, seaweed paste, and wasabi mayo, all tucked into a crisp charcoal-butter shell. 

The Kuroki Signature Bento is a treasure chest of the restaurant’s greatest hits with fresh sashimi, Hokkaido scallops, oysters, tempura, agedashi tofu, wagyu cubes, pickles and a plum-infused quail egg. Served with salad, rice and miso, it arrives looking like edible art. There’s also a bite-sized version on the lunch menu.

Now, for the star attraction.

All teppanyaki sets are served with the full spread – a seasonal appetiser platter, vegetables, salad, miso soup, steamed rice and dipping sauces to mix and match as you go. And the meats? Whether it’s chicken thigh, lamb racks, toothfish, or whole squid, everything is on the table, or should we say, on the grill?

And if you don’t know what to order, the banquets are a great place to start.

Throw in cocktails like the crowd-pleasing gin and yuzu Kuroki Cove, and you’ve got yourself just the right amount of sizzle and smooth to put a smile on your grill.

Where:  Shop 3A Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Tues and Wed 5pm–8:30 pm, Thurs–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm and 5pm–8:30 pm.

Words by Lisette Drew

If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.

Destino

It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

The Exhibitionist Bar

Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Steampunk

It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Veladora

Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Six-Tricks Distilling Co.

Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters

Cantina

Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Cambus Wallace

If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Sueño Rooftop

Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Sandfire

Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami 

Granddad Jack’s

Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Malibu Racquet Club

Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!  
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s

Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh

Familiar Spirits

Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads

Suga

With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Burly Bar

If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast

Bar Evelyn

You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.

Pasta is the very foundation of Italian cuisine and perhaps this is why our Italian friends have so much fire in their bellies. Italians are some of the most animated and passionate people you can meet. For this, we love them. For giving the world pasta, we adore them!

As we sit in the midst of winter, we think it’s the perfect time to enjoy hearty and soul-satisfying dishes, and nothing quite ticks those boxes like handmade pasta goodness, with ALL of the cheese, naturally.

But where does one find the perfect pasta dish? The Gold Coast has many fine Italian eateries, so we painstakingly undid a notch on our belts and compiled a list of the very best. We’re nice like that. We dare you to finish reading the list and not be tempted to attempt a GC pasta crawl for the ages (0/0 cardiologists recommend).

MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club

Prawn & Lobster Risotto
Here we are pushing the boundaries right away. We know risotto is not pasta. But what good are we if we don’t broaden your ho-rice-ons in the name of delicious food? Particularly when MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club’s Prawn & Lobster Risotto is on the line, made with creamy stracciatella, pink pepper and fresh thyme. It’s a treat for your tastebuds that’s made even better with views of the marina. Now that’s a seafood lover’s dream!
Where: Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

La Calabrese

Pacchero Genovese
Move over spaghetti, there’s a new carb crush in town, Pacchero Genovese from La Calabrese. Think fresh ribbons of pasta cuddled up with melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork shoulder and beef brisket, all swimming in a silky onion sauce that brings just the right hint of sweetness. To make things even saucier, it’s topped with a luscious parmesan fondue and a drizzle of basil oil. Comfort food? More like chef’s kiss levels of perfection.
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Papa Rolly’s

Gnocchi Pesto
The latest gem from the Gemelli Group is dishing up all the rustic trattoria vibes, handmade pizzas, hearty pastas, BYO vino and even a scoop (or three) of Gelato Gemelli to seal the deal. And while pasta purists may protest, we simply can’t help ourselves when it comes to these fluffy little hand-crafted pillows of joy. Papa Rolly’s homemade potato gnocchi with traditional basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and parmesan is pure comfort in a bowl, one big, cheesy, herby party for your taste buds.
Where: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara

Cucina Vivo

Spaghetti Marinara
Serving up all the rustic Italian vibes in the sleek surrounds of The Star Gold Coast, Cucina Vino knows how to do seafood right. Their Spaghetti Marinara is the kind of dish that could make Poseidon himself jealous—think plump king prawns, market-fresh fish, tender calamari and juicy black mussels tangled through al dente spaghetti. Choose your adventure: a rich red sauce or a delicate white, either way your taste buds are about to go full Vespa ride along the Amalfi Coast.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Lobby Level, Broadbeach

Gemelli

Spaghetti al Gamberi
The Gemelli twins are known for creating an authentic Italian experience and, all their dishes, including mouth-watering pasta, are made fresh in-house daily and way too good to sample just the one. Give the Spaghetti al Gamberi a try because these guys combine prawns, zucchini, chilli, garlic and olive oil in the best possible way.
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Sofia’s

Cacio e Pepe
Is there anything more indulgent than pasta twirled theatrically through a 40kg wheel of parmesan? At Sofia’s, their signature Cacio e Pepe is an elegant ode to simplicity, spaghetti coated in cream, cracked pepper and, of course, a generous snowstorm of parmesan, all served straight from the wheel at your table. It’s rich, it’s romantic, and it’s proof that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most luxurious.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Crispy Italian

4 Formaggi Gnocchi (Wednesdays only)
Stop what you’re doing. The Gold Coast’s crispy-licious pizza bar has grown a second, spaghetti-shaped arm! Yes, you assumed correctly; they now serve pasta! However, we want to hold the fettuccine for a second (our hearts couldn’t endure any longer), to present you with their 4 Formaggi Gnocchi. It’s homemade, gnocchi, swimming in a godly amount of cheese; mozzarella, gorgonzola cream, parmesan and pecorino, served in a pizza pasta bowl and wood-fired to perfection... Can we get an amen?!
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

LiTO

Spaghetti alle vongole
A coastal classic gets the LiTO glow-up with their Spaghetti alle Vongole, perfectly al dente strands tangled with sweet clams, kissed with white wine, garlic, chilli and a squeeze of lemon. It’s the kind of dish that feels effortlessly elegant yet utterly comforting, like the ocean pulled up a chair to join you for dinner. Simple, refined and unforgettable, the very essence of Italian seaside dining, right in the heart of Burleigh.
Where: Ground Level, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads

Justin Lane

Pappardelle Bolognese
It’s no secret that Justin Lanes’ pizza game is strong! But did you know their pasta game is just as mighty? You should probably go and try them all. But, if you do decide to choose just one, let it be the house staple: Rich pappardelle, pork + veal, bolognese with grana padano. Bellissimo!
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Balboa

Pumpkin & Ricotta Ravioli
Oh, Balboa you aesthetically pleasing thing you. Their fit-out, with a glamorous chandelier and bright red Vespa, is reason enough to visit. The pizza is outstanding, but most importantly, their pasta is to die for. Did we mention it’s all handmade on-site? Including (but not limited to) their Pumpkin & Ricotta Ravioli. You will smell this dish coming before you see it; the delectable, rich, nutty aroma of brown butter, sage, hazelnuts, mixed exotic mushrooms and parmesan. You could say it’s ravi-oling in flavour.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Tommy’s Italian

Paccheri Arrabbiata
Casual dining meets impeccably tasting food, underpinned by breathtaking vistas and some of the most attentive service around. Who wouldn’t be satisfied after a hearty bowl of god-tier cylinders that are too good to be tube-doused in a whole lot of red sauce, stracciatella and basil? If this paccheri is wrong, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Radici Pasta House

Tagliatelle Tartufo E Porcini
This is the last stop on our virtual pub pasta crawl (but avert the eyes of cardiologists because, well, firstly, are you lost, but does anyone else have the sudden urge to try this IRL). Radici is an Italian family-run restaurant who decided to make sunny Coolangatta home 6 years ago. This dish epitomises why Italian cuisine is so damn good. Take black truffle pesto, marry it with imported pork and fennel sausage and then smother it over handmade tagliatelle. That folks, is one of the finest dishes of pasta you will have south of Sicily.
Where: 99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Words by Chelsea Ipsen