Seoul Garden is firing up the Korean barbecue at Pacific Fair.
Seoul Garden is firing up the Korean barbecue at Pacific Fair.
Fire up the group chat, Gold Coast, because Pac Fair has just scored its very first all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ!
Seoul Garden, Australia’s largest Korean barbecue and hot pot chain, is turning up the heat with its ninth Australian outpost.
Pacific Fair marks the brand’s first flagship location within a major GC shopping centre.
You can shop, sizzle and slurp, all in the one place!
Blending Korean design of neon-lit streets with a tropical-coastal colour scheme, Seoul Garden Pacific Fair looks right at home on the Gold Coast.
With room for up to 200 guests, this is dining designed for big group hangs. The bigger the better.
At the heart of it all is an all-you-can-eat format that feeds both appetite and soul.
Diners can choose between Korean BBQ or hot pot, each offering its own flavour-packed adventure.
There are more than 25 meat options ready for grilling, a dedicated cook-to-order noodle bar, and over 60 hot pot variations that range from comfort food to spicy surprises.
Each table is fitted with its own grill, inviting diners to take a hands-on approach to the feast. It’s interactive fun for all and just a little theatrical.
Premium cuts of beef and seafood are levelled-up with house-made sauces and an ever-rotating selection of banchan, those much-loved Korean side dishes that quietly steal the show like kimchi, fresh and pickled vegetables, pancakes and more.
Beyond the grill, Seoul Garden delivers an abundant buffet of Korean favourites. Expect crispy Korean fried chicken, glossy japchae, chewy-spicy tteokbokki and five different hot pot soup bases bubbling away.
Seoul Garden co-founder David Loh says the philosophy behind the brand is simple: food is about connection.
“We want Korean food that’s authentic but approachable – something a young family, a group of students or an office team can enjoy together.”
One dish that captures that spirit is the galbi jim – braised beef short ribs in a soy-based stock that’s generous, comforting and deeply satisfying. In other words, food with real Seoul. Pun very much intended.
For under $50 per person, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot, ideal for the whole family.
Those after something lighter can opt for the weekday lunch buffet, priced at $21.90, featuring HALAL-friendly hot dishes, cold selections, salads and desserts (excluding BBQ and hot pot).
To drink, the bar serves signature soju cocktails like Yuzu Spritz and Gangham Fashioned, Korean beers and refreshing non-alcoholic options like Plum High Tea and Seoulberry Fizz, perfect partners for the rich flavours on the table.
As one of Victoria’s go-to nosh spots for years with seven locations, Seoul Garden’s national expansion is gathering serious momentum.
With Brisbane already on the map, the Gold Coast now in the mix and its first Sydney venue set for early 2026, this empire is growing faster than you can load your plate.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
When: Monday – Friday 12pm – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm. Saturday and Sunday 11:30am – 10pm.
Words by Lisette Drew
Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe has landed at Pacific Fair.
Purr-lease remain calm, Gold Coast – something cat-astrophically cute (and tasty) has arrived at Pacific Fair. The rumours are true – the Hello Kitty & Friends Café is open meow and we can confirm that it’s a whimsical wonderland of pastels, pastries, and purr-sonality. Furr-real.
Dreamt up by owner Suzie Wong and backed by the global cuteness powerhouse that is Sanrio, Hello Kitty & Friends Café is what happens when Japanese kawaii culture collides with our insatiable appetite for carbs and content. Think pastel perfection, rounded everything, and interiors so cute you’ll purr with delight (yes, even if you’re a dog person). It’s basically what your inner child always wanted your bedroom to look like, but your parents insisted on “neutrals.” Rude.
But let’s not just paws and admire the décor – the meow-nu is equally on point. Expect adorable themed bento boxes, fluffy Japanese pastries, delicate high tea spreads, strawberry sandos that are almost too cute to eat (almost), and fresh salads for those pretending they didn’t just come here to take 47 photos of a sandwich. And yes, the coffee is brewed with as much love and attention as Hello Kitty puts into tying that iconic red bow.
Can’t stay? There’s a takeaway counter for that because Suzie thought of everything, including a gorgeous gift shop in-store so you can stock up on Hello Kitty merch, including special limited edition Gold Coast HK goodies.
It’s no accident that this pastel palace popped up at Pacific Fair. As one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations, it’s the purr-fect spot for a concept that blends food, fun, and photo ops creating a space so cute it makes Barbie’s Dreamhouse look minimalist. According to Suzie, Pac Fair’s family-friendly vibe, tourist pull, and high foot traffic made it the ideal playground for Hello Kitty and her snack-slinging squad.
As mentioned, this immersive café is opening its candy-coloured doors today, throwing a grand opening bash complete with free snacks, drinks, and giveaways. Oh, and did we mention the one and only Hello Kitty herself will be making a purr-sonal appearance from 4.30pm to 7pm? Get those selfie sticks at the ready – it’s not every day you have the chance to meet feline royalty.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Sanrio stan or just looking for somewhere new to sip a latte that’s as sweet as it is selfie-worthy, the Hello Kitty and Friends Café delivers on all fronts: food, fun, and full-blown nostalgia. And we’re not kitten around when we say it’s the cutest thing to hit the Gold Coast since, well… probably ever.
See you at Pac Fair – we’ll be the ones in line, ears on, phone out, and pastry in hand.
Where: Level 1 Food Court Pacific Fair, 32 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: 9am – 5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 9am – 9pm Thursday
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Kirra Smith
Swipe right on these delicious treats!
If retail therapy is your cardio, then a trip to Pacific Fair simply must include some sort of edible reward to fuel you up for a day of dazzling designer deals. Lucky for us, our favourite GC shopping haunt is choc-a-block (pun intended) with drool-worthy sweet treats. Whether you’re a sucker for sprinkles, bananas for Biscoff, or fanging for froyo, this sugar-loaded lineup will hit you right in the molars (apologies to your dentist).
First up, the TikTok-famous Brooke Bellamy’s Brooki Bakehouse has finally dropped into Pac Fair, and yep – the cookies are just as chunky and gooey as they look online. Baked in Brisbane, delivered daily, and devoured in minutes, think NYC-style cookies, cupcakes, brownies and other utterly irresistible buttery bites. For us, it’s all about the Red Velvet Cookie and we’re also snagging a Brooki apron for a pop of pink and the illusion that we actually know what we’re doing in the kitchen!
Next, it’s time to swirl into YOMG (Yo My Goodness) for a self-serve froyo fantasy – we’re talking handcrafted, creamy, artisan soft serve made with real milk, proper yoghurt, and unique flavour combos that will make even the most discerning sweet tooth drool. Their current showstopper? The Biscoff Ripple with Oreo – a vegan-friendly swirl of caramelised biscuit glory and don’t forget to go your hardest at the toppings bar (no judgement).
Joe’s Deli might look like it specialises in sandwiches (which it does – and they’re the business), but behind the pastrami lies a cheesecake that’ll send your chats into a chokehold. The Two-Tone Hollywood Cheesecake is decadence 101, drizzled in Nutella and topped with brûléed marshmallow. Based on a family recipe, it’s sweet, sentimental and utterly irresistible – like a rom-com in dessert form.
If you prefer your treats with a side of European flair, Gelatissimo is your go-to. These gelato geniuses churn out scrumptious small-batch scoops using traditional techniques and not-so-traditional combos. Mango Tango? Brownie Explosion? Dubai Chocolate? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. Bonus points for their vegan and dairy-free options, because everyone deserves a scoop of the good stuff.
Feeling like being a little bit healthy while still smashing dessert? Oakberry has you covered. These açaí bowls are antioxidant-rich, fibre-filled, and topped to high heaven with whatever your sweet little heart (or tooth) desires. Perhaps fresh fruit, chia pudding, coconut, or our fave, vegan granola? Oh and PS, did we mention said toppings are unlimited (yes, really), so make this all-you-can-eat buffet of wellness a must next time you’re shopping up a storm.
Want to tuck into the chocolate strawberry cup that broke the internet harder than Kimmy K and ‘very mindful, very demure’ combined? Then you need to experience Choco Drip’s chocolate-covered fruit cups which are almost too pretty to eat (almost). Think glossy strawberries, premium chocolate, crunchy kataifi and Middle Eastern flair with names like Dubai Pistachio Knafeh. It’s luxury in a cup. BYO stretchy pants.
Last but certainly not least, you simply can’t miss the açaí OGs turned dessert icons at Blessed Bowls. The new range is as bold as it is bougee, with their Blessed Dubai Knafeh Cup stealing the show. Think strawberries, Pistachio Papi, milk chocolate, chopped pistachios and their signature knafeh crunch. Want to dip instead? The Strawberry Fondue Cups come with your choice of Nutella, Biscoff, white or milk choc, plus brownie bites and knafeh crunch extras. Amen!
So, consider this your official permission slip to skip lunch, shop hard, and dessert harder at Pac Fair.
What are you waiting for? Make like a cookie and crumble!
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 Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY PACIFIC FAIR SHOPPING CENTRE
The only time it’s good to have a lot on your plate.
The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Buffet is open daily for breakfast, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet, which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast daily, with Seafood buffet dinner on Saturday nights.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Saturday and Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above. SkyPoint’s breakfast buffet is served every day between 7:30am – 10:30am.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet. Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
From brekkie platters piled high with tropical fruit to eggs cooked exactly how you like them (#PoachGoals), voco Gold Coast has your morning sorted. Sip on a fresh espresso and mix it up with healthy bites or hearty classics – or both, it’s a buffet, live a little! And if seafood is your love language, come back for the seafood buffet dinner. We’re talking whole prawns, rock oysters on the shell, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean faves, and seasonal dishes to keep things exciting. Oh – and did we mention the epic kid-friendly dessert bar? Breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am – 10am, while the seafood buffet rolls out Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm – 9pm.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. They are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks, it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski
