Romance is coming in hot on the GC!
Romance is coming in hot on the GC!
If romance is what you’re craving, consider it well and truly served on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba hubba.
We’ve rounded up five Cupid-approved spots where the love-o-meter is set firmly to high, making it very easy to spoil yourself and your favourite person with a Valentine’s Day – or night – worth remembering.
Please note: unless stated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned take place on Saturday, 14 February.
When it comes to elegant romance, RACV Royal Pines Resort is doing it properly (and deliciously) with two standout dining options.
For couples who appreciate finesse, Arakawa is serving a chef-curated omakase experience that celebrates the artistry and seasonal flavours of traditional Japanese dining. Expect beautifully presented plates, premium produce, and a sprinkle of adventure as you let your chef take the reins for a night.
Then, if your love language is sharing plates and lingering conversations over glasses of wine, Amici brings Mediterranean-inspired flavours designed to be passed, poured, and enjoyed together. Vibrant, rustic, and effortlessly romantic – just add wine!
Where: Ross St, Benowa
Twinkling lights? Tick. Degustation menu? Tick. Intimate, effortlessly romantic setting? Triple tick. Green Fields is putting on a Valentine’s Day experience that’s basically Cupid’s dream itinerary.
The night begins with a complimentary drink on arrival, followed by a refined six-course degustation menu featuring tomato and lemongrass gazpacho, beef tartare with crispy shallots, potato gnocchi with duck ragù, chargrilled barramundi, crispy pork belly, and a dreamy floating island with almond praline to finish.
Running from 5–9pm, this one’s all about slowing down, savouring the moment, and letting the food do some of the flirting.
Where: 94 Laver Drive, Robina
QT Gold Coast doesn’t do average, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. If your idea of romance includes bold flavours, playful energy, and a little drama (the good kind), QT has you covered.
Over at Yamagen, romance is officially hot on the menu with a decadent nine-course omakase curated by Culinary Director Adam Lane, complete with a Pommery Champagne welcome salute- a dream date for couples whose love language is fine dining.
Prefer something a little more under-the-stars? QT’s Twilight Feast invites you to dine poolside in a private cabana, sipping Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial on arrival before sharing four indulgent courses beneath the night sky.
And for those swapping romance for friendship bracelets, Galentine’s High Tea, served daily throughout February, at FIXX Cafe is dripping in pink perfection, with petite delights, candy-cotton cloud drinks and optional bottomless upgrades for those who like their tea with a little extra fizz.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Fire is flickering, sparks are flying, and Ember by Fire Baby is officially bringing the heat this Valentine’s Day. Enter: the Ember Stone set menu ($100pp), a wood-fired feast designed for serious food lovers.
You’ll kick things off with Pacific oysters with Champagne mignonette and ocean trout sashimi, before diving into fire-kissed favourites like crispy half chicken with smoked sauce and O’Connor’s Superior MB 5+ rump cap with chimichurri. Add country fries with rosemary salt and finish on a sweet note with vanilla crème brûlée and popcorn ice cream- because dessert is non-negotiable. Ember is a sure bet for couples who bond best over exceptional food.
Where: 10 Welch Street, Southport
If Cupid had a multi-level HQ, Paradise Centre would be it. From 1–15 February, the iconic Surfers Paradise precinct is serving up ten Valentine’s Day offerings, meaning you can flirt, feast, play, and soak your way through the season without ever leaving the building.
Kick things off with Ritas & Romance at El Camino Cantina, where the limited-edition Red Hot Rita (hello chilli-rim marg) is made to share (or not…), bringing the spice on Valentine’s Day. Next, why not introduce a little healthy competition at the MANIAX Axe Throwing with their Valentine’s in Valhalla offering, complete with private axe lanes and Viking-inspired cocktails?
Maybe you’re after something a little more classic- retro even. And for that, Zone Bowling has you covered with a bowl-and-bevy deal to keep the good times rolling. Game lovers can lock into 60 minutes of unlimited Time Play at Timezone, escape artists can Escape the Friend Zone at Padlock’d with 20% off group bookings, and dessert devotees will want to pre-order Gelato Messina’s showstopping Valentine’s Day Pavlover Tart – a chocolate-and-passionfruit masterpiece made to share (or not).
For peak relaxation, Lan Bathhouse is delivering the ultimate self-love or shared-indulgence moment with a Private Soak of Love for Two or a solo Lover’s Retreat for One, while Gotcha Fresh Tea is keeping things sweet with a buy-one-get-one-free tea deal made for strolling, sipping, and sharing. Cute!
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Ember by Fire Baby is putting the sizzle in Southport.
If you’ve been wandering around Southport lately thinking something might actually be on fire, don’t panic. Chances are you’ve just walked past Fire Baby, where it’s second dining space has just burst into life.
Fire Baby opened up in August with plenty of heat, and now Ember is set to fan the flames even further. Owner and founder Michael Read, alongside Donna Read, have dreamed up their ideal restaurant, a place for pizza, steak and all the smoky bits in between.
Split across two levels, the venue burns bright with two distinct personalities. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice thanks to the Italian-born dough whisperer Vincenzo Quaranta. Downstairs is their latest offering, Ember, where flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood take centre stage.
Step into the lower-level den and you’ll feel the temperature shift. Ember is moody and sultry thanks to that unmistakable smoky aroma. Think char, think sizzle, think cooking and conversations around a campfire, without having to leave the city.
Ember’s culinary team have been deep in experimentation mode ahead of the opening. Executive Chef Bradley Davids, with roots in South Africa and a lifelong love of cooking over open flames, and Head Chef Lee de Vry, whose journey spans award-winning seafood and modern Vietnamese cuisine, bring bold flavours, precision, and a spark of creativity to every Ember dish. Alongside Junior Sous-chef Jared, they are the beating heart of the Ember experience, every plate fuelled by fire, technique, and a touch of magic.
Start fresh with Pacific Oysters dressed in Champagne mignonette, then dive straight into silky ocean Trout Sashimi with tamarind and shallot. The perfect contrast to the charred flavours to come.
Some mains give the embers a gentle poke like Rigatoni Arrabbiata loaded with basil, olives and stracciatella. But if you like to see flavour seared onto your food, order the BBQ Lamb Ribs with house sauce and chives and BBQ Pork Cutlets with hot honey and pickles.
The true showstoppers at Ember are the premium-cut steaks. The O’Connors Superior MB 5+ Rump Cap is flame-grilled to perfection that you can almost hear it sizzling as it lands on the table. Add Duck Fat Potatoes with smoked salt, seasonal leaves with lemon myrtle dressing and housemade chimichurri, and you’ve got yourself a flaming good time.
To cool off, a curated wine list, standout cocktails and desserts like a vanilla crème brûlée with popcorn ice cream will do the trick.
If, like us, you find it hard to make decisions, especially around food, Ember offers two set menus – the Ember Stone and the Ember Experience. With a starter, middle, main and dessert all planned out for you, there’s nothing to do but enjoy the glow.
Fire Baby and Ember offer Southport something rare, one venue where you don’t have to choose between cheesy comfort food or flame-driven dining, you can have both. A one-stop haven for every flavour mood and late-night whim.
Where: 10 Welch Street, Southport
When: Fri to Sun 12pm – 3pm, Wed to Sun 5pm –8:30pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
A snapshot of a big year in Gold Coast dining.
If there’s one thing the Gold Coast does exceptionally well, it’s keeping our dining scene on its toes. Blink and you’ll miss a new opening, a menu glow-up or a chef-led concept quietly stealing the spotlight.
2025 proved no different, delivering a year packed with ambitious newcomers, crowd-pleasing comebacks and restaurants that gave us very good reasons to book another long lunch.
So, to save you from endless scrolling (and FOMO), we’ve pulled together every noteworthy restaurant opening of the year into one deliciously comprehensive round up. Consider this your cheat sheet to the Gold Coast’s most exciting eats of 2025.
Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros has landed at The Oxley, bringing proper Greek feasts to Nobby Beach. Think hand-made pita, triple-cooked chips and meat cooked low and slow. No shortcuts, just Greek hospitality with a Gold Coast tan. Grab it wrapped or plated, crack a beer and let the yiros do the talking.
Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Oro you ready for a taste of Italy? Much loved Sogno Italiano cousins have done it again with their third venue landing in Broadbeach, serving Italian classics with coastal swagger. Made for long lunches that flirt with dinner, Oro turns hand-made pasta, flame-kissed seafood and show-stopping steaks into pure Euro delight.
Where: 95 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Shannon Bennett has turned Byron Bay into a choose-your-own-dining adventure with The Belongil, a $10 million coastal precinct where food, art and community come together. Spanning four distinct venues, it’s a bistro, a fine dining restaurant, a kiosk and secret bar all rolled into one. Grounded in local produce and big creative energy, this is not just a place to eat, it’s a place to belong.
Where: 33–35 Childe Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Kuroki Teppanyaki has landed in Sanctuary Cove, bringing refined flame-licked feasts to the waterfront. This is teppanyaki with premium produce, moody interiors and chefs who let flavour do the flexing. Expect sizzling wagyu, seafood and just enough theatre to keep things fun without stealing the show.
Where: Shop 3A Masthead Way, Hope Island
Pappa Flock has swooped into Surfers Paradise, landing on Cavill Ave with a whole lot of cluckin’ good energy.The bright, beach-inspired venue features bold orange decor and a mural by local artist Kiel Tillman, instantly claiming landmark status. Known for a loyal fan base, Pappa Flock hand-breads every tender and squeezes thousands of lemons daily for unbeatable lemonade. From the Mighty Box to Loaded Fries and signature Crispy Chicken sandwiches, this new hotspot is set to be Surfers’ go-to for a flockin’ good feed.
Where: Paradise Centre, Shop 24, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Southport is heating up, and it’s all thanks to Ember by Fire Baby, the fiery new sibling turning up the sizzle on Welch Street. Upstairs, Fire Baby brings cheesy comfort by the slice, but downstairs Ember is where things get smoky and seriously delicious. Think flame-kissed steaks, charcoal-grilled seafood and bold dishes crafted by a powerhouse culinary team. With moody vibes, inventive flavours and that irresistible open-fire aroma, Ember is serving up the kind of heat you’ll happily lean into.
Where: 10 Welch Street, Southport
Costa Taco has taken over Burleigh in the best possible way, with its biggest and boldest venue yet. What started as a tiny Palm Beach hole-in-the-wall with epic queues has grown into a full-blown coastal fiesta, and this new flagship is the ultimate taco playground. With 110 seats, colourful vibes, icy margaritas and all your Costa favourites, Burleigh is officially the home of tortilla-fuelled good times.
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Summer on the Gold Coast means being by the water and River House in Southport is the ultimate waterside paradise. Perched along the Nerang River with sweeping views, this three-level dining haven is designed for long lunches that drift into sunset cocktails and elegant evening feasts. Led by acclaimed chef Grant Madgwick, expect seasonal Australian produce with European-Asian flavours, all served with a side of riverfront magic.
Where: 2 Barney Street, Southport
Flavour is officially in the air at Broadbeach, thanks to Meltemi Mediterrania, a dreamy escape inspired by the Aegean winds it’s named after. From the team behind Xenia Grill, with hatted chef Tapos Singha at the helm, this venue whisks you from Morocco’s spice-laden markets to the glittering cliffs of Greece, all in one sitting. Curved coastal interiors, slow-turned meats and golden-hour cocktails? This is Mediterranean magic, Gold Coast style.
Where: 17 Albert Ave, Broadbeach
Dumplings are having a momo-ment and Dolma’s Momo Tibetan Kitchen is leading the charge at Harbour Town. What began as a humble night-market stall has blossomed into a soulful eatery dedicated to handmade Tibetan momos, pillowy and packed with comfort. Owners Tenzin Lhakpa and Jerry Fu bring tradition, heart and a mission to support fellow Tibetan migrants, creating food that nourishes more than just appetite. Warm and deeply authentic, this is a dumpling destination you’ll crave again and again.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Paradise Point turned up the heat with its fusion hotspot, AKA Asiatique Dining & Bar. Helmed by Thai-born chef Akaradon Boonyarit, the menu blends fine dining with Akaradon’s family favourites. Think watermelon sashimi, melt-in-your-mouth miso eggplant and Massaman lamb worth daydreaming about. With lush interiors, intimate vibes and playful sips, AKA is where spice meets paradise.
Where: 3 Grice Ave, Paradise Point
More Thai landed in Surfers Paradise, with it’s biggest, boldest venue yet. Sun-soaked, nature-inspired interiors, semi-private nooks and a bustling bar set the scene for a Thai feast like no other. Signature dishes like the Crispy Chicken Stir-Fry, Crying Tiger, and Massaman Beef showcase Wendy’s family recipes, while Salt & Pepper Soft-Shell Crab satisfies seafood cravings. With cocktails like the Lady Boy to sip, More Thai continues its tasty rise across the Gold Coast.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Shop G9-10/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Mamasan returned with a glow-up worthy of its decade-long reign in Broadbeach. Sleek interiors, an intimate private dining room, and a menu crafted by award-winning Executive Chef Sebastian Tan set the stage for its next era. Expect show-stoppers like Dry-Aged Duck, Yellowfin Tuna Tacos and the iconic Spanner Crab Tortellini Dumplings, all paired with cocktails as artful as the dishes. Balancing nostalgia with innovation, Mamasan 2.0 is a delicious reminder of why it’s a Gold Coast dining icon.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
Coolangatta’s dining scene just turned up the volume with The House of Bamboo, a Pan-Asian restaurant-meets-disco den where flavour and fun collide. Tucked beneath Griffith Street, this bamboo-clad, neon-lit wonderland is all about big beats and even bigger eats, from Bang Bang Prawns to slow-cooked Beef Rendang. Behind the pans is chef Jon Hizola, serving bold, street-inspired plates that keep the good vibes flowing. Pair it with a Grilled Pineapple Margarita, and you’ve got Cooly’s hottest night out.
Where: 1/64 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Italia Moto Pizza & Gelato has cruised into Helensvale, revving up the local dining scene with a menu that’s part pit stop, part Italian grand tour. Each pizza celebrates a different region of Italy, while pastas, lasagna and meatballs keep engines running. Finish with a scoop of creamy gelato or a Moto Fuel soda for the ultimate sugar-fuelled lap. With racing-inspired design, heritage flavours and a playful nod to Nick Martinis’ Italia Moto Cup comics, this spot is full throttle fun.
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale
Southport is heating up with the arrival of Fire Baby! Dreamed up by locals Dr Michael and Donna Read, the venue fuses community spirit with fiery food. The red-brick design glows like a pizza oven, setting the stage for wood-fired magic from Executive Chef Bradley Davids and pizza maestro Vincenzo Quaranta. Think antipasti, charcuterie, pizzas that silence conversation and cocktails that set your heart alight.
Where: 8-10 Welch Street, Southport
Paradise Point welcomes a fiesta of flavour with Street Taco Bar & Taqueria.The creation of Jorge Camargo Erazo, whose Gold Coast kitchen creds includes The Collective and Bam Bam Bakehouse, this vibrant spot blends Mexican heart with Aussie soul. Expect bold tacos, drool-worthy quesadillas, and churros that demand extra napkins, all washed down with colourful margaritas like the Tropical Fiesta. With its vibrant decor and sun-soaked vibes, this is where fiesta meets familia.
Where: Shop 5, 46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Hidden between a laundromat and a Thai eatery, Kemuri Kitchen is Carrara’s cult izakaya serving up serious flavour. What began as Hiro and Yuki Okubo’s market stall is now a hot spot where pillowy bao buns, smoky binchotan-grilled yakitori and crisp karaage chicken steal the show. Add a sharp sake list curated by Hiro, fortnightly omakase feasts, and hand-pressed bao from Yuki, and you’ve got one of the Coast’s best-kept dining secrets.
Where: 3/124 Pappas Way, Carrara
Brunswick Heads got a little more culinary magic with moody new nosh spot, River, Wild at Heart. Chef Michael Lee, a Scottish-born former welder turned globe-trotting culinary maestro, brings modern Australian fare that’s both soulful and seasonal. Think wattleseed-crusted venison, charcoal kangaroo carpaccio and desserts that sing winter berries and smoked malt. Add in the River Margi cocktail, intimate interiors, guest chef pop-ups and local wine whisperer Harriet-Rose Johnson guiding the sips, and you’ve got a dinner date that feels like home, every time.
Where: 2/26 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads
Step into Santorini without leaving Burleigh at La Fira Mediterranean & Steak House. This boutique 32-seat gem blends Greek island charm with coastal elegance, serving flame-grilled meats, sizzling halloumi and ocean-fresh seafood. Hospitality hero Maikel Dabeet brings the Euro art of long lunches to life in a stunning whitewashed setting inspired by the Greek island of love. Must-tries include the La Fira Deluxe Platter and signature cocktails like the zesty Santorini. It’s a sun-drenched slice of the Mediterranean. Opa!
Where: Shop 2/1726 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Dorsia is Byron Bay’s sultry new fine diner turning heads and setting the table for a new era of culinary cool. Helmed by Martyn Ridings of Project Chef fame, this 32-seat hideaway serves up artfully plated dishes with global flair and local produce. Expect cherrywood-smoked duck, cured kangaroo and desserts that defy logic (hello, tarragon oil cheesecake). With moody lighting, Parisian bistro vibes and an omakase-style Chef’s Table, Dorsia isn’t just dinner, it’s a deliciously intimate experience worth name-dropping.
Where: 109 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
You’re in for a treat at Yoru, Nobby Beach’s latest hotspot, serving up Korean-Japanese fusion with heart. Founded by culinary couple Adam and Jessica Long, the restaurant blends Tokyo’s izakaya vibes with Seoul’s street food charm. Expect fresh sashimi, crispy Korean fried chicken, and juicy charcoal-grilled skewers, all crafted from Adam’s global culinary adventures. Sip on the signature Violet Geisha cocktail while soaking in the vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere.
Where: Shop 1B 2249 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mamasan’s spicy little sister has landed! Say hello to BabyMama, the pop-up serving big flavour and even bigger vibes in Nobby Beach. With moody interiors, share-style plates and a cocktail list worth writing home about, this isn’t just a stand-in while the OG is under reno, BabyMama is a whole vibe. Expect iconic faves like KFC and Wagyu Red Curry, plus bold newbies like Sichuan Burrata and a 72-hour roast duck. Oh baby baby, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
Who needs Europe when Haven is heating things up right here in Burleigh? Perched above the sparkling shoreline at the new Mondrian Gold Coast, this sleek beach club and restaurant is redefining winter with woodfired seafood, DJ soundtracks and sunset cocktails. From luxe cabanas to ocean-fresh platters, every detail oozes coastal cool. Executive Chef Aaron Teece lets local produce shine, while signature sips keep spirits high. Haven is a slice of paradise.
Where: Level 3, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Uncle Bowl has landed in Molendinar, serving fast, fresh and flavour-packed eats that don’t break the bank. Created by Songfei Yuan, this stylish spot dishes up Asian-inspired bowls for every craving like Chicken Karaage,Tonkatsu Pork and even Plant-Based Schnitzel . With interiors by Ni Design and speedy service to match, Uncle Bowl is ideal for a quick lunch or a flavour-filled pitstop. Add bold sides and cheeky shakes like the Biscoff Crumble, and you’ve got yourself a bowl game-changer.
Where: Shop 18/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar
Labrador just scored a triple threat in comfort food with Sandy’s Burger, Pizza & Pasta – a laid-back local delivering big flavours and even bigger portions. From sky-high burgers stacked with Aussie classics to crispy pizzas and creamy truffle pasta, this is carb heaven in casual-cool surrounds. With a sports bar vibe, family-friendly feels and a cocktail list that knows how to party, Sandy’s is your go-to for weeknight dinners, game-day feeds or any excuse to ditch cooking. Stretchy pants encouraged.
Where: 37 Musgrave Ave, Labrador
From Southport with love (and a whole lot of cheese), Rossa Pizzeria & Bar is bringing big flavour and even bigger vibes to the lobby of TRYP by Wyndham. This casual Italian stunner is dishing out hand-tossed pizzas, pillowy calzones, polpettini starters and live music four nights a week. With party-perfect vibes and a woodfired oven straight from Italy, Rossa is your new go-to for carb-filled good times. Mangia, sip, repeat.
Where: 59 Meron Street, Southport
Broadbeach, your fried food game just levelled up. Fricken has landed and it’s serving serious crunch. What started as a Canberra food truck is now a full-blown flavour fest, dishing out golden tenders, epic fries and house-made lemonade in a cheeky surf-meets-street diner setting. With gluten-free options, retro interiors and that now-iconic Fricken Box, this is a crispy cult in the making. Come hungry, leave clucky.
Where: 89-91 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Slurp alert! Southport’s steamiest new eatery has landed. Jiraiya is dishing up thick, chewy udon bowls with serious slurp factor — from delicate Kake to rich Curry or refreshing Lime Bukkake. This choose-your-own-adventure deli-style spot lets you customise your bowl with tempura, onigiri and more. Helmed by certified Noodle Sommelier Yuki Saito, every bite is bouncy, brothy bliss. Whether you’re fuelling up post-shop or craving comfort carbs, this is the noods fix you didn’t know you needed.
Where: Nerang St, Southport
Set inside a luxe over-65s village, Harry’s Dining is a surprise culinary gem dishing up good vibes and even better eats for all ages. Led by Chef Jason Wood, this Mermaid Waters hotspot blends nostalgic charm with chef-level flair — think Humpty Doo Barramundi with champagne cream and Sunday roasts worth cancelling plans for. With themed daily specials, friendly feels and interiors that say “stay awhile,” Harry’s proves that next-level nosh truly has no age limit.
Where: 100 Lakeview Boulevard, Mermaid Waters
Take your tastebuds on a trip to the Far East at Hope Island’s new culinary gem. This luxe-meets-laidback spot brings authentic Asian fusion flavours to the waterfront. Expect bold, flavour-packed dishes, sweeping harbour views and a design that channels coastal opulence with a modern twist. Helmed by a trio of seasoned hospitality pros, TARA Far East Dining & Bar delivers elevated dining without the pretension. From lobster buns to Phuket curry, it’s an unforgettable taste trip through the Far East.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 40B Masthead Way, Hope Island
Carrara’s new Italian crush has arrived and it’s bringing big buon appetito energy. Papa Rolly’s, the latest gem from the Gemelli Group, is rolling out handmade pizzas, hearty pastas and rustic trattoria vibes from its charming new digs on Pappas Way. It’s all comfort, no fuss, with a BYO twist and a scoop (or three) of Gelato Gemelli on the side. Cosy up inside, grab a pizza to go or let the limoncello-fuelled laughter flow.
Where: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara
Step into Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta and indulge in a Parisian escape. This 18+ venue exudes romance with its plush furnishings, soft lighting and eclectic art. The French-inspired menu features mouthwatering dishes like Fondue Tarte, Coq au Vin Blanc and Crispy Pork Belly, all paired perfectly with bubbles from renowned champagne houses. Be it date night or a private event, Mona Lisa’s Lair is sure to make you smile.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Trust your tummy and take your tastebuds on a trip to Taiwan! Taiwan Tummy in Chirn Park brings the energy of a bustling night market straight to the Gold Coast, serving up street food snacks like sizzling scallion pancakes, and signature bento boxes packed with bold flavours. Owners Jasper and Cynthia are dishing out tradition, with recipes passed down through generations. Whether you crave deep-fried chicken or slow-braised pork, this cosy eatery is a delicious slice of Taiwan, right here at home.
Where: 1/37 Musgrave, Ave, Labrador
Kira Kira is rolling fresh Japanese flavours into Kirra, offering top-tier sushi, donburi bowls and refreshing bubble teas. From the mastermind behind Project Tokyo and Agave Rosa, this sleek sushi spot blends traditional techniques with a modern twist. Deluxe rolls like Inside Out Chicken Katsu and Tempura Prawn are instant favourites, while the hearty signature bento box, featuring a choice of protein, gyoza, a Japanese salad, lotus chips and your choice of sushi roll, will satisfy the hungriest of diners.
Where: Shop 6b 1 Douglas Street, Kirra
Craving sun-kissed flavours of Greece? Forget flights because a Greek feast is just a road trip away! Head straight to Tamborine Mountain where Mana Souvlaki serves up souvlaki, saganaki and meze so good that you’ll be shouting “OPA” at first bite! Led by chef Yiani Giannaros, this intimate 40-seat gem blends old-world Hellenic charm with breezy island vibes. Expect chargrilled perfection, golden pita, and feta-stuffed goodness, all wrapped in warm Greek hospitality. Consider this your one-way ticket to a flavour-packed Greek getaway!
Where: 3/11 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain
Yo, my goodness, YOMG opened at Pacific Fair! Flipping the script on burgers and froyo, YOMG is serving up stacked, snackable goodness. Their hand-pressed, locally sourced beef patties are the real MVP, while the froyo bar is a swirl of endless possibilities. From loaded fries to crispy wings, every bite is a taste bud touchdown. Whether you’re in the mood to feast with friends or treat yo’self, YOMG is the ultimate pit stop for flavour-packed bites.
Where: Pacific Fair (opposite Sephora), Broadbeach
Roca is nacho average Latin eatery in Byron Bay. From the fresh Watermelon Ceviche to the zingy Arroz Chaufa, every dish will have you taco-ing about it long after the meal. The Rocatina Burger, with its tuna, avocado, and fried sweet potato, is post-beach bliss, while the Mixed Fried Empanadas pack a punch of flavour. For an unforgettable dinner party, the Eat Like Papi experience fires up at 5pm with chefs grilling meats and preparing fresh ceviche before your eyes. You’ll be roca–ing and rolling with every bite and sip!
Where: 14 Lawson Street, Byron Bay
Wendy’s is bringing the sizzle to our fast-food scene with its first-ever Australian location in Surfers Paradise! Square away your hunger with their iconic fresh beef square patties and crispy chicken tenders, specifically made for Aussie taste buds. Whether you’re biting into the Classic Double or the Baconmator, it’s no wonder this chain is famous for its flavours. Don’t forget to dip into signature sauces and for the sweet finish, the Frosty is sure to have you melting with joy! It’s just the beginning of Wendy’s big expansion across the country!
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Pokkoi is wok-ing its magic in Coolangatta, serving up a sizzling fusion of Asian flavours that will have you soy excited! Owner Rachael Nguyen has brought her expertise and enthusiasm across the ditch for her first Australian venture, and we welcome it with open mouths. From the zesty Hiramasa Kingfish to the indulgent Beef Rendang Donut, every bite is an explosion of umami goodness. For the ultimate Asian fusion dish, the Whole Burrata served with heirloom tomato, chilli oil, Viet mint and roti is sure to make your taste buds dance. Wash it down with a Thai Tea Cocktail and you’ve got yourself a flavour-packed feast!
Where: 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
The Light Years team is raising the bar on Italian dining, with their new Bar Monte in Miami offering a menu that’s simply pasta-tively divine! From oozy Burrata to a decadent Chicken Liver Eclair, its dishes have Gold Coasters saying “mamma mia!” Seafood lovers will see just how good Linguine di Mare al Cartoccio can be, while meat enthusiasts can savour a Bistecca steak lovingly coated in a Porcini Rub. Paired with divine wines and signature cocktails, it’s clear – Bar Monte is your passport to Italy. No boarding pass required.
Where: No.3 Mountain View Ave, Miami
Norte is where Mexico City meets the Gold Coast – chic, sultry, and sizzling with flavour. Created by the legends behind Rick Shores, this gem is built around a massive custom hearth, where the flames kiss everything from 72-hour short rib to Fremantle octopus with roasted bone marrow. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a bold Latin American red while watching chefs work their magic in the open kitchen. Think rich flavours, refined techniques, and a space that’s equal parts romance and revelry. If you’re craving an indulgent night out, Norte is calling, don’t leave it on read.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Words by Lisette Drew
Treat mode: on.
Everyone deserves a little extra glow from time to time. Whether you’re in the mood for a refresh, a reset or just an excuse to treat yourself, we’re all about leaning into feel-good moments.
From glam squads to scalp-soothing sanctuaries, these five spots at Pacific Fair are ready to treat you to the ultimate glow up that may just become a regular ritual.
Consider this your permission slip to indulge (and maybe make it a regular thing).
We all know beauty comes from within, but looking good on the outside can help when the inside feels a bit flat. Garbo & Kelly knows makeup is an artform and treats every face like a masterpiece. Whether you’re chasing a natural glow or full glam, their expert technicians tailor each look to your face shape and occasion. Brows are their love language, and the Garbo & Kelly crew will lift and sculpt your brows to perfection using their award-winning products. They also have dry hair styling available and the option of two stylists working at once, which means less rushing and more relaxing. It’s the ultimate pampering pit-stop.
Flooded with natural light and overlooking the river, Paintbox Nail Bar is a calm little corner of Pac Fair that changes the way you feel, not just how your nails look (although yes, they’ll look excellent after a visit). From the moment you walk in, it feels like visiting a very chic friend, the kind who always offers tea and lets you fully be yourself. The team notices the small things, treats you with kindness and somehow makes time disappear. You’re guaranteed to leave calmer than you arrived, with flawless cuticles and a renewed sense of self.
For those who want everything done in one dreamy appointment, La Beauty is your multitasking marvel. This full-service beauty salon covers facials, advanced skin treatments, massages, body treatments, mani-pedis, spray tans, waxing and tinting. Basically, the works! Step inside and the tranquil spa atmosphere immediately hits the nervous system reset button. The experienced therapists take it from there, melting away stress and restoring your glow like absolute pros.
Ella Bache is for the skincare realists with results that speak for themselves. With a wide range of treatments for men and women, including facials, massage, microdermabrasion, waxing, makeup and spray tans, this is where skin gets the attention it deserves. Their tailored approach means every face gets a personalised plan, because everyone is unique and so should your self care.
If your brain feels as frazzled as your split ends, Yusen Head Spa is calling your name. Inspired by Japanese rituals, these treatments focus on restoring scalp health while calming the mind. It’s deeply relaxing, wildly soothing and exactly the kind of quiet luxury we didn’t know we needed. Consider it hair care and soul reset rolled into one.
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
