Bar Leo is Sorrento's neighbourhood gem.
Bar Leo is Sorrento's neighbourhood gem.
You know the saying, when the time is right, it will find you? Well, you must be ripe for some sleek Mediterranean-style dining because, evidently, your time is now! Bar Leo Food & Wine has been quietly thriving under your radar, so we’re glad we finally get to make your acquaintance. Welcome to your new neighbourhood rendezvous.
Bar Leo is the thrumming heart of Sorrento, a local frequent and a top recommendation for visitors. You can hear the hum of patron chatter as you pass by. The warm ambience allures as you gaze from afar, making you wish you, too, had made a reservation. Not to worry! You can make a reservation right now!
Picture this, it’s 4pm on a Friday afternoon, the week is done and happy hour has begun. There’s a light summer-esque dew in the air, so you opt for the Balmy Nights ‘Fizz’ Petillant Natural on recommendation from the waiter, “It’s a perfect wine for these humid days”.
The refined wine list and seafood-inspired share plates, small and large, leave you with that wonderful conundrum; what to try first? Then, your dining buddy chimes in, “I think this is going to be our new local”. You nod in agreeance and take a heavenly sip of the Vermentino & Grenache blend (recommendation approved), chilled red you have all the time to try everything on the menu more than once. You’re on cloud wine.
Bar Leo is every bit as fantastic as this musing. The venue has a contemporary feel, with Mediterranean details that make you feel like you’re on a Santorini sojourn. It’s no surprise patrons want to linger a bit longer when visiting. The seafood is fresh and delicious and the wine list is impressive. And don’t get us started on the hospitality. There are many reasons locals keep coming back, but their stellar personalised service is one of them.
Let us entice you with a few menu standouts. The menu is partitioned into three sections; ‘snacks’, ‘small plates & share plates’ and ‘vegetables and salads’. Shared eats would have to be one of life’s most simple pleasures. For the love of all things gluten, we must put forth the snack plate focaccia with rosemary, sea salt & EVOO. Our next snack plate proposal is the half shell scallop, cauliflower puree with chorizo crumb.
It would be a sin not to endorse the cooked-to-perfection, market fresh fish, lemon & olive oil from the small plates & share plates section. What can we tell you? Simplicity slays. And excuse us, but a black angus sirloin, soubise, sauce bordelaise & fried kale? Tell the waiter we’ll take two with the fried Brussel sprouts, pancetta, honey & hazelnuts. While at it, we’ll take some shoestring fries with rosemary, sea salt and garlic confit aioli.
Bar Leo is perfect for the whole family, with a children’s playground and lawn only a few steps away. Considering the venue is owned by a local family and operated by industry veterans, we can’t say we’re surprised that this venue ticks all the boxes.
Where: 7/4 Panitz St, Bundall
When: Wednesday and Thursday – 4pm till late
Friday – 12pm till late (all day dining)
Saturday – 12pm till late (all day dining)
Sunday – 12pm till 6pm
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY BAR LEO
Founder of The Sommelier's Tasting Room.
It’s never wise to keep things bottled up, especially when it comes to wine. We caught up with Adrien David, esteemed sommelier and founder of The Sommelier’s Tasting Room. With a resume as international as a fine wine list and a passion for the grape, Adrien has spent over 10 years working as a sommelier in top restaurants around the world.
Adrien’s journey with wine is more than a passion; it’s a lifelong pursuit of discovery and connection. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast Adrien’s latest venture, The Sommelier’s Tasting Room is his opportunity to share his passion, creating experiences that linger long after the last glass is emptied. Adrien shared insights from his flavourful journey and gave us a few insider tips on pairing two of our greatest loves, wine and cheese!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved from Melbourne to the Gold Coast 5 years ago.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m born in the Champagne region in France and raised in Paris .
I’ve lived overseas for the last 10 years in a few different countries: London, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia. I’ve always worked as a sommelier, in Michelin star restaurants, fine dining, and even at the French Open as head sommelier.
I have a huge passion for wine and I love sharing it with people.
When COVID happened I became a scuba dive instructor and grew a passion for teaching and I found the right balance in my business between education and sharing what I love the most, wine and cheese!
Tell us about Sommelier’s Tasting Room
The Sommelier’s Tasting Room is a unique wine and cheese tasting experience with 7 wines on the tasting menu from unique grape varieties all around the world, a beautiful European cheese board and French bread.
We offer three different packages: The Classic Wine and Cheese Night, perfect for those who want to discover and learn the basics of wine tasting, an Intermediate Level, which focuses more on wine pairing and includes rare wines and an Advanced Level, showcasing top-end appellations from around the world.
The idea is to make people travel, discover and experience something French but also different. During this dinner there is a part of education about wine, wine tasting and cheese but also some entertainment during the experience.
Those events are private, so I come to your place and set up everything for you except the table and the chairs.
Also, I do an open table every month to give the opportunities for the people who don’t have a group or even the space, to join the experience.
What inspired you to start Sommelier’s Tasting Room?
Wine is a product that almost everyone drinks and enjoys regularly with plenty of people willing to learn about wine but most of the time, the wine courses can be too serious or even too professional for someone who just wants to learn to appreciate a glass of wine.
I want to give an alternative to this by bringing friends around the table to share their wine and food while learning in a very approachable way.
But the genesis of the Sommelier’s Tasting Room comes from a funny situation. I found a lot of people having a glass of wine every day but not holding their glass properly and here is the first step of the education.
I also wanted to create an experience on the Gold Coast that is good value for money, different and affordable for everyone!
What is a wine you’re loving at the moment that won’t break the bank?
To be honest, there are a lot but if I can give you one white and one red they would be: Sven Joschke Chardonnay ‘La lulu’ 2023 from the Barossa Valley for the white and G.D.Vajra Langhe Rosso 2022, a blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Fresa from north Italy for the red.
For the uneducated (us), what type of wines would you never buy a cheaper version of?
The classics like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Putting a little extra money into these is often very rewarding when you get to drink them.
What are your best wine and cheese matches?
The list is long but here is couple: A Taleggio (washed rind from Italy) with a Nebbiolo from Piedmont, or a strong goat cheese from Loire Valley in France with a Sancerre.
Are there any other food additions we should add to our cheese platters that match well with wine?
Adding dry fruit or fresh fruit to add a touch of sweetness and also nuts.
Tell us your Gold Coast favourites:
Café: Elk Espresso, Broadbeach
Restaurant: The North Room, Mermaid
Bar: Cambus Wallace, Nobby
Beach: Burleigh Heads
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I like to hang out with my friends or go out for a long trail run, there are many possibilities on the Gold Coast.
Making midday eats great again.
Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.
Whether it’s a Friday long lunch with cocktails or a weekday steal, the Gold Coast has mastered the art of the set lunch. From bottomless brunches to two-course indulgences, these midday menus prove that the best lunches aren’t packed in Tupperware.
We’ve done the hard, and hungry, work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!
Starting strong, we have Norté with their bold new $55 lunch set menu, created by Chef Rudy Malinverni, which blends Latin American flair with fresh, local produce. The three-course spread features Scallop and Kiwi Ceviche, tacos filled with crispy pork or braised cabbage, and a choice of roasted barramundi or crispy braised beef, served with rice and a Currumbin herb salad. Available Friday to Sunday from 12pm, it’s a sun-soaked long lunch best paired with a cocktail or bottomless package, and maybe a sunset drink upstairs at Sueño.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Here to make weekdays decadent with their new two-course lunch menu for $75 per person. Choose entrée and main or main and dessert, with indulgent dishes like sashimi with soy dressing and yuzu gel, Moreton Bay Bug rolls, wagyu steak tasting boards, NZ King Ora salmon with truffle and crème fraîche, or calamari fritti with sobrasada garlic mayo. Finish with a kalamansi crème brûlée or a decadent cheese selection. This is Broadbeach sophistication at its finest.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
There’s only one way to end the week right, and that’s with Glenelg Public House’s ‘Thank F**k It’s Friday’ spread! Think hearty pub favourites like grilled local prawns and rib fillet wagyu – there’s even roasted bone marrow with onion jam and mustard on toast. All for $70 per person. It’s the perfect excuse to sneak out for a cheeky early weekend meal.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Still serving one of the best value lunches on the Coast is Kin in Burleigh. For $25 per person, you’ll get your pick of Pan-Asian favourites – teriyaki chicken, bao, squid karaage, salmon sashimi, or chargrilled salmon with house furikake. Pair it with a cheeky drink and you’re laughing, plus their epic happy hour runs from 12–5.30pm. Ooh, cheeky!
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Our fave weekend ritual, The Island’s Rooftop Graze Lunch. Gather the crew for a lavish three-course meal with a two-hour drinks package for $79 per person, available Saturdays and Sundays. It kicks off with a mimosa on arrival, followed by a spread of charcuterie, karaage chicken, lamb kofta, arancini, wood-fired pizzas, and more. Wash it down with cocktail carafes like watermelon margarita spritz and passionfruit and vanilla mojito while the DJ sets play!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Spice things up with a $69 per person weekend bottomless brunch at Mr Hizola’s. The deal includes your choice of lunch bowl (fried chicken, crispy beef or wok vegetables with sesame dressing) plus two hours of Shaojiu Spritz (peach, elderflower, lychee, strawberry and watermelon) and tap beer. With sittings at 12–2 pm and 2–4 pm, it’s the perfect way to ease into (or extend) your weekend.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
These guys know how to do a Saturday feast. For $29 per person, it’s all-you-can-eat tacos, tostadas, nachos, corn, and more. It’s the kind of lunch deal that calls for stretchy pants and maybe a margarita (or three) on the side.
Where: 140 Duringan St, Currumbin
The weekend bottomless brunch served two ways. First, we have The Wine Lover Pack ($79pp) which gives you two hours of free-flowing wine and Peroni alongside a three-course Italian menu. The Cocktail Lover Pack ($99pp) ups the ante with endless margaritas, Aperol spritz and mimosas. Expect classic entrées like calamari fritti or burrata, handmade pastas or pizzas for main, and cannoli or gelati to finish.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Coast at Surfers is serving a three-course shared banquet with the option to make it bottomless (and, of course). For $99 per person, you’ll enjoy a banquet of sourdough with smoked butter, tempura eggplant, Angus flank or BBQ chicken, sides, and dessert, all paired with a two-hour drinks package. Long, leisurely and very tasty.
Where: Ocean by Meriton, Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Get around Hideaway’s ‘Street Feast’ for the entire table to enjoy! For just $69 per person, choose a selection of smaller and bigger plates, edamame or lotus root for starters, plus noodles or rice and salads or greens. Bring the gang, the menu is designed for the whole table to dive in.
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Welcome to the weekend bottomless lunch. For $85 per person, indulge in a chef’s selection of tacos and entrées paired with bottomless Prosecco, Palomas, Tequila Spritz, sangria, wine and beers for 1.5 hours. For an extra $25, upgrade to bottomless Classic and Chilli Coconut Margaritas, because it’s a crime to have tacos without margaritas.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Get ready for a flavour-packed weekday lunch deal at Maggie Choo’s. From Wednesday to Friday, 12–3 pm, their three-course express menu is just $29 per person. Start with roti and spiced peanut curry, move on to your choice of dumplings (spanner crab & prawn or chicken & truffle), and finish with either Pad Thai noodles or Vietnamese prawn lettuce wraps. Bold, fast and packed with flavour.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
So next time you’re tempted to settle for desk snacks, remember the Gold Coast has a lunch deal with your name on it. There’s no wrong choice, except not going.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Cheers to the freaking weekend….and weekdays.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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.
