Southport's sophisticated newcomer, Como Kitchen & Bar.
Southport's sophisticated newcomer, Como Kitchen & Bar.
If suburbs were reality show contestants, in the years gone by we definitely would have nominated the Coast’s all-work, no party CBD for a Beauty and The Geek style makeover (Southport being the latter, obvs #soz) But somewhere over the last few years, we must have blinked and suddenly Southport has got itself a grown up and decidedly more glam look #glowupalert
Gone are the days where we watch the Southern suburbs with mild disdain and try to keep our #fomo in check, because luxe new central GC hotspots are popping up left, right and centre. Just last week we introduced you to Southport’s latest takeaway coffee hookup, a chic new local worthy of making many a Melbourne laneway blush. Now we’re back with another new face to add to the growing list, and it’s the kind that invites you in to luxuriate over everything from laidback drinks to sophisticated soirées.
Equal parts tropi-cool and art deco chic, Como Kitchen & Bar is Southport’s latest newcomer and let us tell you, she’s a beauty. New owner Harrison Runje knows a thing or two about what it takes to run a successful GC venue after he grew up pitching in at his family’s restaurants in Byron and Hope Island for as long as he can remember. With that kind of hospitality pedigree running in the family, it’s should come as no surprise that his debut has been stronger than a good Affogato.
With a well-placed tram stop across the road conveniently linking the Central suburbs into the GC’s buzzing nightlife scene, Harrison saw the potential to meet the demands of a growing social hub among further plans slated for Southport in the coming years #watchthisspace.
Swinging open the doors on their glam new digs in February this year, the brief for Interior Designer Leanne O’Toole was to deliver a sophisticated yet inviting space that oozes Palm Springs meets the Gold Coast. An abundance of luxurious teal velvet seating invites you to take a load off, complemented by tropical greenery, lush pops of brass and geometric features. Meanwhile, the neon signage lights our way to the bar which has been fitted out head to toe in glistening gold, seductively drawing us in like hapless moths to a flame.
Speaking of moths to a flame, if you haven’t yet peeped the menu, we’re happy to report it is every bit as inviting as those stunning interiors. Like all the best Head Chefs, Paul Falzone drew inspiration from all over – from his Maltese/Italian roots to previous experience from fine dining kitchens and cuisines all over Australia. And he’s whipped up the perfect blend of Modern Australian meets Mediterranean fusion style eats with all of the deliciousness and none of the pomp.
Firstly, we are always here for a menu arranged by hunger levels bc #practical. They might be Small Plates but they sure pack a punch: ‘coz the Moreton Bay bug roll w/ lemon chive mayo, house made hot sauce in a brioche bun is comin’ in hot, closely followed by Sweet & spicy fried chicken w/ honey sesame seeds & green chilli sauce. And it would be totally shellfish of us not to not also mention the Pan fried scallops w/ creamy lemon, white wine cream sauce & pancetta.
Moving on to Large Plates, and if you haven’t already ordered a drink you’re going to need one to mull over all these choices. It seems a (w)risky move to skip the Whiskey pork belly w/ caramelised apple & cauliflower puree, but word on the street is the signature 12 hour slow cooked 1kg lamb shoulder served w/ chimichurri, roasted potatoes & seasoned greens is a feast not to be missed.
And our favourite menu of all, is of course the shaken, not stirred variety – aka the cocktail list (just kidding tho, we’ll take our cocktails however they come – shaken or stirred is a-ok with us). The we really lychee the sound of the holy grail, or rather Holy Lychee with Vodka, lychee liqueur, grapefruit juice. But it would be really hard to beat getting girls together for a big ‘ol pitcher of Como’s Green Gimlet share cocktail with Cucumber Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Apple Juice, Simple Syrup & Soda Water #cheerspitchers
Residents of Southport and surrounds rejoice, because it’s finally time for our friends and fam to come to us next time time celebrations are in order. With all the swagger to rival our southern neighbours, top notch nosh and cocktail specials that change weekly, Como Kitchen is set to keep the GC como-ing back for more.
Where: 410/411 1 Como Crescent, Southport
When: Tues-Sat 11am – Late, Sun 11am – 8pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Eight Fifty Espresso will be your new goat-to
Ever find yourself in the presence of one of those enigmatic humans, radiating joy and the energy levels of a Labrador? And thought to yourself, what are they on? The answer is (almost always) coffee. An abundance of coffee. Beans on repeat.
And the sentiment rings true for a couple‘a self admitted coffee fanatics that up and opened a brand new coffee spot for the central GC to delight in. If you’re wondering just how many coffee shops does one city really need, we firmly subscribe to the Melbournian philosophy which is, the more the merrier. Literally, bc we can’t espresso just how much merrier we feel after a little cup of liquid sunshine for the soul.
Much like the Weetbix commercials of our youth, when we heard that one half of the dynamic duo behind newcomers Eight Fifty Espresso ‘does’ 6 cups a day, we quickly came to realise that fanatic, may in actual fact not be strong enough of a word.
For new owners Elise & Broden Johnson, they didn’t choose the cafe life, it chose them – after all, self-confessed coffee snob Broden hails from none other than a little town by the name of Melbourne. With a history in and around cafes, the two set to work perfecting their own range of beans a couple of years back while also juggling one of Australia’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies Yakk, and suddenly the whole 6 cups thing is starting to make a whole lot of sense because we’re exhausted just thinking about all that #stiflesyawn.
As you’d imagine their quest to create the ‘best cup of coffee they’d ever tasted’, involved a very rigorous testing and sampling process (where do we apply). Elise & Broden have also begun planting the seed for a brand new charity, TreeLabs (y’know with all that spare time we’re sure) so keep an eyes peeled for your daily cup to become feel good in more ways than one.
And we’re not gonna lie, for a hot second we did think maybe the cafe was a convenient excuse for unlimited sippin’ on the merchandise #qualitycontrol, but upon further investigation we #canconfirm anyone with an impressive range of no less than seven bean blends, who also stands behind the bold claim that their coffee is the GOAT is clearly v passionate about bringing brew-ti-ful coffee to the masses.
Just a lazy block or two (who could say for sure, pls don’t count on us for directions #perpetuallylostaf) back from our fave Broadwater Parklands, Eight Fifty Espresso has been officially waking up Southport one cup at a time since earlier this month. It’s excellent brews for both central GC inhabitants and also, we’re pretty certain the collective productivity of the Coast’s entire CBD just skyrocketed.
Those Melbournian roots have entered the chat, because the slick new laneway-esque vibes of our newest takeaway coffee hookup is a sight for sore eyes. Glowing like a sapphire green gem among an urban sea of concrete, if the decor isn’t already giving us the green light to sidle on up then the big ol’ illuminated word coffee is a literal sign from above for our weary eyes. Nestled right into the Yakk HQ streetfront #convenient, we’re pretty sure this hole-in-the-wall takeaway pit-stop will now be unofficially fuelling all business meetings and leisurely strolls in 4215.
While you’re there, pick yourself up a bag of their signature bean blends for those days where you just cannot summon the motivation to peel yourself out of your PJ’s. Despite having seven signature coffee blends on offer, there’s not a meeeh batch among them. Each blend has been named after breeds of goats #truestory, so surely this must also make it Emma Wiggle’s fave brew too (okay so we may be speculating here). Both a nod their claim as the GOAT of coffee #weseewhatyoudidthere and to the origins of the world’s most beloved beans being discovered by a goat farmer and his wiley flock #TIL.
Now, if anyone needs us, we’ll be sipping a most excellent brew and googling pictures of goats, because *new obsession unlocked* and really, who couldn’t have a bit more cuteness in their lives. And one things is for sure, if it’s bl-eaty good coffee to-go you’re after, Eight Fifty Espresso has goat you covered.
Where: 12 Short Street, Southport
When: Monday – Friday 6.45am – 2.45pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Good coffee, great food and city vibes.
Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?
All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more doing! (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie boards, to Cardamom Pod, bring those ‘gram-worthy acai bowls and a brunch menu that will have you coming back for more.
Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway, so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from The Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.
Now, did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot, along with our biggest vice Kmart, on the store list, say goodbye to your savings, but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.
No man is left behind at Made With Love who delivers on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries– because you know what they say, a doughnut a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that. And why should our vegans not be part of the action?!
Keeping the Euro-bakery vibes rolling is 5B2F Ciabatta, the Southport spin-off from the cult-fave Chirn Park bakehouse, slinging everything from flaky croissants and glossy danishes to ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with all the good things (hello truffle ham and cheese toastie). It’s a grab-and-go carb paradise where sourdough, dreamy pastries and show-stopping cakes are baked fresh daily – basically your daily bread, but make it boujee.
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.
For the more traditional café vibe, Humble Café might be humble by name, but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.
Joining the caffeine crew, but with a twist, is Yellow & Butter. Tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash, they’ve officially upgraded your car washing experience with a side of brunch. Our advice is to start with the cheesecake!
Cheek Café serves up wholesome bites, knockout coffee and top-tier banter, all wrapped in a peachy-pink, personality-packed space. While Broadwater Café is a local fave for its stellar brews and arguably the most scenic sip spot in Southport. Coffee with a side of waterfront wow.
If you prefer your coffee topped with cold foam, or paired with a sweet treat on the side (hello, Dubai Mochi Cookie) Milestone should be at the top of your hit list.
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day, but if you’re after a side of live music with that, then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice-cold brew all in one.
Just across the tram line, nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch till your heart’s content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game, and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.
Also at Southport Sharks, Kaktus Bar is your go-to for a vibrant cocktail. Yep, this place delivers a thirst-quenching margarita as you’ve never tasted. One of those (or a few), paired with live music and a lineup of tacos, and you have yourself a fiesta!
Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices, plus a unique menu of sharing boards.
Hello foodies, thought we forgot about you? We could never! Kicking us off is the Japanese eatery, KatsuCo which churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.
For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get you fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.
River House brings waterfront dining to the table with relaxed Broadwater views and a modern menu that works just as well for long lunches as it does for sunset dinners.
A bit of a two-in-one is Fire Baby & Ember. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice; wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs, Ember is where you can get flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood.
Since we’re on a food journey around the world, you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.
So, you’ve got your coffee fix and tum full- now you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone, whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.
Fancy a bit more adventure, we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water, then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic-length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.
If you’re keen to try something a little different, the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre and The Shooting Centre both deliver a high-adrenaline experience with a strong focus on safety and guidance, making them approachable for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike.
If switching off and resetting is more your vibe, Vikasati Bathhouse is Southport’s answer to full-body bliss, offering hot and cold pools, saunas and spa-style experiences designed to melt stress away without ever leaving the city.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
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
