Fresh, nourishing and a little bit naughty.
Fresh, nourishing and a little bit naughty.
Allow us to begin by sharing the news that deep fried Gaytimes are a thing and you can eat them at Nobby’s newbie Forreal Kitchen (previously Barchino).
The end.
Jks. Seriously though, did other people know this and keep what may be the most delicious food in the world a secret. Let’s hope not hey.
Let’s go back to the beginning. Last week Nobby’s welcomed another new eatery to the fray and we may never have seen a more balanced and extensive menu in all our food eating lives.
The premise of Forreal Kitchen is this: life is all about balance and good food is one of the greatest pleasures there is, therefore we should enjoy both the healthy and not-so-healthy but oh-so-delicious varieties in order to stay sane (and happy). Makes perfect sense to us because Deep Fried Gaytimes.
The interior is all kinds of colourful cuteness with bright pink, patterned wallpaper on one side and literal leaves sprouting from the other. Greenery hangs from every available space and rattan light shades round out the cosy, natural, indoor jungle feels.
So besides the previously mentioned Deep Fried Gaytimes, what can you eat? Well pals, a little bit of everything.
Of course, there are smoothie bowls – nine varieties to be precise – and if you’re in one of those healthy moods (apparently it’s a thing) go for the Gracefully Green with spinach, green matcha, banana, pineapple, coconut milk, avocado and served with Paleo muesli, flowers and toasted coconut.
For lunch there’s (so many good things) the Forreal Boy with crispy prawns served on a crusty French Roll with apple slaw and crispy fries. Yep there is.
There are also share plates along the lines of a Big Fat Beef and Maple sausage with jalapeno relish and Asian Greens in Miso Caramel. People’s culinary imaginations actually blow our minds.
You can drink cocktails, match wines to your breakfast (STOP IT) or order a smoothie called Are You Forreal, which is a secret rainbow concoction not for the faint of heart.
Green shots are a thing too if your attempt to balance all those other goodies gets out of hand.
The place is seriously one of a kind and the girls have actually thought of everything.
Get on it guys.
LOCATION: 28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach (underneath Santorini)
HOURS: From 6am to 3pm daily (open for breakfast and lunch)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Nobby's new New York style eatery.
Like a phoenix rising from the (literal) ashes, Nobby’s Beach newbie Pinky’s Kitchen & Bar has landed to kick off your 2018 brunch game with a bang.
You may have noticed the corner space once occupied by our beloved Little Beans has slowly been transforming. Well folks, the time has come and we’re happy to announce the opening of a sleek new space complete with can’t-miss-em neon pink signs and plenty of beautiful people gazing opportunities.
An exposed brick bar, royal blue velvet seating and THOSE neon signs are all your interior design dreams brought to life and all smack bang in the middle of the beautiful little seaside suburb you probably don’t visit enough.
Brayden Condon and the team are serving up New York inspired eats for breakfast and lunch (for now; nighttime opening hours are on the horizon) and excuse us while we rant about the food a little bit.
Breakfast, as the most important meal of the day, is a must at Pinky’s. Start with Morning Glory, because who doesn’t love a little bit of that to kick off the day. We digress. It’s a breakfast salad with haloumi, Portobello mushrooms, pumpkin, poached egg and dukkah and it is in fact, glorious.
Definitely also eat the Latkes which are crispy potato rosti’s, salmon lox, dill crème fraiche and poached eggs. There’s also some called Mama’s Knishes, which may just translate to magic to be honest. It’s a classic Eastern European dish made famous on the streets of New York and it consists of a baked pastry stuffed with potato and onions. Honestly, food is life.
For lunch there are an array of bagels and good lord, a NYC-style loaded hot dog.
BRB, buying bigger pants.
The coffee, of course, is of the Blackboard variety and on offer is a batch brewed filter-style option, which you won’t find in places around our fair city and is SO GOOD.
The idea behind this particular style of venue was to bring something a little different to the classic Acai bowl breaky option to Nobby’s and aren’t the extra-hungry people among us happy about that.
Get down there for a weekend brunch date with your gal pals.
LOCATION: Cnr Lavarack Street and Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
HOURS: 5am until 2pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Japanese soul food for Nobby's Beach.
Look out Gold Coast, Nobby’s Beach is back on the new venue scene in a big way with the opening of three new foodie establishments over the last month and even more to come.
Okazu Sushi Bar snuck in a couple of weeks ago (underneath Mexicali) bringing Japanese soul food to the people via a sleek new space that is pretty much the epitome of Nobby’s cool.
It’s intimate, as you’d expect from a sushi bar, with a huge traditional mural decorating one wall and of course, everyone’s new favourite venue accessory, a neon sign reading ‘you make miso happy’ shining out from the other. The seating is minimal, it’s more of a ‘pop in, soak up the good vibes and grab some healthy eats to go’ kind of deal.
To that end, the food is perfect if you’re into the fresh, good for you and extremely tasty type that’s easy to inhale on the beach, in the office or at home in front of Netflix. Choose your own sushi adventure.
Grab yourself a (quite large and very filling) sushi roll, made fresh daily with flavours such as Chilli Calamari and spicy mayonnaise, Japanese BBQ Crispy Chicken and Smoked Tofu and Asparagus. YUM.
An array of bowls are beautifully presented and filled with nourishing healthy goodness. We love the teriyaki beef, spicy squid and sautéed vegetable best.
The pièce de résistance however is Okonomiyaki, a cabbage-based savoury pancake from the heart of Osaka with your choice of toppings from seafood, CHEESE, vegetarian and teriyaki chicken and beef.
Oh and there’s popcorn chicken, miso soup and edamame which are reasons in themselves to go wait at the door until opening time.
Okazu is modern Japanese food, in keeping with tradition found within a stunning space and created by a team that wants you to feel like part of their family every time you step in the door.
Which you will, a lot.
On ya Nobby’s.
HOURS: From 11.30am to 8pm daily
LOCATION: 1/2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby’s Beach (underneath Mexicali)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
And why you will too!
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
She’s one of the Gold Coast’s finest, boasting 4.8 stars on Google and a 2025 AGFG Award to add to an already impressive list of accolades. The food is every bit as refined as the name suggests, crafted by genius minds. A reservation here means settling in for modern Australian dining at its best, served in an intimate, quietly sophisticated room. Fine food lovers, rejoice!
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is an appreciated presence in the GC and Mermaid distillery scene- a carnival of cocktails. It’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room is one of our favourite spots, not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast, for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential; open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Welcome to the Gold Coast’s official brunch destination. There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes, and Little Mermaid has done precisely that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends, this is the place to be. Open for breakfast and lunch the vibe is always pumping, so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out. You know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following as this gorgeous warehouse. It’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy, drawing plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens, but if that’s not your jam, just become a plant parent!
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse has it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis of recovery and tranquillity right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave. Pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest-standing taco joints on the Coast, it’s a favourite amongst the locals, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, should that be your thing. To answer your question, yes, they do have Taco Tuesdays, complete with $6 tacos and $20 jugs of sangria! Right next door is Bon Bon Bar, so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well, the Mezcal Margarita, of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Marked by yellow striped umbrellas, splashes of colour and plenty of smiling faces, Sunnyboy is the sibling of Broady’s Elk Espresso- a Gold Coast institution since 2011. From 7am daily, you can tuck into breaky, brunch and lunch classics that are seriously elevated. Like, too good to eat (but wayyy too good not to), Insta-worthy dishes that will blow your mind and taste buds. Then, for those weekends (or weekdays- no judgement here) that cause breaky with a side of bubbles, there’s Bottomless Boozy Brunches. Just take one look at their Insta, and you will be messaging the group chat to lock in a date.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
First, we were blessed with Rafiki By The Sea- a long-standing neighbourhood favourite serving flavoursome food, stellar coffee and unmatchable vibes. Then came Rafiki By The Park, thanks to the screaming success of the seaside original. That’s right, Gold Coasters… we’ve been blessed with two Rafikis, and honestly, we deserve it.
Both venues serve slurp-worthy smoothies, icy matcha, cheeky (and famous) toasties, house-made yoghurt cups piled with seasonal fruit and crunchy granola, and their cult-status African Avo Toast. Add in strong coffee, super-friendly staff, and a rotating roaster of smiling doggos, and you’ve got two of Mermaid’s most beloved local hangouts.
Where: By The Sea, 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach. By The Park, 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Bam Bam has long held elite bakery status in Mermaid Beach (and the rest of Australia), and once you’ve had one of their pastries, you get it. The place smells ridiculous, in a butter-meets-sugar way, and the pastry cabinet makes you lose all inhibition with zero regrets. There are loaded muffins, crispy cruffins, savoury and sweet croissants, melted-in-the-middle cookies, and so much more! They also cover scrambled eggs, sandwiches, acai bowls- even poke bowls and nasi goreng! They do it all, and they do so damn well! Needless to say, it’s a staple for locals, a weekend ritual for many, and a must-visit for anyone serious about baked goods.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Raspberry Room isn’t just a place to get a fine-line tattoo; it’s a speakeasy-meets-hotel-lobby-inspired haven. The waiting room channels New York lobby vibes, and the studio blends the founders’ favourite bars and hotels, all wrapped up in a colour palette straight outta Wes Anderson’s classic, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’. It’s the perfect place to pop your tattoo cherry, or collect more!
Where: 2/2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Etsu is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight spots- seriously, you’d walk straight past if you didn’t know what you were looking for, but that’s half the fun! Inside, it’s moody, intimate and buzzing in that way only great Japanese venues seem to pull off. The food is consistently excellent, from the sashimi to the small plates to the more playful specials. The drinks list is stacked with good sake and Japanese whisky, and the staff know their stuff without being over-the-top about it. It’s a favourite for celebrations, date nights or any time you want dinner to feel like an occasion without being overly fancy. Don’t go past the aburi salmon maki roll with avocado, seared salmon, spicy mayo, teriyaki and red tobiko.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Ritual is the calm in the chaos – the place locals escape to when they need to breathe, stretch or just reset after a big week. The studio is warm and welcoming, with pilates that burn and yoga that soothes. There’s a real community feel here which is always a standout feature. Whether you’re into slow, grounding sessions or you want something a bit stronger, the timetable covers it. They also have locations in Palm Beach and Robina!
Where: 2431 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
