Permission to eat as much as possible.
Permission to eat as much as possible.
I don’t like banquets – said no one EVER!
Thankfully we are spoiled for choice here on the GC with the best of the best. Whether you’re into modern Australian, Asian fusion, Middle Eastern or European eats, there’s a feast for every belly. So grab your mates, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat your heart out (literally) because life’s better with a banquet.
Let’s dig in!
For a curated Japanese banquet journey, One Eighty in Labrador offers two Omakase Courses: a General ($110pp) and a Premium ($150pp). The General Omakase Course offers a well-rounded exploration of flavours, featuring ramen, yakitori skewers, sashimi, soup, and more. The Premium Omakase Course is designed to be ‘the pinnacle of ‘One Eighty’, featuring the finest expressions of authentic binchotan-grilled yakitori and elevated Japanese flavours. Our eyes are on the 180 Original Eye Fillet Sandwich.
Where: 180 Marine Parade, Labrador
A restaurant with Shiraz in the name can only mean great things, and for banquet enthusiasts, this is where it’s at. If it’s just you and your +1, the $79pp Banquet for Two has your names on it. If there are four or more in your group, choose from the Persian Feast Banquet ($79pp), or for the crem da le crem, the Ultimate Persian Banquet ($99pp). It’s an award-winner for a reason, people!
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
For something with a Euro‑coastal twist, Meltemi offers two Mediterranean banquet options with a minimum of 2 people, making them perfect for an indulgent date night. For $105pp, the Meltemi Coastal Indulgence banquet impresses with dishes such as QLD Coral Trout Crudo, Half BBQ Murray Cod, Lamb Kontosouvli, and Meltemi Summer Salad. Or, for $79pp, The Aegan Table features Grilled Greek Pita, Hummus Bil Tahini, Grilled Prawns, Lebanese Chicken and more. You’ll be transported to sun-drenched Cyprus in a single bite.
Where: 17 Albert Ave, Broadbeach
Broadbeach’s eclectic Asian fusion destination offers two vibrant set menus: Maggie Luxe for $79pp and Maggie Royal for $99pp. Maggie Luxe brings everything from Vietnamese Noodle Salad and Tom Yum Dumplings, to Cheeseburger Spring Rolls and Kingfish and Salmon Tartare. Over at Maggie Royal, dishes get even more decadent with Twice-Cooked Bungalow Pork Belly, Black Pepper Beef, Singapore Chilli Bugs, and Crab Cream Korokke. The vibe is just as memorable as the food, making it a perfect pick for group dinners, birthdays or celebrations that need a little extra flair. Pre-booking required for groups of 10 or more.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
One of the most loved venues on the Coast has the perfect option if you want to try a little bit of everything…and then some. Obvs, we’re talking about Hideaway and their epic $69pp Street Feast (minimum of 2 people required for groups of 10 or more). The table will be loaded up with your choice of edamame or lotus roots, three smaller plates, two bigger plates, one rice or noodle dish, and a salad or greens. Trust us, this culinary journey through Asia’s backstreets is a must!
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The always-impressive, award-winning Japanese restaurant Kiyomi, located at the Star Gold Coast, is another beauty of a banquet. Choose from the $175pp 10-course Omakase menu, featuring dishes such as Hiramasa Kingfish Miso Ceviche, Wagyu Tartare 9+MBS, Bay Lobster Tempura, and Lamb Rump. Or, don your fanciest fancy pants and splurge on the Premium Omakase menu for $300pp, including a chef demonstration that must be seen to be believed!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
If you’re after a banquet that feels equal parts party and feast, Harajuku Gyoza is the word. This Japanese spot offers a Bottomless Banquet ($88pp) that stacks all your favourite grilled, fried and poached Japanese share plates (with gyoza aplenty, of course). Plus 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The Salaryman Banquet offers a selection of their most popular dumplings and dishes for just $48pp! Now, that’s a steal. There’s an option to upgrade this banquet to bottomless as well for an additional $27pp.
Where: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Mamasan has us sorted with two banger banquet menus, Yin and Yang, plating up the perfect blend of traditional and modern cuisine from Southeast Asia (minimum of 2 people). For $88pp, the Yin invites us to devour the likes of Shio Kombu Kingfish, Wagyu Katsu Sando, and Roasted Red Curry Duck. Or, over at the Yang banquet for $108pp, you’ll be treated to Yellowfin Tuna Tacos, Spanner Crab Tortellini Dumplings, and Satay Crispy Half Chicken with lemongrass. Both banquet styles offer optional add-ons and premium upgrades. Either way, it’s a solid ten.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Oh, Bonita (x 2), you’ve had our heart since day dot – particularly with the Feed My Belly banquet for a purse-proud price of just $49pp! Mandatory for groups of eight or more and also available for smaller groups, get your banquet on with a tasty seven-course selection of the staff’s fave dishes. The menu includes dishes like Bonita’s iconic Grilled Corn with cilantro crema, fresh cheese, and smoky paprika, Spicy Chicken Wings, and a Classico Taco of your choice. Added bonus – you can pop next door to Bon Bon Bar for a pre or post tequila!
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Bringing bold Latin American‑inspired share plates to Mermaid Beach, Norté is the banquet for groups that love rich exotic flavours and fire‑kissed cooking. Their 90 Banquet (for $90pp) delivers unforgettable, mouthwatering dishes like Beef Tostada with Fermented Chilli, Mooloolaba Spanner Crab Churro, Braised Beef, and Dulce de Leche Gelato. In other words, don’t walk- run!
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Burleigh’s favourite contemporary Chinese joint, Mr Hizola’s, always serves up a cracking good time. With a menu absolutely choccas with choice, the banquet is definitely your best bet here (compulsory for groups of ten or more, and a maximum of 16 people). It’s called The Emperor’s Feast, and never has a name been more fitting! For $69pp, choose one lingshi, two small dishes, one dim sum, two mains, one noodles or rice, and one salad or veg. The authentic flavours are *chef’s kiss* and there is buckley’s chance you’re leaving hungry.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
This eternal crowd fave can do no wrong. The $59pp Feed Me menu is available for a minimum of 2 diners and is required for groups of 12 or more. Think the likes of Byron Bay burrata to start, an insanely long list of pitch-perfect pizzas such as the pork belly, garlic, red onion, gorgonzola, buffalo mozzarella, rocket, and pear pizza, and pastas-a-plenty (our vote: gnocchi with lamb ragu, herb, and grana Padano). Extra points awarded for serving up a vegan take on the Feed Me menu, which is just as lush.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh’s perennial favourite modern Vietnamese gem is just as feast‑worthy as any banquet. Every item on their menu is a must-try, so your best option is to take a seat, say “Feed me”, and the chefs will create a special menu for your table for just $86pp. You’re in safe hands with award-winning chefs, so sit back and relax- there’s no bad outcome! We recommend the ‘matching wine’ add-on for $58pp, because wine not?
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
At Kirra’s coastal beauty- Billy Chow- each meticulously curated dish is an experience to be savoured and shared. With not one but three banquets to choose from, including a vegetarian option, which means you’ll need to go again and again…and again! Ranging from $69 to $95pp, think Pork Belly Curry with coconut rice, Har Gow Dumplings with Mooloolaba prawns and pork, and Pad See Ew with organic tofu, cheong fun, egg, Chinese broccoli, soy and ginger and more. Get in our bellies!
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Billy Chow is Kirra’s newest flavour of the week.
Kirra is keeping up the pace in delivering the (delicious) goods and we can’t get enough of the new food and flavours OR this seriously ‘gramabble new space.
The beachside spot had been a little quiet on the foodie front until now and boy are the newcomers upping the ante. First Kirra Beach Hotel, then Kirra Beach House and now Kirra’s newest flavour of the week – Billy Chow.
The name might have a sense of familiarity and that’s because you’ve no doubt chowed down at Billy Chow’s sister restaurant, Ally Chow – it’s pretty much a Nobby Beach institution and for good reason.
Now, Southern Gold Coasters are getting their own taste of the pan-Asian goodness with Billy Chow officially taking up residence on the Kirra Beachfront – thank you to the food gods.
The brains behind Ally Chow – Trent and Leisha Scarr – have come together to celebrate the birth of Ally’s little brother, Billy Chow and it’s absolutely going to be one of your favourite new arrivals.
The decision to open Billy Chow in Kirra was one of nostalgia for Trent who was a surf grom from way back, spending his summer days surfing the break.
“I just love it. Kirra has a special place in my heart and I’m about sharing the love of what we do with locals and visitors – the ocean views are also a big plus”.
Owner and Executive Chef, Trent, has teamed up with Head Chef Tony Katipa – a celebrated chef with experience working in hatted restaurants across Australia and New Zealand – to bring a new flair and flavour to Billy Chow.
An aesthetic dream with peach hues all round, the light filled space celebrates its ocean frontage with a beautiful bright fit out making it the ultimate spot to settle in for a long lunch that becomes a cheeky evening cocktail – we all know the one.
The all-day dining menu is made for sharing and hero’s the Asian influenced elements you know and love, think handmade bao and dumplings, flavour full sharing dishes and Asian inspired cocktails to pair.
We don’t know a-bao-t you but we couldn’t go past the Tempura Moreton Bay Bug Bao with XO Kewpie, Cauliflower Leaf Kimchi and Dill, it was giving bug roll with a twist and we’re not mad about it.
If you’re a fan of the flavours of Karaage Chicken then the Malaysian Spiced Fried Chicken is a must try – it’s a fresh spin on an old classic and we couldn’t get enough.
We don’t normally like to pick favourite dishes (it’s like picking a favourite child) but the Ocean Trout Crumpets with XO Butter, Puffed Rice and Ice Plant bring big flavour to bite sized, so add it to the list of must-trys.
Also, we don’t want to cause alarm but pretty sure we’ve found the drink of the summer and it’s the Umeshu Bubble Tea and of course the classic Coconut Chill Margarita, because is there anything else to sip on when you’re a stones throw from the beach?
If you’re anything like us and want to sit back while the team feed you oodles of noodles then they’ve got three incredible banquet options so you can try a little bit of everything to get the full experience.
Beach views, bites and booze – the guys at Billy Chow have delivered the goods once again, you’ll want to run not wok to this one.
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
When: 7 days for dinner. Lunch Thursday through Sunday
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Pandanus Lane.
Top honours for your faves.
Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. And while some of our neighbouring cities may have once side‑eyed the Gold Coast’s dining scene, it’s official: the tables have turned, and the GC is strutting its stuff.
This year, a whopping 25 of our favourite local eateries snagged at least one hat, and we’re practically bursting with pride! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20, and although nobody’s hit that elusive perfect score just yet, there’s plenty of brilliance on display.
In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with seven venues receiving hats. The newly revamped Mamasan charmed its way to a score of 13, while Social Eating House and Bar (13) matched it with its masterful blend of modern Australian favourites.
The Oracle Boulevard scene was further flaunted by BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar (12) and kōst (13), each offering their own distinct flavour explosions for diners.
Of course, several of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs. Japanese sensation Kiyomi scored a sophisticated 14, while the sleek Modern Australian fine‑dining gem Nineteen at the Star earned 13.
Rounding out Broady’s winners, long‑standing steak haven Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill received a solid 13, keeping carnivores grinning from ear to ear.
Travel south to Mermaid Beach and you’ll find boutique dining superstar The North Room boasting an impressive 15, a testament to its thoughtful, modern dishes executed with technical precision. Beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar earned 14, and esteemed Japanese haunt Etsu Izakaya scored 13, continuing its legacy of refined flavours.
Slick Latin American newcomer Norté, with its vibrant, fiesta‑inspired energy and bold Mexican flavours, made its debut with a 12. Euro-inspired Juju (13) and The Oxley’s stalwart fave Lars(12), rounded out Nobby’s award recipients.
Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets.
Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 13, while Bundall’s Mediterranean‑meets‑local gem Bar Leo Food & Wine debuted with a solid 12.
Burleigh wasn’t left behind either. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian offerings. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s(13).
Daniel Ridgeway’s Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 13, while Kirra’s beachfront Billy Chow (12) made its debut, earning recognition for its playful pan‑Asian menu.
Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, topping the list with a stellar 16. This Modern Australian standout blends bold flavours with innovative techniques, earning its spot among Queensland’s finest.
The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen scored 13 and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.
Over in Main Beach, La Luna Dining scored 12 with its modern Australian waterfront charm.
Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…
Words by Belinda Symons
Kiyomi's extraordinary glow up.
The Star Gold Coast’s signature Japanese dining experience Kiyomi has undergone one of the most impressive glow-ups the Gold Coast has ever seen showcasing a stunning multi-sensory experience you’ll need to see to believe. The renewal has been dubbed “a creative collision of ritual and art” and includes an elevated menu and brand new private dining space.
If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of the Kiyomi experience, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to something special; think time-honoured Tokyo craftsmanship meets the adventurousness of Australian cooking.
The brand-new magic is evident as soon as you step through the entryway, which is adorned with a blend of raw, transformative textures. The 112-seat main dining space offers a warm, welcoming vibe with Japanese calligraphy as a beautiful, decorative feature.
The recent addition of a 16-seat private dining space further elevates Kiyomi with bold graphic artwork and an intimate moody feel. The perfect option if you’re in need of a fine dining experience surrounded by quiet luxury (and a select few of your favourite people).
The private space is open for lunch with a selection of set menus and both a sushi and sashimi grazing table. Dinner choices include a 10-course Omakase menu or the Premium Omakase menu, including a Chef demonstration the likes of which you’ve never seen before.
Head Chef Winson Law, who has been led Kiyomi for the past seven years has created a menu leaning into soy and miso flavours along with the delicacy of dashi (a combination of sweet, salty, bitter and sour) which he says is quickly becoming one of the most requested tastes on the Coast.
He says, “We are fortunate in Australia to have some of the best ingredients and freshest seafood, which complements our Japanese-inspired dishes. One of our most popular dishes is because of the quality of Australian Wagyu beef. Its exquisite marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture really brings a meal to life.”
New additions to the menu include the likes of Red Snapper, sashimi and Kombujime Amaebi with pickled daikon and ginger lime dressing, Mooloolaba Prawn toast with Karashi miso, Spanner Crab and cabbage, plus aged Pork Tomahawk with apple wasabi, pork jus with Okinawa black sugar.
As always, an unrivalled drinks menu is on offer to accompany the five-star dining experience. Choose from an impressive selection of sake and Japanese whiskey, an exceptional wine list and of course perfectly crafted cocktails to reflect the magic that is Kiyomi.
So quite obviously, the next time you’re in need of a Japanese dining experience that is modern, traditional and as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world, look no further than Kiyomi, right in the heart of Broadbeach at The Star Gold Coast.
Where: Lobby Level The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 5.30pm – 9pm, Monday – Sunday
Words by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the Casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858.
