Spooky season was no tricks, all treats.
Spooky season was no tricks, all treats.
If variety is the spice of life, then October on the Gold Coast was the whole spice cabinet of flavour.
From Brexican bites and Mediterranean magic to Asian-fusion feasts and Italian sweets, this month took our tastebuds on a trip around the world.
Ready to eat your way through it? We’ve rounded up all October openings so you can start ticking them off.
Paradise Point just turned up the heat with its newest 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
Some milestones call for champagne, others just need a croffle and a really good coffee. Southport’s Milestone Cafe & Kitchen turns everyday moments into mini celebrations. Led by Korean-born owner Selena Mun, the cafe boasts warm wood interiors, hand-picked ceramics and a menu that marries Korean flavour with Aussie brunch staples. Enjoy Seoul-inspired croffles (croissant + waffles), matcha magic and silky lattes that’ll turn your morning caffeine run into a feel-good moment to remember.
Where: Shop C001, 56 Scarborough St, Southport
Stop, guac and roll! Burleigh has a new brunch crush. ConKaBar is bringing Brexican brilliance to the GC, where tacos meet toasties and avo meets hola! Family-run and bursting with personality, this new hotspot fuses Mexico City soul with laid-back beach culture. Expect burritos loaded with brekkie goodness, jalapeño-laced Bennys and caramel-kissed lattes that taste like a warm hug. Sun-soaked and stacked with flavour, ConKaBar is breakfast with a little fiesta.
Where: 2/3 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
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
Cycling meets caffeine culture at Che Cafe & Bikes, Broadbeach Waters’ stylish new hub where pedals and pastry cravings unite. Created by cycling pro Noel Charpentier and hospitality talent Ana Pedroza, this spot combines expert bike servicing with soul-warming Argentinian treats and seriously good coffee. Think empanadas, dulce-filled medialunas and traditional mate, all served in a mid-century-cool space made for both Lycra crews and leisure sippers. Whether you’re rolling in post-ride or strolling in pre-brunch, Che fuels every kind of journey.
Where: Shop 3/ 1 Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Smooth by name, smooth by nature, Velvet Cafe & Lounge has arrived in Miami to wrap your morning in luxury. The latest venture from hospitality duo Stefany Rincon and John Potter, Velvet brings fine-dining and everyday eats together, delivering silky brews, refined bites and a mid-century mood that feels like a hug in designer fabric. With deep velvet booths to sink into and a menu to sink your teeth into, this is coffee culture with couture appeal.
Where: Unit 6, 3 Ozone Parade, Miami
Flavour is officially in the air at Broadbeach, thanks to Meltemi Mediterrania, a dreamy new 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
Do you remember your first lick of gelato? Al Bacio Gelato Naturale brings that magic back, serving truly traditional Italian gelato just steps from Burleigh beach. Family-run by Craig, Rebecca and daughter Jaime Heininger, this dreamy gelateria churns every batch from scratch with no artificial colours, no pastes, just real ingredients and pure passion. Inspired by training in Tuscany, the result is silky, nostalgic and oh-so-bellissimo.
Where: Shop 7/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Paws at the ready, Gold Coast! Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe has officially landed at Pacific Fair, and it’s every bit as cute as the rumours promised. A whimsical pastel dream brought to life by Suzie Wong in partnership with Sanrio, this sugar-dusted wonderland blends Japanese kawaii charm with irresistible treats and photo-ready moments at every turn. Expect themed bento boxes, fluffy pastries, pink-washed interiors and pure nostalgia.
Where: Level 1 Food Court, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
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
Words by Lisette Drew
The season of new beginnings has never tasted so good.
September on the Gold Coast has served up a feast of new openings, giving us locals an excuse to embrace the new season and be a tourist in our hometown.
From sticky cinnamon scrolls with cereal-topped coffees to Pan-Asian dining with a side of disco, let’s spring into the most eclectic eats this year.
Public Supply has officially put Tweed Heads on the map for scroll supremacy. Tucked into a hidden laneway, this sleek new cafe is serving up sticky, gooey cinnamon scrolls that rival the viral treats at Sundays Bondi. From The OG Original Glaze to the Pistachio and Biscoff Crumble, every bite feels like a sweet victory. Pair it with a cereal-topped coffee (yes, Coco Pops on your latte) and you’ve got nostalgia and indulgence in one. Scroll goals? Consider them achieved.
Where: 1/21 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads (laneway behind Ivory Tavern)
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
A slick new Sports Bar has been unveiled at Runaway Bay Tavern and it’s made for lovers of the game. Think double the space, 22 extra TVs, pool tables and a jaw-dropping 7.2-metre LED screen that makes every match feel like a grand final. Add in cold beers, stacked burgers, cheesy parmis and weekly specials worth cheering for, and you’ve got the Gold Coast’s ultimate game-day destination. Whether it’s sport, live music or knock-offs, this is your new local.
Where: 10-12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
Whether you’re after coffee, croissants or kindness, Broadwater Cafe in Southport delivers the goods. Overlooking the Broadwater, this bright and welcoming spot serves Whyld Coffee Roasters’ organic brews, house-made pastas, buttery Eggs Benedict Croissants, and even a Tiramisu Slice Frappe worth lingering over. Designed for connection and care, it’s got picnic rugs for waterside hangs and a kids’ play area for the little ones to be entertained while you enjoy.
Where: 95 Marine Parade, Southport
Pour Good in Burringbar is where coffee culture meets country charm, thanks to husband-and-wife duo Jack and Sophia Deacon. Rising from the ashes of their beloved Elwood Cafe, the pair have created a new community hub that’s equal parts soulful and stylish. By day, it’s all about specialty brews and indulgent cold pours like the Mont Blanc, and by night, the space transforms into a wine bar. With pastries from local bakehouses and a heart full of resilience, Pour Good is pure gold.
Where: 29 Broadway, Burringbar
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
Sweet dreams really are made of cookies at Uni’s Bakehouse, the all-new fully vegan (and half gluten-free) bakery lighting up Surfers Paradise. From gooey choc chip cookies to the genius invention of “crookies” (that’s croissant + cookie, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds), every treat is crafted to prove that plant-based indulgence never compromises on flavour. With pastel-chic interiors, Bun Coffee brews, and plenty of savoury bites too, Uni’s is officially your new go-to sweet and stylish escape.
Where: Shop 4 35 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Mamasan has returned with a glow-up worthy of its decade-long reign in Broadbeach. Sleek new 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
More Thai has landed in Surfers Paradise, and it’s their 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
Words by Lisette Drew
August’s tastiest new arrivals.
Is it just us, or can you too feel that hint of spring in the air? One minute we are shivering under doonas, the next we’re dusting off floral dresses, ready to chase a little sunshine. And with so many fresh new openings popping up, there’s never been a better excuse to step out.
Here are the Gold Coast’s hottest new spots to see us into the new season.
Brunswick Heads just 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
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
Self-care just levelled up with SOL Elements, Australia’s first “floating” elemental bathhouse, now open on Tamborine Mountain. Four years in the making, this sanctuary by Russell and Shae Raven blends striking design with deep intention, inspired by earth, air, fire and water. Think magnesium thermal pools, icy plunges, a Himalayan salt cave, infrared saunas and secluded suites with private baths overlooking the lake. Add in bespoke scrubs, float caves and healing spa rituals, and you’ve got wellness with real SOL.
Where: Tamborine Mountain Glades, Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Upper Coomera rolls out the royal treatment with the arrival of Andonis Cafe & Bar, Brisbane’s beloved brunch empire, now making its Gold Coast debut. With nine buzzing venues already under its belt, Andonis brings its famous photogenic plates south of the border. Executive Chef Senthil Kumar adds global flair, while owner Anthony Kekkou ensures paddock-to-plate passion shines through. Think modern interiors, dog-friendly vibes, loaded shakes and brunch cocktails – this is brunching at its best.
Where: 177 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera
Aussie classics meet Korean comfort food at W&H Bites Cafe in Labrador. Created by husband-and-wife duo Wonyoung Jung and Hyehyun Ko, the family-run spot dishes up everything from Bulgogi Beef hot dogs to towering Nutella Pancakes, plus addictive Yakgwa honey-cinnamon cookies. Whether you’re craving coffee, a K-brunch feast or something sweet, W&H Bites makes every visit Seoul-ful.
Where: 107 Turpin Road, Labrador
Morning latte or evening wine? At Both Espresso and Wine, the answer is simply yes. Created by hospitality pro Danny Padilla and Chef Afonso Both, this stylish new spot in Runaway Bay is equal parts cosy café and neighbourhood wine bar. Start your day with barista brews and brunch favourites like Pea and Ricotta Fritters or Banoffee French Toast, then return for curated wines, artisan cheese boards and hearty mains by night.
Where: Shop 12 – 128 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
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
Robina Town Centre has a sweet new swirl with Cocoflufferia by Goji, the playful spin-off of Goji Granola Bar. Dedicated to their cult vegan soft-serve, expect ever-changing flavours like matcha and Belgian choc, plus a DIY topping bar loaded with goodies from Biscoff crumbs to Bueno drizzle. Dessert dreams = unlocked.
Where: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, Robina
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
Words by Lisette Drew
Crisp weather, cooler venues.
Baby it’s cold outside, but Gold Coast is serving up hot girl winter, with new openings popping up along our coastline.
From a grown-up playground and a flavour-packed food truck to a hi-tech bathhouse and a Greek feast fit for a goddess, here’s the latest Gold Coast openings luring us out from under the covers this July.
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
Brisbane’s iconic cookies and pastel-perfect treats have officially arrived at Pacific Fair! Known for gooey, chunky cookies and swirl-topped cupcakes, this sweet spot is a dream come true for dessert lovers. The kiosk’s playful pink vibe and stacked cabinets make it impossible to resist. With plans for a permanent space, Brooki is set to become the Coast’s ultimate cookie haven.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Toucan Tango has landed in Nobby Beach, and it’s bringing serious dessert energy. Hailing from South Australia, this funky sweet spot is serving up giant acai bowls, rich frozen custard, loaded sundaes and coffee collabs with Blackboard. Think neon vibes, tropical interiors and Instagrammable treats stacked high with Nutella, fairy floss and Milo crumble. It’s playful, punchy and perfect for post-beach indulgence or midday sugar hits. If dessert is your love language, Toucan Tango is your new happy place.
Where: Shop 3/2211 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
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
Say bonjour to Luna’s Deli, your new croissant crush in Coolangatta. With French-trained pastry power couple Yazmin and Loic at the helm, this coastal gem serves golden croissants, gooey Croque Monsieurs and deli-style focaccias that hit just right. Everything’s made fresh from scratch – from flaky viennoiseries to travel cakes and small-batch gelato, Luna’s is the real deal. Come for the pastries, stay for the sea breeze and prepare to fall in love one buttery bite at a time.
Where: 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Bread Winner Sandwiches in Kingscliff is serving up world-class subs with a side of surf. Dreamed up by best mates Kyle Mapp and Reuben Kremer, this breezy beachside sandwich shop blends global flavours with laid-back vibes. From their cult-status Meatball Sub to the Banh Mi and Salumi Focaccia, each creation is crafted with care and serious flavour. With rotating specials, Milo Basque Cheesecake, local beers on tap and ocean views, Bread Winner is your new go-to for lunch with bite.
Where: 1/36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
PlayZone Gold Coast is your ultimate grown-up playground, where cocktails meet your competitive side in the best way possible. Spanning three levels in Surfers Paradise, it’s packed with karaoke rooms, UV pickleball, mechanical bulls, ball pits, party hosts and cowboy-themed fun. Whether you’re belting out bangers or battling it out on shuffleboard, everything’s included with entry. It’s the perfect excuse to leave adulting at home and let loose with your crew. Minimum ten mates required, maximum memories guaranteed. Let the games begin!
Where: 41 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
CIEL Spa at Mondrian Gold Coast is where high-tech meets high-touch luxury in the ultimate wellness experience. Perched above Burleigh’s beachfront, it’s the Coast’s first bio-wellness spa offering infrared saunas, LED facials, float therapy and luxe rituals powered by cult skincare like Augustinus Bader. From mitochondrial light therapy to crystal-infused masks, every treatment is designed to soothe your system and supercharge your glow. Lounge in relaxation zones, float to the Haven pool, or dine after at Mondrian’s Italian restaurant, Lito. This is self-care, upgraded.
Where: Mondrian Gold Coast, Level 2, 3 First Ave, Burleigh 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
Get your cha-cha on at La Cha Cha Cabana, a vibrant food truck dishing up South American street eats with a salty twist in Burleigh Heads. Founded by Venezuelan-born surfer-chef Eric Perez and wife Trish, this flavour-packed hotspot is parked beside Nev Hyman’s iconic shaping bay. Expect flavour-packed arepas, brisket-loaded nachos and tacos that’ll have you dancing between bites. From surfboards to slow-cooked meats, it’s a spicy, nostalgic slice of coastal life that’s all about community, flavour and fun.
Where: 6 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads
The George’s Deli team are dishing up dayo-m good food at their new spot in Tweed Heads. This Filipino-inspired riverside café blends Southeast Asian spice with Mediterranean flair. Think Benny-San with pork chasu, K-POP Chicken Waffle and the fan-fave Strawberry Matcha French Toast. The vibrant space, designed by Kobi Concepts, features colourful interiors, picnic tables outside and stunning river views. Sip on the Instagram-worthy Ube or iced matcha, then grab George’s famous donuts to-go. Brunch dreams, unlocked.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Words by Lisette Drew
