Jin Izakaya brings modern Japanese to Mermaid Beach.
Jin Izakaya brings modern Japanese to Mermaid Beach.
The Gold Coast isn’t short on Japanese dining, with sushi trains, teppanyaki grills and ramen bars all claiming their space. But with the population boom of late, we say there’s plenty of room for more! The recently opened venue in Mermaid Beach, in the former home of Easy Street Diner, is stepping into the mix with modern Japanese steeped in traditional methods.
Owner Aya Amemiya didn’t follow the typical path into hospitality. Before opening the restaurant, she spent six years working as a dental assistant, after previously running a wedding catering business in Cairns. But the pull toward food and opening something of her own stuck with her. Eventually, Aya made the call to step away from the daily grind and jump into making a lifelong dream a reality.
Jin Izakaya is the result of that leap, and it’s very much a family affair. Aya leads the kitchen and overall direction, while her daughter Dianna runs front-of-house, managing the team and setting the tone for the space. Together, this mother-daughter duo have created a bar and restaurant that will satisfy all generations.
The space itself, leans into a sleek aesthetic, with warm wooden detail running through the tables, walls and ceiling. Softly lit Japanese lanterns hang overhead, casting an intimate glow for diners.
In the kitchen, head chef Dai Nakata brings a depth of experience that shapes the menu in subtle but important ways. He began his career in Osaka, training in an Italian restaurant, before moving into catering in Tokyo. Since relocating to Australia in 2014, he’s worked across a range of kitchens developing a style that blends Japanese technique with a more contemporary approach.
Dai grew up in a family of restaurateurs in Kyoto and Osaka, where his grandfather and father specialised in kaiseki and meat-focused cuisine. That influence still runs through his cooking today. Sennari pickles, a recipe of Dai’s grandfather, are now a signature dish at Jin Izakaya for guests to try themselves.
When it comes to the menu, the offering leans into a modern take on traditional izakaya dining with dishes designed to be shared. The menu is entirely gluten-free, with a strong range of vegetarian options that feel like the star rather than secondary.
Shiso Prawn Toast is a twist on a classic, layered with prawn paste and shiso, finished with a hint of sun-dried tomato oil.
The Sushi Pizza brings two favourite takeaways together, with crispy rice loaded with salmon, tomato and melted cheese.
For something heartier, the Kakuni Slow-Braised Pork Belly delivers on richness and texture, while the Sweet Potato Karaage offers a golden delight, crispy on the outside and soft within, served with aioli.
The drinks list complements the food in the best way possible. A Matcha Martini blending coffee, vodka, Kahlúa, matcha and vanilla has quickly become a local favourite, and is sure to get your evening buzzing. Probably best to fire up the group chat ASAP.
Where: Shop 12, 2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Monday–Thursday 12pm–9pm, Friday–Saturday 12pm–9:30pm, Sunday 12pm–3pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
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
Yum Bakery opens in Mermaid Beach.
If baking is a love language, then Sunghye “Heya” Yum is practically writing sonnets in sweet treats.
The owner of Yum Bakery has layered her life like a well-constructed Mille-feuille with equal parts adventure, artistry and heart. Before she was piping buttercream and crafting mini masterpieces, Heya worked as a navigator, travelling the globe and collecting inspiration in the form of colours, flavours and delicate design details.
Yum Bakery began as a humble home-based online cake business. For four years, Heya whisked her way into the hearts of hundreds of customers, creating custom cakes that became centrepieces for birthdays, baby showers and “just because” celebrations. But as the orders rose, so did a desire to connect more personally.
So she did what any brave baker would do, she took the cake and ate it too. She opened a physical cafe.
Heya said, “I opened the cafe as a space where customers can walk in and share those moments with us.”
Designed entirely by Heya herself, the space is small but sweet, with indoor seating for six to eight people, outdoor seating for around ten. There’s takeaway available, a restroom on site and an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s very stylish kitchen.
But perhaps the most heart-melting detail is Heya’s three-year-old daughter helped redesign the bakery’s logo. Creativity runs in the family!
Because Heya is a busy working mum, she knows the importance of convenience. Yum Bakery’s signature selling point is its ready-to-go celebration cakes. Walk in and choose from a rotating selection of beautifully designed mini cakes and cupcakes. They’re perfect for spontaneous celebrations or casual gatherings that still deserve a big slice of joy.
Yum Bakery is the kind of place where you can decide at 6am that life calls for cake and by 6:05am, you’re walking out with one!
Cakes come in a range of flavours, each as irresistible as the next, from vanilla and chocolate to cookies & cream, biscoff, nutella, salted caramel, lemon curd and raspberry. Whether you’re celebrating with three or 35 people, Heya’s cakes are designed to have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Beyond the display cabinet, Yum also serves small-batch baked goods, fresh sandwiches made daily, cupcakes and pastries. Whenever possible, Heya uses free-range eggs and grass-fed butter, a thoughtful choice rooted in her belief that food should feel kind.
If you’re keen to roll up your sleeves, Yum Bakery offers cake decorating classes on the Gold Coast that are as therapeutic as they are tasty. Heya leads small, beginner-friendly workshops where creativity takes centre stage. Licking the bowl is entirely acceptable here.
“I want people to leave not just with a cake, but with a smile,” she said. “Feeling proud of what they made.”
And the proof is in the pudding (or sponge). This year’s Valentine’s Day cakes sold out faster than you can say “be mine.”
Where: 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
When: Tue–Fri 5.30am-1pm, Sat–Sun 6.00am-1pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Because hunger has no curfew.
If the Gold Coast had a dating profile, it would absolutely list “early riser” under lifestyle choices. But for the night owls, shift workers, post‑show snack hunters, and anyone who simply refuses to eat dinner at 5.30pm like a pensioner on a cruise, there are glorious kitchens keeping the lights on. From tapas to truffle, Persian feasts to pan‑Asian perfection, here’s where to wine, dine, and stay out past your bedtime.
This moody, international-leaning nook serves late‑night energy with a side of sultry lighting and seriously good small plates. Think elegant tapas that flirt back, wines that whisper “one more?”, and a distinguished fit-out that feels like the GC briefly teleported to, well, old-school Brooklyn. Perfect for date nights, mate nights, or those evenings when dinner at 9pm calls for dim lights, deep reds, and zero regrets
Open: Tuesday to Thursday until 10pm and Friday & Saturday until 11pm
Where: 190 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Bringing Latin heat to Nobby Beach, Norté is the moody, flame‑kissed sibling in the Oxley precinct. Inspired by Mexico City’s Roma Norte district, expect raw plates, masa dishes, slow‑cooked meats and seafood straight off the custom hearth. It’s bold architecture, open-kitchen theatre and flavours turn a late‑night dinner into a full-fledged fiesta without anyone noticing the time.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday until 11pm
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Little Truffle is the Gold Coast’s long‑standing temple of decadence, and yes, she’s open late enough to indulge your bougie cravings. Expect European‑inspired fine dining, truffle‑kissed everything, and the kind of service that makes you feel like you were born for white‑tablecloth moments. It’s romantic, refined, and ready to feed you well past the hour most GC kitchens call it a night.
Open: Monday to Saturday 10.30pm
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Perched right on the Burleigh Pavilion, The Tropic serves Mediterranean‑leaning dishes with ocean views so dreamy you’ll be mentally booking a yacht by entrée. Late‑night dining here feels like a holiday – wood‑fired seafood, bright flavours, and a breezy, sun‑kissed vibe that somehow still hits after dark. Perfect for those who like their dinners scenic, salty, and served with a spritz.
Open: Sunday to Thursday until 10pm, Friday & Saturday until 11.30pm
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
This multi-year AGFG Chef Hat winner brings modern Asian flavours with a punchy, personality‑packed menu that absolutely slaps. Think an array of modern and authentic dishes meticulously crafted to be 100% gluten-free and Coeliac Australia certified, and cocktails that go down easily. Very easily. It’s cosy, vibey, and open late enough to satisfy those “I need something delish at 9.30pm or I’ll combust” cravings. A must‑visit for flavour chasers.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday until 10:30pm
Where: 12/217-219 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Siblings is the kind of place that makes you want to stay out later than you planned and thanks to its late closing time, you can! With pastel‑coastal aesthetic, beachfront views, and a menu that blends nostalgia with modern flair, it’s perfect for long, lazy dinners that roll into dessert and another round. Late‑night dining here feels like a warm hug with a cocktail chaser and a side of sea breeze. Perfection.
Open: Daily until 11pm
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
With a slew of awards to its name, Shiraz is the spot for a late‑night feast boasting generous portions (hello banquets!), aromatic spices, slow‑cooked meats, and dips so good you’ll want to lick the bowl. Famous for warm hospitality and a menu built for sharing, it’s made for big groups, big appetites, and big flavour energy. Persian cuisine hits different after dark, and Shiraz proves it.
Open: Sunday to Thursday until 10pm, Friday & Saturday until 10.30pm
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
YORU brings Japanese fine dining into the night with a sleek, moody atmosphere and a menu that blends tradition with modern flair. Think premium sashimi, delicate nigiri, wagyu that melts on sight, and cocktails crafted with precision. It’s intimate, elegant, and ideal for those nights when you want dinner to feel like an experience rather than a pit stop.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday until 12am
Where: Shop 1B 2249 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Moo Moo is the GC’s iconic steakhouse, and yes, it’s open late enough to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. With premium cuts, award‑winning sides, and a wine list that could make a sommelier weep, it’s the perfect spot for long dinners, celebrations, or spontaneous “I deserve a tomahawk” moments. Luxe, lively, and always delicious.
Open: Daily until 11.30pm
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Part brewery, part restaurant, part late‑night legend, The Lucky Squire serves hearty, modern Australian fare with craft beers brewed on site. It’s spacious, energetic, and ideal for nights when you want good food, good drinks, and good vibes without overthinking it. From burgers to brisket to beer‑friendly bites, it’s a crowd‑pleaser that keeps the kitchen going later than most.
Open: Monday & Tuesday until 10pm, Wednesday & Thursday until 11pm, Saturday until 1am and Sunday until 11pm.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
