Kuroki Teppanyaki brings a new kind of sizzle to Sanctuary Cove.
Kuroki Teppanyaki brings a new kind of sizzle to Sanctuary Cove.
The dinner-and-a-show era may be fading, but teppanyaki restaurants seem to be keeping the art alive. Sanctuary Cove’s newest venue, Kuroki Teppanyaki, is ready to take centre stage.
Situated in Sanctuary Cove Village, Kuroki Teppanyaki is the latest creation from hospitality duo Kevin Teo and Eddie Cheng, two names already well-seasoned in the local dining scene thanks to venues like The One Food Republic, Kamikaze Teppanyaki Coomera, Superwok Coomera and Bam Bam Korean Fried Chicken & Beer. Basically, if it sizzles, they’ve probably perfected it.
But with Kuroki Teppanyaki, they’ve turned it up a notch… or ten. This is teppanyaki for those who love the theatre but crave refined flavours, high-quality ingredients and chefs who cook with intention, not just flipping wizardry.
Kuroki means ‘black wood’ which to Kevin and Eddie represents depth, warmth and character, the kind of qualities built slowly over time. They have etched those qualities into every wall, floor and ceiling of their new venue.
The interiors, designed by Tracy Ni of Ni Design, are a masterclass in understated drama. Think moody colour palettes, light-reflecting surfaces and textured wood wall panels that nod to the restaurant’s namesake.
With space for 80 guests, Kuroki Teppanyaki offers private dining, cosy indoor seating, and of course, seats around the teppanyaki grill. Every person becomes part of the show where strangers become friends as the smoky aroma fills the air.
At the heart of it all stands Head Chef Eddie Cheng, who commands the grill with the quiet confidence of someone who’s spent more than ten years learning exactly what guests want.
Starting with a contrast to the smoke, Kuroki Teppanyaki’s a la carte menu eases you in with a raw bar of fresh sashimi and oyster platters. From there, the heat slowly rises with pan-fried gyoza, delicate tempura, and yakitori skewers like the indulgent Aburi Salmon.
The entrees maintain the flame. There’s Truffle Edamame (a dangerously addictive upgrade on the classic) and a Charcoal Prawn Tartlet layered with ikura, cucumber, seaweed paste, and wasabi mayo, all tucked into a crisp charcoal-butter shell.
The Kuroki Signature Bento is a treasure chest of the restaurant’s greatest hits with fresh sashimi, Hokkaido scallops, oysters, tempura, agedashi tofu, wagyu cubes, pickles and a plum-infused quail egg. Served with salad, rice and miso, it arrives looking like edible art. There’s also a bite-sized version on the lunch menu.
Now, for the star attraction.
All teppanyaki sets are served with the full spread – a seasonal appetiser platter, vegetables, salad, miso soup, steamed rice and dipping sauces to mix and match as you go. And the meats? Whether it’s chicken thigh, lamb racks, toothfish, or whole squid, everything is on the table, or should we say, on the grill?
And if you don’t know what to order, the banquets are a great place to start.
Throw in cocktails like the crowd-pleasing gin and yuzu Kuroki Cove, and you’ve got yourself just the right amount of sizzle and smooth to put a smile on your grill.
Where: Shop 3A Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Tues and Wed 5pm–8:30 pm, Thurs–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm and 5pm–8:30 pm.
Words by Lisette Drew
Chopsticks at the ready!
Ready to have your dinner flipped, tossed, and sizzled right before your eyes? Teppanyaki is the ultimate foodie performance art; part dinner, part high-flying knife skills, and 100% delicious. Whether you’re dodging a flying prawn, catching a bowl of fried rice mid-air, or just here for the flame-fuelled theatrics, the GC has no shortage of teppanyaki joints to get your grill on.
From elegant fine dining to more casual interactive feasts, we’ve rounded up the best spots to get your teppan fix.
Chopsticks at the ready!
Misono
Inviting us to embrace the energy of Japanese artistry, it’s a resounding “HAI” from us. Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and delight from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. The celebrated elements artfully manage to retain the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s elevated atmosphere and dining with an elevation of surprise and excitement. The best.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Murasaki Teppanyaki
Murasaki Teppanyaki Broadbeach is the ultimate Japanese dining experience – minus the jetlag which we love for us all. Located in the heart of Broadbeach, no matter your love language (sashimi, wagyu tatiki or teppanyaki), we’re taking a big ole’ tickity tick in every box. If you’re after a hearty and entertaining feed (extra points for the vivacious teppanyaki chefs), this is The.Place.
Where: The Wave Resort, 91 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Arigatou Teppanyaki
A fiery feast with a side of showmanship – Arigatou Teppanyaki has been bringing the sizzle to Broadbeach for 22 years. With flicks, tricks, and a whole lot of flavour, the chefs here turn cooking into an art form, dazzling diners with their knife skills and signature teppan theatrics. Expect juicy teriyaki chicken, buttery garlic steak, and the freshest seafood, all cooked to perfection right before your eyes. Pair it with a handcrafted cocktail or traditional sake, and you’ve got yourself a dining experience that’s as exciting as it is delicious.
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Shop 7, Aria Building, Broadbeach
Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant
I mean, “Hatsuhuna” is basically Gold Coast speak for the best teppanyaki experience #AmIWrongNoI’mNot. If you live on the GC, tell me you’ve been here without telling me you’ve been here. This multi-award-winning fave offers an unforgettable experience every time, with their fresh seafood and flavoursome meats served straight from the Teppanyaki grill. Cue the drool.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Arakawa
Authentic cuisine, striking murals, dark tones, meticulous plating and sorry, did we mention THE most legit Japanese nosh?!? Every dish, whether it be sushi, sashimi, or teppanyaki hits with purpose, blending technique and creativity. Sophisticated, but far from stiff, Arakawa is perfect for any occasion – fit for a casual yet elegant meal or an exciting celebration…with epic yum factor.
Where: RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa
Matsuka Teppanyaki
A whole new pocket of foodie goodness has erupted on the central/northern GC and Matasuka Teppanyaki is at the core! As if the food isn’t enough (it is), the sea breeze and calm views make Matsuzaka a unicorn of relaxation and fine teppa fare. Whether you’re seeking a romantic alfresco dinner or just an excuse to get in front of the teppan table, you will not be disappointed.
Where: 300 Marine Parade, Labrador
Kamikaze Teppanyaki & Bar
With over 10 years of experience, Kamikaze Teppanyaki & Bar is a pioneer offering a selection of the finest meat and freshest seafood for an A+ grade teppanyaki experience. Add a contemporary, funky atmosphere, and it somehow makes teppanyaki even more cool (and let’s be honest, it’s always been a vibe so we’re paying attention). If you live on the far north side – or even if you don’t – it’s a no-brainer.
Where: Westfield Coomera, 103 Foxwell Road, Coomera
KooKoo Teppanyaki and Lounge Bar
“Kooiiiiiiii” teppan loving Aussies coz KooKoo is calling! Don’t be mislead by the opening pun (we can’t help it. It’s in our DNA), KooKoo Teppanyaki is a delicious Japanese dining experience, operating since 2008. A fave with locals and visitors alike, KooKoo Teppanyaki is a place where the knives are sharp, but the teppanyaki skills are even sharper. Do yourself a favour and just go!
Where: 3120 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
SAIKO Teppanyaki
SAIKO serves up a dining experience that will delight the whole family, but is not to be missed by foodies looking for a top teppanyaki fix. Conveniently located at The Kitchens in Robina Town Centre, it’s the perfect stop-in with the kiddos during a day of shopping, or for a delicious date with your lad or lady love. Oh, how we love a multi-tasker.
Where: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Asami Teppanyaki & Cocktail Bar
If you’ve been craving elevated grilled Japanese food with a side of epic cocktails (umm, yeah, please inquire within (insert happy and drooling emojis). The beautiful staff and talented chefs will dazzle your senses with their culinary prowess, transforming fresh ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. Teppanyaki enthusiasts (#us), this where it’s at.
Where: 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen
Cheers to the freaking weekend….and weekdays.
If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.
It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.
Sanctuary Cove is set to sleigh this festive season.
We don’t want to alarm you, but the silly season is upon us. Yes, those sleigh bells be jinglin’ and the Gold Coast is gearing up for the celebrations. One place that is going all out this Christmas is Sanctuary Cove.
The waterfront precinct is decking the halls (and just about everything else) with a month-long program that promises enough festive fun to keep even the grinchiest Grinch grinning. And this year, two brand-new events are set to make spirits extra special. Let’s take a peek.
Santa’s Arrival Parade
Kicking off the Christmas countdown is Santa’s Arrival Parade on Saturday, 29 November. Proudly presented with Ray White Sanctuary Cove, the Rotary Hope Island Buggy parade will feature roving performers, dazzling decorations and, of course, Santa Claus making his grand entrance. After the parade, Santa will be sticking around to star in a joyful Santa Show, and for those who like their Christmas spirit with a side of competition, buggy participants can vie for the coveted title of Best Decorated Buggy!
Location: The Marine Village
When: Saturday, 29 November at 10am
Cost: Free
Carols on the Lawn
The Marine Lawns will again come alive as the community gathers for a night under the stars for the annual Carols on the Lawn on Thursday, 11 December. Hosted by the Triple M Gold Coast Breakfast Team and supported by Ray White Sanctuary Cove, this free event invites families to bring a picnic blanket, settle in and sing along to beloved Christmas classics with fireworks to wrap up the night.
Where: Marina Lawns (adjacent to J Pier)
When: Thursday, 11 Dec from 5pm to 8pm
Cost: Free
High Tea with Santa, Mrs Claus & Rudolph
New to this year’s festive lineup is the High Tea with Santa, Mrs Claus and Rudolph, held at the elegant Fireplace Restaurant on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. Treat yourself to enough sweet and savoury delights that could fill Santa’s sleigh. Kids will receive a special Santa Coin, and one lucky guest will go into the draw to win a two-night luxury stay at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. Talk about a great Christmas present! Bookings are essential for this one, so secure your seat here.
Location: Fireplace Restaurant
When: Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December
Cost: $75
Santa Photos
Santa will be at Sanctuary Cove once again mid December so the kiddies can share their wish lists and have their photo taken with the big guy. There’s even dedicated pet sessions, because Santa loves all creatures great, small and furry.
Where:: Shop 41E and The Santa Sleigh on the Promenade
When: Fri 12th Dec from 6:30pm–8:30pm (Santa Sleigh), Sat 13th and Sun 14 Dec (Shop 41E) from 11:00am–2:00pm (including pet sessions from 1:00pm–2:00pm), and again on Thurs 18 Dec from 6:30pm–8:30pm (Santa Sleigh)
Cost: Free
With sparkling new events and a festive atmosphere that could melt Frosty himself, it’s time to embrace the silly season at Sanctuary Cove!
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Hours vary.
Visit www.sanctuarycove.com for more information
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE
