Broadbeach favourite Rumi opens in Surfers Paradise.
Broadbeach favourite Rumi opens in Surfers Paradise.
Persian poet Rumi is best known for his writings on love and spirituality, but he also wrote a poem about a chickpea talking to a cook, so clearly Persian food has always been a big deal. Centuries later, that love is only growing stronger, particularly here on the Gold Coast.
Already a local favourite, Rumi Persian Restaurant has built a loyal following in Broadbeach thanks to its authentic Persian dishes, that are, quite frankly, the stuff of legend. Now, the team is bringing that same magic to Surfers Paradise and it’s set to be a feast worthy of its own Persian poem.
The new venue is bigger, bolder and just a little bit more dramatic (in the best way). Think striking red, black and gold interiors, a breezy indoor-outdoor setup perfect for Gold Coast evenings, and hundreds of glowing light fixtures scattered across the ceiling like stars in a desert night sky.
For the Rumi team, it’s not just about the food, it’s about sharing Persian culture with the coast, where you order a banquet, settle in and stay awhile.
The menu is a celebration of traditional Persian cooking, where saffron is worth more than gold (well, almost) and every dish here has had its recipe passed down through generations. It’s comfort food, Persian style.
Start with house-baked Persian Garlic Bread, Fried Halloumi, Stuffed Vine Leaves, Saffron Chicken Wings or a fresh Shirazi Salad. There’s also Smoky Grilled Eggplant that might just convert carnivores to go veggie.
For something meatier, the menu leans into slow-cooked classics like Roast Bone Marrow with caramelised onion, sticky Beef Ribs and a melt-in-your-mouth Lamb Shank topped with pastry and served with dill rice and pickled garlic.
If decision-making isn’t your strong suit (us, too!), the Share Platter for two is the way to go. Loaded with saffron chicken, minced meat and lamb kebabs, grilled tomato, chilli peppers, special dip, saffron rice, salad and bread, it’s designed so you and your boo have plenty to eat (and no one will get food envy).
If you’re bringing the whole crew, banquets are available for groups of four or more, and trust us, there’s more than enough to satisfy every craving.
And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The traditional Middle Eastern Kunefe – shredded filo pastry with sweet cheese filling, rosewater syrup and pistachios – is like a Persian poem on a plate.
Drinks-wise, expect a strong lineup of beers and wines that pair beautifully with the rich dishes, plus cocktails like 1001 Nights, a Persian arak saggi, mint, pomegranate cucumber and orange, that is reason enough to return the next evening (and the next).
Halal-friendly, family-owned and built around generous hospitality, Rumi’s move into Surfers Paradise adds a wisp of Persian royalty to a regular night out.
When: Daily, 12pm –9pm
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Cooler nights and new season delights.
Autumn arrived and with it came cooler evenings and exciting new hot spots! From a new pizza slinger in Byron Bay and frozen sips in Southport, to tasty tapas in Casuarina and dreamy matcha on Tamborine Mountain, here’s your inside scoop on the latest openings from last month.
If Euro summer isn’t on your calendar this year, don’t stress! La Stradina has you covered. Tucked down a Cooly laneway, La Stradina lets candlelit tables and spinning vinyl set the tone. Mediterranean morsels like Moreton Bay bug skewers, Blue Fin tuna rice cakes, and homemade rigatoni are just the beginning of a moreish menu. Settle in with a signature cocktail and you’ll be saying “Euro, who?”
Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta
What started as a tiny tram-stop coffee spot has now grown into a new neighbourhood hangout. Run by husband-and-wife duo Alberto and Leanne, Origin Cafe’s Broadbeach Waters outpost feels less like a cafe and more like being welcomed into a friend’s house (if your friend made amazing lasagne, tiramisu and really good coffee). Come for a flat white and smashed avo in the morning, come back with the whole fam for pasta night in the evening.
Where: 11/1 Kalimna Drive Broadbeach Waters
Looking for somewhere to curb those late night dessert cravings? Look no further than The Petite Crepe! By day it’s My French Pastries, serving up flaky croissants and buttery cakes, but by night it turns into The Petite Crepe where paper-thin crêpes take centre stage. With sweet or savoury toppings like Nutella, strawberries, chocolate, chestnut, mushroom or cheese, there’s something for every after-dark desire. It’s a little bit of Paris, right here in Robina.
Where: Shop 5, 361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Day Off in Southport is serving up the coolest coffee in the city, literally. Drinks are poured into frozen glasses (chilled to -86°C to be exact) so your coffee or matcha turns into a soft and creamy dessert-like situation as you stir it. Couple your sip with a loaded sourdough slab like the Steak and Cheese or Peach and Honey, and you’ll be asking your boss for an RDO.
Where: 2 Short Street, Southport
Hidden in Byron Bays’s industrial estate, Attaboy Pizza is all about really good pizza without needing to venture into the busy town centre. The brainchild of the crew behind Ciao Mate! and You Beauty, this casual takeaway joint is slinging New York slices for lunch, and full 13-inch rounds and Detroit deep dish for dinner with three-day fermented dough and toppings like Byron Hawaiian and Spicy Pepperoni that don’t mess around. It’s pizza night done right.
Where: 4/20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Carb lovers rejoice! Sicily by Fratello is serving pasta, pizza and all the Italian comfort your stretchy pants can handle. Think fresh handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Aperol spritzes and Nutella gnocchi that should probably be illegal. It’s warm, welcoming and made for long lunches that turn into dinners. Arrive hungry, order too much and roll out happily planning your next visit.
Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba
Sunset sips just got a upgrade at Bar Bruto in Casuarina. This Euro-style wine bar is made for date night, girls night or any night that starts with one glass and ends with a bottle. The menu celebrates Spanish tapas and Euro-inspired small plates designed for sharing while the wine list is small but mighty too, with a focus on natural drops. It’s late-night Barcelona vibes just over the border.
Where: Shop 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina
There’s a dream combo waiting for you up on Tamborine Mountain. Clay Temple Co. and Muddy Matcha have teamed up where pottery wheels spin and matcha is whisked for the ultimate day out. Get your hands muddy, make something wonderful, then reward yourself with a perfectly frothy sip of green goodness. It’s creative and calming, especially as you soak up the mountain vibes.
Where: Shop 2-3 / 161 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
Note-worthy brews are hitting all the right chords at Coffee Note in Robina. This micro roastery is all about small-batch beans and flavour-packed coffee that feels a little bit like a science experiment. Sip, savour and maybe learn a thing or two about your brews while you’re at it. Add house-baked treats like Banana Bread or Chilli Mushroom Omelette, and suddenly your quick caffeine fix turns into a full-blown brunch. Consider this your new go-to for seriously good sips.
Where: 1 Parnell Boulevard, Robina
Words by Lisette Drew
Cheers to the best new spots to sip and savour.
The Gold Coast never sits still and 2025 proved we like our nightlife like we love our cocktails: bold, buzzing and beautifully poured. The latest wave of openings is giving us plenty of reasons to plan “just one drink” that turns into a full-blown night out.
Whether you’re clinking schooners, swirling something fancy, or chasing the perfect margarita, we’ve rounded up all most exciting bar arrivals of 2025. Consider this the must-sip shortlist you’ll want to bookmark.
Kaktus Bar is turning up the heat at Southport Sharks with an agave-fuelled Mexican fiesta. Think colourful cantina vibes, build-your-own margaritas and street eats made for sharing. It’s part bar, part playground, part tequila education where good times are guaranteed. Arrive thirsty, leave smiling (and maybe slightly spicy).
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Aves, Southport
The Straddie Hotel is officially back on deck, serving seaside nostalgia with a fresh summer glow. Think cold beers, live music and pub classics enjoyed with million-dollar ocean views. Reimagined but still gloriously laid-back, this is where locals, legends and holidaymakers come together for sunrise sessions to sunset singalongs. Jump on the ferry over, kick off your thongs and settle in.
Where: 158 E Coast Rd, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.
Crack a cold one because Padre Brewing Co has officially landed in Miami. Built on two decades of friendship, the crew behind Padre believes good beer is best shared, and their new 160-seat brewery is the best place for it. Expect 14 beers brewed onsite, a menu stacked with elevated pub classics and a space designed for good times. Whether you’re sinking a lager, sampling an IPA or grabbing a takeaway, Padre is your new best mate.
Where: 9 Ozone Parade, Miami
Hotel Jardin has officially brought a new era of chic to Chevron Renaissance, unveiling a multi-level playground of bars, dining and late-night glamour. Its first stage features the moody Lobby Bar, a sultry Piano Bar and SABA Kitchen, where Executive Chef Minh Le dishes up spice-driven pan-Asian flavours. With velvet booths, live music, refined cocktails and a rooftop arriving in 2026, Hotel Jardin is set to become Surfers Paradise’s newest go-to for elevated evenings, golden-hour moments and seriously stylish fun.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
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
The historic Commercial Hotel Boonah has been lovingly restored and has upped its cool factor with the addition of Boonah Brewing Co. microbrewery. With a brand-new beer garden to sip these new brews and pub classics reimagined by Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, it’s your ultimate Scenic Rim road trip pit stop. From housemade fish fingers to the show-stopping Bull + Bug, there’s something for every appetite. Crisp craft beer and country vibes? Boonah’s never looked better.
Where: 39 High St, Boonah
Familiar Spirits Distillery has opened in Burleigh Heads, offering a unique family-run retreat for cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Husband-and-wife duo Justin and Lana Bell, along with their team, serve up expertly crafted spirits and seasonal cocktails, including our favourite – Butler’s Secret with The Butler’s Gin (distilled onsite) mixed lovingly with Elderflower, Orange Oleo Sacrum Lemon, Orris & Angelica Root. The intimate, tropical space is complemented by small plates like Beef Carpaccio and Tiramisu made with house-made rum. Familiar Spirits promises to leave you in good spirits. Cheers to that!
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
Sueño is Norte’s fun, sun-drenched sibling, the kind that always convinces you to stay for “just one more.” Brought to you by the Rick Shores crew, Sueño is a breezy rooftop cantina where ceviche, tacos, and skewers take centre stage, best enjoyed with a side of ocean breeze and a margarita (or three). The Moreton Bay bug “al pastor” tacos? Absolute must-try. The champagne crayfish skewers dripping in chipotle butter? Game-changer. And with a drinks list heavy on tequila, mezcal, and cocktails that demand a sunset toast, Sueño is the kind of place you walk into for lunch and somehow leave after dark.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Words by Lisette Drew
Time to seas the day.
Is there anything more quintessentially Queensland than kicking back on the deck of a great surf club with an ice-cold drink, ocean breeze in your hair, and uninterrupted ocean views? Not really! It sounds like a holiday fantasy, but it’s really just a standard afternoon on the Gold Coast. How lucky are we?! Sometimes, we do forget it.
Our shoreline is scattered with surf clubs and you could pretty much stumble into any one and score relaxed vibes and a solid feed. But as always, we want the best for you, so we’ve rounded up the very best surf clubs from south to north. Grab a seat, order something cold, and settle in.
With a front row seat to one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks, Rainbow Bay Surf Club gives world-class surf views, classic pub eats, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of the best spots on the Coast for sunset drinks after an ocean swim on a balmy summer’s afternoon. Salty hair? You’ll fit right in. There’s always a crowd here, so it’s always a good time. This surf club is nothing if not iconic.
Where: 2 Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta
Quite literally built out over the ocean, “The Vikings” is one of the most iconic surf-club spots on the entire coastline. You’ll feel like you’re sitting above the waves while enjoying huge plates of classic favourites, weekend entertainment, and a buzzing crowd of both locals and visitors. The views alone are worth the trip, but their stacked menu and friendly staff seal the deal. You’ll hear everyone recommend this surf club, and for good reason.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Positioned at the heart of Palm Beach, the award-winning Palm Beach Surf Club offers more than just a stellar upbeat atmosphere and sweeping ocean views, but a tasty menu (with weekly specials worth planning your visit around) and live music! Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, enjoying a drink with friends, or having dinner with the family, there’s a range of meals, snacks, and beverages to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Where: 117 Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach
Perched between the beaches of Burleigh and Palm Beach, Tallebudgera Surf Club is the go-to for families and perfect for long lunches and locals who love a chilled waterfront vibe. You’ll find generous portions, vibrant cocktails, breezy open-air seating, and an epic playground for pre- or post-feed kid antics. You’ve also got Bean Surfing Cafe to enjoy from 5.30am-2pm daily, serving all your favourite beachside eats and epic coffee.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Overlooking one of the most famous beaches in Queensland, Burleigh Heads SLSC is where you’ll find old-school surf-club vibes. With sweeping views of the ocean and city skyline, hearty meals, and a prime position beside the iconic Burleigh Hill, it’s a natural choice for pre- or post-day-at-the-beach feeds.
Where: Goodwin Terrace & Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Situated at the quieter, more relaxed end of Burleigh, North Burleigh Surf Club is a top pick for families, groups, or anyone wanting beach views without the crazy crowds. You’ll get that gorgeous ocean breeze on the deck, reliable menu favourites, and a chilled atmosphere for an ideal arvo by the beach. There are weekly specials and regular entertainment top it all off.
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami
A true neighbourhood favourite since 1954, Nobby’s has entered an exciting new era after joining The Bears Group in late 2025. The partnership brings a refreshed hospitality focus while keeping the relaxed, community-first surf club vibe locals love. Expect updated menus with coastal-inspired flavours, classic club staples and the same welcoming atmosphere, with a major renovation planned for 2027 to further elevate the space.
Where: 25 Albatross Ave, Nobby Beach
Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Club remains a humble favourite among locals, striking the perfect balance between relaxed and lively. The club offers a kids’ playroom, heaps of weekly specials (the Tuesday Steak Night and Sunday International Food Night are local legends), plus trivia, members’ promos and plenty of big-screen sport. It’s friendly, consistent, and very easy to make a habit of.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Kurrawa Surf Club is one of the Gold Coast’s largest and most polished surf-club spaces, think sun-filled dining rooms, breathtaking beach views, a ‘something for everyone’ menu including pizzas and Spanish charcoal oven dishes, and a seriously popular brekkie menu. This surf club is fit for every occasion, from post-beach hangs to laid-back lunches to special occasions. They’ve also got live music and big screens to catch all the sports action. Its central location makes it one of the easiest clubs to access without a car.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Not only are you getting all the perks of classic surf club- uninterrupted ocean views and unbeatable atmosphere- you’re also getting fed from an award-winning restaurant. Who says you can’t have it all? You’re getting everything from classic club staples to gourmet salads and asian dishes, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have spacious, light-filled dining spaces and offer one of the best beachfront outlooks in central Surfers.
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Sitting beachfront in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this iconic surf club is a welcome escape from the buzz of the strip. Following a major renovation, the space feels fresh and open, with sweeping ocean views that make any meal better. The bistro serves up elevated surf club classics (the Outback Parma still reigns supreme), ice-cold drinks and that easy, friendly atmosphere surf clubs do best. A top spot for sunset sessions, and whale watching if the time is right.
Where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
