Fresh seafood from an old school airstream trailer. Oh my cod!
Fresh seafood from an old school airstream trailer. Oh my cod!
Anyone else spotted the super cool old school airstream trailer parked along Scottsdale Drive out the front of Global Pacific Seafoods? Yeah us too and whilst we momentarily considered the possibility that maybe this was somebody’s holiday spot (people are really enthusiastic about seafood after all), LBH – yeah nah. Then, we spotted a sign saying ‘Small Fry’ and whackadoo, a service window plopped open revealing a schmick commercial kitchen. That’s when the penny dropped – this vintage vibing big silver bullet on wheels is actually a seafood slinging food truck, proving anyFIN is possible!
Small Fry is a family affair, and sorta kinda an extension of the Ceccato clan’s popular Global Pacific Seafoods business. Launching last month, it’s a genius way to showcase their fresh and sumptuous seafood cooked to absolute perfection. Founded by qualified chef Braden Ceccato and Robert Ceccato, they bring over 40 years combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry to the table, or trailer rather.
The 1930s airstream was decked out by Georgina and Andrea Ceccato and really, is there anything this family can’t do?! Geared mostly towards takeaways, there is limited seating for those who can’t wait to get their food back to their office / abode / wherever else and really, who could blame them.
Cutting the fish every morning as soon as it arrives, this singlehandedly redefines the fresh food concept. With not a frozen morsel in site, the idea was inspired by the ocean-to-stall selection at the Sydney Fish Markets. Braden then does what he does best and srlsy, he’s a dead-set weapon in the kitchen. Training in Italy and Japan, plus working in international hotels, surf clubs, and many local restaurants around the GC, he sure knows his way around a fish, crustation and mollusc. Supported by the fam bam and working alongside sister Georgina, together they’re churning out exciting Modern Australian seafood cooked to order.
They pride themselves on using line caught fish off the reef up in north QLD, along with Mooloolaba king prawns and many other locally sourced seafood for their seasonal menu. The signature dish is Bug Bao and honestly, we can’t imagine a world where these don’t exist. The lightly battered bug meat is served in a freshly steamed bao bun with homemade coleslaw, fresh chilli, shallots and sriracha mayo. A staff and customer favourite for a reason, it’s pure ecstasy in edible form.
Another hit with the young, old, and everyone in between, the Grilled King Prawns are guaranteed to coca your cola and speaking of, grab a trusty coke or bottle of H20 with your order. There’s also Chargrilled Baby Octopus, Fish of the Day, and Salt & Pepper Squid. Oh and don’t forget to add some Crispy Coated Chips, because seafood and fried chats go together like fish and chips. Literally.
Or, if you’re looking for takeaway inspo, it doesn’t come any bigger, fresher or more salivation-worthy than the almighty Treasure Box. And trust us, the contents is just that – treasure, and we’d take this over a mountain of gold coins any day. It has 2 x Grilled King Prawn Skewers, 2 x pieces of Grilled Fish of the Day, 2 x Bug Baos, a serving of Grilled BBQ Octopus, and a serving of Crispy Fries with homemade tartare and lemon. Heaven!
Next time you’re at Robina TC, on your lunch or dinner break, or even if you’re nowhere near the place, get your dose of Vitamin Sea at Small Fry.
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
When: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 4.30pm – 7.30pm Thursday to Sunday. Closed Monday to Wednesday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Hooked on a feeling (and a side of chips).
Whether it’s a long weekend, a beach day or just one of those “can’t be bothered cooking” kind of nights, there’s never a bad time for fish and chips on the Gold Coast.
Sure, Good Friday gives us a solid excuse to go all-in on seafood, but let’s be honest… we don’t need one.
We’re spoiled with ocean-fresh catches, perfectly golden batter and chips that somehow taste better eaten straight from the paper by the water.
Here are 12 top-tier spots from north to south to get your fix.
North Gold Coasters, consider yourselves blessed, Millies is the crispy, golden gift that keeps on giving. This gourmet chippery is all about fresh-as seafood, crumbed and battered to order (because soggy just isn’t in their vocab). With loads of gluten and dairy-free options, it’s health-conscious without losing any of that deep-fried magic. Pro tip: grab the famous ‘Fisherman’s Catch’ basket and take it across the road to the Esplanade. Sunset views, crunchy chips and zero regrets!
Where: 3/38 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
The folks at Charis Seafoods are the biggest seafood retailer in Queensland, so they have everything you could possibly need for a seafood feast. The family-owned business are serving up fresh and cooked fish, prawns, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops, octopus and crab and everything is of the highest possible quality. YUM.
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador
A Gold Coast institution and an absolute must-visit, Peter’s Fish Market can be found right on the Broadwater with fresh seafood coming in off the trawler daily. There’s often a lineup out the door for both fresh and cooked seafood and everything is absolutely delicious, every time. Get in early, they’re very busy this time of year.
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Okay, so technically… no chips. But we’d be committing a seafood sin not to include this Gold Coast icon. Serving the freshest catch since 1970, this Spit staple lets you buy straight from the boats that were out trawling overnight while you were dreaming about your next feed.
We’re talking prawns, crabs, fish and more, hauled in just hours earlier and sold dockside by the legends who caught it. It doesn’t get fresher unless you’re out there wrestling a prawn yourself (and honestly, we’ll leave that to the pros).
Where: 168 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
If your usual fish and chips leave you feeling a little battered, Fin’s Choice is here to save the day. These legends are flipping the script on the classic chippie, serving up a healthier, fresher take that doesn’t skimp on flavour. Think high-quality ingredients, cooked to order, and loads of options for all kinds of diets (because even pescatarians need love). It’s the ultimate guilt-free feed.
Where: Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre, Corner Ashmore Rd & Benowa Rd, Benowa
Boasting 3 generations of fish & chip knowledge and love Two Wise Fish opened in Mermaid Waters to rave reviews. For good reason. Their menu is an impressive one with plenty of fresh fish and seafood to choose from plus tasty treats like a Golden Crumbed Fish & Salad Sandwich which is the absolute goods. Pop in and taste all of that for yourself.
Where: Shop 1/64 Karbunya St, Mermaid Waters
We’ve always loved Miami Fish Market, but now that they’re now serving fish and chips we’re officially hooked. The cooked menu features classics like Line-Caught Snapper and NZ Hoki, plus elevated bites like Flash-Fried Whitebait, Five Spice Kingfish Wings and Kombu Butter-Glazed Patagonian Toothfish. You can even pick your fillet from the display and have it cooked fresh. Throw in house-made sauces, a rotating salad bar, and yes, caviar on your scallops if you’re feeling fancy. It’s fish and chips, but make it luxe.
Where: 1/54 Paradise Avenue, Miami
The Jolly Roger opened in Miami in 2020 to bring us fish and chips with a bit of a twist. Which comes in the way of Keto options. Yes, meaning there are healthy fish and chips and they taste mighty fine. Of course, you can get the regular version here too plus things like prawn skewers and salads and there’s beer on offer too. Perfect.
Where: 3/110 Mountain View Ave, Miami
Small Fry serves super fresh and delicious seafood from an airstream out the front of Global Pacific Seafoods. The signature dish is Bug Bao and honestly, we can’t imagine a world where these don’t exist. The lightly battered bug meat is served in a freshly steamed bao bun with homemade coleslaw, fresh chilli, shallots and sriracha mayo. A staff and customer favourite for a reason, it’s pure ecstasy in edible form.
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
If you’ve ever set foot in Burleigh, you will have seen James Street’s beloved fish and chip joint, Fish Mongers. It’s generally packed with diners and or takeawayers and that’s because they’re serving up the absolute goods when it comes to seafood. Choose from the freshest of fish to take home and cook yourself or opt for their famous cooked-for-you options should you wish to do absolutely nothing except eat. Same. Definitely try this one team.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Consistently voted Burleigh’s #1 Fish and Chips Shop and regularly voted Top 10 on the Gold Coast, it wouldn’t be an accurate fish and chips list without Red Hot Cod. These guys are doing fish and chips old school-style with a twist. While all the usual fish and chips suspects are available, we highly recommend the Burleigh Beach Box with one Crumbed Whiting, one Battered Fish, three Pieces Calamari, two Prawn Cutlets, one Seafood Stick, Chips, Salad and Sauces. Tell us if you’re still hungry after all of that!
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Don’t let the name fool you, Selfish is all about sharing the fishy love, serving up freshly cooked, crispy goodness to the lucky folks of Tweed from their breezy Wharf Street perch. Voted the best fish and chips on the Tweed (humble brag), this spot comes with salty air, sea views, and prime picnic potential under the trees.
Where: 4 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Words by Bianca Trathen & Belinda Symons
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Roll on up to try their wheely good food.
If there’s a food truck involved, you know it’s an event worth going to. In fact, we’re rather partial to frequenting a market/festival/wedding/birthday/anything really purely because our fave food trucks will be on-site serving up their drooly awesome goodness.
We’re unpacking 9 of the best local food trucks, so grab a pen #OldSchoolLike and start scrawling your to-eat list now!
The Weiner Haus
The Wiener Haus is a GC-based food truck (and diner!) dishin’ up gourmet hot doggies and good vibes with a side of tongue in cheek…and das ist wunderbar! Offering authentic German Kranskies loaded with a variety of gourmet toppings, the Coast’s original food truck opened in 2013 and quickly became an institution. I mean, who doesn’t dig a German sausage?
Our pick: MAGNUM P.I. – Hawaiian Style with pineapple, bacon, sour cream & tasty cheese
Where to find them: At markets and festivals from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Diner located at Stockland Burleigh Heads, 149 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters
Notorious E.A.T. Foodtruck
With a tagline “sicker than yo average catering” yeah, they kinda have our attention. Started in 2017 by Chef Jemma Wickham and now joined by fellow Chef Dan Fox, NOTORIOUS E.A.T. serves up mouth-watering burgers and other gourmet street food with THE COOLEST 90s rap inspired names. You’ll always find Jem or Dan on deck (or on the decks…) and nothing beats a hands-on team!
Our pick: Straight Outta Chooklyn Burger
Where to find them: Black Hops II, Nobby Beach Holiday Park, Candana Brewing, Brendale Brewing, Bardown Bowls, Glow Church
Hungarian Food Factory
For an authentic Hungarian street food experience including the ultimate langos creations, Hungarian Food Factor has been delivering a multicultural experience for seven mouth-watering years. Committed to sourcing the highest quality local ingredients, keep your eyes peeled for the red, white and green Hungarian flag at your next festival or market.
Our pick: Avocado Lovers Langos.
Where to find them: Various markets and events across the Gold Coast, check their instagram for the latest.
BUBBO dessert
The first Hong Kong-style bubble waffle/eggette brand in Australia, BUBBO’s yummos look as spectacular as they taste! The ultimate comfort food with a crispy outside and chewy inside, BUBBO cooks up combinations of flavoured waffle bases and assorted ice creams, sprinkled with various fruits and toppings…filled with all kinds of tasty and textured surprises!
Our pick: The Classic Original Waffle
Where to find them: Moonlight Night Markets at Dreamworld
House of Poffertjes
If mini-Dutch pancakes are your love language, then same – and let’s live happily ever after… No, but really, House of Poffertjes dishes out pure lurve in the form of the fluffiest, batter-iest, Dutch-iest treats ever served. They’re fresh, flavoursome, SO worth the calories, and always served with a smile.
Our pick: Traditional with butter icing sugar and syrup
Find them at: Moonlight Night Market at Dreamworld
Burger Lane Co
No prizes for guessing what this local fave food truck’s (not so) secret weapon is! With unbelievably tasty high-quality burgers, unfaultable service and owners who are totes down to earth and keen to interact with their customers, what’s not to love?! If you see it, do your tastebuds a favour and indulge!
Our pick: Southern Fried Chicken. If you know, you KNOW!
Where to find them: White Oat Distillery, Black Hops & Black Hops II and Balter Brewery. Opening soon in Paradise Point!
Vagabond Foods Truck
If there’s one thing we know, it’s always Bao-O-Clock. You win some, you dim sum, and the legends at Vagabond Foods Truck know a trend when they see it (or cook it). There’s no such thing as a flat bao here, with cloud-like dough and the tastiest fillings providing the ultimate texture mash-up. What more can we say other than we’re crazy ‘bao this food truck?
Our pick: Crabbin Out Bao
Where to find then: Moonlight Night Market at Dreamworld
OMG Decadent Donuts
The name kinda says it all with no further spruiking required. OMG not only caters to food allergies and intolerances, but also addresses cultural and religious considerations having certifications from Vegan Australia, Kosher Australia and the Halal Authority of Australia. Australian-owned with 100% natural and locally sourced products, what’s left to say other than OMG?!
Our pick: Berry Sinful Donut
Where to find them: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, Burleigh Farmers Market, Gold Coast Vegan Market & Currumbin Community Market
Micasa Burger Truck
Just look for the epic Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace Pulp Fiction-esk truck and you’ve found the iconic Mi Casa! The owner, an international chef and catering guru, creates mesmerising American street food items at the speed of light, with Micasa holding the title as the first food truck in Australia to enable customers to order – and not wait around for their nosh. Hallelujah!
Our pick: Jules Burger
Where to find them: Moonlight Night Market at Dreamworld
Words by Bianca Trathen.
