Check out The Oxley’s newest kid on the block.
Check out The Oxley’s newest kid on the block.
Well, well, well, looks like The Oxley 1823 just got a dash of sunshine with the arrival of Sunkist Eatery – your new haven for breakfast and lunch that’s all about good vibes and tasty bites.
The food gods have clearly heard our prayers because they’ve blessed Nobby’s once again with a hot new café on the block.
Just when we thought The Oxley couldn’t get any better (or tastier) they bring us a brand new café concept to keep our appetite in check until the crew from Rick Shores open their Latin American-inspired restaurant this year.
The menu is giving café classics with a hint of great pub food, summer staples like the ol’ acai bowl and of course seafood, because it would be a crime not to when the ocean is literally right there.
Start your day the Sunkist way with brekky classics that pack a punch. From Chilli Scrambled Eggs to Avo on Toast. They’ve got the morning munchies covered. Feeling a bit extra, or slightly dusty?
Dive into the Butcher’s Big Breakfast – the heavyweight champ of morning meals with sausages, bacon, lamb loin chops, eggs, and more. It’s the breakfast of (protein) champions we say.
And because Nobby Beach is the ultimate summer destination, Acai Bowls will be pumping until 5pm – because we say yes way to Acai all day.
If lunch is more your vibe then we’ve got good news for you because there’s a ripper lunch menu with something to suit everyone – yes, even the fussiest eaters. Think pub and carvery favourites but better like classic Chicken Gravy Rolls, Chicken Parmi (a staple) and Steak Sandwiches.
Feeling a bit fancy? The Grilled Bugs & Prawns are giving *boujee* and thankfully, they taste just as good as they sound. In the mood for Mex? Then let’s taco ‘bout the new Fish Taco’s that are serving fresh flavours you can share with your mates – or keep them all to yourself, no judgement here.
Where: The Oxley, 17-19 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
When: Daily from 6.30pm
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Image By Ablo.
Your new favourite haunt in Nobby’s is officially here.
There’s a new kid on the block in Nobby’s and it’s quite literally all we’ve been hearing about. The doors to one of the most talked about new precincts – The Oxley 1823 – are open.
Nobby’s has long been a hive of activity for the Coast, whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your morning caffeine fix (aren’t we all) or a margarita (actually, make that 10) it’s one of the best beachside spots around.
Now Nobby’s is bringing back that charm you know and love but with all the good stuff you’ve been missing, like you know a grocer and butcher.
The Calile-esque look is a welcome addition to Nobby’s, it’s giving a resort vibe and we’re absolutely all about feeling like we’re on vacay while doing our weekly grocery shop.
Not only have the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new hangout spot, they’re also bringing us the legends behind Rick Shores who have announced a whole new concept coming to the precinct mid 2024.
A side-step from the Asian-style menu at the iconic Rick Shores, the new restaurant concept is set to bring a Latin American flavour by their Executive Chef James Brady, who’s been wining and dining at some of the world’s top Mexican and Latin American restaurants all in the name of market research – sounds like a job for us!
The space will spread across two levels with the Latin American restaurant on level one, an open-air rooftop ceviche bar and private dining rooms so there’s literally everything you need for the ultimate long lunch all in one spot.
In stage one of the precinct’s opening, you’ll see some familiar faces, with the brains behind Burleigh institution Seadog bringing a new café to the block. Buoy (pronounced boo-ee) is promising to deliver a pared back menu that is less on frills and big on flavour, think a super considered menu with the classics you know and love as well as fresh feeds with hero quality produce.
But what about the coffee we hear you ask? Think boutique harvested coffee from Colombia poured by expert baristas with unique flavours of milo and caramel – yes, you read that right – because life’s too short for boring coffee.
Also coming back to Nobby’s, is the legendary Gourmet Meats under the guise of the Oxley Village Butcher so you can say hello to premium meats to level up your BBQ game with fresh cuts from the best farms around.
The Oxley Village Grocer is bringing all the fresh produce and groceries you need as well as market flowers for whether you’re looking for ‘just because’ blooms or something that says ‘sorry I didn’t mean to forget your birthday’ – eek.
Last but not least, all that shopping and socialising is thirsty work so the Oxley 1823 Sub Station is your stop for hydration station with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, or a cheeky scoop of gelato because we’re in for a long hot summer.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting this pretty little newcomer and I think it’s safe to say it’s been worth the wait, so you know where to catch us kicking back for a bite and a beverage this summer.
Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Opening Saturday 2nd December
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Cult fave pizza slinger Franc Jrs comes to Nobby Beach.
No Gold Coasters, your eyes ‘dough’ not deceive you – at long last, the local legends behind famed pizza joints Franc Jrs and Francie’s are slinging their signature slice from a brand new location in Nobby Beach.
The newest eat-in iteration for the Franc fam – an old school vibing pizzeria – is packed with plenty of soul, promising that same trademark, ‘good, honest Italian food’ fans have long been smitten with.
Fromage fiends can settle in for their Franc fix – with laidback vibes alongside cult fave Classic pizzas, crisp, Detroit style deep-dish pies, and frozen Margi’s.
With a lineage that can be traced back to 1996, the Francie’s origin story is fascinating, rich – and similar to the effects of a few too many frozen Marg’s – a little fuzzy around the edges.
An operation now run by Anthony Pattinson, Claudia Pattinson, James Young and Carlos Lara – the charming, 60pax Coolangatta neighbourhood pizza joint known as Francie’s was born way back in an era when, along with pizza, Anthony counted Baywatch and RnB among his great loves.
The humble spot with a shoebox-vibing kitchen was soon overwhelmed by its own success – by year two they were averaging 150 peckish patrons a night – a number that blew out to 250-300 punters in the years that followed, a frenetic pace that they couldn’t maintain.
Ultimately opting to close the door on Francie’s (cue first crush levels of heartbreak), another opened in the form of Franc Jrs, the compact and casual takeaway style little bro.
When it came to delivering a new and improved restaurant offering, the challenge was retaining the charm, while scaling up and refining the offering to meet demand.
The new venue is a 60 seater with indoor and outdoor tables, opting for counter service to streamline the experience.
Complete with mob movie vibing mood lighting, red leather and wood finishes aplenty, the interior fit out is a throwback to the classic, 1940’s Italian American style restaurant.
The result is a nostalgic feeling Anthony likens to the 90’s rite of passage – hitting up the local salad bar, “like Pizza Hut’s all you can eat, only really, really good”, he adds.
Anthony’s life-long passion for slinging ‘pies’ – is immediately apparent in the drool-worthy menu.
The offering is split into three types – Traditional 13-inch ‘Francies classics’, 16-inch cheese pies and square, Sicilian ‘Detroit style’ pizzas, as well as a full vegan selection to boot.
Now pizza, along with a sneaky pun or three, is certainly something we’re no stranger to – with catchy monikers such as Francie’s Classic, ‘Sage Against the Machine’ made with fresh fior di latte, roasted mushrooms, pancetta, sage & pecorino, only further fuelling our obsession.
Fans of the Franc Jrs Signature – the loaded and crispy edged, Sicilian style slice – can get amongst Tomato, made with roasted cherry tomatoes, confit garlic, whipped lemon ricotta & chilli sauce or the cheese-packed White Stripe, topped with hot honey.
And with the calibre of slice selection the Franc Jrs crew is slinging, we certainly wouldn’t blame anyone struggling to choose.
But if the fan following for these pizza purveyors is anything to go by – satisfaction is a sure thing (and a carb coma).
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
When: 4pm-10pm Wednesday – Saturday
Words by Kellie Leader.
Because the best weekends begin with brunch.
Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup-drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our taste buds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.
Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails, and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosas).
From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!
Suppose you consider yourself a brunch connoisseur. In that case, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow, is a must-try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business. After all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Breathtaking views and bottomless vino? Of course. La Calabrese’s Dine & Sip Italiano brunch serves up a three-course Italian feast alongside two hours of drinks with two dreamy packages to choose from. The $79 Wine Lover Pack offers self-serve bubbles, wine, and Peroni, while the $99 Cocktail Lover Pack brings the fun with Margs, Mimosas and Aperol Spritz. Menu-wise, it’s all about calamari, burrata, bolognese, woodfired pizza and sweet scoops of gelati. We really don’t know what to say except, bellissimo!
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
COAST’s rooftop terrace is home to one of the most stylish weekend sessions in town. Their $99pp Long Lunch runs Friday to Sunday from 12–3pm and brings together chilled cocktails (think spritz, daiquiris, Coast lager and rosé) and share plates like Pork Tostadas and Chicken Satay. Classy, yet an absolute vibe- just how we like it.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean, and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm, tuck into an all-out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Up for a rooftop rendezvous? Lulu Rooftop in Surfers is doing Sunday justice with their Bottomless Brunch package. For $79pp, indulge in a spread of colourful share plates (Popcorn Chicken Tacos, anyone?) and 2 hours of drinks- we’re talking spritz, wine and ever-changing froze flavours. Yes, you heard right- there’s a whole section dedicated to Bottomless Froze. We’ll be there from 1pm, and not a minute later.
Where: Level 2, 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing, and good times. Who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Woodfired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so grab the gang, rock up from 10am and purchase any dish to partake in sixty whole minutes of mimosa action! And nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical mimosa varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach
They call it ‘Spritz Saturdays’ at Nineteen, and it’s every bit as glam as you’d expect. From 4–7pm, sip fancy spritzes (Strawberry, Elderflower & Mint, Aperol) while slurping oysters and nibbling on cheese plates, charcuterie and garlic fries on the luxe rooftop terrace. At $89pp, this high-end soiree is a must for anyone who likes their brunch with a side of skyline views. Minimum two people, bookings essential.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
You haven’t really done a bougie brunch until you’ve bottomless’d at Cora. Their $89pp Saturday sessions are a three-course Mediterranean-style share lunch served with 2 hours of cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine– not to mention a live DJ spinning as you sip. The kicker? Every week brings a new signature cocktail lineup: Malfy Gin, Aperol and Chandon Garden Spritz, Absolut Vodka, Olmeca Altos Tequila… it’s a rotating roster of boozy fun. Enjoy the people’s favourite, Peach Burrata, Gold Band Snapper and Wild King Prawns! Bookings for two or more required.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Bottomless mimosas by the beach- say less! Sunnyboy’s breezy Mermaid Beach location means you can roll straight from the sand to your seat, where $49 scores you a meal of your choice plus one gloriously boozy hour of bottomless mimosas. No bookings are needed- just arrive between 10am and 1pm, round up the gang (because we know that more is merrier), and tuck into a seasonally rotating menu of brunchy faves. Chorizo Truffle Scramble? Yes, please. Fig & Mascarpone Hotcakes? Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats but also a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu. Think Fig and Persian Feta, Steamed Barramundi, Puffed Spiced Bread, Mixed Berry Panna Cotta and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rosé and Bellini Cocktail packages are available from $59 per person (ya kidding). Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Latin flair meets bottomless bubbles at Las Palmas’ $79pp weekend brunch. Every Saturday and Sunday, dive into 2 hours of sangria, rosé, tap beer and more, or upgrade for $20 and make it Margarita Time with Tommy’s Margs. Food-wise, expect chips and guac, crispy squid, tacos and more, with the option to elevate with grilled corn and slow-cooked beef short rib. Pro tip: upgrade it all. Life’s short. Live large.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbins light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck into your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as the Turkish Style Poached Eggs or Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question), with a non-alc option also available. For just $62 pp, we’ll say bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Pan Asian coastal dining, bottomless rosé and Sunday banquets? Say less. Billy Chow brings you Bottomless Blush Sundays- a curated chef’s banquet accompanied by free-flowing Maison AIX Rosé and sparkling rosé in the dreamy beachside setting of Kirra. This is the kind of Sunday sesh worth putting pants on for. $125 per person.
Where: 76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta
Boozy brunch, but make it a random Tuesday. Kefi Café is dishing up 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas – classic, pineapple or sunrise – for $60pp every day (like, Monday-Sunday) from 10am. Pair your fizz with a main like the lemon-curd loaded Hotcake or their beet-hummus-and-harissa-nut topped Avo Toast, and soak up all the feel-good Gold Coast vibes. Bottomless brunch before noon? We approve.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
