It’s no secret the Gold Coast has become somewhat of a seaside foodie haven over the last few years, with exceptional eateries and bars popping up all over the place. Believe it or not, winter is no exception in our perpetually sunny city. Recently, a few must-try newbies have swung open their doors to the delight of locals looking to escape the (only very slightly) chilly weather.
Since we think you’re keen to escape from winter wherever you may find yourself, here are seven food-related reasons to make the trip to the Gold Coast. Plus, as we said, it’s really not very wintery here.
PEARL & ASH
If there are two things that will keep you warmer than coffee and wine in winter, we have yet to come across them. Nor do we want to, thank you very much. Luckily, Southport newbie Pearl & Ash has us covered in both departments. Pop into the stunning space found at The Brickworks in Ferry Road for a nourishing feast along the lines of Roasted Spiced Cauliflower with pumpkin and thyme hummus and baby vegetables. Begin with a tasty Locale Espresso coffee and finish up with one of many top-notch wines on offer. What more could one want on a winters day? Nothing, that’s what.
Where: The Brickworks, Ferry Rd, Southport
MADAM FU
If modern Asian eats with a side of water views are something that might delight you, don’t go past the culinary goodness that is Madam Fu. Sister venue of Gold Coast institution Fu Manchu, Madam Fu is serving up dishes with a focus on locally foraged produce, along the lines of (giant) Grilled King Prawns with green papaya som tam and toasted coconut. Everything is an absolute taste sensation and you may gaze lovingly out at the pretty boats bobbing on the docks and think about how great it is to visit the Gold Coast. Or eat and drink all the things. Either/or.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri
MOANA RESTAURANT & BAR
If there is one thing we Gold Coasters do well (there’s more than one), it is a dish brimming with seafood, fresh off a local trawler. Which is exactly what you can expect at Isle of Capri’s new venue, Moana Restaurant and Bar. The flavours here focus on those of the Pacific Rim and every dish is packed with goodness. The Tahi is made up of the fish of the day, juicy prawns, scallops, bugs on rice and with white wine buerre blanc sauce and it’s more food than one person could ever eat. Try though. Delicious and affordable, definitely tick this one off the list.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri
LITTLE ITOSHIN
Japanese eateries are a big favourite here in the sunshine city so it makes us very happy when a new one opens to fill our bellies and our hearts. Especially when they are the work of a local restaurateur who has been cooking up the goods for quite some time now. Little Itoshin can be found in Miami and is the sister venue of Itoshin in Mermaid Beach, a Gold Coast institution much-loved by everyone. Little Itty (made that up) is equally as exceptional with share-style Japanese dishes that are both extremely generous and extremely delicious. It’s a sweet little space too, take the entire family, they’ll love it.
Where: Shop 6/110 Mountain View Ave, Miami
PIE PIE
A casual newbie impressing Gold Coasters left, right and centre is Pie Pie – so nice they named it twice. It’s a gourmet pie shop on the highway in Burleigh, serving up the quintessential Aussie treat like you’ve never seen it before. Think pies topped with giant mushrooms, corn chips and hashbrowns with names like Chook vs. Mushroom and XO XO Gossip Grandma topped with apple sauce and pork crackling. They really are next level and the perfect quick and easy eats after a day of exploring the Coast or taking a winter dip in the ocean if that’s your thing. Eat many.
Where: 1887 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
OI IZAKAYA
Burleigh Heads was lucky enough to score a new Japanese eatery recently and it’s one you’re definitely going to want to sample. Tucked away in a little alley off James Street, Oi Izakaya is a perfectly curated space bringing the traditional tastes of Japan to the lucky locals (and now you). We’re thrilled just quietly. The eats are some of the best around and you’ll absolutely want to try the pièce de résistance (and the reason Oi Izakaya exists) Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima-style. Trust us, it’s a taste sensation. Pop in for some quality dishes, a Japanese whisky or two and all of the Burleigh good vibes. You’ll love it.
Where: Shop 4-6, 30 James Street, Burleigh Heads
SISTERHOOD COFFEE
We the people of the Gold Coast are all about good times inclusive of all our pals. Case in point Sisterhood Coffee, Palm Beachs’ latest coffee-slinging spot where friendly, neighbourhood vibes are the order of the day. It’s the work of two local gals whose motto is good food, good moods and a good space to spend time in. Which is exactly what’s up. They’re serving nourishing, tasty eats and of course, excellent coffee and we highly recommend the Baked Eggs with Boston beans for a winter tummy warmer. The perfect spot for a beautiful brunch feast, get in.
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Why, Palm Beach
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.