From the moment you step out of the lift at Aviary, you are greeted with the irresistible aroma of pizzas cooking away in the woodfired oven and the murmur of conversation interrupted only by the unmistakable sound of cocktails-in-progress. If the sun is shining (or the heaters are cranking) and you’re in the mood for a casual bite and a beer, pull up a stool in the open-air balcony bar, The Nest, and take in the sweeping views of the Surfers Paradise skyline in one direction and the Gold Coast Hinterland in the other. Inside, Aviary steps it up a notch with multiple seating areas, a seriously stocked bar that runs almost the length of the venue, pops of greenery and pretty floral embellishments such as coasters that read ‘to gin or not to gin…silly question.’

When it comes to the food, Aviary dishes up a refined menu of authentic woodfired pizza and modern share food including mouthwatering meatballs, warm olives with fennel, orange and almonds and loaded charcuterie boards. The fare is designed to pair perfectly with the venue’s very respectable (and very extensive) cocktail offering and cellar list that features plenty of boutique drops including Four Pillars’ recently released Bloody Shiraz Gin and liqueurs from Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Whilst all of the crafty concoctions sound mighty appealing, the ebony-hued Black Swan, which is infused with charcoal powder, and the kombucha-based Tree Creeper are two stand-outs, both of which you’ll find under the ‘healthier options’ on the menu. Cocktails sans the guilt? Count us in! Aviary will host a DJ every Friday and Saturday night as well as live acoustic sessions on Sunday afternoons.

For all of the juicy details including opening times, fly on over to our Stumble Guide.