Food News
Paradise Centre
Food & Drink

Goodbye late-night kebabs, hello beachside tacos and Thai – Paradise Centre is bringing a foodie mecca to Surfers 

10 Aug 2022

Despite its reputation as a glitzy strip by the beach, Surfers Paradise is quickly becoming one of the Gold Coast's premier dining precincts. Gone are the days when famished beach-goers needed to rely on questionable fish and chips to fuel their day in the waves, as Paradise Centre is set to open a bustling dining precinct by the beach. This impressive expansion will bring exciting new surf and lifestyle retailers to compliment the already popular beachside haunt. Whether you're a sun-soaked tourist seeking a bite or a local ready to find your new favourite place to catch up with pals, Paradise Centre will be the perfect place for you. Here's everything you can expect to eat, see and experience when the expansion opens on Friday September 9. more

Bars
Pavement Whispers: Bar Heather, a new Parisian-inspired locale from the Luna Wine Store and Lo-Fi Wines team, is opening in Byron Bay this October
Food & Drink

Pavement Whispers: Bar Heather, a new Parisian-inspired locale from the Luna Wine Store and Lo-Fi Wines team, is opening in Byron Bay this October

08 Aug 2022

It's all about natural vino and wine-friendly snacks at Bar Heather, an exciting soon-to-open bar and restaurant landing on Jonson Street, Byron Bay's buzzing boulevard. The concept will see a crack team of hospitality veterans (collectively boasting experience at the likes of Noma, Oscillate Wildly, LP's Quality Meats, Sixpenny and Agrarian Kitchen) serving rare and hard-to-find bottles of wine matched with dishes showcasing the best organic produce available in the Northern Rivers. Here's what we know ... more

Bars
Yamagen x Yuzu Gin
Food & Drink

Sink into cocktail splendour at this gin-inspired secret garden

08 Aug 2022

Spring has (almost) sprung, and we can't think of a better way to shake off the winter blues than by saying cheers with a colourful cocktail or two. The cocktail connoisseurs at Yamagen are making things easy for Gold Coast locals by partnering with the gin masters at Four Pillars to create a list of vibrant creations using its yuzu-infused spirit - best enjoyed while hidden away in the Secret Garden. Thirsty? Us too. Here's your key to the ultimate sipping collaboration hitting QT Gold Coast this August and September. more

Food News
Beloved southern salad slinger FISHBOWL makes its Burleigh Heads debut
Food & Drink

Beloved southern salad slinger FISHBOWL makes its Burleigh Heads debut

06 Aug 2022

Anyone who has spent any time in or around Burleigh Heads can attest to the fact that it's more than a suburb – it's a lifestyle. Sun-soaked beach walks around the headland, picnics on the hill, sundowners – the reasons to love Burleigh are literally endless. Friends, there is now one more reason to love Burleigh thanks to the arrival of FISHBOWL on Saturday August 6. The Sydney-born eatery is here to revolutionise the concept of fast food with bowls of Japanese-inspired salad made using locally sourced ingredients. Here's everything you need to know ... more

Food News
Pavement Whispers: Paradise Centre set to open a brand-new beachfront dining precinct including Queensland's first Wahlburgers
Food & Drink

Pavement Whispers: Paradise Centre set to open a brand-new beachfront dining precinct including Queensland’s first Wahlburgers

03 Aug 2022

Surfers Paradise has come a long way from the by-the-slice pizzerias and late-night kebab shops. The beachside suburb has hit the headlines recently thanks to a string of high-profile new openings, including most recently COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen. Now, Paradise Centre has unveiled plans for a brand-new dining precinct, just metres from Surfers Paradise Beach. Set to welcome eight new restaurants and eateries over two levels, the precinct will add a delicious new dimension to the city's beachside dining scene. Here's what you can expect when it officially opens next month ... more

Food News
Pavement Whispers: Coolangatta's favourite pizza slinger Francie's makes way for Franc Jrs
Food & Drink

Pavement Whispers: Coolangatta’s favourite pizza slinger Francie’s makes way for Franc Jrs

03 Aug 2022

When Francie's quietly closed its doors in March 2022, it left a pizza-shaped hole in our lives. The sudden and unexpected announcement sent a shockwave through the Coolangatta community because it seemingly came out of nowhere. After all, it wasn't uncommon to be greeted by a line of pizza-hungry revelers down the street. Both and blessing and a curse, the venue owners – Claudia and Tony Pattinson – realised that Francie's had pushed its outer perimeters as far as they would go. Thankfully, it's not goodbye Francie's, it's just see you later as the dynamic duo revealed that not only was Francie's moving to a brand-new location designed specifically for the thriving restaurant but the original spot would become Franc Jrs. Here's everything we know so far ... more

Food News
Satiate your starvation with loaded sandwiches and piadinas at Pacific Fair's new eatery, Joe's Deli
Food & Drink

Satiate your starvation with loaded sandwiches and piadinas at Pacific Fair’s new eatery, Joe’s Deli

03 Aug 2022

The humble (and not-so-humble) sandwich seems to be having a moment here on the coast, and honestly, we couldn't be happier. When whispers of a new deli opening at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre started to circulate, we immediately began preparing our taste buds for mighty meat-filled feasts and sizeable sangas. Friends, the time has come to welcome Joe's Deli with open arms. The new eatery officially opens at The Patio on Saturday August 6 – here's everything we know so far ... more

Food News
Indian food
Food & Drink

The round-up: surf a wave of spice at some of the best Indian restaurants on the Gold Coast

02 Aug 2022

There's something about ripping apart a warm garlicky naan and dunking it into a deliciously creamy butter chicken or fragrant dahl that makes everything in the world seem okay. Gold Coast locals are no stranger to some damn good Indian food and are quick to perk up when you ask about the 'best Indian restaurant near me'. If you're craving that succulent symphony of spice, take a moment to scan through our list of the best Indian restaurants on the Gold Coast. Whether you can handle the heat or prefer to enjoy the more subtle flavours, we can guarantee there is an Indian joint that will light the fire in your belly.  more

The Locals Next week:

Food News
Prepare the white table linen and order at-home feasts curated by Australia's top chefs
Food & Drink

Prepare the white table linen and order at-home feasts curated by Australia’s top chefs

28 Jul 2022

As much as we love our ready-to-microwave meals in a pinch, sometimes our cravings call for food that is more elevated. The answer? FIX., a chef-led at-home dinner solution that takes the approach that dining in can be just as fun and delicious as dining out. There's absolutely no vacuum-packed bangers and mash here folks – we're talking a luxe spread of ready-to-plate meals that are worthy of only your best china dinner set. Oh, and did we mention some of Australia's best chefs have prepared them for you? more

Food News
Wrap your mitts around a Philly cheesesteak sandwich from Junior's Deli
Food & Drink

Wrap your mitts around a Philly cheesesteak sandwich from Junior’s Deli

27 Jul 2022

There are some culinary creations that make us go weak at the knees. You know the ones – the kind that make your mouth involuntarily start salivating and eyes glisten in anticipation of that first glorious bite. For us, a grilled cheese toastie with just the right amount of ooze and a ridiculously succulent Philly cheesesteak sandwich are well and truly up there on the impossible-to-resist list. If you too possess a penchant for sensational sandwiches and other such deli delights, go ahead and prepare thy taste buds for Junior's Deli in Mudgeeraba – it's a feast for all of your senses. more

Food News
Sit and smell the roses at Parkwood's new florist cafe, Flower Studio
Food & Drink

Sit and smell the roses at Parkwood’s new florist cafe, Flower Studio

27 Jul 2022

Flowers have a unique ability to communicate when words seem inadequate. They can simultaneously brighten someone's day, tell someone you're thinking of them, you fancy them, and even provide comfort in times of grief. Flowers make the world infinitely more beautiful. One flower studio in Parkwood has taken the age-old expression to sit and smell the roses literally by introducing a brand-new cafe nook and leafy alfresco area so you can do just that.  more

Food News
COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen is set to bring a sophisticated new dining experience to Surfers Paradise
Food & Drink

COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen is set to bring a sophisticated new dining experience to Surfers Paradise

27 Jul 2022

If you've spent any time in Surfers Paradise recently, it's highly likely you craned your neck to gaze in awe at Ocean by Meriton. Soaring 76 levels into the sky, it's arguably one of the most significant projects coming to life on the Gold Coast. Earlier this year, we got our first taste of the food and beverage offering with Castaway Coffee Bar, a wholesome cafe slinging organic coffee and nourishing nosh. Now, we've got a glimpse of an elevated modern Australian restaurant called COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen that is set to open its doors next Friday August 5. Let's take a peek ... more

Food News
Opa! Seafood stalwart George's Paragon opens two new restaurants in Coolangatta
Food & Drink

Opa! Seafood stalwart George’s Paragon opens two new restaurants in Coolangatta

21 Jul 2022

When you think of seafood on the Gold Coast, chances are one name immediately springs to mind – George. George's Paragon has become synonymous with sumptuous seafood spreads and has, over the years, provided the backdrop for countless birthdays and celebrations, etching it into the very fabric of the Gold Coast's culinary landscape. Joining its long-standing flagship Sanctuary Cove restaurant is not one, but two new locations within The Strand at Coolangatta. more

Food News
Big Drop Brewing Co. has released its limited-edition Woodcutter Brown Ale in time for Dry July
Food & Drink

Big Drop Brewing Co. has released its limited-edition Woodcutter Brown Ale in time for Dry July

20 Jul 2022

Struggling through Dry July? Well, our sweet boozeless buddies, you'll be happy to hear the following news. One of the world’s leading producers of ultra-low-alcohol craft beers, Big Drop Brewing Co., has launched its limited-edition seasonal release, the Woodcutter Brown Ale. The perfect campfire accompaniment, this low-alc brew is a great option for anyone looking to make healthier drinking choices. more

Food News
Wrap your mitts around a poke taco from Finn Poké
Food & Drink

Wrap your mitts around a poke taco from Finn Poké

19 Jul 2022

When it comes to what to have for lunch, we're in a constant state of conflict. Our head tells us we should eat more greens and lay off the fried food, but our heart, well, let's just say the heart wants what the heart wants, and for us, that's tacos. If you appreciate the struggle, we have some news that may be of interest – Finn Poké has gone and done the impossible, it's made tacos even more delicious. Taco-lovers, say hello to your new favourite hybrid ... more

Food News
Wake up and smell the single origin from Parallel Roasters' new Cararra HQ
Food & Drink

Wake up and smell the single origin from Parallel Roasters’ new Cararra HQ

19 Jul 2022

If you're a regular traveller along the Pacific Motorway, it's pretty likely you already have a running list of preferred sip spots where you can easily detour to caffeinate and get back on the road. Allow us, if we may, to introduce you to a brand-new player on the bean scene – it's called Parallel Roasters and if that name sounds familiar, it's because they've built a cult-like following in Brisbane thanks to its superb single origins and beautiful blends. Parallel Roasters has opened a brand-new roasting facility in Carrara that is open to the public, essentially eliminating the gap between roaster and sipper. Whether you're an at-home barista looking to level up your home brewing game or you'd prefer someone to make it for you, Parallel Roasters is destined to become a favourite for motorists and local caffeine cravers.  more

Food News
Citrique restaurant
Food & Drink

Seeking a fancy feast? Treat your taste buds to a decadent five-course degustation at Citrique

18 Jul 2022

While we are never one to pass up some primo cheap eats, certain occasions leave us craving something with a little more pizazz. Whether you're celebrating a special moment, enjoying a holiday with loved ones, spoiling your date or just a firm believer in the art of treating yourself, there is something extra special about placing that white napkin over your lap and submitting to an elevated dining experience. After opening in mid-2021, the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa's Citrique restaurant continues to offer guests the highest level of service, and the latest five-course chef's degustation is the perfect way to treat your taste buds to some fine-dining flair.  more

Bars
Sip botanical cocktails at the newly opened Lovers' Lane in Byron Bay
Food & Drink

Sip botanical cocktails at the newly opened Lovers’ Lane in Byron Bay

14 Jul 2022

As much as we love lazy weekends spent eating our way around the Gold Coast, we're also partial to heading south for food-filled adventures. If you too share our enthusiasm for epicurean escapades, Lovers' Lane is the latest addition to Byron Bay's culinary melting pot and is definitely one to visit next time you're in town. An ode to excellent food, natural wine, cocktails, and dancing, the bar-restaurant hybrid is the latest gastronomic offering from the crew behind Bali's beautiful Penny Lane restaurant in Canggu, so it's got our undivided attention ... more

Food News
The round-up: here's a slice-by-slice guide to the Gold Coast's best pizza
Food & Drink

The round-up: here’s a slice-by-slice guide to the Gold Coast’s best pizza

14 Jul 2022

A pizza that is made with love and the finest quality ingredients is truly a work of art. A perfectly thin, crispy base adorned with a restrained scattering of toppings and smothered with molten-hot mozzarella – it's a sight to behold before eagerly devouring. As with all art, it's subjective – though, we've put together a tasty list of the best spots for pizza on the Gold Coast that we reckon are well worth a visit. more