One of the best things about the Gold Coast is that we're not short of excellent places to eat and drink. The upside to this incredible smorgasbord is that there's a bar (or restaurant) to suit every kind of mood – from the low-key watering hole right through to sky-high tipple temples. If you're in the mood for a pre-dinner snack, Jin Cafe & Bar is the perfect perch. more
It's often thought that a city's economic health could be determined by the number of cranes dotted along the coastline. If that's the barometer, the Gold Coast is thriving. Arguably one of the most significant projects coming to life along The Esplanade at Surfers Paradise is Ocean by Meriton. Soaring 76 levels, it's certainly one of the tallest and most impressive. As construction begins to wrap up, we've got our first taste of the retail tenants – it's called Castaway Coffee Bar, a wholesome cafe slinging organic coffee and nourishing nosh. more
The Easter long weekend is upon us, which for some means four glorious days of freedom (hopefully!). This year we're spoilt for choice, with plenty of places staying open to keep you well-nourished, well-hydrated, and jacked-up on coffee and hot cross buns. For those who opted to holiday at home, we’ve done the legwork to find a few places that are staying open this Easter long weekend for your eating and drinking pleasure. more
If you're anything like us, decision making can be difficult – especially when it comes to food. The best solution to menu anxiety? One of everything, baby! While this might be a bit extravagant at standard restaurants, it's encouraged at Harvest Buffet. In delicious news, the all-you-can-eat smorgasbord is offering Members of The Star two-for-one dinners on Monday and Tuesday nights from April 11 to May 10. That's right, you and your favourite foodie friend can don your finest stretchy pants, pop a napkin in your collar and dig into a gastronomic wonderland. more
Rolling out a rug in the park and unwrapping a piping-hot serving of freshly cooked fish and chips is undoubtedly one of life's simple pleasures. A nostalgic throwback to family holidays of days past, it's got us craving a much simpler time. Given our city's coastal location, we're certainly not short on decent fish and chipperies. We've done the hard yards to round-up a few of our faves – here's where to find some of the Gold Coast's best fish and chips. more
There’s something incredibly soul warming about Italian cuisine. Twirling your fork into delicate strands of al dente spaghetti, reaching for a slice of perfectly cooked woodfired pizza with just the right ratio of topping to crust and scooping spoonfuls of fresh, vibrant salad – honestly, is there anything better? Actually, there is. Devouring all of those dishes with change from a $50 note for two people – it’s all kinds of satisfying and you can experience it every week during April at Cucina Vivo. more
The allure of a hidden bar is undeniable. The inherent excitement that comes with scouring unassuming alleyways for clues is matched only by the smug sense of satisfaction you feel once you've found it. The Gold Coast has its share of hidden haunts and low-key locales. Whether shrouded in curtains or camouflaged by inconspicuous entrances, read on for our round-up of the coast's best-hidden bars. more
After a couple of tumultuous (understatement) years in the dining scene, the rumour mill is in overdrive with whispers of new openings and exciting eateries in the pipeline, and we couldn’t be happier. One in particular that has piqued our interest is EFSHAR Restaurant and Wine Bar, which is set to bring elevated sips and modern Australian bites to the Broadwater. Inspired by the flavours of land and sea, the sophisticated spot is set to open oh-so-soon, and here's what we know so far ... more
The humble dive bar has become somewhat of an endangered species. As venues continue to push the envelope with increasingly more elaborate fit-outs and Insta-worthy backdrops, there's something to be said for the relatively unglamorous neighbourhood watering holes with slightly sticky floors and poster-clad walls. The bars slinging inexpensive booze, boasting a varied cross-section of regulars and an alluring come-as-you-are cordiality. A place to drink and unwind, or, if you feel so inclined, do quite the opposite. Those who seek out such establishments are likely well familiar with Vinnies Dive in Southport. The self-proclaimed dive bar has been whetting the city's appetite for cheap beer and live tunes since 2018, and has recently unveiled a brand-new band room. Here's everything you need to know ... more
A lot of deliciousness has come out of Japan – ramen, gyoza, sushi, whisky … the list goes on. One of our all-time favourites, however, is the not-so-humble sando. To be clear, we're not talking about a sad-looking schnitty sandwiched between two thin slices of bread, no siree. Japanese sandos are a work of edible art, from the sizable slab of crustless shokupan (Japanese milk bread) through to its deliciously crisp katsu-crumbed filling. If your mouth is watering right about now (same), you'll be pleased to learn there's a brand-new sando bar in town – it's called Koko Cafe & Bar and here's everything you need to know ... more
When it comes to dining out on the Gold Coast, we're spoilt for choice. So much so, that we often find ourselves plagued with indecision when it comes to that all-important question of where to go. Add into the mix a couple of varying dietary requirements and you've got yourself quite the conundrum. If you're in the mood for something new, something exciting, something different – say hello to Butlers Tea Room + Noshery. more
Our palms are sweaty, our knees are weak and our mouths are watering – no we aren't listening to Eminem, we've just caught wind that Bondi's cult Bennett St Dairy cookie dough is now available to snag in Queensland. Eager to learn where you can get your hot little hands on this decadent dough? We've got all of the chocolate-chip-filled deets ... more
It's been a big year, which is weird because it's barely even April. If you're in desperate need of an afternoon of carefree fun and fabulous frivolity (yes please!), go ahead and rally your pals for this very special iteration of Aviary's much-loved Rooftop Lunch on Saturday April 9. An afternoon filled with fancy cocktails, primo pizza and some seriously sassy entertainment could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Okay, so we're not medical professionals, but trust us when we say that you need this in your life ... more
When it comes to weekenders or staycays, you really want to go all out to make the experience worth leaving your home for. If your ideal getaway involves grand views, lush amenities and lavish extras, Dorsett Gold Coast is right up your alley. The brand-new 53-storey tower opened its doors earlier this year and delivers the ultimate mix of fun and sophistication – the perfect combination for your weekend away. As the cherry on top, when you book a stay in one of its stunning Executive Rooms, you will be granted exclusive access to the Executive Lounge – the hotel's sky-high sipping and snacking spot where you can enjoy bites, bevvies and beautiful views. more
Sometimes when you've lived in a city for so long, it can feel like you've wined and dined at every establishment, had your morning cuppa at every corner cafe or had one too many late-night HSP from that trusty kebab shop. If you want to broaden your horizons both from a culinarily and geographical perspective, then we think you should hop in the car and drive to a city not so far away – Logan. Brimming with mouth-watering fare from almost every country you can think of, this epicurean melting pot is worth diving into. Here are some top-notch spots for when you plan on embarking on a self-curated Logan food trail … more
Let's be honest, Easter is a glorious time of year when the diet can be (jovially) thrown out the window – you can't avoid it, so you might as well enjoy it! We love nothing more than a good Easter egg, but sometimes we just want something a little extra. We're talking hot cross bun ice-cream sandwiches, chocolate-coated dippy eggs and much, much more. Yep, we've gone on an Easter hunt of our own to bring you the best Easter-themed treats going around town. Enjoy! more
For Tanya Filak and her young daughter, gluten-free is not a choice or a 'sometimes' dietary requirement. The mother-daughter duo, who both suffer from coeliac disease, have been left hungry and deflated more times than they can count after eagerly perusing restaurant menus only to find that dreaded little asterisk, *may contain traces of gluten. And they aren't the only ones. For anyone living with a serious condition such as coeliac disease or a severe allergy, dining out can be near impossible. A trip to Melbourne changed everything for Tanya when she sought out Gluten Free 4 U. She decided then and there she had to bring it home to the Gold Coast, which is precisely what she did. Coeliacs, say hello to your new happy place ... more
Embarking on roadtrips in search of culinary adventure is one of our all-time favourite weekend activities. While there are plenty of reasons to head south right now, we've been gifted another very tasty motive with the arrival of Tim Goegan as head chef at The Eltham Hotel, nestled amongst Byron's beautiful hinterland. The celebrated chef has decamped Melbourne to come full circle back to his old stomping ground in the Northern Rivers, and we're set to reap the benefits. Read on for all of the delicious details ... more
When we imagine our ideal foodie experience, some seriously salivation-inducing scenes pop in to our head. Sipping award-winning wine in the Scenic Rim, noshing at paddock-to-plate restaurants next to fields filled with Highland cows, and dining on mouth-watering morsels with mountain views are just some of what come to mind. If this sounds your cup of tea, then hop aboard the Kiff & Culture van and get ready to make your gastronomic dreams become a reality on its just-announced Brisbane to Byron food trail. more
Vietnamese food is a feast for all of your senses. Beautifully vibrant, bold flavours and impossible-to-resist aromatics, what's not to love? If you go to great lengths to seek out the best banh mi, piping-hot pho, rice-paper rolls and vermicelli salads, then first of all – we should be friends. Secondly, get your eyes (and mouths) over this handy list of some of the Gold Coast's best Vietnamese eateries. From modern dining spots to unassuming takeaway hubs, here's a handful that are well worth checking out in no particular order ... more
