Sip sundowners and eat empanadas at Palm Beach’s pretty Latin American eatery Las Palmas
Palm Beach’s foodie scene is on fire right now with new restaurants and cafes popping up all over the beachside suburb like mushrooms after a summer storm. Whilst we love all new openings, one in particular has set tongues wagging thanks to its dreamy coastal vibes, crafted cocktails and Latin American bites. Yes, folks, we’re talking about Las Palmas and if you’re yet to get acquainted with this stunning newcomer, allow us to introduce you.
Step through a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway along the Gold Coast Highway (two doors down from Sisterhood Coffee), head up the stairs and you’ll be greeted with an eye-popping pink entrance offering the first delicious taste of what’s to come. Inside, you’ll find a dreamy coastal-inspired dining room featuring a stunning apex-style roof with exposed rafters. Gone is the dark, moody vibe (and Marlboro Man mural) of its predecessor Lester & Earl, and in its place is a stunningly bright and welcoming space accentuated by timber, rattan feature lights and a popping turquoise floor. Immediately, your eyes are drawn to the impressive 200-strong spirit collection behind the bar but as you make your way through the striking venue, you can’t help but gaze upon the custom-created timber tables that are simply begging you to while away a day or night (or both), with your nearest and dearest.
Las Palmas is a collaboration between Byron Bay’s popular The Mez Club owners Monica Pacheco and Rob Doherty, alongside head bartender Jeffrey Meeker and head chef Dayron Concepcion. In terms of the fare, chef Dayron has gone back to his Cuban roots but instead of limiting the edible offering to one kind of cuisine, he opted for a wider Latin American feel with a selection of plates that are designed for sharing. Seafood takes centre stage with the likes of tuna tartare sitting pretty alongside fish of the day and king-prawn anticucho. The haloumi-stuffed empanadas have been an early fan favourite but it’s the charcoal-grilled steaks that really has diners salivating.
As for the drinks, the cocktail list was crafted by Jeffrey, who was poached from New York City to helm the bar at The Mez Club – so you can expect some top-notch tipple. Seasonal flavours utilising Australian products feature heavily in Las Palmas’ cocktails with concoctions such as the Bittersweet Symphony (pear, anise, lemon, gin, elderflower liqueur, Pisco and Davidson plum) and the Tiki Bastard (pineapple, basil, coconut, Orgeat, lime, Amaretto, light rum and dark rum) gracing the list. There’s also a selection of Australian craft-beers on the taps alongside white, red, rosé and bubbles.
Keen to see for yourself what the fuss is about? Jump over to our Stumble Guide for Las Palmas’ opening times and booking details.
Image credit: @bakeateasy
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
