Aloha Bar & Dining: Here for a fun time not a long one, Aloha popped up in a secret squirrel location in Broadbeach at the start of this year and immediately became the spot for locals in the know. The tiki-themed watering hole isn’t the easiest place to find but your stealthy efforts are rewarded with some seriously top-notch tipple and exotic eats. Those banana daiquiris … heaven!

Apres Surf: Epitomising Gold Coast casual, Apres Surf in Mermaid Beach has embraced the term whole heartedly and created a refreshingly down-to-earth bar where you can stroll in post-surf and get a feed and a couple of beers without the fanfare. They do some pretty epic deals including $5 cheeseburgers and $10 pho so keep an eye out on their Insta to be in the know.

ball boy: Dedicated to meatballs, cold beers and fun times, ball boy in Mermaid Beach is the latest from Jesse Garlick, the mastermind behind Skull & Bones Espresso Boutique. While the menu is based entirely around meatballs, it isn’t nearly as limiting as you might think. Oh and did we mention they do an ah-mazing cheesy waffle hash, which is essentially a crispy golden waffle made of thrice-cooked potato and topped with gooey melty cheese, and macaron ice-cream sandwiches? Definitely one for the must-try list.

Balter Brewing Company: By definition, balter means ‘to dance artlessly without particular skill or grace, but usually with enjoyment’, which is fitting because that’s precisely what you’ll be doing when you get a glimpse of Balter HQ for the first time. The gigantic industrial warehouse in Currumbin is a beer-drinker’s happy place so if you haven’t already, swing by on a weekend for a bite, a beer and maybe a little balter.

Black Hops Brewery: It’s been a big year so far for the coast’s craft beer scene with the most recent addition opening its doors in Burleigh Heads a couple of weeks ago. Black Hops Brewery’s tasting room offers up a selection of its curious creations including its signature eggnog stout for your enjoyment. You can even grab a growler to go.

Brady’s: Hidden behind Pigs and Pints at the base of the Q1, Brady’s is the latest venture from renowned chef and restaurateur, James Brady. Taking things back to basics, the new eatery specialises in sustainable seafood and sits somewhere between a fancy restaurant and a takeaway fish and chippery.

Eddie’s Grub House: If blues, burgers and booze are among your favourite things, you’ll love the cut of Eddie’s Grub House’s jib. The dive bar opened in Coolangatta at the start of this year and has quickly become a favourite for renegades and heart breakers. They also happen to do a pretty mean bacon and maple Manhattan that is topped with an actual streak of crispy bacon, because everything is better with bacon.

Garden Kitchen & Bar: With an abundance of cascading greenery framing an airy, light-filled dining area, Garden Kitchen & Bar at Jupiters Hotel and Casino is a stark contrast to its predecessor, The PA Pub. The chic new venue was unveiled early January and has been bursting at the seams ever since. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, it’s time to get acquainted.

Gemellini: Translated to mean ‘little twin’, Gemellini is the slightly smaller, more intimate version of its big sister Gemelli Italian in Broadbeach. Be lured by the irresistible aroma of pizzas cooking away in the gigantic wood-fired oven and the promise of some exceptional Italian eats and mighty fine tipple.

Greenhouse Canteen + Bar: Greenhouse Canteen + Bar popped up in Miami earlier this year and blew us away with flavourful share plates, street food and raw treats. Walking the line between healthy and indulgent, the wonderfully inventive menu has been designed to show people that a plant-based diet doesn’t have to consist entirely of cos lettuce and tofu. Our tip, save room for the deconstructed brownie.

Hideaway Kitchen & Bar: Okay so we may have jumped the gun on this one since it doesn’t technically open until June 30 but with Scott Imlach, owner of Bine Bar & Dining, and Jon Hizola, the former head chef at Etsu, at the helm, we just know it’s going to be a smashing success.

Jimmy Wah’s: If you haven’t already, treat your tastebuds to a little culinary adventure at Jimmy Wah’s in Burleigh Heads. The venue dishes up modern Vietnamese fare, think betel leaves loaded with tender beef, delicate ribbons of kingfish sashimi, aromatic phos and possibly the crispiest and most delicious spring rolls you’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into.

Little Mermaid: When the boards went up on K Bar & Meze, locals let out a collective gasp, thankfully, the closure wasn’t permanent, just long enough to completely transform the venue into Little Mermaid. The new coastal eatery dishes up fresh, casual bites including grilled garlic prawns, crispy potato skins and Stone & Wood beer-battered fish and chips. Oh and there are cocktails, lots and lots of cocktails.

Pier: At long last, the space left by Saks was given a new lease on life as Pier Marina Mirage. Commanding one of the most exquisite outlooks on the Gold Coast, the venue caters to casual catch-ups with some amazing wood-fired pizzas through to sophisticated soirees.

Rick Shores:  If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining at Rick Shores yet, you need to rectify this immediately. Dishing up modern Asian nosh overlooking beautiful Burleigh beach, the restaurant has recently re-opened after suffering some recent storm damage, all the more reason to plan a visit ASAP and show the venue some sweet sweet love.

Society of Florida: Nestled deep within the rabbit warren that is Florida Gardens in Broadbeach Waters, Society of Florida is the second venture from the lads behind Burleigh Social. By day, it exudes the casual warmth of a neighbourhood cafe where you can bring your four-legged friend and sip an Allpress coffee in the sunshine but as the sun descends, it transforms into a delightfully unpretentious suburban wine bar.

The Loose Moose: Every now and then a restaurant comes along that changes the culinary landscape and fills a void in your life that you didn’t even know existed, The Loose Moose Tap & Grill House is one of those places. With sexy steam-punk styling, 130 whiskys and a dozen burgers, this is definitely our kind of place.