Balboa Italian: From the amazingly talented team behind Avvia Cafe & Restaurant in Palm Beach comes another exciting venture – Balboa Italian. Perched on the Gold Coast Highway near Hendrixx Espresso, the rumour mill has been working overtime trying to keep up with all of the exciting happenings in the area but this one is well and truly confirmed. Anticipated to open mid to late September, the new noshery will dish up all of your Italian favourites including homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza and will boast a pretty spectacular international wine list. From first glimpses the fit-out looks to be pretty next-level as well! Suffice to say, we’re excited.

Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. Robina: When news broke that Noosa’s Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. was opening in Surfers Paradise, southern dwelling Gold Coasters felt sharp pangs of jealousy. Well, we have some good news burger lovers, nay GREAT news, Robina is getting its very own Betty’s! Expected to open sometime in October, the details are being kept tightly under wraps for now however the venue is set to replicate its sister store’s cool retro vibes and burgers that will make your mouth water just thinking about them.

El Patio de Cuba: Imagine for a moment you’re in Cuba, the mojitos are flowing, the music draws you in and you’re surrounded by fine food. If you like what you see and are keen to turn this vision into reality, get excited for the opening of El Patio de Cuba at Chevron Renaissance. The lively new venue is the sister of The Cuban Bar & Lounge Dining in Broadbeach and will be opening in coming weeks. Expect all of your classic Cuban favourites including ropa vieja (Cuban meat stew), slow-cooked shredded beef marinated in Cuban spices and barbecued meat alongside plenty of rum and sangria.

Fish Lab by William Wu: In case you missed the memo, the Gold Coast’s culinary scene is set to explode by year’s end with 55 new cafes, bars and restaurants set to open as part of Robina Town Centre’s $160-million foodie precinct, The Kitchens. One of the flagship new venues that will be opening is Fish Lab by William Wu – a unique seafood concept store. Fish Lab will offer a broad selection of locally sourced, cured and smoked seafood, prepared in new and unique ways right in front of you. Fish Lab by William Wu is expected to open late October/early November.

Rivea: It seems that Daniel and Ruggie Ridgeway, the owners of Little Truffle at Mermaid Beach, BiN 12 in Burleigh Heads, BiN 72 in Coolangatta, BiN 232 at Pacific Fair and BiN 89 in Broadbeach, have something against spare time as they are about to embark on their sixth venture – Rivea at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Set to open mid–October, Rivea will fill the centre’s coveted space outside the yet-to-open Zara and will specialise in amazingly authentic Italian food, think deliciously fresh pasta and perfect pizzas. Word on the street is that there may also be another venue in the works for Runaway Bay that will feature a rooftop. Exciting times ahead for the pair!

If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition Gold Coast’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected]