We have Michael Lambie’s accountant to thank for putting the Gold Coast on the lauded restaurateur’s radar. A throwaway comment that began to germinate in Michael’s mind ultimately prompted him to widen his search for potential sites. As luck would have it, he stumbled upon one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic and well-known locations – 2235 Gold Coast Highway (formerly home to Hellenika and most recently Miss Mee). In a major boon for the local foodie scene, Michael now considers our beachside paradise home, bringing with him his unique style of Asian cuisine that Melbourne has loved for years. The multi-level venue has been completely transformed by Zero 9 Constructions into a sophisticated sipping spot complete with plush pink circular booths, eye-popping murals and rattan pendant lighting. The ground floor houses the expansive restaurant, including an extension to accommodate a clutch of outdoor settings, while upstairs features a private dining room and a rooftop bar complete with a retractable roof and outdoor dining on the balcony. Between both levels, Rubi Red has capacity for more than 300 guests.

Designed to intrigue and delight, the menu highlights some of Michael Lambie’s most famous Asian dishes as well as a scattering of new creations to showcase the Gold Coast’s rich bounty of local and regional produce. Freshly shucked oysters with red nam jim, betel leaf topped with kingfish and tuna, salt-and-pepper chicken ribs and kingfish sashimi will get your feast off to a sublime start. As tempting as it may be to stick exclusively to the bites, the dumplings and buns are impossible to pass up. On offer is a salivation-inducing array of flavours such as Singapore-style crab dumplings, Korean fried-chicken bun and ginger king prawn dumplings. Larger plates consist of crispy fried Sichuan duck (one of Michael’s signatures), beef rendang and Cantonese-style steamed cod. If you simply cannot decide (we don’t blame you), let Rubi choose with five plates for $62 or seven plates for $75. At the bar, diners can expect flowing Asian-inspired concoctions, including Michael’s favourite cocktail, the coconut mojito. To ensure Rubi lives up to the hype, Michael has recruited Damien Styles (formerly of Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and Tommy’s Italian) as head chef.

Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar officially opens on Friday March 11. Bookings are strongly recommended, jump over here to nab yourself a table.