If you haven’t been to the Sandbar for yonks, then you need to put it on your foodie radar right now. The new-look venue is now a classy, modern beach bar that creates a striking figure along the Surfers Paradise beachfront. There aren’t a lot of places where you can sip on a cocktail and watch the waves roll in just metres away, so we’re pretty delighted to see that this primo position is now home to one of the city’s coolest beachside hangs. Sandbar, which remains owned and operated by Jake Short and his family, underwent the massive transformation to create an entirely new concept, driven by a vibrant new menu, an innovative cocktail list and the introduction of a swag of craft beers. In case you were wondering, there are around 120 beers on offer. For those playing at home, that’s certainly a lot of beers to try out – luckily, there are plans to hold beer-tasting events in the near future, so keep an eye out.

So let’s cut to the chase – the food is pretty darn impressive. The menu is more refined and innovative than its past offerings, so we’re digging this new foodie direction. Expect share-style dishes like tempura zucchini flowers stuffed with goats cheese, watermelon and prosciutto, char-grilled octopus with sweet corn puree, blood orange and crispy polenta, snapper ceviche with chilli sambal and Hervey Bay scallops with green chilli, coriander and hazelnut butter. If you fancy a tipple, cast your dreamy eyes straight to the cocktail list – the Son of a Peach and It’s Always Gin Thyme will sort you out. Anything that involves eating or drinking by the ocean is good for the soul – so get this one on your hit list, pals.

Head over to our Stumble Guide for location and opening times. Do it.