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| Justin Lane Burleigh |
If you are a visitor to the Gold Coast and your trip hasn’t taken you further south than your Surfers Paradise hotel you are missing out big time.
Surfers Paradise has been left behind and left wanting when you consider some of the #goldcoastgems emerging in a southern Gold Coast renaissance.
Whether you are on holiday or a local this post tells of my favourite hidden gems.
I am by no means a qualified chef or art critic but I do know good service, good menus and food along with innovative ambience and leading edge interior design when I see it. And the gems I mention below have one or all of these characteristics and are definitely worth checking out.
In no particular order be sure to check out these out:
Elk Espresso (Broadbeach) - Great coffee, innovative urban fit out, great organic menu, friendly service and close to the beach. Only trouble is getting a table.
Lake Cafe (Varsity Lakes) - This family owned cafe restaurant is groovy nook lakeside at Varsity Central. Offering a classic menu and extensive wine list, Lake Cafe will not disappoint. (The pork belly is my favourite :))
Ambarella Fine Food (Burleigh Waters Bermuda Street) - This new cafe and deli bring a sophisticated market to the southern Gold Coast. The cafe is cute - if only the barista would smile occasionally.
Blackboard Coffee (Varsity Lakes) - Stylish modern urban surrounds, staff with spunk and a vibe that could have you thinking you were in London, this is a great place for a coffee and a snack.
The fishhouse (Burleigh - Goodwin Terrace) - Stunning food, stunning location, stunning wine list, fishhouse is a Gold Coast MUST. And don't just roll up, in most cases you will need to book ahead. You will not be disappointed and the chef's selection is culinary titillation.
Social Eating House + Bar (Broadbeach) Located in the new sophistication of the Oracle precinct Social has a relaxed vibe, is stylish by nature and is a great place to share great food with friends.
Ze Pickle (Burleigh) - This gastro burger place is to die for. Their chilli burger is hot even for a chilli lover like me. The burgers are all wagyu beef and the fit out is a sublime blend of copper number plates and bespoke tables and chairs.
The Wine Barrell (Mudgeeraba) - Capitalising on the trend of tapas, this unexpected gem in Mudgeeraba is fab. Menu and wine list are great - the batter on the tempura oysters was perfect - although it took a while for the service to kick in.
Justin Lane (Burleigh) - Urban casual dining at its best. The gourmet pizzas are superb, the staff are excellent and the vibe is pulsating - A MUST.
The Koffee Shack (Burleigh) - Great value, great friendly and youthful service, you can see why this cafe is a Gold Coast favourite. An excellent choice for breakfast.
Pablo Pablo (Palm Beach) - Behind the blue door lies a delectable array of latin delights, including imported beer. The asparagus, and the jarmon crockets are a couple of my favourites.
Canteen (Burleigh) - Tucked away in one of Burleigh’s cute laneways Canteen is one of the reasons Burleigh is becoming the mecca for great coffee on the Gold Coast.
Plantation House Cafe (West Burleigh) - Not open Sunday’s :( but when it is open, offers an atmosphere in which to enjoy a coffee and a friendly bite to eat in a pleasantly surprising location.
Borough Barista (Burleigh) - Arguably the Gold Coast’s best coffee and in the best location. Getting a seat is tricky and the doughnut muffins are the temptress from the land of sweet sensations. Quite simply this is an endulgance you could have everyday.
Barefoot Barista (Palm Beach) - This urban coffee and bite nook started a Palmy revolution, where others are now following. Great coffee and a delectable homemade rustic menu to match.
Jellurgal Cultural Centre - (Burleigh Heads) - Recently opened by the Minister for Tourism herself Jann Stuckey MP this indigenous cultural centre is an escape to the Gold Coast’s orginal ancestral heritage. The centre is also a place to enjoy a coffee, a personal tour and a place to buy original local indigenous artworks.
Miami Marketta - Quite simply a sensation! Miami Marketta is arguably the cultural hub of the Gold Coast. The industrial precinct of Hillcrest Road is transformed every second Friday of each month into a heaving meld of art, international music (Rabbit Radio), food, furniture, clothes and other gorgeousness.
