There are few things that get us excited like a new eatery, and as luck would have it, we’ve been gifted a few fresh dining venues on the Gold Coast of late. From waterfront pavilion-style masterpieces to tucked-away pop-ups, perfect for a cozy night out, there’s something everyone will love and we’re going to introduce you to five of them right now. Here are some fresh, new Gold Coast eateries you need to sink your teeth into.
1. SURFERS PAVILION
It was one of the most anticipated venue launches of the year and when Surfers Pavilion swung open its doors a few short months ago, it certainly didn’t disappoint. A stylish, coastal-inspired interior combined with uninterrupted water views, a high vibe atmosphere and a menu absolutely packed with tasty goodies, makes for a dining experience that’s the epitome of Gold Coast living.
The spacious deck is the perfect spot to sip a tipple or two from the dedicated Frosé bar while nibbling on a plate of the finest, freshly shucked oysters from the luxe oyster bar. Of course, the expansive menu also offers plenty of ocean-inspired eats with a modern twist and we highly recommend the Signature Seafood Platter to make it a day to remember.
Where: 30-34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
2. SPEC
An open-air drinking and dining venue, complete with live music and guaranteed good vibes is one thing the Gold Coast absolutely needs more of and so, it is with great pleasure that we welcome Spec to the fray. Found on the Gold Coast Highway in Miami, the recent addition to our dining scene offers an outdoor beer garden style situation, which is perfectly at home in the beachside suburb.
A sophisticated, low-lit interior is a cozy choice if you’re keen to gaze at the mural painted by local legend, Kiel Tillman, and indulge in a Gold Coast-made brew, or one of the delightful tequila-based cocktails on the bar menu. Pair those with something tasty from the tapas menu, featuring a breakout taco section bursting with slow-cooked meat options and you’ve got yourself all the ingredients for a good time.
Where: 2176 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
3. PRECINCT BREWING
Just off the Gold Coast Highway in Miami, you’ll find a fun, new brewery by one of the Coast’s most-loved (and clever) restaurateurs. Scott Imlach and his team are the brains behind some of our very best venues (think Hideaway Kitchen, Bine Beer Bar and Nightjar to name a few) and Precinct Brewing fits right into that category. The former mechanic shop is now an unmissable brewhouse decorated in bright, graffiti-style illustrations on the outside. This is one of our new Gold Coast eateries that makes a fabulous first impression!
Inside you’ll find a spacious drinking hole and eatery featuring several stainless-steel brewing tanks and plenty of hanging greenery. On tap, there’s a selection of local brews plus Precinct’s own tasty concoctions by Head Brewer, Jeremy James, (think a Chocolate and Vanilla Stout) plus cocktails from Mr. Consistent. To eat, there’s a menu filled with the perfect beer-drinking accompaniments like gourmet pizzas, chicken wings, and loaded fries. Perfection.
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami
4. CAPRICORN DISTILLING CO.
Over the last few years, the Coast has become home to several world-class distilleries, offering everything from locally-inspired gin to barrel-aged whiskey and we are very happy about it. The latest addition to the scene is Capricorn Distilling Co., a small-batch gin distillery who have been concocting something very special for the past few years.
Fast forward to today and with a brand-new Burleigh Heads home, owner and head distiller Walter Brewer (perfect) has just launched Summer Gin, a refreshing sip infused with 19 different botanicals including Australian finger lime, ruby grapefruit and lemon myrtle, to name a few. Capricorn Distilling Co. is also pouring their award-winning spiced rum and you can pull up a stool at the bar and taste both if you like. The team offer 45-minute tours of the distillery if you’re keen to find out how the magic happens and soon the carpark will host an array of local food trucks for your feasting pleasure.
Where: 21 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads
5. RARA RAMEN
Charging out of the gate with one of the best venue names of the year is RaRa Ramen, the Burleigh Heads newbie serving up equally exceptional eats. You guessed it, bowls of steamy, delicious ramen are the name of the game here and with several beloved eateries already under their belt, owners Scott Gault and Katie Shortland have absolutely nailed it with their first Queensland baby.
The bold, neon light-lit space is stunning with a green-tiled bar and curves in all the right places – it’s the very best place we could imagine to slurp sensational bowls of ramen. Of which there are plenty of standout options! RaRa Ramen’s signature house-made noodles feature alongside an array of tasty broths all made from scratch and with a nose-to-tail ethos in mind. The Vegan Miso is a standout but you really need to try everything to find out for yourself. When it comes to beverages, there are Japanese beers aplenty, including a very special offering close to the owners’ hearts. Run don’t walk to RaRa Ramen.
Where: 21a/50 James St, Burleigh Heads
