The Gold Coast food scene is getting some fresh inspiration from Meyjitte Boughenout, Head Chef of both the newly opened Isla Dining & Bar (previously Isla Cantina), and its sister restaurant, Edgewater Dining & Bar, the casual fine dining restaurant next door.
Operated by Mulpha Hospitality Group, Isla Dining & Bar and Edgewater Dining & Lounge Bar are both located in the vibrant waterfront retail precinct on Capri on via Roma on the Gold Coast which has made its mark as a budding social and foodie hub.
Meyjitte Boughenout is a French-born chef who has worked in two Michelin star restaurants in Europe as well as running successful fine-dining restaurants in Australia.
Meyjitte said Isla Dining and Bar is bringing a relaxed, easy dining vibe to the Gold Coast. The menu is modern Australian – tasty comfort food done well but easy on the budget – with something for everyone.
“With Isla Dining we have created a relaxed space where guests will be well looked after with consistently good quality food,” Meyjitte said.
“You do not need an excuse to enjoy life and eat well, certainly not on the Gold Coast.”
Entrees include Nonna’s meatballs, jalapeno poppers with cheddar, croquettes, calamari, tempura prawns, bug and prawn roll, yellowfish tuna ceviche and street corn. Mains range from crispy wild barramundi, fish and chips and charred chicken breast to a Wagyu beef burger and a house grill that respects some of the best beef producers and cuts available, including lamb cutlets, grain-fed sirloin steak.
Meyjitte is also working closely with local trawlers to introduce a rotating seafood special every Thursday, making the most of the region’s coastal bounty.
Next door, Edgewater Dining continues to elevate the Gold Coast’s fine dining scene, with Meyjitte bringing in new ideas and seasonal flavours to an already acclaimed menu.
Highlights include Mooloolaba grilled prawns, Wagyu beef tartare, lychee and chilli sorbet oysters, as well selection of fresh sashimi and caviar. Mains Include Ëdgewater’s signature king prawn and bug risotto, and oven-baked whole snapper. Vegetarians can indulge in a watermelon steak, while meat lovers can tackle the impressive Tomahawk steak for two.
A new selection of boutique wines and innovative cocktails have been added to complement the menu, while Canberra-sourced black truffles are now shaved over pasta for a decadent seasonal touch.
“With Edgewater it was a case of fine tuning and bringing in some fresh ideas to ensure we continue to delight and surprise our guests, whatever the occasion. Whether its date night or a special celebration, every visit should feel like an occasion.”
The venue also caters for private events with a separate room for up to 20 guests, complete with an adjacent private balcony.
As part of his role Meyjitte has also created a fresh take on favourite pub classics at Sanctuary Cove Tavern, a popular meeting place spot for family and friends, locals and visitors alike, offering both alfresco and indoor casual dining at an affordable price.
Mulpha has a strong commitment in Australia’s hospitality sector, and the restaurants on Capri on Via Roma are part of its growing hospitality portfolio. This includes Anchor Buoy and Cove Tavern in Sanctuary Cove, Bimbadgen winery and its award-winning Esca restaurant, wedding venue Palmers Lane and Emma’s Cottage Vineyard in the Hunter Valley, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort with its renowned restaurant Fireplace, InterContinental Sydney, and InterContinental Hayman Island.
The Group is also a major event operator having run the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show for over 30 years and has been appointed by the Boating Industry Association to be the event execution partner for the Sydney Boat Show and other shows around Australia.
