The Gold Coast, traditionally known for its beach culture, has undergone a culinary transformation, with diverse and exciting food offerings in the southern region. Myffy Rigby explores what's good in the Gold Coast Hood.
SCOTT’S LUNCHEONETTE & BAR (Shop 1/1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach)
Scott's Luncheonette & Bar, located in Palm Beach, is a micro-bar and restaurant known for its sandwiches and natural wine. Their menu features unique sandwiches like the Philly Cheese Steak Melt and the Scott's Reuben, making it a must-visit spot for sandwich and wine enthusiasts.
RESTAURANT LABART (8 West Street, Burleigh Heads)
Restaurant Labart in Burleigh Heads, helmed by chef Alex Munoz, brings a touch of Sydney's fine dining sensibilities to the Gold Coast. The restaurant offers inventive dishes like beef tongue, influenced by Munoz's Chilean roots. Additionally, a nearby wine bar, Paloma, complements the dining experience.
PIATTO AND CANTINA (2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach)
Piatto and Cantina, located in Mermaid Beach, offer a unique dining experience. Piatto is a neighborhood Italian restaurant run by Brad and Thea Pearce, while Cantina is a lively bar and small plates diner operated by their son Harry and his partner Missy. Guests can enjoy dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder and beef short rib rotolo, creating an immersive family dining experience.
CLAY CANTINA (2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta)
Clay Cantina in Coolangatta stands out as one of the few places in Australia serving traditional Mexican-style barbacoa. They slow-cook lamb in banana leaves, serving it with a lamb consomme and tortillas for a unique dining experience. The restaurant's communal setting encourages interaction with the chef and offers mezcal margaritas and cooking classes with chef/owner Kristal Smith.
BAR EVELYN (Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta)
Bar Evelyn, led by Nick Stanton, offers a delightful pizza experience in Coolangatta. With a new pizza oven and a diverse wine list, the restaurant presents highlights like locally made lamb and honey sausage pizza and a classic Margherita. The inclusion of "ghetto parmesan" and extra spicy chili oil adds to the excitement.
TOMMY’S ITALIAN (818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin)
Tommy's Italian in Currumbin offers a beachside dining experience with a focus on the Riverina ribeye on the bone and a variety of condiments. For those who prefer a different flavor, the sirloin tartare with capers and anchovy mayonnaise is a delicious choice. The restaurant also provides breathtaking beach views and a refreshing sea breeze from upstairs tables.