Yes, Broadbeach. When you’re thinking about this Gold Coast ’burb, ‘foodie paradise’ might not be the first thing springing to mind. But the tide is turning! Here are seven hot spots that have foodies aflutter — and a fair few food critics eating their words.
1 | The Loose Moose Tap & Grill House
75 Surf Parade. Whiskey cocktails and underground speakeasy-style bars are massively trending. And we couldn’t be happier! The Loose Moose executes both impressively, with a whopping 130 whiskey varietals and an American-come-Canadian twist on aesthetics. After a meal? You’re looking at a North American menu jam-packed with Angus beef burgers, spicy ribs, hotdogs and buffalo wings. And if you’re truly fearless, try the Volcanic Ass Burner — classic Australian subtly in action — concocted with the world’s hottest chilli pepper. Scary!
☆ HOT TIP
How’s your tongue, hot stuff? Cool down with a decadent slab of house-made Snickers ice cream cake.
2 | Miss Moneypenny’s Broadbeach
50 Surf Parade. Sitting centre stage in a spanking new mini dining precinct is famed Noosa-born eatery Miss Moneypenny’s. This crowd-pleaser is known for a massive range of cocktails served temptingly alongside delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired plates. The space is gorgeously indoor/outdoor, with a towering fireplace and elaborate bar.
☆ HOT TIP
If you’re around on a Sunday, call ahead to see if the Noosa tradition of Miss Moneypenny’s Bottomless Brunch has arrived in the Broadbeach location.
3 | Hideaway Kitchen & Bar
2657 Gold Coast Highway. Is there a bigger foodie craze than Asian street food? Hideaway does theirs with a modern twist in funky indoor/outdoor space. You can expect plenty of choice here, with inventive house-made dumplings, BBQ skewers, plates to share, all the obligatory noodle dishes and even tempting selections for vegetarians and vegans. You’ll also find a solid local wine supply and “street style cocktails” — which essentially means the usual suspects, creatively named.
☆ HOT TIP
Groups can book in advance for the popular Street Bites Banquet, which is a lip-smacking set menu of Hideaway favourites.
4 | The Oracle Dining Precinct
Oracle Boulevard. Forget the epic surf! The real star of Broadbeach is the show-stopping Oracle Dining precinct. A hunting ground for the fashion-forward and status-conscious, it’s a flashy combo of shopping, dining and slick spa options.
Here are our top picks for foodies:
Brunch & Co: A gourmet New York-style sandwich shop. Anything from a bacon butty to a pulled pork samie at a price that'll never make you wince.
The Lamb Shop: Inspired by souvlaki (as well as childhood), lamb is roasted over hot charcoals for up to four hours, and then served inside a doughy pita pocket and a scattering of hand-cut chips. We love the craft beer selection.
The Cuban: Does exactly what you'd expect, beautifully so. A cheerful establishment serving tapas, paella, Cuban coffee and the best Mojito between here and Havana.
No Name Lane: For coffee that give those caffeine-crazed Melbournians a good run for their money.
5 | The Patio
Pacific Fair, Hooker Boulevard. The Patio is Pacific Fair's newest casual dining precinct, with heaps of flavour for a lot less dollar. You’ll find all manner of cuisine inside the mall, from Vietnamese to Greek to Mexican. Comfort food comes in the form of the Snag Stand, while Grill’d delivers the freshest, highest quality burgers in the ’burb.
☆ HOT TIP
Entirely devoted to fresh schnitzels, SCHNITZ only makes theirs when you order. Follow the long line of Aussies (and the smell of golden-fried breadcrumbs).
6 | The Fish House
50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads. Just a 30-minute drive from Main Beach, you’ll come across Burleigh Heads and The Fish House. Sitting just across the road from a beautiful stretch of white sand it’s the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of wine and some of the Gold Coast’s finest seafood. If you have time to while away the afternoon — you’re on holiday, after all! — ask for “The Fish House Experience.” You’ll be treated to a staggering series of sampler plates ranging from Raw Yellowfin Tuna with Pacific Oyster & Sterling Caviar to restaurateur Simon Gloftis’ famous Lemony Fish Soup (originally made by his grandma and so good that Simon has the recipe inked on his arm).
☆ HOT TIP
Treat yourself to a long lunch, then pop across the road for a stroll on Burleigh Heads.
7 | Gemelli Italian
2/2685 Gold Coast Highway. Our favourite place in Broadbeach for crowd-pleasing woodfired pizza and drool-inducing daily fresh pasta dishes. A family-owned place that racks up local food awards, Gemelli does pizzas cooked in the traditional Napoli way, created with fine Italian ingredients and the freshest Queensland seafood. We give this spot bonus points for excellent service and the rustic-chic dining space, which is all exposed brick and wood beams. You’ll have the sense of being in a lovely Nonna’s cosy farmhouse kitchen. You won’t want to miss the excellent range of Italian wines and cocktails — but don’t worry, if you’re keen for something local, there are exceptional Australian favourites too.
☆ HOT TIP
Gemelli does excellent meals for vegetarians and vegans — so everyone in your group can get excited.
ABOUT BETH ALLISON
Beth Allison is an American import from New Jersey and House of Travel’s in-house sentence writer. When she’s not thumbing a thesaurus, she’s probably dreaming of her next meal. Beth is a herbivore, coffee addict, tramper, bookworm, theatre lover and cat lady. Her favourite places are Strandhill, Ireland, and New York City. If you find a real bagel shop in New Zealand, please let her know.
