Nigiwai, Broadbeach | Inside Gold Coast - Alo Japan

While winter has us reaching for extra blankets, the GC dining scene is serving up a hot batch of openings designed to tempt us out from under the covers and back into the world.

From cult croissants and smash burgers to Japanese feasts and Mediterranean escapes, here are the newest spots heating up the Coast, and trust us, they’re well worth leaving the house for.

Burrata Boy

Consider this your excuse to get a little cheesy: market fave Burrata Boy has officially put down roots in Coolangatta! After winning hearts (and stomachs) at Miami Marketta and Sanctuary Markets, these cheese slingers have opened their first permanent home, serving up pillowy burrata bowls, focaccia sandwiches and picnic-ready platters. Tucked down a tiny laneway, it’s proof that the best things come in small packages… especially when they’re filled with creamy Italian cheese.
Where: Chalk Street, Coolangatta

Munchies Sushi

Two culinary powerhouses become one at Broadbeach’s newest sushi spot. Munchies Sushi has arrived with a fun Brazilian-Japanese fusion menu loaded with sushi, crispy tempura hot rolls, bao buns, poke bowls and even Nutella spring rolls for dessert. Wash it all down with a zesty caipirinha and you’ve got yourself one seriously un-roll-gettable feed.
Where: 3/2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach 4218 (Upstairs)

Flipside

Your morning coffee just got a major glow-up. Mermaid Beach newcomer Flipside is ditching boring brews in favour of creative “cofftails” – coffee crafted with cocktail techniques (minus the booze). Expect smoky long blacks, spicy mochas and espresso concoctions that look like they’d belong behind a cocktail bar. Pair one with a crepe or shakshuka, then come back after dark when the cafe flips into a cocktail bar. Talk about a plot twist.
Where: 2442 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Franc Jrs Palm Beach

Palmy’s pizza game just reached peak status. Cult fave Franc Jrs has fired up the ovens in its newest old-school Italian-American digs, bringing Detroit-style squares, giant pies and frozen Margies to the southern spot. Expect moody booths, crispy caramelised crusts and enough cheese to make your cardiologist nervous. Whether you’re team Beesting or Orange Stripe, franc-ly, you can’t go wrong.
Where: 27/1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Johnny Omeros

Who needs a passport when paradise is on our doorstep? Johnny Omeros has brought a taste of the Med to Isle of Capri, serving up seafood feasts, Greek-inspired plates and cocktails made for waterfront sipping. Soak in the sparkling marina view and dive into enough fresh seafood to make you forget all about the winter chill. Fire up the group chat and enjoy a little slice of Euro summer.
Where: 15–21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise

Lune Croissanterie, Pacific Fair (image supplied)

Lune

The croissant craze has officially landed on the Gold Coast! Melbourne cult fave LUNE has opened at Pac Fair, bringing its famously buttery, flaky pastries to the coast for the very first time. From classic croissants, pain au chocolat, almond croissant, lemon-curd cruffin and ham and gruyère croissant, to the limited-edition Banana Sundae creation, it’s safe to say, your “quick trip” to Pac Fair just got a whole lot more delicious.
Where: Tenancy 1602, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 2–30 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters

Lim Nahm Thai, Robina (image supplied)

Lim Nahm Thai

Robina’s dining scene has scored a spicy upgrade. From the team behind Valyn Thai and LimLay, Lim Nahm Thai is serving elevated Thai flavours in a lush, resort-inspired setting. Enjoy favourites like duck curry, pineapple fried rice served in a pineapple, jumbo Tom Yum hot pots and cocktails that are just as colourful as the menu. Whether you’re chasing a date night, family feast or catch-up with the crew, this one guarantees a good Thai-m.
Where: Shop 1006, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Tricolore, Pasta Lovers (image supplied)

Pasta Lovers

Home Cafe Currumbin is pulling a Cinderella, transforming into Pasta Lovers every Thursday to Saturday evening for a cosy Italian feast. Chef Tino is handmaking every strand of pasta, serving up comforting classics alongside authentic family recipes and a few signature twists. Add BYO wine, tiramisu and candlelit neighbourhood vibes, and you’ve got yourself a date night that’s amore.
Unit 4/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

TORI

Stretchy pants at the ready! Broadbeach’s TORI is redefining all-you-can-eat with more than 50 made-to-order Japanese dishes for just $48.80. Forget sad buffet trays, at TORI you’ll find fresh sushi, smoky yakitori, steaming ramen, crispy tempura and desserts, all cooked as you order. With 90 minutes to eat your way through the menu, the only strategy you’ll need is deciding what deserves a second (or third) round.
Where: Shop 3/2643 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Twins

Early birds get the burgers at Palmy’s new double smash slinger. Twins is the passion project from Chilean mates Nicolas and Felipe who are serving up fine-casual burgers just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach. Tuck into double smash burgers, crispy beef tallow fries and a moreish Oreo dessert, all built around quality ingredients and seriously cool vibes.
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Words by Lisette Drew