WITH the Federal government’s half-price air tickets up for grabs and the arrival of winter, few regions are as alluring as Australia’s number one holiday destination – the Gold Coast. Over the past few years, the GC, as locals call it, has become a hub of sophisticated restaurants, regular bars and wine bars that are light years away from its family-friendly dining image.
The area’s fast-expanding wine bar scene is the best place to start a week-long journey of discovery. If natural and small-batch producer labels are your druthers, head for Rosella’s in Burleigh Heads. The decor is a deep dive into Australiana with native animal prints and Aussie floral arrangements and contemporary menu classics like Tasmanian beef tartare and Balmain bug and king prawn cocktail. Available by the bottle or glass, a large selection of natural, minimal intervention and biodynamic wines are on offer, in addition to some top-class Aussie pet nats.
With an Italian oenoteca air, Mr P.P.s Deli and Rooftop Bar in Southport specialises in gourmet pizzas, pastas, deli meats and cheese platters. The site of an old post office and postmaster-general’s residence for over 100 years, the multi-level building offers great views from the outdoor rooftop. Just the place to toast sunset with a glass of Australian, French, Italian or New Zealand wine.
Boaties will enjoy a tipple at Glass Dining and Lounge Bar, an award-winning waterfront property that has long been popular because of its multi-million-dollar fit-out and amazing views over Marina Mirage at Main Beach. It could take a while to peruse the 18-page wine list and cocktail listings. Join the sundowner crowd for a G&T pairing guide, Aussie bottlings from every state or a bottle of Les Terres Blanche Rothschild from St Emilion if you are feeling flush.
The wine list at Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill in Broadbeach has been tapped several times in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards. A hefty 23 pages veer through expertly made cocktails, a global and local beer call and a seriously good champagne and sparkling wine lineup. Whites, reds and rosés from all over the world go well with some of the best steaks on the Gold Coast, including the signature spice rubbed 1kg wagyu rump roast.
If sink-into leather Chesterfield lounges and red velvet banquettes make you feel more at home, The Roosevelt Lounge in Broadbeach picked up the Best Small Bar in Queensland gong in 2018. I’d come here just for the signature cocktails such as Black Forest Manhattan and Nitro Pop, but the gin selection is a true drawcard. Craft gins from all over Australia, the UK, Sweden and Japan can be teamed with Fever Tree Tonics. Confronted by the book-thick drinks list of whiskies and wines, you might find yourself popping in daily during your stay.
If great food and wine are top of your vacation must-haves, the Gold Coast sports a laundry list of options these days. Orzo at The Oracle resort in Broadbeach hits the spot with its modern Italian menu, starting with housemade focaccia and whipped ricotta through starters like smoked burrata, asparagus, carasau bread and chili oil, ravioli stuffed with Moreton bay bugs with chicken beurre blanc and an exceptional cheese selection. The Italian-dominated wine list reaches its pinnacle in the Vina Riserva bottlings such as Bruno Rocca Rabaja Barbaresco 2016.
Jimmy Wah’s in Burleigh Heads is a knockout. Chef Jake Cooley set off on a five-week motorcycle tour of Vietnam and came back inspired to create one of the finest modern Vietnamese menus in the country. Think wok tossed squid, ong choy, chilli and lime and half-chicken, morning glory, kaffir lime, tamarind and coconut cream. The wine list is equally good. Major international names mix it with boutique wines and the staff are very helpful in offering suggestions for wine and food pairings.
Miss Mee at Nobby Beach took over from Hellenika, long a standout of the Gold Coast dining scene which shuttered its doors in 2019. Southeast Asia is also the main focus here in the big and small sharing plates, including rice and noodles, wagyu beef dumplings and pork hock deep-fried with master sauce. Wines vary from high-quality reasonable to the Ultra-Premium Back Vintage lineup, featuring 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal and 2013 Le Ragnaie Fornace Sangiovese. The great fit-out pumps up the buzzy atmosphere.
Speaking of whisky, the Gold Coast delivers for malt and blend lovers, too. The Scottish Prince at Palm Beach has a bar lined with 150-plus whiskies. Named after an ill-fated ship that ran aground nearby, it is not to be missed for its British-tinged menu, including haggis bon bons and Scotch fillet with buttery mashed potatoes.
The Whisky Lounge in Mudgeeraba rightly bills itself as the place to come for a truly global whisky experience. A highlight is the whisky flights featuring a strong lineup from Talisker whiskies from the Isle of Skye to strictly 18-year-olds whiskies from some of Scotland’s great names. Over 130 whiskies from Australia, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, the US and Japan make a drive here more than worth the effort.
With balmy temperatures even in winter, locals love their beer. The Lucky Squire in Broadbeach, which opened last June, is the Gold Coast’s first James Squire brewery. One of the largest venues to open its doors in some time, the two levels feature a microbrewery, bar and restaurant that can accommodate 450 people. Sharing is the guiding force behind the food menu, designed to go with the beers on tap, from mushroom and truffle arancini to wood-fired whole chicken.
Bobs Beer, a recently opened brewery, brewhouse and restaurant is just steps from the beach at Surfers Paradise. The name is an acronym of best of beers, not the owner’s name. There are core beers on tap beefed up with seasonal and limited-edition brews. A range of ANZ “guest beers” adds even more interest for the suds lover.
But for one of the most jaw-dropping views of the area, make a beeline for the Burleigh Pavilion in Burleigh Heads. Known locally as the Pav, you can dine on the terrace, eat at the Tropic with its expertly cooked seafood menu or raise a glass of Moet to the stunning panorama before your eyes.