The recap: the best new Gold Coast restaurants, bars and cafes that opened in October
It’s been a big month for the Gold Coast dining scene, with European-inspired elegance, playful concepts and plenty of sugar-coated fun taking centre stage. From a glamorous breakfast spot and a reimagined beach club to a Mediterranean fine-diner and a cafe straight out of Japan, here’s where to eat, sip and linger this October.
Velvet Cafe & Lounge, Miami: Miami’s new Velvet Cafe & Lounge proves breakfast can be just as luxurious as dinner. Owner Stefany Rincon, alongside developer John Potter, has created a space of moody maroon tones, golden light and lush velvet booths, where table service is back on the menu. Expect refined plates like Spanish tortilla and French-toast fondue, Blackboard Coffee Roasters brews and an afternoon transformation into a relaxed lounge bathed in golden light. See for yourself why this one has become a firm local fave. Read all about it here.
Meltemi Mediterrania, Broadbeach: From the team behind Xenia Grill comes Meltemi Mediterrania, a sophisticated new restaurant inspired by the warm breeze of the Aegean. With hatted chef Tapos Singha at the helm, the menu drifts across the Mediterranean with dishes from Spain, Morocco, Sardinia, Lebanon and Greece. Think rotisserie lamb, coral-trout crudo and saffron-spiked flounder, all served in a setting that feels like a sunset over Santorini. Check it out.
Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise: After a six-month hiatus following cyclone damage, Cali Beach has reopened with a major glow-up and a distinctly European summer state of mind. With glistening pools, palm trees and Ibiza-inspired vibes alongside bottle service, saxophone sets and sunset cocktails, it’s glitzier, fresher and made for long afternoons that roll into champagne-fuelled nights. Have a squiz.
Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, Broadbeach: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre just got a major dose of kawaii charm with the opening of the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe. Inside the pastel-hued space, fans can sip specialty drinks such as the crowd fave Hello Kitty apple strawberry tea slush or the PomPomPurin mango smoothie, enjoy Japanese-inspired bento boxes and indulge in an Insta-perfect high tea featuring mousse-filled choux buns and macarons. It’s a whimsical feast for kids, grown-ups and everyone in between. Have a read.
Al Bacio Gelato Naturale, Burleigh Heads: Burleigh’s sweet scene just got a whole lot cooler with the arrival of Al Bacio Gelato Naturale, a charming hole-in-the-wall scooping authentic Italian-style gelato made the old-fashioned way. Crafted with silky Sicilian pistachios and the best local ingredients, each batch is churned for pure creamy perfection. The flavours are as fun as they are fresh – think avocado, lemon and coconut, mascarpone with honey and walnut, and a sorbet lineup that tastes like summer in a cup. It’s a little lick of Italy, right in the heart of Burleigh. Get the scoop.
Uni’s Bakehouse, Surfers Paradise: Uni’s Bakehouse has arrived in Surfers Paradise, bringing a modern twist to traditional baking with a menu that’s almost entirely gluten free and mostly plant based. The pastel-hued patisserie showcases the craft of Japanese-born baker Uni, whose meticulous approach turns wholesome ingredients into show-stopping creations. Expect melt-in-your-mouth cookies, delicate tarts and flaky pastries that prove indulgence doesn’t need to come with compromise. It’s a fresh, feel-good addition to the Gold Coast’s cafe scene, and one worth scoping, take a peek.
Want more? You’ll find all of the latest Gold Coast food news over here.