The new Gold Coast restaurants, cafes and bars that landed in July

Lune Croissanterie, Broadbeach
Let’s be honest – no opening generated more excitement than this one. After years of rumours, wishful thinking and countless interstate pastry pilgrimages, Lune Croissanterie finally arrived at Pacific Fair. Unsurprisingly, the queues followed. Founder Kate Reid’s cult bakery has brought its signature three-day croissants, mesmerising open kitchen and meticulous attention to detail to the Gold Coast, alongside an exclusive Banana Sundae pastry created especially for the opening. Whether you’re loyal to the traditional croissant, can’t go past the almond or have a soft spot for the lemon-curd cruffin, one thing became abundantly clear this month – yes, Lune really is worth the hype.

Franc Jrs, Palm Beach
Detroit-style pizza lovers, your prayers have been answered. Following the loss of its Coolangatta venue due to a fire, Franc Jrs has officially found a new permanent home in Palm Beach, bringing its cult pies to another corner of the southern Gold Coast. Expect everything you’ve come to love – impossibly crisp caramelised edges, pillowy bases, generous toppings and signature favourites like the Homecoming Queen, Sage Against the Machine and Whiteboy Rick. Candlelit booths, checkerboard floors and the welcome addition of bookable tables complete the picture, giving Palm Beach one very dangerous new neighbourhood pizza joint.

You might like

Best Of

Fresh on the scene – the Gold Coast’s best new cafes and eateries to open this year (so far)

Best Of

The recap: the Gold Coast’s best new restaurants and bars of the year (so far)

Lim Nahm Thai, Robina
Shopping centre restaurants don’t usually stop you in your tracks, but Lim Nahm Thai isn’t your average shopping centre restaurant. The Nahm Group’s most ambitious Gold Coast venue yet has transformed two tenancies at Robina Town Centre into a striking dining destination where rich burgundy tones, marble finishes and lush greenery set the scene for beautifully presented Thai cuisine. Interactive hot pots bubbling away at the table are the headline act, but there’s plenty more to tempt, from sizzling wagyu plates and house-made curries to colourful cocktails and mango sticky rice. Sophisticated enough for date night yet relaxed enough for the weekly family dinner, Lim Nahm comfortably does both.

You might like

Best Of

Fresh on the scene – the Gold Coast’s best new cafes and eateries to open this year (so far)

Best Of

The recap: the Gold Coast’s best new restaurants and bars of the year (so far)

Kostel Milk Bar, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh gained one very charming new milk bar this month. Tucked away on Deodar Drive, Kostel is the passion project of husband-and-wife duo Jimmy and Pixie Parker, where handmade pastries, specialty coffee and Japanese-inspired flavours quietly steal the show. The cabinet is packed with treats including matcha-and-strawberry lamingtons, hojicha-and-sake canelés, black sesame cinnamon scrolls and kabocha doughnuts, all baked in house by Jimmy throughout the morning. Premium matcha sourced directly from Japan, thoughtful design touches and plans for Japanese-inspired sandwiches ensure it’s exactly the kind of neighbourhood spot you’ll find yourself inventing excuses to visit. Not that one ever needs an excuse.

Burrata Boy, Coolangatta
There are few cheeses capable of stopping people mid-scroll quite like burrata. Emma Fletcher and Victor Fernandini have built an entire venue around the creamy Italian favourite, opening the doors to Burrata Boy after developing a devoted following at local markets. The tiny Coolangatta takeaway specialises in generously loaded focaccia sandwiches stacked with burrata, prosciutto, pesto and hot honey, alongside colourful bowls crowned with glossy globes of the good stuff. Grab a coffee from Kasa Coffee and a spot outside, then prepare to understand why people have been lining up since day one.

That’s not all – this month we were also graced with another Joe’s Deli, this time at Robina Town Centre, and Alcotraz brought its interactive and immersive experience to Surfers Paradise. Missed a few from last month? Hicksville in Southport continues to lure carnivores with its low and slow meat, while Valentina in Surfers Paradise gave the old Hyde Paradiso a fresh new look. The owner of Currumbin’s Pasture & Co gifted us Fletcher’s Pantry & Espresso in Burleigh Heads and Jin Izakaya has been making waves in Mermaid Beach with its Japanese bites. Matcha lovers are also in for a treat with Actually Good Matcha in Burleigh Heads and Gritty Garms Co. in Mermaid Beach.