The Dish: Gold Coast food news you might have missed this week
A lot is happening on the Gold Coast (and surrounds) these days, it’s almost too much to keep up with. The Dish is a rapid-fire rundown of the coast’s food news – quick taster-sized tidbits to keep you in the know and, perhaps, tickle your taste buds. This week we’ve got word of a boozy brunch you didn’t know you needed (but definitely do), a winter solstice culinary collab and a truly fabulous high tea.
Enjoy booze and baked goods at this tasty collab event
Clear your Saturday morning plans – Burleigh fave Familiar Spirits is teaming up with cult-favourite micro bakery Burnt Croissants for a one-off boozy brunch you won’t want to sleep through. On June 21, the Burleigh distillery will be slinging golden, flaky pastries, cold brew and $10 brunch-inspired cocktails from 10:00 am until sold out. Expect a deliciously relaxed vibe, where you can settle in at a table (bookings encouraged) or roll in casually and enjoy the buzz. With pastries this good and cocktails that go down way too easily, it’s the brunch collab you didn’t know you needed. Book here.
Stock up on farm-fresh produce at Robina’s new Sunday market
If you enjoy filling your fridge with beautiful, local produce and wandering from stall to stall checking out wares from local artisans, growers and makers, get along to The Robina Famers Market, which pops up every Sunday from 6:00–11:00 am. Entry is free and there’s live music and coffee, so make a morning of it.
Franc Jrs rolls out pre-ordering and thank the pizza gods
If you’ve attempted to order a pizza, or pie as they’re called here, you know the drill. Roll up, write your name on the box and wait. In news that is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds, Franc Jrs has rolled out pre-ordering across both of its locations. Here’s the deal, pre-orders close at 4:00 pm for that night, so get in early to nab your timeslot. Jump online to get ordering.
Carafe Wine and Rick Shores pairs up for an unmissable culinary event
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary winter experience as Carafe Wine and the renowned culinary team behind Rick Shores unite once again to present the Winter Solstice Dinner 2025: A Theatrical Feast of Fire, Food & Wine. This immersive pop-up event invites you to celebrate the longest night of the year with long-table feast complete with crackling fires and free-flowing wine. Guests will indulge in a spectacular seven-course degustation, featuring dramatic fire-cooked fare expertly prepared by Rick Shores’ chefs, perfectly complemented by Champagne Pommery and Carafe Wine’s own selections. Tickets to this Winter Solstice event are strictly limited and if the first Carafe x Rick Shores event is anything to go by, it will sell out quick sticks! Grab yours here.
The North Room debuts a $55 lunch menu
Mermaid Beach favourite The North Room is launching a new $55 two-course lunch menu from Friday May 30, available on Friday and Saturday throughout winter. Known for its thoughtful, seasonal cooking and highly regarded $110 tasting menu, The North Room, helmed by husband-and-wife duo Tim and Shannon Stewart, has garnered praise as one of the city’s best. The new lunch offering includes freshly baked pretzel bread with cultured butter, a choice of two share-style dishes from a curated selection and a side salad. Guests can also opt to add dessert and wine pairings to enhance their dining experience. With only 28 seats, bookings are highly recommended to secure a spot at this exclusive dining destination.
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Rise and shine with coffee and pastries at kōst Corner
Broadbeach’s breakfast scene just got a touch more boujee with the arrival of kōst Corner, a new pop-up caffeination station from the team behind kōst Bar & Grill. Open Friday to Sunday from 7:00–11:00 am, this is your new go-to for elevated morning eats. Think golden, cheesy gourmet toasties like the indulgent Sir kōst (smoked ham and gruyere) or a truffle mushroom sensation with fontina and caramelised onion. Beyond the savoury, you’ll find a tempting array of freshly baked goods, including flaky almond croissants, vibrant matcha cheesecakes and kōst’s signature crullers. Pair your pick with a rich espresso featuring local Willy’s Beans, a refreshing signature juice, or even an iced matcha latte, because why shouldn’t breakfast feel a little special?
Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato’s Emanuele wins ‘Pizza Chef of the Year’
In remarkable pizza-related news, Emanuele Malara, the Sicilian-born pizza and pastry chef who opened Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato in Broadbeach last October, has been crowned ‘Pizza Chef of the Year’ at the inaugural 2025 Australia’s Best Pizza Awards, held during Food & Hospitality Week at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre last week. Emanuele also took out the award for ‘Best Classic Pizza’ for his impressive woodfired creations. The inaugural event drew fierce competition from 45 elite pizza makers from around the country including Nicola Pellegrino from Ollie’s Italian, who took out ‘Best Creative Pizza’.
Celebrate Pride Month with a spot of tea and treats at The Queen’s QTea
Get ready to celebrate Pride Month in delicious style at QT Gold Coast, where The Queen’s QTea is reigning supreme this June. This isn’t just any high tea – it’s a vibrant explosion of flavour and colour. Indulge in savoury stars like the beetroot-pink chicken brioche popper and pumpkin-and-chicken dumplings before diving into the sweet spectacular. The radiant rainbow cake is a showstopper, while the technicolour mousseline sparkles with every spoonful. Available daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, your tiered tower comes with tea or coffee, but for an extra dash of fabulous, upgrade to bubbles or explore QT’s boozy iced-tea line-up. At $69 per person ($39 for little QTies aged 5-12), it’s the perfect way to embrace the rainbow with your taste buds. Book here.
Roast season has arrived and Three Blue Ducks is the place to get it
With cooler weather setting in, we’re fully embracing roast season and Three Blue Ducks at The Farm in Byron Bay has a Sunday special you won’t want to miss! Their beloved two-course Sunday roast dinner for $55 kicks off with a delightful charred-broccoli starter. For your main, choose between tender pepper-crusted beef brisket or a hearty roasted pumpkin with lentils, both served with classic Yorkshire pud and jus. To complete the comforting feast, enjoy shared sides of rosemary potatoes, carrots and seasonal greens, with optional add-ons like cauliflower cheese and tempting desserts. Its the perfect way to warm up and indulge. Book here.
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!