Coolangatta welcomes The House of Bamboo – a new underground dining destination dishing up dumplings and disco
Coolangatta’s nightlife and dining scene has scored a bold new addition with the arrival of The House of Bamboo – a vibrant basement bar and eatery that fuses Pan-Asian street food, tropical flair and retro disco vibes. Here’s everything you need to know …
The House of Bamboo has transformed the former Metabar on Griffith Street in Coolangatta into an underground dining destination that blurs the line between restaurant and late-night bar. At the helm is acclaimed chef Jon Hizola, a familiar name on the Gold Coast thanks to his work shaping the original menu at Mr Hizola’s before launching his own ventures, Mr Kojima on Chevron Island and Masu Izakaya in Burleigh Heads. For this new project, Jon has joined forces with hospitality veterans Alexander Dickson, who relocated from Sydney to take the reins, and Fraser Pollard, a UK-born operator with 25 years of experience across London, New Zealand and Australia. After decades of running venues for others, Alexander and Fraser set out to create something of their own. With Jon on board, the trio has combined their expertise to bring The House of Bamboo to life.
Step inside and you’ll discover cosy booths, hologram signage and twinkling disco balls illuminating the stage – all delivering a playful and immersive experience that goes beyond simple dining. With seating for about 65 indoors (plus an outdoor expansion on the horizon), the venue effortlessly pivots from daytime bites to late-night beats.
At the heart of the experience is Jon Hizola’s menu, a celebration of Pan-Asian street food that blends influences from across the region. Unlike his other venues, each known for a specific focus, Bamboo is a melting pot of them all. The raw bar and small bites deliver bold flavours – think crispy JFC karaage chicken, wagyu beef tataki and yellowfin tuna with sesame, ginger and soy. Dumplings and bao are perfect for snacking, with the likes of pork-and-prawn wontons and plum duck-breast bao. Larger plates pack plenty of punch, from lemongrass chicken inasal and miso-braised pumpkin to a show-stopping lamb shoulder in massaman curry.
You might like
Drinks at The House of Bamboo are equally inventive – Filipino-leaning cocktails like the Filipino-Colada, a grilled pineapple Tommy’s margarita, disco spritzes and mezcal-spiked mez-gronis sit alongside sake, Japanese beers and a wine list designed to pair with bold, flavour-packed dishes.
According to Fraser, the philosophy driving the venue is simple: do hospitality right. “It’s straight up, no bullshit hospitality – just doing things with passion and looking after people,” he says. That means well-trained staff, genuine service and a focus on moments that feel personal.
With punchy Asian flavours, tropical vibes and a retro disco soundtrack, The House of Bamboo isn’t just another bar; it’s a place that invites you to linger, taste, savour and boogie. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a late-night cocktail or a booth moment with friends, this Coolangatta newcomer promises an experience that’s as memorable as it is flavourful.
Head to The Directory for opening times.