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 sizzling new summer series and how you can score $5 burritos.
Prost! Frothtoberfest is bringing German beer-hall vibes to the GC
Well, September came and went in the blink of an eye, which means one thing – Oktoberfest is here! Burleigh Brewing is bringing the froth on Saturday October 11, transforming the taphouse into a German beer hall, welcoming up to 500 revellers ready to raise a stein. There will be traditional German brews, hearty German eats, a three-piece oompah band, Oktoberfest games and, of course, plenty of prost-ing. While brewmaster Brennan Fielding might be Hawaiian by birth, his beer is as German as it gets. Back in 1994, a young Brennan kicked off his brewing apprenticeship at Gordon Biersch in Honolulu, a German-inspired brewery where his mentors had trained at none other than Weihenstephan in Munich – the world’s oldest operating brewery, dating back to 1040. Fast-forward to today and Brennan still brews with that heritage in mind, with most of Burleigh Brewing’s beers crafted under the Reinheitsgebot, the German Beer Purity Law (aka the strictest rulebook in brewing). Add to that German-designed equipment, a senior brewer straight from Munich and you’ve got the real deal right here on the coast. Oh and every ticketholder even gets a souvenir glass stein to take home. We’ll prost to that. Get tickets here.
Nab yourself a $5 burrito or bowl to celebrate Guzman y Gomez’s new Mermaid Waters location
Burrito lovers, mark your calendars – Guzman y Gomez is bringing the fiesta to Mermaid Waters with the grand opening of its newest Gold Coast outpost on Thursday October 2. To celebrate, they’re slinging $5 burritos and bowls all day long (yes, brekkie included), so you can fuel up from sunrise to sundown without breaking the bank. The new venue is helmed by first-time franchisees Raissa Correa and Isabela Silveira, who’ve spent over a decade working their way up the GYG ranks before making their dream a reality. Expect the full line-up of tasty Mexican eats, from brekkie burritos to churros, plus plenty of good vibes. Arrive hungry and maybe wear stretchy pants.
Byron Bay’s Eclair at the Bay is set to head north for its flagship relaunch
After five years as a Byron Bay favourite, patisserie brand Eclair at the Bay is moving north – its Byron location will close and a new flagship shop and production hub is set to open in Newstead in early 2026. Founders Pavel Stolarsky and Mary Martin plan to bring their signature lineup of eclairs, croquembouches, tarts and bespoke celebration cakes to Brisbane, with more room to experiment and expand. The team will host a Farewell Weekend in Byron on November 29–30, giving locals one final chance to enjoy their delicacies before the move. Read more here.
Sip in style – Sheraton launches Pink Ribbon spring high tea
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast is celebrating the season with an indulgent Pink Ribbon Spring High Tea at Pearls Bar, running from October 1 to November 20. Presented in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the seaside experience donates five dollars from every booking to life-changing research and programs. Guests are encouraged to wear a touch of pink while enjoying a menu of dainty sweets like rose-and-vanilla eclairs, white-chocolate and raspberry macarons, and lemon-butter-curd tarts, alongside savoury creations including spiced-prawn cocktails, prosciutto and pear remoulade and roast-turkey sandwiches. A glass of Moët Impérial Rosé on arrival sets the tone, with unlimited herbal tea and coffee flowing against the backdrop of Pearls Bar’s panoramic views of Main Beach.
Precision meets pastry – Porsche Macan Afternoon Tea arrives at The Langham
The Langham, Gold Coast has teamed up with Porsche Centre Gold Coast to present the Shades of Porsche Macan Afternoon Tea, available exclusively at Palm Court this October. Created in celebration of the Macan’s arrival, the bespoke menu of savouries and sweets draws inspiration from the all-electric SUV’s balance of heritage and innovation. Expect dishes like the Vipergreen Tart with spring pea and sea vegetables, Racing Red Pin Wheel with smoked Tasmanian salmon and roe, and indulgent desserts such as the Porsche crest mousse of white chocolate and berries. Guests can admire the Macan up close on site, and even book a test drive before or after their afternoon tea. It’s a sensory showcase.
Farewell The Little Plate, thanks for the memories
After nearly 13 years of welcoming locals and visitors alike, Burleigh’s much-loved restaurant The Little Plate is set to close as its owners Olivia Watson and Gaynor Hunt step into retirement. Known for its intimate setting, creative global tapas and genuine hospitality, the venue has long been a favourite for shared plates and memorable nights out. The decision to close comes from a desire to spend more time with family and friends, with the owners expressing heartfelt thanks to their loyal community for making The Little Plate such a treasured part of Burleigh’s dining landscape.
Celebrate the impending long weekend with Cosmo’s Midnight and Touch Sensitive at Mondrian Gold Coast
Mondrian Gold Coast is set to ignite the October long weekend with the launch of its Sounds of Summer series. On Sunday October 5, Haven Pool Club will transform into a luxe open-air stage for an all-day celebration of music, Patrón margaritas and gourmet seafood. From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, partygoers can soak up the sunshine and sounds with a DJ lineup headlined by Cosmo’s Midnight and Touch Sensitive, delivering world-class electronic beats to Burleigh’s pine-fringed shoreline. Tickets start at $59 per person (plus booking fee), while VIP cabanas from $3000 include entry, a premium drinks package, private cabana and personal host for up to 12 guests. The event marks the first chapter of Sounds of Summer – a season-long celebration that will crescendo with a major New Year’s Eve performance and an unforgettable summer ahead. Make a booking here.
Save the date for Kennedy’s Mexican pop-up
Hola, amigos! Tweed Heads favourite Kennedy’s is back at it with another of its beloved pop-ups – and this time the theme is Mexican fiesta. On Saturday November 1 from 5:00–8:00 pm, the laid-back coffee spot will swap its usual morning morsels for a night of tacos, tunes and good times. Think picnic vibes on the lawn, tacos stuffed to bursting, and the freedom to BYO your own margs. It’s the kind of casual, community-focused evening that Kennedy’s does best – no tickets, no fuss, just roll up with your mates, spread out a picnic rug and settle in for a night of flavour and fun.
Fizz, footy and good times – Kirra Beach House is set to host the global launch party of Fizz Vodka
Kirra Beach House is bringing the energy this October long weekend with the Fizz Vodka Global Launch Party, set to take over the iconic beachfront venue on Sunday October 5 from 2:00 pm. Known for its unbeatable views and coastal party vibes, the venue will transform into the ultimate seaside playground as Fizz Vodka makes its worldwide debut. Expect a stacked lineup of DJs including MAD.DAY, Grant, TMAMI, Akheel and Jake Smith, spinning sun-soaked sets that’ll carry you from golden hour into the night. Add in icy Fizz Vodka pours, beachy cocktails, and the NRL Grand Final broadcast live on the big screen, and you’ve got a celebration that ticks every long weekend box. Whether you’re there for the beats, the drinks, or the footy finale, Kirra Beach House is the place to be when the party kicks into gear.
Score free slices from Ciccio’s Pizza & Gelato
Ciccio’s Pizza & Gelato in Broadbeach is turning one, and they’re throwing a party to celebrate. On Saturday October 5, the award-winning pizzeria (recently crowned Australia’s Best Classic Pizza and home to the Pizza Chef of the Year 2025) will be slinging free slices of its famed pizza from 12:00– 1:00 pm. What’s a party without a little tipple? There will be an Aperol Spritz stand alongside a live DJ and plenty of Italian-style party vibes, as locals get the chance to taste the slices that put Ciccio’s on the national map. Mark your calendars for a slice of the action.
Step right up – Yo-Chi’s Fun House rolls into town
Yo-Chi Fun House is popping up these school holidays, transforming every Yo-Chi store into a carnival of surprises from September 19 to October 12. Expect games, colouring-in, Chi Pong and prizes (yes, even free Yo-Chi), plus the chance to join in when a secret song plays simultaneously across all venues. Besties can test their friendship with the Fun House’s playful Bestie Testie card game while tucking into a limited-edition strawberry and mango swirl, topped with new goodies like rainbow mochi, sour clouds and choc-cone bits. With its mix of treats, games and surprise giveaways, Yo-Chi Fun House is all about making memories that last longer than your fro-yo cup.
Fast cars and fine fare – Norté is set to pop-up at the Gold Coast 500
If you love your Supercars with a side of world-class dining, Nobby Beach fave Norté is going trackside at this year’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500. The award-winning team behind Rick Shores is bringing their vibrant Latin American flavours straight to the iconic Beach Chicane, serving up tostadas, tacos and the famous bug roll with unrivalled views of the action. Guests can expect free-flowing French Champagne, handcrafted cocktails, lounge-style seating, a feature food station, and a dedicated host to keep the good vibes rolling. With packages starting from $2200 per person for the ultimate weekend experience, this is race-day indulgence taken to new heights. Nab tickets here.
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!