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 Paloma’s new menu, festive events and a local Tweed chef named among the world’s best.
Pipit’s Ben Devlin named on 2025 World’s Best Chef List
Big news from the Tweed Coast – Pipit’s Ben Devlin has just been named among the World’s Best Chefs for 2025, joining an elite global line-up announced in Milan. One of only 15 Australians (and the only NSW chef outside Sydney) to make the list, Ben’s recognition puts regional dining firmly on the international map. At his Pottsville restaurant, Pipit, Ben champions the flavours of the Northern Rivers with a creative, sustainable twist, we’re talking line-caught bonito with tomato miso and roasted-bone sauce or Northern Rivers duck with black-sapote mole and jackfruit. The new eight-course Chef’s Counter Menu is an intimate, immersive experience that unfolds around Pipit’s open wood-fired kitchen, offering a front-row seat to the magic. As Ben puts it, “It’s an honour to have Australian food and regional dining recognised – it shows how food can transcend borders and connect people everywhere.” The World’s Best Chef Awards feature votes from 572 chefs and 400 industry professionals across 64 countries. This year, Josh Niland (Saint Peter, Sydney) received Australia’s top three-knife ranking, while Rasmus Munk (Alchemist, Denmark) was named the world’s best chef. Book a seat at Pipit here.
Paloma enters a new chapter with new ownership and a new menu
Burleigh’s beloved wine bar Paloma has entered a fresh new chapter under husband-and-wife duo Kate and Campbell Griffiths – the team behind The Glenelg Public House. Since taking over in June, the pair, alongside executive chef Sebbie Kenyon, have refined Paloma’s offering while staying true to its roots – great food, good wine and effortless hospitality. The new menu puts wine-friendly flavours front and centre, with each dish designed to complement what’s in your glass, not compete with it. Highlights include cacio e pepe arancini (bougie mac-and-cheese balls), spiced-tuna tartare with kimchi and potato crisps, and wagyu skewers with bush spice and pickles. Oh, and before you ask, long-time crowd favourites like the OG Steak Frites and Wednesday Burger Night aren’t going anywhere. Equal parts elegant and inviting, Paloma continues to deliver that quintessential mix of bold flavours, good company and top-notch tipples.
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Pizza lands at Cabarita Beach locale No35
Cabarita Beach’s beloved No35 has just turned up the heat with the launch of its brand-new sourdough pizza menu, available for dine-in and takeaway Wednesday to Saturday. The Tweed Coast favourite, known for its ‘Italian-ish’ flair, natural wines and local ingredients, has welcomed a gleaming Italian Marana Forni oven to the kitchen, dedicated to perfecting 72-hour fermented dough. The concise five-pizza lineup includes elegant combinations like cavolo nero with smoked garlic and lemon ricotta, sopressa piccante with toasted fennel and honey, and king prawn with Calabrian chilli and rocket. Of course, luxe extras like Cantabrian anchovies and 24-month Culatello are on hand for those who like to up the ante. “We wanted to create a short and sweet pizza menu made with love – something that rounds out our offering and brings something different to the Tweed Coast,” says co-owner and head chef Daniel Medcalf. Whether you’re staying in for a sunset slice or grabbing a takeaway for the beach, No35’s new pizzas are reason enough for a roadtrip.
Sip Ken Done-inspired creations at Rosella’s Bar for Ink Gin’s tenth birthday
To celebrate the milestone birthday, Ink Gin has teamed up with Burleigh’s beloved Rosella’s Bar for a month-long collaboration that’s as vibrant as the gin itself. The star of the celebration is the Spring Flowers cocktail – a colourful concoction of Ink Gin, white-flower vermouth, elderflower liqueur, peach verjuice and a delicate hand-painted icing frangipani on every glass. Inspired by Ken Done’s joyful artwork currently on display at HOTA, Rosella’s co-owner and creative Jack Connor describes the drink as “an explosion of colour and joy … a reflection of Ink’s playful, original energy.” To celebrate the paring, Ink Gin will be shouting the first 50 Spring Flowers cocktails from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November. There’s a catch, of course – you’ll need to whisper a secret password revealed via Ink Gin’s Instagram. The Spring Flowers cocktail will be available at Rosella’s until 15 December.
‘Tis the season for Madisons Cafe’s annual gingerbread house decorating
Get ready to deck the halls (and the gingerbread!) – one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved festive traditions is back. Madisons Cafe Broadbeach is once again hosting its annual gingerbread house decorating sessions, inviting kids, teens and adults alike to roll up their sleeves, unleash their creativity and sprinkle a little holiday magic. Little ones can dive into icing, lollies and pure Christmas joy in the kids’ sessions ($35 per child), while teens get their own hands-on workshop to whip up a festive masterpiece. Grown-ups aren’t left out either – the adult sessions ($120) come complete with drinks, nibbles and a seriously sweet dose of nostalgia. Running from December 11 to 19, this event is a cherished Gold Coast Christmas tradition – part workshop, part sugar rush and all heart. Book your spot by emailing [email protected].
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!