The Dish: wine bars, spritz brunches and one-night-only feasts – plus more Gold Coast food news
The Gold Coast’s dining scene never seems to sit still, and frankly, we’re not complaining. This week, we’re talking about a beloved Miami cafe embracing its wine-bar era, a beachfront spritz brunch that’s made for lingering, one of the region’s biggest breweries raising a glass to 20 years, a fire-fuelled chef collaboration at HOTA, and a pop-up worth crossing the border for. Consider this your bite-sized serving of everything happening across the Gold Coast (and just beyond) right now.
Velvet Cafe & Lounge leans into after-dark dining with new After Hours sessions
If you’ve ever walked into Velvet Cafe & Lounge and thought it felt more like a European wine bar than your average neighbourhood cafe, you’re not alone. With its deep maroon velvet booths, warm golden glow, walnut panelling and nostalgic mid-century interiors, the Miami favourite has always hinted at life after dark. Now, it’s happening. Velvet has launched After Hours, extending service every Thursday to Saturday from 2:00 pm as the cafe seamlessly shifts from leisurely lunches to relaxed evenings centred around good wine, share plates and conversation. As the light softens and the music settles into a house soundtrack, guests can graze on hot-honey halloumi, anchovy toast, steamed mussels, Basque cheesecake and generous cellar boards alongside a curated wine list and cocktails including an Espresso Carajillo, Velvet’s signature coffee-infused gin and tonic, or a classic Aperol Spritz. Head over here to make a booking.
Bar Evelyn and Clay Cantina are taking over nice nice. for Bodega Sunday
nice nice. has earned a reputation for throwing the kind of pop-ups people happily queue for. Beyond its excellent coffee and laid-back neighbourhood vibe, the Bay Street favourite has become known for one-off collaborations that bring some of the region’s best hospitality operators together. Next up is Bodega Sunday, a one-afternoon-only takeover from the legends at Bar Evelyn and Clay Cantina. Taking over the cafe on Sunday August 16 from 2:00 pm until sold out, the menu features house-baked focaccia transformed into Italian-style torta hot meat sandwiches, packed with bold flavours like adobo, roast porchetta and rich birria consomme. nice nice. will be pouring Casa Julian cocktails while DJ Nathere Selects provides the soundtrack, making for a laid-back afternoon of great food, good drinks and even better company. It’s a walk-in-only affair, so gather your crew, get in early and settle in for what promises to be one of Bay Street’s tastiest Sunday sessions.
Palette and Pipit’s one-night collaboration is putting fire, flavour and local produce centre stage
One of the region’s most exciting culinary collaborations is heading to HOTA this September. For one-night-only, Palette Restaurant’s executive chef Dayan Hartill-Law will join forces with Ben Devlin of acclaimed Northern Rivers restaurant Pipit for an immersive dining experience celebrating the extraordinary produce of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers. The evening begins gathered around Palette’s custom-built fire pit with drinks and conversation before guests are welcomed to the table for an intimate discussion with the chefs and a seasonal six-course menu that champions local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers. Those looking to elevate the experience can also opt into a private Gyotaku fish-printing masterclass with Ben, followed by exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Palette’s kitchen via HOTA’s signature Art Lift. Tickets for the one-night-only event on Wednesday September 9 are strictly limited. Nab yours here.
Free froyo alert – YOMG Coolangatta is celebrating with a weekend of sweet deals
There’s a new reason to stop by Coolangatta this weekend. YOMG (Yo My Goodness) has officially opened its newest Gold Coast outpost and is celebrating with two days of frozen-yogurt deals. On Saturday August 15, early birds can score a free self-serve froyo (up to the value of $10) between 10:00–11:00 am, before 2-for-1 frozen yogurt takes over for the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday. Known for its rotating frozen-yogurt flavours, colourful toppings and DIY swirl stations, YOMG’s newest location is giving locals the perfect excuse to load up on sprinkles, sauce and as many toppings as your cup can handle. T&Cs apply.
Harajuku Gyoza is launching fried Japanese dessert sandos – and, best of all, they’re just $10
Harajuku Gyoza has never shied away from a playful dessert, and its latest limited-time creation is shaping up to be the next sweet treat filling your feed. Landing from Monday August 17, the new fried Japanese dessert sandos feature fluffy shokupan bread, lightly fried until crisp and golden, before being stuffed with indulgent fillings. Choose from the Golden Creme Brulee, complete with a crackable caramelised sugar top, or the Dubai Pistachio, a Japanese take on one of this year’s biggest dessert trends. Joining the venue’s cult-favourite Strawberry Sando, the new additions will be available for 12 weeks only at $10 each – so don’t leave it too long before seeing what all the fuss is about.
Kids eat free is back at Robina Town Centre this August
If the cost of taking the family out for dinner has you reaching for the takeaway menu instead, Robina Town Centre has brought back one of its most popular dining offers. Throughout August, kids aged 12 and under can eat free every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00–9:00 pm when an adult purchases a main meal at the same restaurant. The offer is available until Wednesday August 26 at participating venues including Double Zero, Hwaro92 Korean BBQ, Motto Motto, TGI Fridays and The Sporting Globe, making it a handy excuse to skip the dishes and enjoy an affordable family dinner out.
Sandfire’s spritz-fuelled brunch is the excuse you’ve been looking for
There are few better ways to spend a Gold Coast weekend than with good food, a spritz in hand and uninterrupted ocean views. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, Sandfire’s new Spritz & Share brunch experience is well worth booking. Available every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last booking at 1:00 pm), the $79-per-person brunch pairs a generous shared menu of oysters, prawn brioche rolls, tostadas, truffle fries and dessert with sparkling wine, mimosas and your choice of signature spritz carafes. Designed for long conversations and lingering lunches, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people and while away a few hours by the beach. Book a seat here.
One of the Gold Coast’s original craft-beer pioneers is raising a glass to a major milestone. Burleigh Brewing is celebrating 20 years in business, marking two decades since founders Peta and Brennan Fielding poured their first beer in Burleigh Heads and became the city’s first dedicated production brewery. Since then, the fiercely independent brewer has grown into southeast Queensland’s oldest independent brewery, producing crowd favourites like Bighead, Twisted Palm and Czech Mates, while helping pave the way for the Gold Coast’s thriving craft-beer scene. The milestone comes at a challenging time for independent brewers nationwide, making the achievement all the more worthy of a toast.
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