The coast with the most: Five exciting new openings on the Gold Coast

If you’re like us, you’ve completely avoided the whole new year, new me mumbo jumbo and are just bursting to tick off some more delicious coastal culinary hotspots (calorie is a dirty word, folks).  The GC might just be our new favourite foodie hub, because while we were laying on the beach this summer, some absolute gems opened their doors. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you (waistlines be damned), and hand-picked the five that should be at the very top of your must-visit list for 2018.

Bombay Cricketer’s Club | Kingscliff

The forces behind Casuarina’s Osteria and Kingscliff’s Taverna have once again produced the goods. Bombay Cricketers Club brings a taste of India – with a twist – to the seaside town. The to-share menu is a smorgasbord of creative, fresh flavours like Punjabi prawns, 1/2 duck korma and cumin spiced lamb shoulder. Add in the huge gin menu, craft beers and wine list – if you’re keen for a sneaky Sunday sesh down south, then this is the place to be!

The Lobster Shack | Broadbeach

This month the GC welcomes pop up The Lobster Shack to our shores. If you’re a sucker for the finer foods, and your affinity to lobster, truffle fries and champagne is borderline unhealthy, then you better get yourself to their Queensland Ave locale between January 5^th and 28^th to indulge in this very fancy (but not too pricey) dining experience! Sidenote: we will definitely be (lob)bying for a permanent store to set up shop.

Background Barista | Mermaid Beach

As the newest sibling of Barefoot Barista (Palm Beach) and Borough Barista (Burleigh), not only is Background Barista pleasing on the eye with its Melbourne industrial vibes – but your stomach will be doing backflips over delicious coffee and food menu. Our pick? The Crispy Potato Hash with delicious pulled ham hock, fresh watercress and mustard-infused hollandaise. Someone pass us a napkin please… and a double espresso!

Ragdoll Dining | Burleigh Heads

New to the top end of James St (aka where Finders Keepers used to be), Ragdoll may be the new kid on the block, but the team behind this eatery is by no means new to the industry. Ragdoll’s mantra is simple, fresh and local flavours, with a sophisticated spin – so if you’re after fine dining quality in a more casual setting, you’ve met your match.Here you’ll find small plates perfect for sharing (or not), from the sea, land and garden. Think gin-cured salmon, charcuterie, pork tacos, sliders wines and cocktails a-plenty. Whether it’s a first date or a mate date, swing into Ragdoll.

Dragonfly Espresso and Wine Bar | Broadbeach

The powerful combination of two of our favourite things: coffee and wine. Dragonfly’s menu will surely tickle your tastebuds, morning or night, as it seamlessly shifts from breakfast classics like waffles with pistachio praline to tapas plates of tuna sashimi and Australian wines. Feeling fancy? Book the eight-seat chefs table for a private degustation. GC, you’re off to a great start! Words by Charlotte Tully – the gourmet who believes the beach is the perfect appetizer.