Paradox Coffee Roasters takes up the iconic 4217 building, straddling both sides of the central walkway. With its soaring ceilings and exposed brickwork accented by wood and brass, it’s reminiscent of stylish eateries in Sydney’s Alexandria or Melbourne’s Collins Street morphed with Masterchef Kitchen. The venue is imposing, a chic modern warehouse suitable for a...

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness, and nowhere more so than in a tourist town. It’s a place where you need to be ‘in the know’ when it comes to dining. For example, brekkie can be a buffet at the local hotel, bacon and eggs down the tourist strip or, if you...

There was a time when Sunday nights meant fish and chips for dinner, the aroma of salty chips escaping from their butcher’s paper wrapping. With Good Friday fast approaching, here are some of the region’s ‘must try’ fish and chipperies, open for takeaway and/or delivery during COVID-19: The Inky Squid, Terranora Owned by ex-Taverna Head...

NOTE: Hyde Paradiso is presently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Hyde Paradiso opened in March 2019 in one of the most iconic locations in Surfers Paradise. Perched up on the first floor below Peppers Soul Hotel, this impressive venue overlooks the beach, giving a bird’s eye view of the Gold Coast at play. Occupying the...

From a working man’s dish in China to Japan in the 19th century, to being given ‘haute cuisine’ status in America by chef David Chang, ramen has journeyed along trade routes and survived world wars. Despite being a cultural ‘mish mash’, ramen is unrivalled in its ability to gain fans #noramennolife. Talk ramen and its...

When you’re looking for food on the run, poke bowls are one of the healthiest, most convenient fast food meals in town. The name ‘poke’ (pronounced ‘po-kay’, and written without an acute accent on the ‘e’) comes from the Hawaiian word meaning ‘to slice’ or ‘cut crosswise into pieces’, referring to the leftover pieces of...

Where do foodies go to buy that special treat? We give you five places to buy the food of local and international artisan producers. Be warned: you’re likely to leave with your basket full! Ambarella Fine Foods, 1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters The concept of a market square with shops scattered around the edges...

The back streets of Japanese cities are filled with tiny eateries, each specialising in different dishes. They’re the inspiration for travellers who have gone home to create their own version of Japanese culture with ramen and yakitori bars, sushi and teppanyaki restaurants, shabu-shabu and izakaya popping up around the world, the latter being one of...

If approachability is the mark of a true izakaya, then Izakaya Umakamon has it in bucketloads. Tucked opposite the Novotel Surfers Paradise and a few doors away from The Island Hotel, this tiny izakaya is located close to the heart of party central. Seigo Hakata, former Head Chef and Manager of JFX, opened the 22-seat...

There’s nothing sexier than men preparing food. Especially Mediterranean men preparing really good rustic whole food. The ladies know it. They saunter in just before midday, hips swinging slowly, arms extended, looking for him. ‘Where’s Alessandro?’ Young and gorgeous, he crosses the restaurant to meet them, a huge smile lighting his face before being enveloped...