What’s life on the Goldie without a cocktail by the pool? Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar has one of the most spectacular views on the Gold Coast across an infinity edged-pool to the towering spectacle of Q1 beyond.
Locals may have driven past the imposing iron-clad building on Garfield Terrace and assumed that it was open only to Q1 residents. Not so! Yes, it’s within the grounds of Q1, but there’s a public entrance and locals are welcome.
As the name implies, Longboards is casual and laid back. Under Gourmet Encounter’s ownership, the venue has been reborn as a true beachside café and bar, with a menu to match. Slung around one side of the pool with plenty of shaded seating, it’s as Aussie as a blue heeler on a surboard, all decked out with heavy marine rope lassoed around poles, longboards featured on the walls and tropical attire for staff. From the dawn beach walkers’ coffee time until late at night it’s open seven days a week. Cool breezes flow through the open space, making it a perfect beach retreat to enjoy refreshments with a stunning view.
The menu features café-style food with something to please all tastes. From gourmet breakfasts to pancake stacks, made to order salads to mountainous burgers and chips, tapas to pizzas and share plates, it’s a well-chosen, all made in house menu, not intimidating to diners, and flexible enough that catering can be provided for functions held elsewhere.
We’ve dined at Longboards for both breakfast and lunch. Our brekkie Corn fritters were some of the best we’ve tasted on the Gold Coast. Light and fluffy, topped with avocado, smoked salmon, red onion, poached eggs and finished with dill mayo, they melted in the mouth. The Spanish eggs also look enticing: free range eggs in a rich tomato, chorizo and capsicum sauce topped with crumbled feta, served with Turkish bread, they demand a return visit.
Not surprisingly, seafood is strongly represented on the lunchtime menu, with fish, calamari and prawns featured. With temperatures outside over 30 degrees, we opt for salads: Thai beef and mesculin with nahm jim dressing and cashews, and Roast pumpkin with haloumi, rocket and pine nut dressed with balsamic glaze. They’re fresh and light, yet generously sized – our perfect lunch for a summer’s day! Cool under huge awnings, we look out at sunbakers basking in full sun and burqua-clad swimmers, all without getting sand between our toes!
The tapas, sharing plates and pizzas menu starts at 3pm. Note to self: this would be a great place to enjoy relaxed work drinks and nibbles or a get together with friends over a cocktail!
Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar brings traditional Australian beach food together with lighter Mediterranean cuisine; something for everyone from early morning coffee and brekkie to late night casual dining and drinks, all with spectacular views at an affordable price.
Hamilton Avenue, Cnr Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise Ph: 07 5538 2559 Open daily 11am – 8/9pm