Chef Michael Lambie of The Stokehouse fame prepares to launch first QLD venue Rubi Red at Nobby’s Beach

A leading chef has farewelled Melbourne’s famed culinary scene as he prepares to launch his first Queensland venue in popular Gold Coast precinct.

One of Australia’s leading chefs has farewelled Melbourne’s famed culinary scene to launch his first Queensland venue on the Gold Coast.

Michael Lambie, once mentored by Marco Pierre White, has cultivated a stellar reputation for his hand in Lamaro’s Gastro Pub and The Stokehouse at St Kilda.

But now he says he’s “100 per cent committed” to bringing his eclectic pan-Asian cuisine to The Glitter Strip with a new restaurant and bar at Nobby’s Beach.

Works are underway at Nobby’s Beach as owner and famed chef Michael Lambie prepares to launch his first Queensland venue. Picture Glenn Hampson

Rubi Red Kitchen will launch mid-March at the former site of Miss Me and Hellenika.

Mr Lambie described the roughly 300-seat space as the “next generation” offering inspired by another of his famed eateries, Lucy Liu, which sold in 2019.

“I thought I’d have a couple of months off and do something new, but then obviously Covid came and Victoria was particularly ravaged by it,” the British-born chef said, revealing his desire to capitalise on the Gold Coast’s booming restaurant scene.

“It’s a little bit of an untapped market.

An artist impression of Rubi Red at Nobby's Beach. Picture: supplied

“I spoke to a number of people and they said look at Brisbane given how fantastic it’s been in the past 10 years but there’s so much potential on the Gold Coast.”

Upstairs will be a function space while its ground floor mixes a seated bar area and restaurant, while alfresco dining will also be available – a first for the location.

“When I first saw the plans, the downstairs was all closed in. That works in some venues but I’ve come in and brightened it all up,” Mr Lambie said, describing it as a casual but sophisticated dining spot.

Famed chef Michael Lambie has sold up all his Melbourne restaurants and relocated to the Gold Coast. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We knocked out the front windows and put some bench seating out front where people can sit outside to open it all up.”

On offer will be a smattering of share-style dishes; his signature seared tuna tataki, tempura soft shell pancake roll and Chinese fried crispy duck with a sesame and tamarind sauce.

“Hopefully people will really enjoy the food, the emphasis will be on the quality.”

Recruitment will begin in coming weeks: “I’m so impressed with the quality of the staff across the Gold Coast so I’m hoping that we pick up some really good people,” he said.

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