Five of the best: Chirn Park

From crème caramel croissants to cocktails, this vibrant slice of Southport is packed with dining diversity. Here are the five places you must visit.

5B2F owner Mr Moonsun Yoo at his wood fired oven. Picture Mike Batterham

From crème caramel croissants to cocktails, this vibrant slice of Southport is packed with dining diversity

5B2F Bakery

55 Brooke Ave

5B2F Bakery owner Moonsun Yoo wanted to open a bakery in a quiet pocket in the suburbs, and in late 2016 found the perfect spot in Chirn Park. “When I planned to open I didn’t want to open in the CBD,” he says. “I wanted a nice backyard and parking area. Bakeries are really friendly and need to be somewhere people can stop and go. I wanted to have a really happy place.” His bakery has certainly left a good taste in everyone’s mouths, being voted in the Gold Coast Bulletin’s best bakeries list the very next year.

5B2F bakery owner Mr Moonsun Yoo at his wood fired oven. Picture Mike Batterham

Moonsun says popular items include sourdough loaves, baked three times a week, and the fresh pastries cooked every day, including almond croissants, danishes and crème caramel croissants. Then there are the pies — steak and kidney and the chicken mushroom pie are favourites, and did we mention the apple crumble? “Now it’s good weather for pies, for the cake and coffee as well, to make you warm inside,” Moonsun says. Not that we needed to be reminded.

Daark Espresso Cafe at Chirn Park. Cafe manager Evan Howard Photo: David Clark

Daark Espresso Bar

2/41 Musgrave Ave

Daark lit the beacon for fine coffee and cafe fare on the northern end of the Gold Coast when it opened its doors almost five years ago. It’s gone on to win a string of local awards and the hearts and minds of its loyal regulars. Manager Evan Howard says the winter menu has been warmly welcomed.

Daark Espresso Cafe at Chirn Park — Photo: David Clark

“There’s baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with white beans, lemon oil and toasted sourdough or Canadian waffles with coconut ice cream and maple syrup,” he says. “For lunch we’ve added the slow-cooked pulled pork burger and oven-roasted vegetables served with crumbed mushrooms, grilled haloumi and rocket.” The coffee is the same custom blend that’s kept locals caffeine craving and inspired those from yonder suburbs to get in their cars.

Quan 55, a Vietnamese eatery, in Chirn Park, Labrador. Beef Stew. Picture: Jerad Williams

Meraki Whole Food Kitchen

55 Brooke Ave

Meraki is the Greek word for doing something with soul, love and creativity and that’s the underlying philosophy at this wholesome cafe where the food is infused with passion — and nutrition. Front of house manager Tayla Maui says Meraki embraces the slow, local, organic, wholefood concept, catering for vegetarians and vegans with plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options. “We do an amazing Meraki benny, our version of eggs benedict, with cashew hollandaise sauce, a mix of greens — kale, spinach and basil — with asparagus and avocado, served with sourdough,” she says. “People also love our choc protein pancakes with no wheat flour or sugar.” Add to that winter menu treats — banana, date and walnut pancakes, warm porridge and acai smoothie bowls — and you’ll be supercharged for the day.

Quan 55, a Vietnamese eatery, in Chirn Park, Labrador. Owner Wynn Huynh. Picture: Jerad Williams

Quan 55

4/55 Brooke Ave

Quan 55 is a locals’ haunt for those who frequent Southport and Labrador, and for new customers it’s a very nice surprise. Since opening in October last year, owner Wynn Hyunh has introduced many a northern suburb-dweller to authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Quan 55, a Vietnamese eatery, in Chirn Park, Labrador. Prawn and Pork Crepes. Picture: Jerad Williams

“A lot of people still don’t know we’re open, but when they do find us they’re surprised,” she says. “The customers, I always try to give them something extra that they’re too scared to order. Like betel leaf beef and grilled squid. That’s really traditional in Vietnam, something they’d cook on the street. The sizzling beef and chicken are popular ones that people know. The fish fillets and the prawn clay pot, and our beef noodle soup are popular too.”

Cocktail masterclass at Tonic on Chirn

Tonic on Chirn

1/37 Musgrave Ave, Southport

If it’s cocktails you’re after, look no further. This hip industrial-style bar with its sophisticated drinks and share plate menu is where you’ll find whatever you’ve got a taste for. Its expert bartenders will craft you a classic or signature cocktail, pour you a barrel-aged libation or suggest the perfect fix from the extensive spirits, wine and beer selections.

Pork belly at Tonic on Chirn

Manager Colleen Measday says Tonic is the ideal spot for a girls’ nights out, fun dates or a get together with friends. “You can’t go past the lychee martini if you’re out with the girls,” she says. “And our pork belly is sensational, as is the baked camembert.” Luckily, they’re share plates and you can easily manage the two. Tonic opened seven years ago as a funky Melbourne-style bar when they were thin on the ground locally. It’s now a firm locals’ favourite, hosting functions, cocktail masterclasses and a steady stream of regulars.