Southport’s best cafes and restaurants: five places you need to try
IF you think Southport is devoid of foodie haunts, you’ve clearly never visited these places. Here are our top five restaurants and cafes.
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IF you think Southport is devoid of foodie haunts, you’ve clearly never visited these places.
Here are five of the best Southport restaurants and cafes serving up top notch fares and vibes.
The Aviary
Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen and Musgrave avenues
The Aviary has nestled nicely in to the Southport dining scene since its opening less than two months ago.
Locals and visitors have flocked to the rooftop bar, described as a cocktail lounge, Italian restaurant and stylish sanctuary all in one.
“We love hearing the excitement people experience when the lift doors open, followed by them discovering the views of Surfers Paradise and the hinterland,” The Aviary food and beverage manager Adam Paterson says.
“Aviary Rooftop Bar specialises in authentic Italian pizzas alongside premium beverages.
“Aside from mouth-watering food and beverages, we have a curated music playlist and offer outstanding views of the Gold Coast skyline and hinterland — be sure to time your visit, at least once, to watch the sunset.”
The Aviary is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night, with a DJ spinning house music until midnight.
The outdoor area ‘The Nest’ is popular spot for Sunday sessions with a live acoustic act playing from 2pm.
“We’ve introduced regular house DJs on rotation every Friday and Saturday night,” Adam says.
“The Nest, especially on Sundays, has been very popular with the warmer winter weather we’re experiencing, making for the perfect Sunday sesh.”
Mr PP’s Deli and Rooftop
43 Nerang St
ADDING a little bit of New York to Southport is Mr PP’s Deli and Rooftop restaurant on 43 Nerang St.
Overlooking a light rail stop and adjacent to the Scarborough St business hub, Mr PP’s managing director Ben Howe says the venue brings big city vibes to coastal suburbia.
“It’s a pretty surprising view from the rooftop,” Ben says.
“It feels like a big city with the tram going through.
“Here in Southport, it’s really the only place on the Gold Coast with buildings that are close to 100 years old. We try to work off that urban feel.”
Mr PP’s has started hosting monthly whiskey tasting events that pairs hard liquors with soft deli products, including delectable meats, cheeses and olives.
On the a la carte menu is antipasto share platters, stone-cooked pizza, pasta and salads.
“Our menu’s really simple — it’s what people want,” Ben says.
“The cocktail jugs have always been really popular, like the raspberry sangria and the coconut mango mojito.
“Our lunches are starting to take off, now we do Wednesday, Thursday, Friday lunch. It’s quickly becoming the local business destination where people can network.”
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Randy Wallhole
21 Nind St
With a name like Randy Wallhole, you can expect some eclectic energy from this Nind St grind.
The colourful den, decked out in recycled furniture and ornate knick knacks, serves up a small menu of brunch options with a focus on loaded bagels and hot coffee.
“I think people really love the vibe — good banter, jokes, that’s us,” Randy Wallhole manager Ella McMillan says.
“We try and make sure we know everyone’s names, they’re all our friends.
“And they love the coffee. All of the coffee.”
Hot items on the menu include the breaky bagel — bacon, egg, spinach, tomato, avocado, barbecue and aioli sauce, and the avo smash bagel — avocado, feta cheese, rocket, pepper and lemon. Emma says a next-level cereal option is also proving popular.
“People love the iced coco pops latte — it’s coco pops, with coffee and milk, and chocolate,” she says.
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Cardamom Pod Brickworks
3/3 Brolga Ave
CARDAMOM Pod at the Brickworks is a slice of conscious consumerism in an industrial area of Southport.
Owner Sean Pinnell says customers have a healthy appetite for the cafe’s nourishing food and drinks.
“The location is very lively as the Brickworks shopping centre itself is very busy, quite up-market and has lots of diverse shopping and a great balance of health-orientated outlets,” Sean says.
“We also are blessed to have two big private schools around the corner so we get families coming in the afternoon. It’s an exciting dynamic.”
Sean says new items on the menu are an Indian-inspired breakfast, a new coffee blend and an Asian salad.
“We have a new chestnut latte that’s so rich and unique, for breakfast a fabulous Indian street food savoury spiced spinach waffle with beetroot raita,” Sean says.
“New for lunch is a kale and pumpkin Asian goodness salad with marinated tempeh and maple miso dressing with tamari almonds.”
Blendlove
1/253 Ferry Rd, Southport
WITH pasta, burgers and ‘cheezecake’ on the menu, you’d never guess Blendlove was 100 per cent vegan.
What started as a market stall for two women quickly became a hit in the area, and they decided to open a one-stop-shop for the popular Blendlove fares in Southport.
The cafe on Ferry Rd serves up cruelty free breakfasts and lunches every day, made by blending ‘love’ and fresh ingredients — think wheat-free pancakes, corn fritters and jackfruit rolls, topped with seasonal fruit or vegetables and house-made sauces.
Infamous for their delectable cheezecakes, they’re not only dairy free but also contain no gluten, refined sugar or soy — meaning they can last in your freezer for up to six weeks. Cheezecake for days!
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