Gold Coast Taste: 5 of the best hidden gem eateries

THERE’S nothing better than discovering a little place that’s flying under the radar. We blow the cover of the Gold Coast’s finest unassuming eateries

Terrarium Cafe at Oxenford. Picture: Mike Batterham

There’s nothing better than discovering a little place that’s flying under the radar. Denise Raward blows the cover of the Gold Coast’s finest unassuming eateries

The Wine Barrel

8/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

It will come as no surprise to Mudgeeraba locals that this well-loved rustic haunt has made the list. Owner Warren Carnall worked as a chef at some fine Gold Coast restaurants before launching his own venture seven and a half years ago. With its recycled timbers and open fireplace, The Wine Barrel draws customers like moths in winter. There’s always an extensive tapas menu and Warren says the food changes according to seasons and trends. “We keep the old favourites – pork belly has been on the menu since we opened,” he says. “Fish tacos are a new addition. Mostly we aim for consistency in quality and I think that’s what customers appreciate.”

Terrarium Cafe at Oxenford. Picture: Mike Batterham

Terrarium

1/141 Maudsland Road, Oxenford

Oxenford has grown exponentially since this café opened its doors less than three years ago. Terrarium’s clientele has expanded with it and owner Petrina Walker says locals love having their own eatery within walking distance. To meet demand, Terrarium is now serving dinner on Friday nights, offering five specials which she describes as “more sophisticated” than standard lunch fare. “It’s been so well received,” Petrina says. “It offers something a bit different to the pub across the road and we’re fully licensed as well. It’s become a real meeting place.” Terrarium has built its reputation on quality coffee, tasty, well-priced food and the friendly service befitting a neighbourhood institution.

Terrarium Cafe at Oxenford. Picture: Mike Batterham

Potager

502 Carool Road, Carool, NSW

This delightful cottage restaurant set on a 10 acre farm grows much of the food it serves and strives to source the rest from local organic farmers and fishermen. Owners Peter Burr and Gareth Leslie, who’s in charge of the kitchen, take the fresh and local motto seriously – even the tables and chairs come from a furniture maker across the road and the tableware is the work of local potters. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal abundances. Peter, who has a marketing background, has recently joined the Board of Destination Tweed and says Potager is part of the growing food and agribusiness movement in the region. “It’s all about showcasing the produce,” he says. “You can eat here and feel like you’re a world away in the country when you’re less than 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport.”

Roasted lamb rack from Japanese French fusion restaurant Cocotte at Robina Quays. Picture: Tim Marsden

Cocotte

Shop 16A, Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 361 State Route 7, Robina

Seven years after opening in a former real estate office, Cocotte is still working its magic with the unlikely fusion of Japanese and French cuisines. Owner and chef Shunichi Tanabe says the mix is not so difficult to pull off as both have a common respect for ingredients and “seek to preserve their nature”. Cocotte is now serving a degustation menu featuring its six most popular dishes plus a premium version for more special occasions. Every now and again, Shun and his chefs open the kitchen for cooking classes to loyal members of the Cocotte Club, sharing basic techniques of Japanese cooking. “They are always popular,” Shun says. “We put a lot of love into our food and we like to share that with the customers.”

Cocotte at Robina Quays. Picture: Tim Marsden

The Little Plate

Shop 11/3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads

Tucked up a side street off the Lower Gold Coast Highway, The Little Plate has just celebrated its fifth birthday. Owners Olivia Watson and Gaynor Hunt launched in a suburban shopfront with the motto ‘Taste Globally, Eat Locally’ and the menu has always been an eclectic mix of influences. “This summer, there were a lot of Asian influences, particularly Japanese,” Olivia says. “But with the cooler weather coming, the dishes will get richer and heartier – Gaynor is French-trained so that comes through.” Food is served as share plates and the vibe is always casual and social. A year after opening, Little Plate took over the shop next door for its bar and offers a serious cocktail menu with thoughtfully-chosen wines and beers.