Breweries, bug rolls and bakeries: Why 2020 was a great time for Gold Coast foodies

While the hospitality industry bore the brunt of pandemic pain, the Gold Coast welcomed a host of new restaurants and cafes this year - here’s our list of the best of the best.

• First look at Burleigh's newest cafe
• Oysters and champagne: Tweed serves up Gold Coast's next big food destination

FROM drive-through Custard Canteen treats to the Gold Coast’s first brewpub, 2020 wasn’t all bad news for foodies.

While our hospitality industry bore the brunt of pandemic pain, there were plenty of wins along the way as the city welcomed a host of new eateries.

January: Custard Canteen

1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

With fresh batches of Portuguese custard tarts coming in hot every half-hour, Ben and Ursula Watts’ newest cafe was always going to be popular.

These Portuguese custard tarts inspired the name of Custard Canteen at Tallebudgera.

Throw in a leafy Tallebudgera Creek location – at the front of the Recreation Centre – and a brunch menu and the Paddock Bakery founders were set for success.

Custard Canteen was also one of the Gold Coast’s first eateries to evolve in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, launching a drive-through in its carpark … manned by the “Tiger King” no less.

April: Lolita’s Cantina

1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina

With his modern Mexican cantina scheduled to open April 2, PLB Group owner Mark Wilson was managing the COVID-19 situation on “a minute-by-minute basis”.

Takeaway goodies from a newly opened Lolita’s made lockdown a little easier on locals.

While restrictions halted the eatery’s dine-in debut, the creator of the Tweed’s most successful eateries, including Spice Den, Taverna, Osteria, Bombay Cricketers Club and Baked at Ancora, forged ahead with takeaway and delivery.

The now fully fledged cantina is decked out with nearly 1000 plants and colourful mosaic tiles, and specialises in margaritas and tequilas.

There’s on-site child minding so parents can enjoy their meal uninterrupted.

“This whole project is about injecting some excitement into our local restaurant scene,” Mr Wilson said.

June: Miss Mee

2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

While foodies were mourning former occupant Hellenika – and still scratching their heads about short-lived predecessor Loki – Miss Mee opened in the high-profile Nobby Beach venue in June.

Miss Mee marked a completely new identity for a Nobby Beach icon. Picture: Mark Cranitch

The double-storey space, transformed with neon lighting, graphic art and booths, is now supported by a zesty menu heavily influenced by Thai cuisine.

“We love Thai cuisine. They use a lot of very fresh produce – stuff you can eat every day,” co-owner Jenna Hamill said.

“We want it to more relaxed and casual with more emphasis on good cocktails.”

June: Whisky Lounge

Shop 2A 58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Mates Donald Maxwell and Uwe Stiens opened their dream venue in an old bank at Mudgeeraba.

Whisky business for mates Donald Maxwell and Uwe Stiens Picture: Jason O'Brien

The Whisky Lounge, which stocks a big range of international whiskies, opened in early June after coronavirus restrictions delayed a March opening.

Limited bar snacks are available but customers can also BYO nibbles.

“It’s about appreciation, not intoxication,” Mr Maxwell said.

“We wanted this to be accessible, light and airy, but with a comfortable lounge feel — somewhere people could come relax, unwind and catch up with friends.

“Maybe have a game of dominoes or chess while enjoying a whisky, beer, wine or cocktail and enjoying your own food or takeaways.

“We supply the cutlery and crockery and you supply your own food.”

June: Common Ground

2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Filling the Burleigh Social shaped hole on Hibiscus Haven from June, this neighbourhood eatery has been making Burleigh mornings even brighter.

Common Ground at Burleigh Heads brought breakfast beauties like this hash benedict.

Owners Euan Lovell and Matt Tranter wasted no time winning over locals with upgraded breakfast and lunch staples (try the hash benny).

Check out the cute pantry for takeaways including The Bread Social artisan loaves, homemade condiments and truffle honey.

June: The Lucky Squire

3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

As COVID-19 restrictions eased, The Lucky Squire prepared for its June 16 opening.

Sam Nobes was ready to turn on the taps at The Lucky Squire Picture: Jerad Williams

The Gold Coast’s first James Squire brewhouse, a multi-level 450-plus capacity venue complete with a microbrewery, pours exclusive craft beers made in-house alongside modern pub food.

July: El Camino Cantina

Robina Town Centre

Hospitality giant Rockpool Dining Group brought its El Camino Cantina brand – and some pretty generous cocktails – to the Gold Coast in July.

With its bright fit-out, it was hard to miss El Camino Cantina’s Gold Coast debut.

“We’re famous for our margaritas, which are served frozen and on the rocks and in some amazing flavours,” Rockpool chief executive Thomas Pash said.

The Tex-Mex specialist, which has a cult following in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, sealed the deal with bottomless tortilla chips and salsas for every diner, Taco Tuesday deals and bargain buffalo wings.

July: Made Barber & Barista

417-419 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Britt Westcott and Josh Blair paired their passions to open this barber and espresso bar combo.

“There is nothing similar to our shop on the Coast – it’s a bit out-of-the-box and a blend of our passions for over 15 years,” Mr Blair said.

Made’s coffee bar boasts Moonshine’s Moonrunner organic blend, Grounded Pleasures Chai, HRVST juices, Vegemite croissants and treats from Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse.

August: The Backyard Cafe

17 Lavarack Road, Nobbys Beach

With COVID-19 capacities making it a tad cramped at Nobbys Beach, hospitality king Scott Imlach decided it was time for a new player.

Scott Imlach, part of the OG Nobbys crew, opened The Backyard Cafe.

“I feel it’s going to make a huge difference to my other venues and the area,” he said of The Backyard Cafe.

“Nobbys also needs a new fresh breakfast spot that’s all about the locals and we hope to be that.”

The menu, which features avo smash, eggs benny, banana crepes and bruschetta, is curated by a team of chefs from Imlach’s former Nobby’s cafe Barchino.

August: The Barn

5 Boomerang Rd, Mudgeeraba

Fellini Italian restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco launched The Barn to lure locals to his long-running wedding and function venue EcoStudio Fellini.

Carlo Percuoco took paddock to plate literally at new venture The Barn.

The rustic eatery, which boasts animal enclosures for interaction and a beer garden, runs all-day, paddock-to-plate menu of Italian classics.

“It’s a pretty cool spot. We have lots of antiques, old farm equipment,” Mr Percuoco said.

August: Tarte Bakery and Cafe

2 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Chloe Watts, a one-time owner of Burleigh’s Paddock Bakery, invited Gold Coasters to say au revoir to overseas travel and g’day to her new internationally inspired brunch spot, Tarte.

She told the Gold Coast Bulletin she started renovations on the former Vecchia Roma restaurant in May, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a scary decision and a risk, but I am so glad we persisted,” she said.

“The cafe is a culmination of my incredible experiences and favourite dishes I have eaten overseas.”

Watch the world go by from Burleigh brunch haven Tarte. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Tarte’s Parisian-style alfresco seating is perfect for people-watching but its five-cheese truffle toastie with triple-smoked ham is the real spectacle.

September: Maggie Choo

105/89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Pat Gennari, who owns Koi, The Loose Moose and Roosevelt Lounge bar, broadened his Broadbeach portfolio in September.

Maggie Choo, which opened in the space recently vacated by Rivea Italian restaurant, debuted share plates of South-East Asian fusion under the branches of a cherry blossom tree.

A cherry blossom tree takes pride of place at Maggie Choo Picture: Mark Cranitch.

“This is a cool dining experience, aiming at the 18 to 35-45s,” Mr Gennari said.

“It’s Asian fusion which I’ve never done before, but everyone who knows the Gennari Group venues knows we’re about quality food.”

October: T’amerò

4 Treeview Dr, Burleigh Waters

This wood-fired pizzeria project hit close to home for the founder of Blackboard Varsity Lakes.

Marc Kinvig teamed with Shayne Green to open the family friendly eatery at Treeview Drive Shopping Centre in Burleigh Waters – AKA his backyard.

T’amero is a team effort from Shayne Green and Marc Kinvig Picture: Jerad Williams.

“Shane and I, we live on the street and we’re friends and there was nowhere really for us to go in the community,” he said.

“When the dentist moved into the shop behind, I drove past and asked Shayne if he’d like to open a pizzeria.”

Thin and crispy bases let the toppings do the talking. Try barbecued slow-cooked beef with smoked mozzarella and fried onions; or king prawns with jalapeño and pineapple sauce.

October: Maman Bar and Kitchen

49 James St, Burleigh Heads

It was the October opening with an impressive talent pool.

Champion ironman Matt Poole with friend Oli Frost and Frost’s mother and aunt Karen and Lizzie Fines – two top restaurateurs who have been personal chefs for Pink, Tom Hanks and Matthew McConaughey – collaborated to bring their vision to Burleigh.

Maman owners Karen Fines, Matt Poole, Olie Frost and Lizzie Fines Picture: Nigel Hallett.

A Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu is matched with sustainable wines and classic cocktails.

Maman’s signature is a Moreton Bay bug roll … bold move considering they’re just down the road from roll royalty Rick Shores.

November: Palm Springs

1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

It’s what every Coachella-starved Instagram account was crying out for … and testament to what whitewashing can do.

In a solid contender for makeover of the year, the two-storey building hunkered on the highway, once home to Siam Orchid, transformed into a Los Angeles-inspired cafe hub.

Palm Spring is licensed so diners can wash down that Cali breakfast burrito with a coconut margarita.

December: Precinct

17 Christine Avenue, Miami

Getting this pioneering brewery and restaurant off the ground was thirsty work for Scott Imlach, Simone Tunbridge, Michael Craighead, Jeremy James and Tom Welch.

Precinct Brewing owners Jeremy James, Michael Craighead, Scott Imlach, Simone Tunbridge and Tom Welch toast to their opening. Picture: Glenn Hampson

After a lengthy campaign for council permission, an idea born three years ago was finally realised this month.

“Council couldn’t work out how to put a restaurant in an industrial area and a brewery in a restaurant area,” Mr Imlach said.

“Combining them together, that was a first for the Gold Coast.”

December: The Oyster Shed

Birds Bay Drive, Tweed Heads

It doesn’t get much fresher than indulging in just-shucked oysters metres from where they are grown.

It’s worth shelling out on local oysters and champagne with a view. Belinda Hardy from the The Oyster Shed Picture: Scott Powick.

The Oyster Shed, which serves the local molluscs alongside champagne, cocktails and tapas, is operated waterside by Catch a Crab owners the Eyre family.