Five of the best: The best places to eat in Runaway Bay

YOU don’t have to runaway too far to find some great eating options in this emerging suburban hub. Here’s five of the best places to eat in Runaway Bay.

Greenstone NZ Porterhouse with Broccolini, roasted garlic, lemon dressing and Sauteed wild mushrooms and Baked potato gratin at Gotham. Photo by Richard Gosling

YOU don’t have to runaway too far to find some great eating options in this emerging suburban hub. Here’s five of the best places to eat in Runaway Bay.

Gotham Grill and Rooftop Bar

6 Bayview St, Runaway Bay

Hiramasa kingfish and the Moreton Bay bug and prawn tortellini at Gotham Grill.

“Destination restaurant” Gotham Grill and Rooftop is hoping its opening in Runaway Bay earlier this year will entice other hospitality heavyweights to open restaurants nearby, creating a dining precinct. “Generally you open a nice restaurant, other restaurateurs want to be a part of that,” Gotham owner Daniel Ridgeway says. “I think within about three to four years we’ll see a restaurant hub from Gotham opening where it did.” The venue has two separate restaurants, depending if you’re after opulence or informality. Gotham Grill is modelled on a sophisticated steakhouse setting, while Gotham Rooftop is a relaxed outdoor option for laid-back meals and drinks. “The grill is 45 seats, more elegant feel, with a great steak selection,” Daniel says. “The rooftop is more casual. The menu has things like house-made pizza and pasta. Two different price points, two different settings — you want to have that diversity.” Daniel’s top picks from the Grill menu are the dry aged rib on the bone and the double bone pork chop, as well as the Gotham City pepperoni pizza and charcuterie antipasto board from the rooftop.

Substance Espresso

Shop 2, 10/12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay

Substance Espresso‘s Jareth Smith. Photo by Richard Gosling

Open just over six months, this busy cafe is proving style and Substance can coexist. Owners Leah and Jareth Smith have been overwhelmed with local support for their venture on the edge of Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, now open seven days a week for breakfast and brunch. “The apple and cherry buttermilk pancakes, topped with crumble, vanilla bean mascarpone and spiced maple syrup are one of the favourites,” Leah says. “And the eggs Benedict served on housemade hashbrowns with turmeric hollandaise and spinach.” The coffee is a blend from Yatala roasters Open House with a changing selection of single origin beans for the adventurous. Jareth offers different pouring methods to complement the qualities of each variety. “We are just getting busier and busier so we’re doing something right,” Leah says.

Caffene Break

8 Bayview Stree, Runaway Bay

It’s coffee time at Caffene Break Picture Glenn Hampson

Yes, they know that’s not how you spell caffeine but everything else about the coffee is exactly right. What started as a breakfast cafe is now open at nights when it becomes Caffene Bar, right next door to Gotham. Owner Greg Hill says there were always plans to trade at night and the time is right. “The area is changing — it’s a busy little place now and it’s beneficial for everyone,” he says. You can still get your quality breakfast/brunch essentials until 2pm and return at night for drinks with a fully-stocked bar, specialising in gin, served with jaffles and cheese platters for the peckish. “There’s a relaxed feel to the place at night,” Greg says. “It’s an indoor-outdoor place with heaters in winter. We do some great cocktails and just serve good, simple food. It’s a nice vibe.”

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Cafe 63

Ross Evans Garden Centre

300 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay

Cafe 63’s tasty Photo: David Clark

Set amid the blooms and foliage of the Ross Evans Garden Centre, Cafe 63 offers a tranquil alfresco setting for breakfast or lunch seven days a week. The menu is extensive — the “extras” alone take some reading, allowing diners to create their own customised meals from the kitchen stores — and it’s fully licensed. Canny locals know this is the place for all day breakfasts, cafe-style lunches or simply a pit stop while browsing the greenery. The ample parking is stress-free and you can pick up a little something for the garden, or the window box, on your way out.

Can Tho Kitchen

5/465 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay

Can Tho Kitchen Runaway Bay

Locals have been flocking to this authentic Vietnamese since it opened its doors 16 years ago. Husband and wife team Vien and Thao Nguyen came to Australia with their parents as refugees in the 1980s, growing up in restaurants amid the wonderful flavours and fresh ingredients of their homeland. “The recipes come straight from my mum, her parents and grandparents,” Thao says. “Everything is cooked fresh and served on share plates, just as we do in our homes.” In a decided mix of cultures, locals love the old style R ‘n’ B music that plays at the weekends and the good news: Vien and Thao are scouting for their next venue. They’re open to any suggestions.