Five of the best: Top places to eat in Gold Coast suburb of Robina

ROBINA was one of the first master planned residential communities in Australia but they couldn’t have foreseen what foodie delights would spring up. Here’s five of the best eateries the suburb has to offer.

The Fiery Deli is one of the top five places to go in Robina. Pic John Gass

ROBINA was one of the first master planned residential communities in Australia but they couldn’t have foreseen what foodie delights would spring up, writes Denise Raward. Here’s five of the best eateries the suburb has to offer.

Taboon

514 Christine Avenue, Robina

Lamb Shank Tagine served on vegetable cous cous with dried fruits, preserved lemon and pine nuts at Taboon restaurant.

Taboon owner Steve Isaacs spent 12 years in the Middle East where he was inspired by the suburban bakeries, grill and hummus houses so popular in the region. Taboon replicates their cooking style with a modern cafe twist. Steve and his wife Siggy are promising new menu inspirations from their latest Arabian sojourn. “It’s our first extended trip together since we opened,” Steve says. “We’ll be leaving things in the hands of the next generation so it’s a bit of a milestone but we’ll be over there looking for new ideas so people can expect to see those on our menu very soon.” Taboon is named after the traditional stone oven that’s at the heart of the establishment. The menu consists of grilled meats, fresh salads, homemade breads and slow cooked Moroccan tagines, drawing its inspiration from cuisines throughout the Middle East from Marrakesh to Istanbul. “We were naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly before that became a thing,” Steve says. “Meat is eaten more sparingly, olive oil is used instead of dairy. It’s a very healthy way to eat.”

Elixiba

The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Beetroot chips at Elixiba. Photo: Jerad Williams

Elixiba, with its enchanted forest vibe, is Robina’s only vegan restaurant and is coeliac registered to boot, meaning there is not a trace of gluten on the premises. Elixiba serves plant-based food made from scratch, along with its own craft beer, herbal cocktails and elixirs for all manner of maladies. Manager Steph Elsworth says Elixiba observes a sustainable, ethical business model. “We are vigilant about waste and even buy our handmade bamboo straws from Bali to support a boy during his schooling. There are discounts for students and seniors and the last Wednesday of every month is “pay what you feel” night where you can order whatever takes your fancy from the menu and use your discretion to foot the bill.

Cocotte

Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 361 Robina Parkway

Beef Tenderloin Tartare at Cocotte. Pic Tim Marsden

Where else can you mark a Japanese traditional day and Bastille Day in the same week? Cocotte has been celebrating the unlikely fusion of Japanese and French cuisine for almost seven years with owner and chef Shunichi Tanabe serving his own unique creations from tapas to his popular degustation courses to a loyal locals. In the Japanese community spirit, Cocotte is hosting a Japanese Food Festival on August 19 in conjunction with other Japanese eateries in the area. “We’ll have all the favourite Japanese street food — sushi, gyoza, karaage — so everyone can come along and enjoy,” Shun says. “It will be a day to celebrate Japanese food with the Japanese people who live here.”

Agnee Indian

137 Scottsdale Drive

Agnee Indian's site at Robina Supplied by Ray White Commercial Gold Coast

Agnee has been packing them in on Scottsdale Drive for the past eight years. Owner Arjun Jaiswal collaborated with his father Inner, the force behind many a successful Indian restaurant during the past 30 years, including the popular The Indian at Robina Town Centre. Inder’s loyal customers and curry aficionados have followed to Agnee which offers the best of regional Indian cuisine. The population in southern India is mainly vegetarian so there is a generous selection of meat-free dishes and, fear not, diners are in full control of the heat with each dish made to order from mild, medium to hot.

Fiery Deli

The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Some of Fiery Deli’s tasty offerings.

This South American street food favourite is best known for its areas, a cross between a taco and a burger found on street corners everywhere in Venezuela. A crispy cornmeal pocket is filled with a choice of pulled meats, black beans and avocado lime salsa or, perhaps, creamy chicken and veggies. The Fiery Deli’s Venezuelan owners took the long journey to Australia, sailing here in a small boat, and are passionate about sharing South American food and culture. Starting with a humble market stall street, they graduated to a food truck before opening a restaurant. The entire menu is gluten and dairy free and vegetarian and vegan options abound.