5 OF THE BEST HIDDEN GEMS

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

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 that 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.

THE WINE BARREL 8/59 RAILWAY STREET, MUDGEERABA

It will come as no surprise to 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. “The pork belly has been on the menu since we opened,” Warren says. “Fish tacos are a new addition.”

COCOTTE 16A, ROBINA QUAYS SHOPPING CENTRE

Cocotte works 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 special occasions. Every now and again, Shun and his chefs open the kitchen for cooking classes for loyal customers.

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 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. Peter says Potager is part of the growing food and agribusiness movement. “It’s all about showcasing the produce,” he says.

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. “With the cooler weather coming, the dishes will get richer and heartier – Gaynor is French-trained so that comes through,” Olivia says. The food is served as share plates.