THRIVING NORTH RAISING THE BAR
WITH the north’s thriving grassroots cafe scene and a burgeoning culinary culture, the only way is up.
Restaurateur Daniel Ridgeway was the first to officially raise the bar and his Runaway Bay rooftop Gotham has been a hit with locals.
With decadent 1920s art deco styling at every turn, guests wind their way up a red velvet staircase to the twinkling skylights of the rooftop.
The steakhouse on level two is modelled after a classic, high-end American steakhouse “where celebrity couples rendezvous away from prying eyes”, while the top level is a combination of the best parts of Manhattan and the Gold Coast (their style and our climate).
“The Grill is more intimate, showcasing some great fresh, local seafood and steaks sourced from around Australia and New Zealand,” Daniel says.
“Our steak selection ranges from grass-fed and free range to high marble score wagyu. There is also everything from whole fish to steak tartare on the menu. On the rooftop you will find handmade pastas, pizzas and burgers — my favourites are the lobster roll and the southern-style barbecue pork ribs.”
While Gotham has changed the culinary game since opening in March, chef Craig Weston has been witnessing the evolution of nearby Paradise Point since moving into his eatery Monsoon four years ago.
“Compared to when we took over, when areas like Burleigh seemed to have all the great restaurants, it has really evolved,” he says.
“It’s a fantastic village community and locals tend to really support locals — they shop at the fruit and veg here, the butcher, the bakery.”
Craig’s modern Australianminded menu – spanning breakfast, lunch, coffee and tapas – has played a role in that evolution and it regular features in our Best of the Gold Coast lists. “We’re a street back from the water, where the locals go — we have regulars who pop in multiple times a day,” he says.
Social Brew, one of Burleigh’s best-known cafes, crossed the postcode pride divide to open its second cafe on The Esplanade at Paradise Point.
The bright, happy, foliagefilled space embraces fresh, wholefood trends as well as more classic dishes.
Co-owner Mike Dowling recommends savouring the setting over a grazing platter.
“When I was imagining this place I always wanted to be licensed and I always wanted platters – not tapas, platters,” he says.
“Families can come, sit,
relax and spend time. We’ve got the benefit of the park and the water opposite.”
Broadwater views are a bonus at Hope Island too, where you can sip cocktails under the chandeliers or sup in a sumptuous booth at Manhattan on Hope.
From bright breakfasts to sunset sessions, the waterfront hotspot includes a bar perfect for perching with a prosecco.
“We’ve got the rare waterfront aspect of being west facing, so where we are placed over the marina you get stunning sunsets over the water,” owner Jo-Anne Taylor says.
“The doors open up across the front and all of the tables have a view, but we do get a lot of people requesting to sit along the front.”