
08 Feb 2023
The Gold Coast is fast becoming one of Australia’s new foodie capitals. From trendy burger bars and modern Italian, to world-class wineries and craft beer breweries, you’re spoilt for choice.
Touting itself as “the Gold Coast’s first gastropub,” Glenelg Public House sure isn’t afraid to stand out.
A five-minute stroll from the white and turquoise glitter of Mermaid Beach, the steakhouse has a prime cut of real estate – with premium cuts of meat to match.
Start your carnivorous feast off with an entrée dish, such as the chicken liver parfait, beef tartare, southern fried chicken wings or roast bone marrow.
Then for mains, you can’t go wrong with a deluxe fillet of Wagyu or Angus with your favourite sauce and sides. One of Glenelg’s bottles of Aussie boutique red is, of course, the most luxurious way to wash it all down.
But if your dad’s more of a beer man, the craft selection on tap is sure to impress. How about a pre-lunch pint in Glenelg’s sunny pub garden?
Dish Cult’s top pick: 500g grass-fed Angus whole flat iron to share, with chilli, garlic, parsley, lemon, salad and fries ($70)
Up in the lush green yonder of Tamborine Mountain, there’s an idyllic vineyard estate that looks like it came out of a picture book.
It also happens to host a restaurant that serves up some of the freshest local produce in the Scenic Rim. Most ingredients are sourced within a 40km radius, and it’s a fabulous way to taste the flavours and character of the area.
But what dad will really love about Mason Winery is the wine, of course. The cellar door offers tastings of a diverse range of varietals, a dream afternoon for grape lovers.
Don’t forget to taste the locally made Towri sheep cheese either.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Confit Boonah duck with kohlrabi, apple salad and cherry mustard ($35)
This iconic brewery from a husband-and-wife team isn’t just a great Gold Coast hub for hang outs. It’s also one of Australia’s brightest independent brand success stories.
Built from the ground up in 2006, Burleigh Brewing now counts 28 world gold medals to its name. And when you taste its juicy selection of ales, you’ll understand why…
But one can only fill up so much on beer. That’s where Street Food Cartel comes in, who do a wicked job of the food here.
Grab a booking in the taphouse this Father’s Day and take your pick from generous-sized burgers, tacos, fries, ribs, wings and other deep-fried morsels of deliciousness. Bottoms up!
Dish Cult’s top pick: BBQ pork ribs with slaw ($12)
Compared to more historically cosmopolitan cities like Sydney or Melbourne, the Gold Coast hasn’t always had the highest strike rate for authentic international fare done right.
But when the Carney brothers opened Gemelli (meaning “twins” in Italian), it became clear that this old story was well in the past.
The sleek yet rustic Italian restaurant stays true to the brothers’ heritage; you can taste that the “made with love” philosophy is more than just a tagline.
Gemelli’s traditional wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes taste just like they would at nonna’s, except here they’re invigorated by the freshness of Queensland’s produce. Think just-caught seafood, meat and free-range eggs from local sources.
Add an award-winning wine list of high quality imports and local Aussie drops to the mix, and your Fathers’ Day meal is set.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Principessa white pizza with fior di latte, gorgonzola, dried figs and 24-month aged prosciutto di parma ($29)
The list of titles this Surfers’ Paradise diner can claim is nothing to sniff at: Longboards is the Gold Coast’s only surf-themed bar. Home to the infamous 1.8kg PHAT bastard burger challenge (we’ll leave that one up to the imagination). Protector of the one and only Layne Beachley’s old signed surfboard.
And all round just a cool place to chill out over a burger and drink. This is for the dad happy to rock up in a pair of thongs, devour something cheesy and monstrous and then kick back over a round of drinks.
There’s a sizable selection of craft beers, with over 30 different local and international options – so there’s plenty to explore for the curious.
Find a sunny spot with dad, bask in the live tunes and celebrate Fathers’ Day without the fuss.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Beach cheeseburger with wagyu, crispy bacon, crispy fried onion strings and ranch sauce ($18.90)