One of the best meals that I’ve had this year was at Black Coffee Lyrics in Gold Coast. I chanced upon it when I was doing research on places to eat in Gold Coast, and I am happy to say that the recommendations online were spot-on.

It is not difficult to understand why Black Coffee Lyrics is so popular. The restaurant and cocktail bar is an “insider” spot for coffee and good food. It has a kick-ass vibe – artsy, cosy and very very cool. In short, the sort of underground cafe for those “in the know” to hang out.

Signature drinks like Chai-latini (A$17), Prohibition Iced Tea (A$18), Espresso Martini (A$17) are one of the reasons why people keep coming back. That aside, Black Coffee Lyrics also has very good food.

Some of the must-order tapas are Salmon Tartarte (A$12) with avocado, lemon, green pepper corn and dill; Zucchini Flower (A$12) stuffed with prawn and basil mousse accompanied with tomato and rosemary stew; and the tender and flavourful Pork Belly (A$14) with extremely crispy skin.

In addition, we also sampled the Quail ($18) – a simple dish of quail, roasted pistachios with dark chocolate; and Glazed Butternut Tofu (A$10), which came with red grapes and drizzled with pickled walnut dressing. Light, refreshing and tasty – the kind of happy surprise I would never expect from tofu.

For mains, get the Salmon Confit (A$25) – a beautiful Tasmanian fillet slow cooked in olive oil at 55 degrees; and Pumpkin Risotto (A$18), which is perfect when you pair it with ‘Moa five hop’, a New Zealand beer.

And of course, you must have desserts. End the meal with the Coconut Panna Cotta (A$11) or Baileys Espresso Creme Brulee (A$). But if you only have room for one dessert, go for the Oliver Twist (A$9). We thought that it was just another yogurt sorbet so we did not think much of it. Other than the fact that it was pretty to look at – with the tiny green basil pearls, bright red strawberry and house made yogurt sorbet giving a pretty contrast – it actually tasted good, with the black olive caramel sauce giving an unexpected twist to the nice and refreshing dessert.

I just checked their website and they have replaced some of the dishes that I sampled (when I was there in July) with new creations. I like that they are constantly testing different ingredients to come up with new dishes to satisfy everyone.

Black Coffee Lyrics is probably one of the best kept secrets in Gold Coast. I had a really good meal there, and I think you will enjoy it too. This is definitely a must-visit place if you are in Gold Coast.

Black Coffee Lyrics
60/3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd
Level 2 Centre Arcade
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: (07) 0218 9437
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my guide on Where to eat in Gold Coast.