Social Eating House + Bar is arguably our favourite dinner spot in Gold Coast. It has this lively vibe that makes the place feel so happening, yet in an extremely unpretentious manner. Stepping in to this modern restaurant is an experience on its own – be prepared to queue up and wait for a while, but the exuberant staff will make you feel at home and you can groove to the music while keeping warm at the fireplace.

Social Eating House is all about communal dining and, well, socialising. Take some time to study the menu. The contemporary offering of small and large plates will leave you bewildered and so spoilt for choice.

Take a seat at the kitchen counter so that you can watch the chefs in action. It makes a lot of difference to the dining experience, and it will be like no other. You will be presented a regular menu, but look out for the blackboard for daily specials; there will always be interesting dishes to try apart from the usual ones you’d get.

We can’t recall the name of this appetiser we had, and we do not believe it is as simple as wagyu with pork crackling, truffle and pecorino cheese. At AUD$7 per serving, this totally jolted our taste buds and we knew we were in for an amazing night.

On the Small Plates section, the Spiced Soft Shell Crab (AUD$19) is a must-try. It comes with a green mango side salad, complete with peanuts, fried shallot and chilli caramel. If you are a fan of asparagus like we are, then the Steamed Asparagus (AUD$17) has to be part of your dinner too. As simple as it may sound, it comes with a fried hen’s egg, truffle oil, goat cheese and manchego beignets – that’s a pretty complex veggie dish, huh?

And for some Large Plates to share, you definitely have to go for the Free Range Organic Chicken (AUD$30 for half, AUD$55 for whole). Chargrilled  with lemon, garlic, fresh herbs and soaked in natural roasting juices, this is comfort food at its best. Healthy, easy on the palates, and it is also the chef’s favourite. Want something gamey? The Boneless Lamb (AUD$70) is one popular sharing dish too.

They’ve also got pretty complex deconstructed desserts, and they are all at AUD$16 each. We love the Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Marquise; decadent stack of sweet that comes complete with banana ice-cream. Mamma mia!

Social Eating House + Bar
Shop 137-138
3 Oracle Boulevard Broadbeach QLD 4218
Tel: +61 (07) 5504 5210
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm

Queensland is a state that we have always wanted to explore, and we finally made a trip down under for a fortnight of fun. The good people at Tourism and Events Queensland were more than hospitable, and we ate and saw so much.

We started our holiday at Brisbane, an upcoming city that is bustling in its own rights and home to many. Sunshine Coast was next. We experienced the hinterlands and fell in love with the picturesque Maleny. Then, we moved on to Noosa for a lot of feasting and to experience the laidback lifestyle. The last leg of our trip saw us spending a week at Gold Coast, the famous destination for a beach-in-a-city experience.

Having seen the bests of Queensland, we are certain that this is the place to take a fun-filled holiday at. For lovers, friends, families – there will definitely be something for everyone. Here, we share the memorable parts of our trip and we hope these will entice you to take a trip down under too!

B R I S B A N E

#1 SHOPPING AND DINING AT JAMES STREET

James Street in Fortitude Valley is easily our favourite area in Brisbane. It has an eclectic mix of lifestyle shops, Aussie labels boutiques, quaint cafes and coffee shops, and restaurants to boast.

#2 THE WHEEL OF BRISBANE

Hop on to the ferris wheel of Brisbane and catch a glimpse of the city from up above. Located within South Bank, The Wheel of Brisbane is a leisure ride of about fifteen minutes, and there are special prices for students, families and a private gondola.

#3 STAYING AT EMPORIUM HOTEL

Super chic and sexy, Emporium Hotel is where you should put up at when in Brisbane. It adds on to the city experience, we promise. Its vicinity is an enclave of restaurants and bars, and its prime location is of walking distance to James Street and Fortitude Valley.

#4 LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY

Getting chummy with koalas, kangaroos, emus, wombats, and dingoes, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to 130 koalas, and if you don’t already know, they just sent 4 koalas to Singapore recently. Definitely a must-visit spot in Brisbane, and you too shall have fun cuddling koalas and feeding kangaroos.

#5 CLIMBING THE STORY BRIDGE

The Story Bridge Climb offers a breathtaking view of the city. What we love most about it is that the bridge is located very near to the city – offering a close-up view of the city’s skyline. It is a relatively easy climb, so don’t be intimidated. It will be an experience to love.

#6 SPENDING A DAY EXPLORING BRISBANE WITH BRISBANE GREETERS

In Brisbane, there is this amazing group of volunteers called ‘Brisbane Greeters’, and they are locals who are so passionate about sharing their city. Their services are completely free of charge, and they will dedicate a few hours to bringing you around Brisbane based on your interests.

S U N S H I N E C O A S T

#7 SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLANDS FOOD TOUR

We spent a day to explore Maleny, Flaxton and Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands with Mystic Mountain Town. Quaint towns where the air is fresher, and countryside experience with visits to a cheese factory, a chocolatier, a local gelato shop… and we milked cows and tasted the freshest custards at a local farm too!

#8 OUR FIRST TIME STAYING IN A RAINFOREST RESORT

It was quite an experience to stay at Narrow’s Escape Rainforest Retreat. We were not expecting a rainforest resort to be so modern and well-furnished – needless to say, it took us completely by surprise! Nature lovers, this is for you. Wake up to Australian King Parrots hanging out at your verandah, and enjoy life on a hammock while breathing in the freshest air.

#9 ARRIVE IN NOOSA IN STYLE WITH NOOSA DREAM BOATS

After leaving Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, we arrived in Noosa in style with Noosa Dream Boats. We went on a cruise with our super friendly host Michael along Noosa River to visit the river mouth, see gorgeous holiday houses, and even passed by Sir Richard’s private resort island.

#10 NOOSA BEACH

One of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen in recent times, and it is little wonder Noosa Beach is such a hit among beach goers. The waters are calm and the skies are blue; what’s there not to love about this postcard-worthy place?

#11 EUMUNDI MARKETS – GOOD FOR THE SOUL, BAD FOR THE WAISTLINE

The many food stalls at Eumundi Market drove us crazy, and there was even a cronuts truck! Local commodities are also commonly found – artwork, clothes, homeware… If you ever find yourself in Noosa, Eumundi Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday.

#12 NOOSA FARMERS’ MARKET – A HEAVEN FOR FOOD LOVERS

Noosa Farmers’ Market is the dream place for all foodies. Apart from stuffing yourself silly with all kinds of food, indulge in the vast selection of local produce by proud Aussie farmers.

#13 DO THE STAND UP PADDLE LIKE THE LOCALS

We heard the locals lead awesomely balanced lives and they do the stand-up paddle every day. It was a first for us, and our patient instructor, Rick, guided us through. By the fifteenth minute, we were paddling around at ease on our own, and the liberation of being out in the sea is one you would love too.

GOLD COAST

#14 STAYING AT PEPPERS BROADBEACH – OUR DREAM HOME

Peppers Broadbeach, to describe simply, is like our dream house. White and bright, clean spaces, an amazing obstructed view of Broadbeach… it was a hospitality that we will always remember. Its vicinity – The Oracle – is one happening area that is home to many reputable restaurants. We would like to think that staying at Peppers Broadbeach completed our Gold Coast experience.

#15 A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF GOLD COAST BEACH FROM SKYPOINT OBSERVATORY DECK

Because no trip to Gold Coast is complete without heading up to the Skypoint Observatory Deck. There, you get a bird’s eye view of the entire city. It is incredible. You won’t believe how we were so fascinated, especially when we could see the whole stretch of gorgeous beach – that’s Gold Coast for you.

#16 DINING AT GOLD COAST’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

Gold Coast is a connoisseur’s heaven. We were actually surprised by the availability of so many fine restaurants, and you bet our bellies were pretty pleased. Not a single bad meal we had, and we have nothing but praises for the culinary standards. To name a few that we like: Social Eating House, Seaduction, Fish House Donto Japanese Restaurant, and Jamm.

This Queensland trip to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast is made possible by Tourism And Events Queensland. 

Over the past few years, the dining scenes in Gold Coast and Brisbane have grown tremendously. Many vibrant Australian cafés with a bohemian twist and an increasing number of authentic Asian restaurants are winning the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. Here are 7 restaurants to visit in Queensland.

Au Cirque

Au Cirque is a two-level wooden café serving nutritious Australian cuisine. Voted as one of the best brunch spots in Brisbane, this cozy place is extremely popular amongst Australians. Scrumptious breakfasts are served till 3pm; best dishes include corn fritters and breakfast chow down. Genovese coffee is served here, which explains the frequent influx of caffeine addicts.

3/618 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Queensland, Australia 4005
Tel: (07) 3254 0479

Charis Seafood

Gold Coast’s biggest seafood outlet Charis Seafood is committed in delivering customers the freshest supplies from Australia and New Zealand. There are 40 over different kinds of gourmet species, from Atlantic Salmons to Tasmanian Scallops. Takeaway hot food is available upon request. One can enjoy the quality food in the outdoors benches and tables at Harley Park along Gold Coast Broadwaters. Keep your eye on your food or lose them to the swooping birds.

371 Marine Parade
Harley Park, Labrador
Gold Coast, Queensland 4215
Tel: (07) 5527 1100

Davies Park Market

Davies Park Market, also known as West End Markets, is not a restaurant, but it is truly a taste of Brisbane. Held every Saturday from 6am to 2pm, one can expect aplenty of local fresh produce, make shift food stalls, coffee vans, one of a kind jewellery and handmade clothing. Freshly brewed coffee, made-to-order crepes, juicy German bratwursts and crunchy roasted nuts are just some of Davies Park Market’s food highlights.

Montague Road, West End
Brisbane, Queensland 4101
Tel: (07) 3844 2440

Elk Espresso

This Australian café serves premium coffee and contemporary Australian food. Popular dishes include potato hash served with avocado & bacon. Young trendy surfers can be spotted chilling here in their sunglasses and board shorts. The menu changes with the season, keeping its customers revisiting for exciting changes/additions.

16 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach
Gold Coast, Queensland 4218
Tel: (07) 5592 2888

Obaltan Korean BBQ

Obaltan Korean Barbeque is famous for its DIY charcoal grill. Fresh off from the steaming wire mesh, the pieces of cooked meat with a tinge of smoky flavour (something that cannot be achieved via electric grill) are tantalising even from afar. A giant retractable fan is rooted from the ceiling to keep the smoke at bay. This authentic Korean barbeque restaurant is very popular and reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

91 Elizabeth Street, CBD
Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Tel: (07) 3211 1469

Sono Japanese Restaurant

Sono Japanese is an exquisite fine dining Japanese restaurant with remarkable awards to its name. It was crowned the Best Asian Restaurant in 2010 and was featured in several prestigious publications, including The Australian, Style Magazine, Vogue and more. Its Teppanyaki bar is a highlight, where chefs prepare food right in front of guests whilst performing impressive culinary “stunts”. Seafood fans will be in a treat as Sono’s succulent scallops amazingly melt in one’s mouth. Do note that bookings must be made prior to one’s visit.

39 Hercules Street, Portside Wharf
Level, 1 Building 7, Hamilton
Brisbane, Queensland 4007
Tel: (07) 3268 6655

Vue Lounge

Vue Lounge is a lovely chameleon; it is a modern Australian café that serves all day breakfast till 2.30pm and it evolves into an Italian restaurant from 3pm onwards. And that is not the end. Vue is also a Burger Bar & Bistro every Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm till late! It is impossible not to love Vue Lounge for supplying Brisbane-based foodies with aromatic coffees, delicious breakfast, tasty Italian fares and takeaway brilliant burgers throughout the day.

83 Merthyr Road, New Far
Brisbane, Queensland 4005
Tel: (07) 3358 6511

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.