Written by Kirra Smith
A melting pot of character and culture, the Gold Coast’s myriad of Asian-inspired restaurants swing open their colourful doors and we are here to explore!
From modern, fine dining restaurant Yamagen in Surfers Paradise to the brand-new Billy Chow in Kirra, the Gold Coast has an Asian eatery to suit all tastes. We’ve rounded up the best of the best so you can sample flavours from every corner of Asia, right here on your doorstep.
Yamagen
A feast for your senses awaits at Yamagen, found within QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise. A traditional Japanese restaurant with a modern twist, Yamagen boasts a playful interior surrounded by stunning gardens and an innovative menu by Executive Chef Adam Lane - who has made magic in some of the world’s top restaurants and is renowned for his innovation and finding ways to balance flavours into his exciting dishes. It’s a family affair, with Adam’s wife Yuka coming in each day to handcraft melt-in-your-mouth gyoza using a traditional recipe passed down from her grandparents. The pan-fried wagyu beef, miso mustard version is an absolute must. Next, you’ll want to sample the Spicy QLD Spanner Crab with crispy rice, ikura and red baby shiso, followed by a dish that will quite literally blow your mind – Miso Glazed Glacier 51 Toothfish with pickles cucumber, hazelnut and shiso. For the final ‘wow’ factor, finish with the visually stunning and equally tasty, Mt Fuji Apple – baked fuji apple and pomme de verte parfait, compressed apples, almond nougatine, miso caramel. Everything is plated to resemble a work of art and once you’re done ogling the eats, consider pairing your feast with a selection of sake or sampling a tipple from the largest whiskey collection in the state.
Etsu
Stepping inside Mermaid Beach’s beloved Etsu, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a Japanese Izakaya. A nondescript entryway hides a whole new world beyond; think curved ceilings, a low-lit moody vibe and some of the best share-style Japanese eats around. Gyoza, Yakitori and dishes fresh off the Robata Grill grace the menu and there’s a selection of Japanese whiskey to wash it all down.
Itoshin
Just a few minutes up the road is another Gold Coast institution, Itoshin, which has been dishing up authentic Japanese dishes in Mermaid Beach for decades. It’s a quiet, unassuming space constantly teeming with fans of the Kyoto-inspired dishes that pay homage to traditional flavours. Favourites include five styles of ‘Hot Pot’ where broth, noodles and veggies come together to create an unrivalled taste sensation. There’s sushi, skewers and banquet options and frankly, one visit won’t be nearly enough.
Ally Chow
Pink neon lights the way to Nobby’s Ally Chow, a South East Asian-inspired, Chef Hat awarded venue that is as intriguing on the outside as it is on the inside. The circular space is dripping in pendant lights and greenery, accentuated by wrought iron and polished concrete floors and serving up fresh, share-style dishes like Betel Leaf with sticky pork and Burmese-style, slow cooked lamb shoulder that will have you sighing in your seat.
Billy Chow
Ally Chow’s southern sibling, Billy Chow, slid open its doors just a few months ago with the intention of spreading the joy of food and carefully curated flavours throughout Kirra. The coastal-inspired venue offers both dine-in and takeaway options with dishes like Miso Toothfish cooked over charcoal, Spanner Crab Rice Paper Rolls and Beef Short Ribs on offer.
Maggie Chu
In the heart of bustling Broadbeach is Asian-fusion restaurant Maggie Chu. Inspired by the sensuality of hawker and street food markets of Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Bangkok, Maggie’s is quirky and cool. The space is loud and colourful and the food is a perfect match, with punchy flavours you won’t soon forget spun into dishes like Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Miso Scallop Ceviche and Singapore Chill Bugs.
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