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Trigger warning; we have good news and bad news for fine dining fans but fear not friends, because the good trumps the bad one-hunji-fold.

Local eats icon, the esteemed Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar is shutting up shop on Saturday 5th of November, and yes that’s the sound of the entire Gold Coast weeping. This may leave us feeling saltier than a pack of Samboy chips, however it’s a classic case of ‘short term pain, long term GAIN’ (shouty capitals intended). The closure is only temporary and just like that, the sun has re-emerged from behind the dark clouds. Not only that but when those famous timber doors reopen, our beloved Little Truffle will have a whole new lease on life. That’s right, it’s reno time and we have every confidence that award-winning Chef and Restaurateur Daniel Ridgeway and wife Ruggie have something AH-MA-ZING in store (more caps lock and senseless hyphens for impact).

The Ridgeways have planned the extensive makeover to coincide with Light Rail works in their zone, and well played sir and ma’am, well played. Little Truffle 2.0 entails a complete redesign of the floor plan to include a larger private dining room and a dedicated bar area. We’ll cheers to that (with a very fancy glass of bubbles of course) because we have big feels for anyone who turns lemons into limoncello.

Founder Daniel is describing the redesign as “refined but approachable”, the perfect union for a venue with more accolades than you can poke a chef’s knife at. Complete with an extensive new menu featuring some crowd faves, plus more contemporary Aussie dishes with a hint of Euro goodness, we’re more excited than Big Kev on a 2001 informercial. And speaking of iconic dishes, book yourself in for a final hurrah at LT1.0 with the likes of Fried Zucchini Flowers, the signature Beef Tartare and the Berry Souffle making a reappearance during the final month of trade. Oh and if you have a reservation or a voucher don’t fret, because you’ll have the option to use it at a sister venue, extend the expiration date by 12 months, or receive a full refund.

If you’re simply not going to cope without your Little Truffle fix, pop along to Ridgeway Group’s newly opened art-deco-inspired beachside restaurant, Palm Beach Ave (PBA). Long-standing Little Truffle Manager, Josh Webber, and the entire kitchen team will be heading down to continue working alongside Daniel, adding a selection of Little Truffle bangers to the PBA menu. Think Bug and Prawn Tortellini and the signature White Chocolate Vanilla Panna Cotta, as well as an expanded (and more posh) vino offering from the Little Truffle cellar.

So when you’re experiencing PTS from the temporary closure of your favourite restaurant, remember every cloud has a silver lining….and this one will elevate the already illustrious Little Truffle to the epitome of unforgettable fine dining.

Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach When: Reopening 2023

It’s no secret that The Oasis Shopping Centre houses some stellar eateries, and leading the pack is the new look Coastal European stunner, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar. Now a hop, skip and a jump up the road from its original spot, it’s bigger and more beautiful than ever. Everything about this luxe Mediterranean people pleaser is perfectly executed, from the on-fleek new fit-out, to the carefully curated menu championing simple, delicious food. In fact, even the plates were imported from Italy, handmade and hand painted to order and yeah, this makes our Ikea plates at home look like the poor cousins that they are.

Owner Henry Hunt has stayed true to his euro chic roots, keeping just the right amount of refined Mediterranean feels mixed with a very fresh and current aesthetic. Engaging Bridgette Ford for the interior design and Shopfit & Co. to manage the build, the result is everything we’d hoped for…and more.

The duck egg blue, white and gold ‘Sofia’s’ entry station still stands loud and proud out front of the undercover dining area, flanked by two beautiful fringed umbrellas in the same colour palette. There are marble tables with coastal wood and white hued chairs leading into the showstopping inside, boasting elegant booths, more tables and chairs, and THAT BAR. Yes, it deserves upper case. The benchtop surface is a stunning juxtaposition of grey, black and white terrazzo triangle slabs, set alongside equally lush peach, black and white triangle slabs. Adorning the bar back and restaurant wall, you’ll see statement wide archway shelves housing an iconic selection of spirits and srsly, arches get us every.single.time. Add a healthy dose of overhanging greenery and capacity for 100 people and voila, it’s the perfect destination for your next lunch, dinner, or private function.

Chef Dan Paulman cooks up handmade pastas, woodfired bread (#CarbsOnCarbs), fresh seafood, and beautiful sharing plates galore. To get into the nitty gritty, let’s go with a starter of Sofia’s famous house-made bread with extra virgin olive oil, oregano and salt, and perhaps a Baked Eggplant stuffed with mascarpone and parmesan. But wait, we just spotted the long list of cheese and salumi varieties to share and we’re so grabbing a Gorgonzola and a Truffle Salami #idie.

Moving on to the main event and the signature dish, Sofia’s Cacio e Peppe with linguine, cream, cracked pepper, sea salt, served at the table in our 40kg Parmesan wheel aged for 2.5yrs is a must! It serves two so bring your love, your besty, or just a really big appetite and decimate the lot. This will go nicely with a Heirloom Tomato Salad with fresh basil, truffle and balsamic reduction and whaddaya know, that’s on the menu too! If you’d prefer something for the grill, may we draw your attention to the Fish of the Day served with saffron broth, clams and muscles, with a side of Shoestring Fries garnished simply with oregano and sea salt. That’s amore alright.

Now let’s talk cocktails and thank God we hear you all say. They do a sensational Spicy Margarita and avid Inside Gold Coast readers will know we’re rather partial to one of these so when we say it’s good, it’s fricken good. Sofia’s make theirs with bird’s eye chilli infused Olmeca Altos tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, passionfruit puree and house made syrup and trust us, catch an Uber *orders several more*.

Speaking of Ubers, the epic mile-long wine list is another reason to resign from DD duty. They stock over 200 labels of wine and despite being mildly overwhelming for the indecisive, even the fussiest grape juice drinker will be on cloud wine.

So there you have it. The new Sofia’s certainly gets our tick of approval, and we look forward to saying “salute” (on repeat) at THAT.BAR too many times over the coming months.

Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach When: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10:30pm, Monday to Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen. Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Enter now to win one of 5 $100 dining vouchers at Oasis Shopping Centre.

It’s the destination we all know and love. Relaxed, a little bit retro and constantly surprising us with new places to eat and play. It’s the much-loved suburb that flies under the radar when visitors come to town but to locals, it’s pure magic.

To show our love for this beachside beauty, here are ten things we locals love about Mermaid Beach.

The North Room Recent receivers of a very prestigious hat, The North Room is an intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick. Huge fans of this place. Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Little Mermaid There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which more often than not, is overflowing with folks having the time of their lives as the sun goes down. Little Mermaid has earned the love of locals for their tasty eats, creative cocktails, and generally cool aesthetic – so get there now. Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Borrowed Nursery Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever). The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its Instagram-worthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. While you can certainly purchase the potted petals for your humble abode, you may also like to hire them for an event (which is quite the concept if you ask us). The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap. Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach

Lupo Italian food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and particularly when it comes from Mermaid’s Lupo. Tucked away in the little complex that’s also home to Bonita Bonita, Lupo’s menu is one you’ll never forget. It’s a quiet, laidback space, low-lit & moody, and did we mention one of the very best spots for drinking incredible cocktails and filling your belly with goodness. Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Zeppelin Barbers This is one for the fellas… Zeppelin Barbers is the best on the Coast if the man in your life is looking for a fresh cut. Jase and the team are absolute weapons with the scissors and they deliver quality chat and a frosty beer while they’re at it. Good vibes always. Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club How good are surf clubs? Mermaid’s is right on the ocean with uninterrupted views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people. Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach

Soak Bathhouse It only opened recently but already Soak Bathhouse has become a firm favourite amongst those who are a little bit partial to some rest and relaxation in a beautiful environment (so everyone). It’s a stunning oasis featuring a magnesium pool, massage rooms, a sauna, spas, and a cold plunge pool. Plus you can get an LED facial and just generally kick your feet up and chill – tried and tested by us and we highly recommend it. Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Glenelg Public House Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak, everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best sides we’ve ever sampled. There are also small plate options and it’s all mind-blowing. We vouch for the gnocchi. Just. Trust. Us. Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so you should also head in there for bulk margaritas before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Bowls Club Barefoot bowls is never not a fun time and so, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. Round up the crew on a Sunday afternoon for bulk beers and a little ball throwing (bowling) and then venture onto one of the many eateries (like those listed above) to round out the night. Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Surely we have convinced you that Mermaid Beach is the place to be by now?