Bar Evelyn
If you’re yet to pull up a bar stool or slide into a booth at Bar Evelyn, consider this your cordial invitation. Straight out of the ’70s, Bar Evelyn is a vibey wine-centric pizza bar that has sprung to life in a long-dormant nook along Surf Parade (next door to Ottimo gelateria). The venue is the handiwork of celebrated chef Nick Stanton (from Bangalow’s Ciao, Mate!) alongside long-time business partner Mark Catsburg, and dishes up a mouth-watering array of sips, snacks, share plates and woodfired parmesan-crusted pizza. Do yourself a solid and start with the eggplant dip that is served with fresh cucumber. The pickled mussels and seared beef tonatto with tuna sauce are also popular entrees but be sure to save room for a pizza or two, as the somewhat controversial pineapple and jalapeno pizza puts an end to the debate as to whether pineapple belongs on pizza (in this instance, it definitely does). The pepperoni drizzled with hot honey is also a delight.
Franc Jrs
If you were fond of Francie’s in Coolangatta, chances are you were more than a little saddened when the team announced its closure. Thankfully, it’s not goodbye, it’s just “see you later” as Francie’s will move to a brand-new location down the street. In its place, we were gifted Franc Jrs – a spirited younger sibling that’s here for a damn good time. While Francie’s was an ode to neo-Neopolitan pizzas, Franc Jrs does things a little differently. The woodfired oven has been swapped for a baker’s oven, which keeps the pies – as they’re called here – bubbling away for a little longer. The end result is a slightly crispier base that will travel better in a box so you can roll out a rug on the beach, in the park, or gorge sans pants from the comfort of your couch. If you’re more of a sit-and-savour kind of person, there’s a scattering of seats you can park your keister on – if you are lucky enough to nab one, that is. Franc Jrs gets busy.
Siblings
Those who grew up on the Goldie will be fairly familiar with this spot. When the long-standing pizza parlour closed in 2019, rumours began to circulate as to what would come next. In January 2021, we got our first taste of its successor with Siblings, a chic beachside eatery that dishes up modern-Australian bites and seriously tasty tipples. As its name suggests, Siblings is a family affair for the well-known Cianci family, who also brought us Edgewater and The Fish Emporium at Capri on Via Roma. Inspired by its unparalleled location, the menu delivers a strong focus on fresh seafood and share plates, such as freshly shucked oysters, Baja fish tacos, chargrilled king prawns and popcorn cauliflower. The drinks list, which is aptly entitled ‘Liquid Journey’, has been meticulously crafted by the venue’s insanely talented mixologist to include an extensive selection of wine, local beers and no less than 52 signature cocktails. The impressive venue expertly navigates the line between casual and casually refined dining, so whether you’re fresh off the beach in search of a bite or you’re settling in for a long lunch, you’ll feel right at home at Siblings.
Clay Cantina
Hidden down an unassuming Coolangatta laneway is where you will find Clay Cantina. The latest venue from Kristal Smith, who long-time locals may remember from Currumbin’s Pop Taco and as one of the original founders of Goodness Gracias in Palm Beach, the hidden haunt makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a home kitchen in Oaxaca, which is precisely the way Kristal wants it. Having spent more than 13 years travelling back and forth to Mexico, Kristal possesses an incredible love and deep-seated respect for the people of Latin America alongside the rich culinary traditions, and the unmistakable flavours and techniques of Mexican cooking. Clay Cantina is her way to share her knowledge and experiences with people. The venue hosts regular cooking classes as well as dinner (and drinks) in the laneway from Thursday through to Sunday (4:00–9:00 pm). Trust us when we say this is the real deal.
Eddie’s Grub House
As a general rule, if it involves booze, blues and bigger-than-your-head burgers, you have our undivided attention. Eddie’s is a longstanding fixture in Coolangatta’s casual dining and bar scene, delighting burger lovers with a mouth-watering menu of towering delights and saucy bar snacks that will leave you licking your fingers. There’s nothing overly elaborate here, just epic eats, cool tunes and a ragtag team of legends behind the bar. What more could you want?
Radici Pasta House
With not a single red-and-white tablecloth, flag or Vespa in sight, Radici Pasta House is not your typical Italian restaurant. The casual dining spot, nestled beneath the Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort along Griffith Street in Coolangatta, delivers the proper Italian pasta experience. When you take a seat at Radici Pasta House, it’s an invitation to experience authentic Italian food culture, something the venue’s ownership team feels intensely passionate about. As its name suggests, the pasta is undoubtedly the true hero here with every single string and piece of pillowy pasta that makes its way to a plate handmade daily. Of course, it’s not a true Italian feast without plenty of wine and Radici Pasta House has you covered with an extensive selection fresh off the boat from Italy.
Agave Rosa
This beachside gem is definitely one to add to your must-try list. Specialising in fresh, flavoursome and modern Mexican-inspired fare with an Asian twist, Agave Rosa is a little bit unexpected but in the best way possible. Think tuna sashimi-topped tostadas and hibachi-grilled wagyu bathed in yuzu miso butter. Accompanying the fare is a generous selection of cocktails, including four different margaritas that range from mild to wild, a scattering of geographically diverse wines and craft beers. Agave Rosa is modern Mexican, but not as you know it.
Tupe Aloha
For tasty tacos, tiki vibes and live music, you can’t look past Tupe Aloha. Described as ‘when Hawaii meets Mexico and has a holiday in Kirra’, this personality-packed eatery and bar is where you’ll find delicious bar bites and tropical-inspired shareables, ice-cold tap beers and a fun collection of cocktails. Plus, there’s always a killer line-up of local musos providing the tunes.
Bread N Butter
Do you love nothing more than a warming bowl of gnocchi and a glass of wine? Or a piping-hot pizza and an ice-cold beer? If it’s a hard yes from you, then grab a table at Italian kitchen Bread N Butter and satisfy those cravings. There are cocktails, a fun vibe and live music on most nights – all enjoyed just metres from the pristine surrounds of Kirra beach.
Ottimo Gelato and Coffee
Once you’ve eaten your way around Coolangatta’s finest, bring your feast to a sweet finale with a scoop (or two) of Ottimo’s gelato. Nestled on Marine Parade, Ottimo is one of those places when you know, you know. The sweet gelateria opened its doors in December 2020 and is dishing up amazingly authentic gelato, flaky croissants, delightful danishes and top-notch brews of the caffeinated kind. There are 30 tastebud-tingling flavours to choose from including Biscotto and Stracciatella (Italian choc chip) through to the crowd-favourite OMG (rich salted caramel with a thick layer of gooey Nutella on top) and Hint of Sicily (mandarin custard with pistachio-and-almond caramel).
That’s just the tip of the iceberg! There is a lot more goodness in the Coolangatta-Kirra precinct – take a peek at our Stumble Guide to explore the area a little more. Got a favourite Cooly spot that we need to check out? Send your tips to [email protected]
Image credit: Siblings, by Brooke Darling Photography
