Owner Natalie Perry is no stranger to Paradise Point. She’s been involved in her family’s restaurants and cafes across the northern Gold Coast for much of her life, and for the last nine years she has owned and operated (and still does) The Local’s neighbouring venue, Cafe 7. Taking over the space of short-lived bar and eatery 4 Birds Taphouse, The Local is a breath of fresh air for The Esplanade precinct. For now, it’s lunch, dinner and bar snacks, with a breakfast trade to launch in the coming month. Heading the kitchen is Gordon Ramsay-trained chef Paul Hamilton, who is fresh off a ten-year stint around various London kitchens.

Paul’s all-day gastropub-style menu focuses on dishing up hearty fare with a refined spin, while shining the light on local seafood and produce. Those that like to graze will be met with an enticing series of share dishes, ranging from crispy duck spring rolls with a peanut crumb, to a lavish charcuterie spread brimming with cured delights, punchy cheeses and house-made cognac-infused duck pate. Though, the whole baked camembert with hazelnut crumb and charred sourdough will be (very) hard to go past. For the main attraction you’ll find the likes of a hand-pressed wagyu beef burger with smoked bacon and all of the trimmings atop a toasted charcoal bun, ginger-beer battered snapper with house fries, and a charred Moreton Bay bug and chilli semolina linguine. The menu is accompanied by a bunch of tap beers, an extensive wine list and a collection of cocktails.

Keen to hang at The Local? Head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and location.