From the minds behind Little Truffle, a true Gold Coast institution, we have Madame V in Palm Beach. Fitting perfectly into the Gold Coast dining landscape, this Asian Fusion restaurant in Palm Beach, offers a vibrant, share-style menu that feels perfectly suited to the Gold Coast dining scene. Drawing inspiration from across East and Southeast Asia, Madame V’s modern fusion menu balances Japanese precision with the richer, bolder flavours often associated with Chinese, Korean, and Thai cuisine.
Dining here solo is a beautiful, relaxed experience on its own, but bring the family and friends along and it becomes a true feast – one where the food brings everyone together and the laughter rolls around the room in waves. Whether you lean towards familiar comfort dishes or enjoy something a little more adventurous, Madame V is the sort of place I’d confidently recommend to almost anyone, especially for those joyous special occasions.
This occasion was a whole family affair, celebrating a selection of anniversaries and birthdays. Having only recently dined here, I was the one to suggest the restaurant and therefore took over the responsibilities of ordering. With uncles and aunties swapping life stories with the staff as though they’d known each other for years, my role quickly became that of unofficial curator for the table. A role I took on with pleasure, and one they trusted me with completely.
From my earlier visit a personal favourite of course was the beef tartare, with a flair of umami and spice. The Kingfish with yuzu dashi and the Tuna tataki in a ponzu sauce were also top choices, boasting fresh and zesty ingredients that honoured its Japanese origins. Worth noting, in a region overflowing with excellent bug and lobster rolls, Madame V’s lobster bao isn’t quite the standout item on the menu.
Each small plate had its standout. The beef tartare was rich, with tender, quality beef carrying the weight of strong flavours from the spicy miso sauce. Sharp pieces of pickled onion and fresh cucumber balanced the depth of the dish beautifully. Of the two raw fish plates, the kingfish took top spot – soft, gamey, and drenched in a zesty, citrus-forward sauce that lifted the richness of the fish perfectly.
Wanting the table to experience as much variety as possible, we started with these known favourites before I proceeded to order one of each of the small bites, alongside a handful of dumplings and buns, to provide some variety. For myself, simply to break the mould, I ordered the Massaman wagyu brisket curry.
As each plate landed on the table, hands immediately dove in for first bites – it became a battle of the hungry and eager. A resounding favourite was the seared miso glazed salmon tataki of which I believe thirds were ordered. A deep, umami-forward dish, that still let the freshness of the thinly sliced salmon shine through. For those at the table looking for a heartier meal, the sticky pork ribs with a black vinegar caramel disappeared before my eyes. Fall-off-the-bone meat, coated in a sauce that clung to your teeth, letting you savour each nuanced flavour, this was a clear crowd pleaser.
Sitting back to watch my hard work at play, I dug into a rich, deeply flavoured and well balanced Massaman curry. Chunky peanuts and pieces of onion, and generous servings of wagyu brisket, meant this was not a light meal. It delivered the bold flavours and lingering heat that Massaman curry is loved for. A side of soft jasmine rice to soak up the drops of rich sauce, is really the only proper way to fully enjoy a hearty meal like this.
As a frequent solo diner, there’s something especially joyful about bringing people together around a table of beautiful food. Beyond simply getting to try a little of everything, it highlights the way food builds memory and connection. Some dishes divided opinion, others disappeared almost instantly – and that contrast became part of the fun.
Madame V’s diverse and inclusive menu makes ordering for the table feel effortless. It balances adventurous flavours with enough familiarity to keep everyone comfortable, making it just as suited to curious diners as it is to those after a hearty, satisfying meal.
The experience is only elevated further by the staff, who not only know the menu well but bring a warmth and patience that makes the restaurant feel genuinely welcoming – even when the “old folk” around the table start rambling.
In the heart of Robina, Eddy + Wolff delivers an intimate 24-seat dining experience driven by bold Southeast Asian flavours. From its cult crunchy eggplant and exceptional beef cheek rendang to a surprisingly balanced soy sauce ice cream, this is memorable Gold Coast dining that just happens to be gluten free.
Tucked quietly into Varsity Lakes, The Brooklyn Wine & Tapas is the kind of restaurant that becomes woven into people’s lives. With bold share plates, warm hospitality, and a timeless atmosphere, it’s a reminder that great dining is as much about memory and connection as it is about food.
A vibrant Palm Beach dining spot where East and Southeast Asian flavours meet the joy of shared dining. Madame V balances bold plates, relaxed energy, and the kind of food that brings people together effortlessly.
Mediterranean dining meets Gold Coast ease at Meltemi – a long-awaited arrival on the glitter strip that delivers familiar flavours with quiet confidence. Thoughtful small plates, refined execution, and a coastal sensibility make this a welcome departure from the expected.
Over time, a handful of meals stopped being just meals. They became benchmarks – moments that defined my taste and quietly set the standard for everything that followed. These are the ten plates that started The Edit.
In a world overflowing with noise and novelty, choosing well has become an act of care. The Edit exists to make that choice effortless – thoughtful recommendations, no algorithms, no overwhelm.