The belly rules the mind. -Spanish Proverb

Not too many creative Spanish eateries on the GC so if you're feeling like some Sangria and Mediterranean tapas then you must head to Espana in Broadbeach.
This is a tiny bar, with a few bench like tables, so its cosy and al fresco dining on Broadbeach mall. It's turn up only so expect to wait a little while during the summer months. In saying that they take your name and number and you can go and have a few drinks at a nearby bar.

The whole concept behind the restaurant is "sharing plates." You can start with a few and order others as you go, all the while sipping on Spanish Tempranillos or Spanish beer and watching the chefs cook, especially if you are seated at the bar.

You can choose form the specials on the board (which constantly change) or off the  small menu.


They have the classic  patatas bravas dish: grilled potatoes, topped with a tomato and herb sauce. If you've been to Spain then this is a classic favourite.

Other classics that are equally great are the ham and cheese croquettes and you can get manchego cheese plates and cured meat, serrano ham and prosciuttos. We had one of the specials that was sourdough bread with freshly carved cured ham and drizzled with olive oil. It was like being back in Europe. They also have the lovely thick white anchovies that I love so much too. It's European flavours at its finest.









Then there's beef cheek slow cooked in a bean and chickpea tomato sauce…if you love meat, then this dish will satisfy you as it is hearty and tasty- a great winter tapas.  The chorizo with black-eyed bean dish is one of our favourites, just because it has chorizo and we love it.

This time we also tried the quail- not one of my favourites. It was lemony and I think there are better dishes on the menu, such as the meatballs. 

Our absolute favourite is the octopus on a pomme puree, drizzled with oil. Its thick pieces of octopus leg that is incredibly moist and juicy.

We sat at the bar and so due to the red lighting the photos are quite red. The servings are small and a little expensive so be prepared to spend around 100 for 2 with wine.

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GC food authority eating her way around the Gold Coast again.

Good wine is a good familiar creature if it is well used- Othello

Looking for Sangria and a fusion of Spanish tapas and Italian wood fired pizzas? An alternate dining experience perhaps? Well on the well known Kirra surfing beach is Bread n Butter, a well known gem among the GC local population.

Half authentic cured prosciutto, artichokes, black olives
and half spiced meatball, tomato, mozarella and mushroom

Sit downstairs and enjoy the beach and sunset views with the family (also BYO) or head on upstairs to the balcony to catch up with friends. Here you can relax on an assortment of couches, chaises and poofs, surrounded by modern and vintage inspired decor and artwork. It is quite intimate as you can sit close with friends and chat over exquisite food and wine, without being in a formal setting. Think of an ecclectic lounge room with Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendrix, Notorious B.I.G and Run DMC.  Lamps twinkle at night time, candles burn and the chatter gets louder. Get set for a rowdy fun filled atmosphere as the natives start to head on upstairs to boogey the night away or to attend a pre-booked function. I was lucky enough to have my birthday there so I know first hand the amazing time that can be had.

Marinated artichokes, spanish onion, anchovies, parsley
and mozzarella

The pizzas are authentically Italian due to the Italian chef, Giovanni. They are thin based, bubbly and crusty, cooked in the wood fire oven, just like in Italia. The toppings are also reminscient of traditional Roman flavours. Just a few. Thrown in together. Simple. Yet complimentary flavours. Wednesday night is extremely popular due to the $12 dine in pizza special. Make sure you reserve a spot!

On the menu are also tantalising spanish tapas such as Patatas bravas, butterflied prawns, lamb cutlets with salsa verde, juicy octopus and fried potatoes. Great dishes to share. Sunday night is $12 tapas night.....another good budget saver. And it all comes out super fast!

Enjoy the funky beats pumped out at night time with resident in-house DJ's and rappers playing on the decks and the mic- a good spot for a bit of dancing. Behind the bar talk to cocktail experts and mixologists  Martin and Matt, who make some deliciously good martinis and mojitos. Tehy are always up for a chat and a smile. If you like good rum the Cuba Libre cocktail is a classy drink and a hot favourite with the guys.

Eating the yummy thin based pizza      

The cosmopolitan- CHEERS!

I don't think you'll find a better pizza down this end of the coast. And if you don't want to sit down and eat, then you can grab a takeaway. Check out their website  for more details!

GC food authority on the carbs