While some eateries are all style over substance, Lucky Bao is certainly not one of the pack. The team behind the popular Miami Marketta food stall has worked wonders to inject personality into their first shoe box-sized standalone venture in a suburban Gold Coast shopping strip through modern fixtures and cool Scandi furniture, which spill out into the carpark. But it’s not the minimal fit out you come here for, it’s the food.

Although the venue’s name may reference the light and fluffy Asian buns that anchor the menu, the offering is far more diverse. Think bar snacks such as a pulled pork taco starring gochujang mayo, kimchi, cabbage, corn salsa and grated haloumi; or main plates like Sichuan twice-cook lamb ribs, fiery with a sweet-sour black vinegar glaze.

But back to those lucky bao – perhaps a pork belly version finding just the right balance of sweet and salty thanks to hoisin sauce and a pork crackle crumb; or maybe the braised beef cheek rendition bursting with tender, full-flavoured meat freshened up by a carrot and daikon pickle.

Paired to the food is a compact, yet diverse wine list extending into plum and rice varieties, plus shochu, Japanese whiskies, interesting Asian-inspired cocktails and an ale-focused range of beers. Let one of the laidback bar staff pair your menu selections with a drink and enjoy the no-frills, fuss-free feed.

Must-eat dish: The pork belly bao
Instagram: @baolucky