Let loose on the Gold Coast with an unlimited cash and kilojoule allowance? The Darling’s rooftop restaurant is a safe bet.
Known for its flashy booths, private dining, VIP service and sparkling skyline views over an Instagram-famous pool, there’s just as much going on beneath its social surface. Executive chef Uday Huja imparts luxury dishes with the soul of comfort food, crediting the heartfelt hospitality to his southern Virginian childhood.
Menu mainstay Patagonian toothfish, refreshed with a buttermilk dressing, competes with smoky goodness from the grill – ocean trout roasted on a maple cedar plank, or Moreton Bay bugs in a garlic butter crumb.
Come with an open wallet for a back-of-the-hand helping of caviar or one of the South East’s best steaks – the Kiwami 9+ MBS wagyu sirloin. Add a side of 50-50 mash. You won’t need a high-roller budget for a filthy rich dessert – go for chocolate meringue pie with Pedro Ximenez ice cream. Wine buffs can enlist Nineteen’s sommelier to explore walls of wine, but there are decent drops by the glass and chic cocktails.

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