The Boardwalk Tavern

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As the moon languidly reaches out to illuminate the stream of revellers flowing between the deck and the bar, while the waves brush restlessly against the boardwalk below, the beauty of this setting is breathtaking. There is a feeling of being transported to a tropical island paradise, as cocktails flow and the bronzed and colorfully dressed strut past, birds of paradise flamboyantly displaying their plumage in a bid for attention.

There is a delicious irony to this setting, the realisation that the Boardwalk Tavern is not perched on prime beachfront, instead carefully nestled along the channels, far away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal beaches. And I believe it is this disarming contradiction that makes the Boardwalk so appealing. Tucked away from the brilliant but plastic veneer that is Surfers Paradise, it provides a welcome detour for locals and those gratified through word of mouth to let time meander off into the sunset.


Dining at the Boardwalk would best be described as relaxed, infused with touches of the Mediterranean. Eyeing the menu tentatively, I am engrossed in the excruciating tug-of war of choice. Finally I am dragged unrestrainedly toward the oysters kilpatrick, a tantalizing opening to the first scene that is the main course.

When deciding on my main it was a much easier decision, a mixed tapas, which allowed me the luxury of trying several different dishes without appearing greedy. When you are born into a family of six, second dibs on dessert is never an option, so on reaching adulthood I regularly make up for lost time ordering numerous dishes as part of my dining experience.

The oysters arrived swimming in a sumptuous pool of kilpatrick sauce, plump and moist, grilled to perfection. They were swiftly followed by the mixed tapas plates, which consisted of salt and pepper calamari, lamb korma, prawn and scallop siumais and coconut crumbed prawns. The coconut crumbed prawns were arranged on a platter, light and flaky complimented by a thai chilli nham jim sauce. Next came the lamb koftas, lightly spiced and very fragrant with a minted yoghurt dipping sauce.

The salt and pepper calamari appeared lightly fried and very tender. I was interested to note that the Boardwalk had created a chilli caramel sauce for the calamari, a clever twist on a commonly served dish. Last but definitely not least was the prawn and scallop siumais, bulging morsels of succulent seafood graced by a sweet chilli dipping sauce, freshly steamed and very juicy.

The menu at the Boardwalk lacks pretension and delivers on flavor and locally sourced produce. If you are looking to feed the family the pizzas, burgers, schnitzels and beer battered chips are generously portioned and non-greasy. I am a personal fan of the Spanish chorizo and goats cheese pizza sprinkled with rocket (make sure to add the jalapenos if you like a bit of heat!)

There are also vegetarian options that would entice even a hardnosed carnivore, such as the Noosa red organic tomato salad - boasting basil leaves and goats cheese the flavors are clean and crisp - or the wild mushroom risotto coated in a snowy layer of shaved grano padrano cheese, providing just the right balance of bite and texture to the dish.

is open 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner. With the luxury of a floor to ceiling flat screen TV for the sports enthusiasts, it is the perfect setting to watch a game with mates. There is even a kids play area inside, which will appeal to those searching for a stylish but child friendly location to gather with friends.


With live music on the weekends and a courtesy bus running from Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm, it is a great local venue to relax over a cocktail or glass of wine.

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