Madam Tojos is one of those hidden gems (conveniently located in Chirn Park and only two minutes from Aqualine Apartments) that while revered by locals, may be easily missed by passing travellers. Café by day and bustling tapas bar every Friday night, this local treasure embodies the heart and soul of the Gold Coast and is a must stop for anyone wishing to experience home-grown friendliness without compromising on culinary excellence.
Dining at Madam Tojos feels more like visiting
family for a night, rather than being just another customer at another
restaurant. The staff are exceptionally helpful and chat to you like they’ve
known you for years. This homely feel is only reinforced by the eclectic mix of
décor and furniture; unique vintage pieces work together to create the feeling
of stepping into a collection spanning multiple eras. Graffiti and quotes adorn
the outside of the building, while a fusion of cabaret, Moulin rouge inspired
roses, chandeliers and ornamental mirrors mix with rustic, bohemian wooden
furniture and mismatched chairs and to create an endearing atmosphere. It’s
like stepping into Grandma’s house if Grandma was extremely stylish with a
flair for interior design.
And most importantly, the food! Madam Tojos offer a
wide range of tapas, while a little on the pricey side, will satisfy the foodie
within. Offering walnut and quinoa stuffed mushrooms, lime and coriander
chicken, spinach and three cheese pie and chorizo topped potato stack, to name
a few. Everything was cooked to perfection with flavours that burst in your
mouth and impressive, yet restrained, presentation. They also have their own
wine label sourced from the Barossa Valley, with reds described by staff as
“melted toffee apple seasoned with salt”. My recommendation is the pancetta
wrapped haloumi – amazing! You can be rest assured, I’ll be returning for lunch
to try out a different menu.
Madam Tojos is just one example of what a Southport
stay has to offer. To truly experience the best of the Gold Coast, choose
Aqualine Apartments and ensure you’re central to local dining like Madam Tojos,
hidden beaches and other scarcely visited treasures without sacrificing
proximity to the popular theme parks and Surfers Paradise beaches and Glitter
Strip.