In fact, as a former resident myself, I’d like to put the record straight. And in recent years, we’ve seen areas like Burleigh Heads and Kirra and Mermaid Beach begin to really come into their own as foodie hot-spots have thrust open their doors.

But if you’d like some guidance on where to go when you’re in town, then look no further. While we’re not self-appointing ourselves the arbiters of cool, we’d like to think we’ve cultivated some pretty good taste over the years – and this is our non-exhaustive but fairly definitive guide to the best and coolest restaurants to try in the Gold Coast right now.

1. Rick Shores (Burleigh Heads)

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Best for: Bug rolls, oceanside spritzes, canapés.

Open: Every day

Rick Shores is a bit of a Gold Coast institution and a favourite of both locals and visitors alike. Even Austin Butler famously loved their Moreton Bay bug rolls, a dish he became obsessed with while filming Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis on Australia’s Gold Coast. The menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced produce for a Pan-Asian inspired menu of dumplings, curries, roasted duck and more. We’d suggest booking ahead for weekends and groups, as this spot is pretty popular. Bookings are for a two hour dining period and only includes indoor seating. If you’re hoping to make the most of some good weather, you’ll need to walk in for a table outside.

2. The North Room (Mermaid Beach)

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Best for: Wine-fuelled evenings, pretzel bread, cheese toasties.

Open: Thursday–Saturday

The North Room is itty-bitty – seating a maximum of 20 guests over two sittings per evening (or for lunch). Their share-style food and wine menu is ever-changing, featuring stellar faves like pork jowl with blood oranges, beef short ribs with eggplant and salt bush or their ever-famous house pretzel bread. The cuisine is European-leaning, and the ambience is buttery smooth. And for the oenophiles among us, they received the 3 glass award for their wine list for the second year running in 2025. On Fridays, they’ve also started offering a two-course lunch for $55pp (a steal, if you ask us).

3. Hanks Kirra (Coolangatta)

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Best for: fresh handmade pasta, frosty cocktails, charcuterie.

Open: Tuesday–Sunday

We’re a sucker for any place named after a family pet and Hanks (named after the owners’ beloved German Shepherd) is no exception. No meal at Hanks is started without a generous order of their Schiacciata (an Italian flatbread served warm), and finished without some cannolis or biscotti. They have an ample (and completely separate) vegetarian and vegan menu, which makes dining with groups a breeze (they have a great private dining room too that seats up to 26 of your mates). Expansive open windows and a 40-strong cocktail list make for a great afternoon or evening of people-watching too.

4. Yamagen (Surfers Paradise)

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Best for: izakaya, pastry masters, sashimi.

Open: Every day

Yamagen in the QT Hotel boasts itself as the Gold Coast’s first Japanese fine dining restaurant, but we’d be remiss for not also mentioning it’s one of Queensland’s largest Japanese whisky collections (over 65 bottles and counting). The Japanese BBQ restaurant and sushi bar puts on live cooking displays and their menu works its way around sushi and delicate market-fresh sashimi. If you’re driving in, the venue also offers complimentary parking for up to one hour.

5. Frida Sol Mexican (Palm Beach)

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Best for: Taco Tuesdays, Happy Hours, post-swim feeds.

Open: Every day

Perched on a rooftop, this Mexican bar and taqueria is the spot to hit on a Tuesday – where tacos are $6 and sangria’s are flowing for $20 a jug. The menu is full of Mexican classics with a modern twist – from market fish ceviche to beef cheek empanadas. On a sunny day, we’d suggest parking yourself outside at one of their high tables under a shaggy dry grass umbrella, and washing down some tacos with the very best Coconut Margarita on the coast.

6. Restaurant Labart (Burleigh Heads)

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Best for: long lunches, late dinners, grilled prawns.

Open: Wednesday–Sunday

Labart is a gem in Burleigh that was even awarded the Best Restaurant in QLD at the 2024 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards. They’re famous for their grilled prawns (which haven’t left the menu since they landed). They’ve been in business for more than seven years now, and are always buzzing. From Friday–Sunday from 12pm, they host delectable long lunches, and have an excellent cocktail hour that runs from 4:30–5:30pm (Wednesday through Saturday) and 12–4pm (Fridays lunch), where you’ll find yourself able to park with a $12 cocktail or rotating wine.

7. Norté (Mermaid Beach)

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Best for: agave cocktails, moody interiors, steak.

Open: Wednesday–Monday

Latin American flavours are the centrepiece of Norté – a dining room, agave bar and open-air terrace downstairs from Sueno Rooftop. You’ll find slow-cooked short rib al pastor, Mushroom Tetela (a Norté staff favourite), or even dip your toes into some Dulce de Leche Gelato with Burnt Italian Meringue. Their lunch set men (available Friday–Sunday) is a steal – three courses for $55pp.

8. Lucia Tapas (Tugun)

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Best for: Friday night cocktails, tapas hour, alfresco dining.

Open: Wednesday-Sunday

There’s no better place to maximise a Gold Coast day than alfresco at LUCIA. Their pink-hued courtyard plays host to live music and drag bingo – and a couple of resident lizards too. You can get in on plenty of Spanish classics like Paella, Jamon and Steak – as well as some frosty cocktails for those hot afternoons and evenings. (They do $15 cocktails all night long on Fridays.) There are plenty of small plates if you’re just looking to snack and share over a couple of drinks – or you can Uber Eats the whole feast to your home directly.

9. Oi Zakaya Japanese (Burleigh Heads)

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Best for: affordable but delicious eats.

Open: Tuesday–Saturday

This Japanese restaurant and whisky bar in Burleigh Heads came as a personal recommendation from friends who live in the area – mostly for its infamous $1 gyoza on Tuesdays. They do sushi, tempura, okonomiyaki and plenty of other Izakaya faves – and they’ve also started doing an epic wagyu sando that you shouldn’t miss out on.

10. Madame V (Palm Beach)

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Best for: Yum Cha, classic Japanese fare, great cocktails.

Open: Wednesday–Sunday

Madame V lives up to its namesake with luxe interiors and plush banquettes to lounge in. They offer a-la-carte dining, and also operate as a lounge bar – but their Sunday Yum Cha menu is where it’s at. It includes all your favourite yum cha dumplings, along with some of their most beloved dishes like miso eggplant and kingfish.

11. Siblings (Kirra Beach)

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Best for: Surf watching, celebratory meals, summer afternoons.

Open: Every day

A popular spot amongst locals, Siblings is set every so slightly off the sand at Kirra. They’re open for lunch and dinner every day and you can opt to sit in their air-conditioned interiors or alfresco to enjoy the best of summer on the GC. Their menu offerings are pretty expansive and Mediterranean-leaning, so it’s a great place to take a crowd – or you can opt to stop by for a couple of drinks and snacks post-swim too.

12. Light Years (Burleigh Heads)

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Best for: Asian-fusion, share-style dishes, light bites.

Open: Every day

You may have headed to one of their sister locations in Byron, Noosa, Newcastle or Perth – but they also have a spot in Burleigh. They do some of the best Asian-fusion dishes – from pineapple pork belly to san choy bao. Their Burleigh digs is super cute and colourful – and just a stone’s throw from the beach itself.

13. Haven at the Mondrian (Burleigh Heads)

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Best for: Poolside drinks, and feeling like your on vacation (even if you’re not).

Open: Every day

Poolside vegetating never looked so good. The newly opened Mondrian in Burleigh boasts a few food and beverage stops, but we’re touting their pool-side venue Haven as the must-visit. It’s local produce cooked over fire (in their giant, woodfired oven). The interiors are stunning and enjoy some live entertainment as the restaurant also operates as the hotels’ pool club (with DJS and cocktails circulating through the cabanas). You can also book out parts of the venue for private events if you’ve got a special occasion on the cards.

14. Palette (Surfer’s Paradise)

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Best for: High tea, tiny sandwiches, post-exhibition feeds.

Open: Every day

The Gold Coast’s HOTA precinct (Home of the Arts) has quickly become a mecca of exhibitions, creative events and more for the coast. And their on-site restaurant Palette is an extension of their artistic endeavours in the realm of the gustatory. They do an excellent two-hour High Tea setting that includes a selection of savoury and sweet treats with a pot of Tavalon tea, or you can pop in a la carte for a lunch or dinner that will truly blow your mind (and palette) away.

Feature image: one, two.

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Dior releases Fall 2026 collection

The Fall 2026 Dior collection unfolds as an expansive narrative, translating Jonathan Anderson’s recoding of the House into a transformative wardrobe that moves fluidly between characters, occasions, and moods, affirming fashion’s power to subtly yet boldly rewire the everyday. Drawing from Dior’s history and filtering it through muted tones, refined silhouettes, and meticulous craftsmanship, the collection frames style as a personal, evolving dialogue where each piece enables the wearer to construct their own character.

Find out more on the Dior website.

Clicquot and Claws returns to Chiswick

Returning for a limited-time summer encore, Clicquot and Claws sees Solotel once again partner with Veuve Clicquot and Brolos Western Rock Lobster to celebrate the iconic pairing of Champagne and lobster at Chiswick Woollahra from 6–31 January 2026. Set within Chiswick’s garden surrounds, the activation invites long lunches and golden-hour indulgence with curated lobster dishes perfectly matched to a glass of Veuve Clicquot.

Find out more on the Chiswick website.

Alémais’s Resort 26 collection drops

Photographed in Rosemary Riad, Marrakech, the Alémais Resort 26 collection captures the city’s hypnotic, sun-drenched energy in a collaboration with Laurence Leenaert of LRNCE, united by a shared devotion to craft, experimentation, and creative freedom. Shaped by colour, scent, and light, the collection embraces the perfectly imperfect spirit of Marrakech—luminous, tactile, and richly alive.

Find out more on the Alémais website.

CHARLES & KEITH unveils its Lunar New Year 2026 collection

CHARLES & KEITH ushers in Lunar New Year 2026 with “In Transit,” a collection inspired by the Year of the Horse that celebrates movement, renewal, and the beauty of transformation. Blending festive vibrance with timeless versatility, the capsule features refreshed signature bags, playful charms, and personalised gifting touches designed for women embracing every new chapter with confidence and ease.

Find out more on the CHARLES & KEITH website.

The post Dior’s Fall 26 collection and Veuve Clicquot’s return to Chiswick: here’s what you missed in fashion this week appeared first on RUSSH.

“This festival is about radical visibility and imagination,” says Artistic Director Dino Dimitriadis, and that spirit runs through every element of the program. In a moment when trans lives are increasingly politicised and arts infrastructure is under pressure, the Trans Theatre Festival invites audiences to sit together, listen deeply.

When is it?

The festival runs from 7–18 January at Carriageworks in Sydney and 21–31 January at Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne.

Who is running the festival?

Co-presented by Green Door Theatre Company alongside Carriageworks and Malthouse Theatre, and led by Artistic Director Dino Dimitriadis.

What’s on the program?

At the heart of the program is international icon Travis Alabanza, bringing their acclaimed solo work BURGERZ to Australia for the first time. Since premiering in 2018, BURGERZ has sold out theatres across the world and won the Total Theatre Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show is as funny as it is devastating, tracing Alabanza’s response to a real-life act of transphobic violence – someone throwing a burger at them in public – and transforming it into a fiercely imaginative exploration of survival, embodiment and resistance. 2026 also marks ten years since that moment on London’s Waterloo Bridge, giving this Australian debut even greater resonance.

But BURGERZ is just the beginning. The festival also features Daley Rangi’s Takatāpui, alongside staged readings of two exciting new works: Hermaphroditus by Zoe Terakes and Gull by Glace Chase. Together, the program showcases a rich range of voices, forms and perspectives from across the trans theatre landscape.

Beyond the performances, the festival opens up into an expansive wrap-around program designed to build long-term impact. There are masterclasses connecting emerging and established artists, major new play developments in both states, symposium days packed with panels and showcases, late-night gatherings, and a strong commitment to accessible pricing and community ticketing. It’s about creating space  not just on stage, but across the entire ecosystem of Australian theatre.

Where and when can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available now via the Carriageworks website.

The post The Trans Theatre Festival is coming to Sydney and Melbourne – here’s what’s on the program appeared first on RUSSH.

Burnout itself is not a disease, but a condition characterised by mood changes (like depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances), which are also present in diagnosed mental diseases (such as depression or anxiety disorders).

Burnout symptoms can be separated into three domains:

We cannot discuss burnout without first introducing the nervous system, which as the name suggests is involved in receiving and transmitting information between different parts of the body, processing sensory input, and controlling various bodily functions. The nervous system is a complex network of specialised cells, tissues, and organs that coordinates and regulates the activities of the body.

Burnout is a chicken-and-the-egg type of situation. The food you eat provides the building blocks for your nervous system to function properly, but chronic stress also increases the demands for micronutrients such as magnesium and B vitamins.

When we are stressed, making nutritious food choices can fall down on the priority list. Poor food choices mean we don’t get the extra nutrients we need to combat the extra stress. The “busy-ness” often means we are eating on the run, and eating on the run also leads to inadequate digestion, further exacerbating nutrition deficiencies.

If you’ve ever been caught, or are currently in the busy/stress trap then likely you’ll know all too well how easy it is to lean into convenience foods which can lack in nutrients but are also high in refined carbohydrates and sugar which can lead to blood sugar crashes, sending our brain more signals that we are in crisis.

Banishing burnout is indeed a multi-pronged approach to your work, life, mental, physical and emotional health. Let’s tackle one part for now and look at nutrition to support your nervous system and prevent burnout:

Essential nutrients

Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. These include:

Neurotransmitter balance

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells. Adequate nutrition is essential for the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters, which influence mood, cognition, and overall brain function. Consuming a balanced diet with sufficient protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats provides the building blocks for neurotransmitter production.

Blood sugar regulation

The brain relies primarily on glucose as its energy source. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through regular, balanced meals and snacks can prevent energy crashes and support optimal brain function. Including complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with protein and healthy fats, helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Gut-brain connection

Emerging research highlights the importance of the gut-brain axis, which involves bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. A healthy gut microbiome, influenced by diet, plays a significant role in maintaining brain health and neurotransmitter balance. Consuming a diverse range of fibre-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes and whole grains), fermented foods (kraut, kimchi, kombucha, yoghurt), and pre-biotics (which feed beneficial gut bacteria) supports a healthy gut-brain connection.

Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for optimal nerve function. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, mood, and overall brain performance. Drinking adequate water and consuming hydrating foods, such as fruits and vegetables, helps maintain proper hydration.

Mindful eating

Sit to consume your meals and avoid eating on the run or at your desk. Chew your food, digestion starts in the mouth after all. Savour your food, which will in turn regulate hunger cues but also help to reduce stress.

For more nutrition advice from Brittany Darling, visit Day One Fertility.

Image: one.

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What started as a few exclusive Nahmias jackets has turned into Supreme-era levels of frenzy, fuelled by Timothée Chalamet superfans, resellers, and A24’s carefully curated mystique. But now, you might just be able to snag yourself a piece of the hype, as Golf Wang – the brand founded by one of the film’s stars, Tyler, the Creator – has teamed up with A24 for an apparel collection inspired by the upcoming film.

Here’s how to get your hands on it…

When is it being released?

The full collection drops tomorrow, on Friday 19 December 2025 at 8am Pacific Time (or 3am Saturday AEDT / 2am Saturday AEST for those shopping online in Australia).

Given the demand seen at previous Marty Supreme merch releases, fans should expect popular items and sizes to sell out quickly.

Where can I buy it?

The collection will be available through the Golf Wang app, the Golf Wang webstore, and at all Golf Wang physical locations in Sydney, London, New York and Los Angeles.

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What’s in the collection?

The capsule pulls from the movie’s 1950s setting, blending retro silhouettes with Golf Wang’s colourful, streetwear-forward aesthetic. Instead of a single hero piece, the collaboration offers a full range of items that expand the film’s visual world beyond pop-up exclusives.

The collection features bowling shirts, camp-collar tops, graphic T-shirts, blousons, and varsity jackets. A standout piece uses a newspaper-style print with Timothée Chalamet’s face repeating beneath a pink Marty Supreme wordmark.

Other highlights include a bold portrait tee, a subtle blouson with a small Marty Supreme patch, a bowling shirt with vintage table-tennis embroidery, and varsity jackets referencing the film’s “Rockwell Ink.”

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Why is the Marty Supreme merch so hyped right now?

The hype around Marty Supreme has been building for months. Directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet, the film has attracted massive attention thanks to its limited merch drops, celebrity wearers (Finneas, Kylie, A$AP Rocky, Tom Brady, Justin and Hayley Bieber) – and resale prices climbing as high as £3,000.

Fans have waited overnight, tracked locations via TikTok and paid a fortuen just for a chance at owning a jacket.

The post Here’s how to get your hands on the new Marty Supreme x Golf Wang merch appeared first on RUSSH.

Here’s what we know so far…

What’s been announced?

In an Instagram post earlier today, Rocky shared the news on social media, announcing that Don’t Be Dumb is “finally here” and thanking Burton for helping him make the movie.

A post shared by A$AP ROCKY (@asaprocky)

So is it a film or an album?

At this point, it’s confirmed to be Rocky’s fourth studio album. But given the nature of the cinematic talent he’s collaborating with for it – Elfman and Burton – we think there’s likely to be some pretty epic visuals attached. But, we wait for confirmation on that front.

When will it be released?

While there’s still no confirmed release date, the message makes it clear that the album rollout is officially underway: “Coming Soon”.

Fans have been busy speculating, especially after Rocky was spotted wearing a hoodie with the numbers “01162026,” hinting at a possible 16 January 2026 release.

At the same time, Rocky has continued to say the album is expected to drop sometime in 2025 – so for now, the exact timing remains a mystery.

Why was it delayed?

Originally set to drop in August 2024, Don’t Be Dumb has gone through several delays. Tracks that have already been announced include Highjack, Tailor Swif, Ruby Rosary, and Pray4DaGang.

Rocky has been open about why the album keeps getting pushed back, saying he doesn’t want to rush the process. In recent interviews, he’s described the project as a reflection of personal growth – less focused on excess, but still rooted in fashion, creativity, and self-expression.

Outside of music, Rocky has hardly slowed down. He’s stayed busy with acting roles, creative director gigs with Ray-Ban and an ambassadorship with CHANEL, and family life alongside Rihanna and their children.

Who is involved?

Rocky recently revealed the album artwork was by none other than legendary filmmaker Tim Burton, bringing together hip-hop and Burton’s signature gothic, cinematic style.

Burton’s involvement isn’t just surface-level, either. The director behind cult classics like Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beetlejuice reportedly created the official album artwork and may be part of a larger visual world tied to the project.

Rocky has previously shared that he played the album for Burton, who was blown away by what he heard and surprised by how wide-ranging Rocky’s sound had become.

Adding even more cinematic energy to the album is Danny Elfman, Burton’s longtime collaborator. Elfman – known for scoring films like Beetlejuice and Men in Black – contributed to multiple tracks on Don’t Be Dumb, reportedly handling portions of the album’s scoring.

One of the songs he worked on was produced by The Alchemist, further emphasising just how eclectic and ambitious the project is shaping up to be.

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The show has already taken Emily everywhere from neighbourhood cafés and hidden gardens to dramatic Roman viewpoints and the sunniest corners of the French Riviera.

Below, we tracked down every real-life location she visits on screen, and along the way, we’re sharing insider tips, local context, and a few smart recommendations, so you can add these spots to your next European adventure with ease.

Everywhere Emily went in Paris

1. Le Jardin de Palais Royal

Location: 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France

Emily and Mindy’s first meeting takes place in the Jardin du Palais Royal, a bustling but still quiet little park right in the heart of Paris, tucked behind the grand Palais Royal. With its neat rows of trees and elegant arcades, it feels worlds away from the busy streets nearby. In their first encounter, the moment is anything but graceful – Mindy is babysitting Laurent and Sybil when the kids accidentally knock bread straight out of Emily’s hands, setting the whole friendship in motion. The park shows up again in the episode Ringarde, when Mindy sings La Vie en Rose among the gardens.

2. Café de Flore

Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France

One of Paris’s most iconic hangouts, Café de Flore, is set along Boulevard Saint-Germain at the edge of a lively Left Bank park. Open since the late 1800s, it’s one of the city’s oldest cafés and has long been a gathering place for writers, artists, and philosophers. In the episode Ringarde, Emily visits here with Thomas, who points out that Café de Flore became closely associated with Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. The funny part? At the time, the truly fashionable crowd was actually across the street at Les Deux Magots, where Hemingway and Picasso held court.

3. La Maison Rose

Location: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, France

Emily and Mindy share a meal at La Maison Rose, the unmistakable pink restaurant tucked along Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre. Over dinner, the conversation turns serious – Sylvie’s frustration with Emily’s influencer side hustle, and the fact that this night marks the end of Emily’s time as a social media influencer before she deletes her account. The street pops up again later in the season, when Rue de l’Abreuvoir becomes the backdrop for the Hästens luxury bed campaign.

4. Pont Alexandre III

Location: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France

Episode 3 places Emily on the Pont Alexandre III, the lavish Beaux-Arts span framed by Parisian icons: the Champs-Élysées rising in one direction and the gilded dome of Les Invalides gleaming in the other. The bridge has appeared on screen before, notably in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. That film also featured another setting later used in Emily, the Musée des Arts Forains – a whimsical fairground museum on the city’s south-eastern edge – which makes its appearance in Episode 7.

6. Pont Neuf

75001 Paris, France

Season 2 ends back in Paris, with Emily on the Pont Neuf, considering her next move from the city’s oldest bridge. We’d recommend visiting early morning or at sunset for fewer crowds, and exploring the charming Square du Vert-Galant (hidden garden) below.

7. Gallery Lafayette

Location: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris France

Galeries Lafayette appears as one of Emily in Paris’s most recognisable settings. Its celebrated Art Nouveau dome features prominently, most notably during the Season 4 Cadence launch. Within the series, it’s presented as a place where Agence Grateau’s business unfolds. We’d recommend heading to the 7th-floor terrace for free, panoramic views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

8. Atelier des Lumières

Location: 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France

L’Atelier des Lumières features in Emily in Paris as the immersive digital art venue visited by Emily, Gabriel and Camille in the episode Faux Amis. The former industrial space in Paris’s 11th arrondissement transforms classic artworks into large-scale, enveloping projections, and the characters experience its Van Gogh exhibition during their visit. Opened in 2018 by Culturespaces, the venue on rue Saint-Maur has become a landmark for contemporary digital exhibitions.

9. Palais Garnier

Location: Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Palais Garnier features in Emily in Paris as the iconic Paris opera house visited by Emily and Thomas in the episode Ringarde. The historic 1,979-seat venue is the setting for a planned evening of Swan Lake, but the visit takes a turn when Thomas dismisses the ballet. During the visit, Emily also spots Pierre watching from a balcony above and rushes up to speak with him.

10. Monet’s House

Location: 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France

Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny feature in Emily in Paris as the historic artist’s home and museum visited by Emily in season four, episode two, Love Is on the Run. Located about an hour and a half outside Paris, the pink house and famous water lily pond are where Emily finds Camille after she disappears following her cancelled wedding. While wandering the gardens beneath Monet’s iconic Japanese bridge, Emily learns about the artist’s water lilies and accidentally falls into the pond during a confrontation with Camille. The museum is now open to the public, in case you wanted to add it to your itinerary.

Everywhere Emily went in the French Riviera

Season 2’s Do You Know the Way to St. Tropez? episode features Emily on a girls’ weekend in Saint-Tropez, which turns out to have been filmed mainly in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Here’s where she went…

1. Villefranche-sur-Mer train station

Location: Av. Georges Clemenceau, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

The pisode opens at the Villefranche-sur-Mer train station. Even the details give it away – a poster for Menton’s famous lemon festival hangs on the platform, a subtle nod to the Côte d’Azur. While she’s supposed to be in Saint-Tropez, Emily actually arrives in Villefranche-sur-Mer, about 120 kilometres further east. A small switch, maybe, but one that unmistakably places her in the heart of the French Riviera.

2. Route des Trois Corniches

Location: It isn’t a single address but three scenic roads (Grande, Moyenne, Basse Corniche) between Nice and Menton, France, each starting near Nice’s port/harbour district (like Riquier for Grande)

Emily’s Riviera weekend kicks off with views that make an instant impression. She’s traveling along the Moyenne-Corniche and the Grande-Corniche, the scenic roads that wind between Nice and Menton high above the Mediterranean. For miles, the route hugs the hills, with the sea stretching out below and classic Côte d’Azur scenery unfolding at every turn.

There’s a bit of movie history here, too. These roads—known collectively as the Trois Corniches—were famously used in Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. Back in 1955, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant cruised along the very same curves in a convertible, cementing the Corniche as one of cinema’s most iconic drives.

3. Le Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

Location: 71 Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Côte d’Azur, France

For the weekend, Emily and her friends check into one of the French Riviera’s most iconic hotels, perched above the Mediterranean with views that feel almost unreal. The Four Seasons’ Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is old-school glamour at its finest – everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Winston Churchill has passed through its doors. The hotel’s appeal goes well beyond Emily in Paris, too. It’s apparently a front-runner for the next season of HBO’s The White Lotus Season 4.

1. Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Location: 1 Route de Saint-Hospice, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Paloma Beach has hosted its fair share of Hollywood stars over the years (Tom Cruise, Sean Connery, and Roger Moore have all dined here), but Emily Cooper’s champagne-soaked moment on the terrace of the legendary Paloma Beach restaurant is instantly memorable. Tucked away on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the beach feels wonderfully untouched, with sweeping views toward the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze across the water.

2. Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Jean Cocteau Chapel)

Location: 4 Quai de l’Amiral Courbet, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Camille meets Emily at the Chapelle Saint-Pierre on Quai de l’Amiral Courbet. The chapel’s striking interior is revealed as Emily enters. Dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, this historic chapel was transformed into a masterpiece by the renowned French artist Jean Cocteau.

Everywhere Emily went in Rome

1. Hotel Eden

Location: Via Ludovisi, 49, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Emily’s first stop in Rome is 5-star Hotel Eden, which anyone familiar with the city knows is one of its true icons. It’s been around since 1889 and sits just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, right in the heart of the elegant Via Veneto area. The hotel is famously inspired to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, and it still has that classic Roman glamour. One of its standout features is La Terrazza, the rooftop with incredible city views, where Emily and Sylvie sit down for breakfast.

2. Harry’s Bar

Location: Via Vittorio Veneto, 150, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

When Sylvie meets Giancarlo in Rome, their scene is set at Harry’s Bar, a classic American-style bar that’s been part of the city’s social scene for decades. The commercial Giancarlo is filming weaves in some real Roman history, too – the actress is shown driving through Porta Pinciana, one of the best-preserved gates in the ancient Aurelian Walls. Those walls were built nearly 2,000 years ago under emperors Aurelian and Probus and once wrapped entirely around the city, protecting Rome at its peak.

3. The Acqua Paola Fountain

Location: Via Garibaldi, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Marcello zips Emily through Rome on his scooter, weaving through the city until they end up at Janiculum Hill. It sits just above Trastevere and only a few minutes from the Tiber, and at the top you’ll find Il Fontanone, literally “the big fountain.” It’s a huge Baroque fountain built in the early 1600s, and the views from up there are unreal – you get the whole city laid out beneath you. It’s one of those classic Roman spots that always makes for great photos.

4. The Janiculum Hill

Location: Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, 00165, Roma RM, Italy

If you keep walking past Il Fontanone, you’ll hit Piazza Garibaldi, which has one of the best panoramic terraces in the city. This is where Marcello brings Emily to catch the famous Gianicolo cannons, which fire every day at exactly noon just below the lookout – it’s a classic Roman tradition. Even though Janiculum isn’t technically one of Rome’s Seven Hills, it’s actually one of the city’s highest spots, so the views are incredible in every direction. On a clear day, you can even spot landmarks like the Pantheon and the Vittorio Emanuele monument way down below.

5. Teatro Marcello

Location: Via del Teatro di Marcello, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

It’s easy to confuse it with the Colosseum at first glance, but the Theatre of Marcellus is a completely different kind of ancient landmark. You’ll find it tucked into the Sant’Angelo neighbourhood, right between the Jewish Ghetto and the Tiber. Back in the day, it could hold around 20,000 spectators, though now only the lower levels remain purely ancient – the upper floors were built over and are still used as apartments. After a night of rooftop drinks and city views, Emily and Marcello end the evening here.

6. Da Giggetto Al Portico D’Ottavia

Location: Via del Portico d`Ottavia, 21/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Marcello brings Emily to Da Giggetto, the kind of place Romans have been going to forever. It’s tucked into the Jewish Ghetto, right near the Portico of Octavia, where ancient columns still line the street. Da Giggetto has been around since the 1920s, and it shows – in the best way. It’s a longtime local favourite, and if you’re eating here, there’s really only one thing you have to order: carciofi alla giudia. Those crispy, golden Jewish-style artichokes are a Roman classic.

7. The Trevi Fountain

Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

What Roman holiday isn’t complete without throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain? It’s one of those classic Roman rituals everyone ends up doing. Standing there, Marcello explains the rules to Emily: use your right hand and toss the coin over your left shoulder. Emily sticks with just one coin – enough to make sure she’ll be back in Rome someday – skipping the full three, which legend says lock in love and marriage in the Eternal City.

8. The Colosseum

Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Ah, another classic. The Colosseum. It’s the kind of place that’s beauty and history stops you mid-thought, especially when the afternoon light hits and the stone seems to glow. As they ride by on the Vespa, Marcello nudges Emily to put her phone away and just take it all in.

9. Spanish Steps

Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Emily and Marcello wander over to the Spanish Steps, the wide staircase that climbs from Piazza di Spagna up to the church of Trinità dei Monti. It’s been part of the city since the 1700s, and today it sits right in the middle of Rome’s high-fashion zone. Via Condotti starts at the base of the steps, lined with designer storefronts – Gucci, Prada, Valentino… of course our duo pause for a moment on the steps to catch their breath. (What they don’t realise is that this little break is technically illegal – since 2019, sitting here can earn you a hefty fine, sometimes as much as €400).

10. Trattoria Angelino

Location: Piazza Margana, 37, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Emily finally slows down with an Aperol Spritz (classic) at Trattoria Angelino, a long-standing Roman spot tucked into Piazza Margana (whose origins date back to the Middle Ages), just a short walk from the Forum and the Colosseum. This place leans hard into classic Roman comfort food – think cacio e pepe, carbonara, all the staples done right. While she’s settling in, Sylvie calls, and Emily drops the truth: she’s not in Krakow after all. She’s in Rome… exactly where Sylvie figured she’d be.

11. Piazza Mattei and the Turtle Fountain

Location: Piazza Mattei, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Gelatos in hand, Mindy and Emily wander along Via della Reginella, talking through Mindy’s breakup with Nico as they cut through the Jewish Quarter. The walk drops them into Piazza Mattei, one of those small Roman squares you’d probably miss if you didn’t know to look for it. Rome has thousands of piazzas, but this one stands out thanks to the Fontana delle Tartarughe (“Fountain of the Turtles”), a 16th-century fountain with bronze turtles perched along the edge. It’s here that Mindy starts singing Beautiful Ruins and slowly pulls a crowd.

12. Borgo of Ostia Antica

Location: Piazza della Rocca, 13, 00119 Roma RM, Italy

For the Season 4 finale, Emily leaves the city behind and heads to Marcello’s hometown, Solitano. The town itself is fictional, but the filming location is very real: Ostia Antica. Getting there from central Rome is surprisingly easy: hop on Metro Line B to Piramide, then transfer to the Roma-Lido commuter train, and you’ll be there in about half an hour.

This small borgo sits beside the ruins of ancient Ostia, with cobblestone streets, ivy-covered stone walls, and quiet piazzas that haven’t changed much over the centuries. The village revolves around the Castle of Julius II, a 15th-century fortress built to protect the mouth of the Tiber. Fans will recognise the stone archway Emily walks through, which doubles as Solitano’s entrance on screen. She meets Marcello’s mother, Antonia, at the fictional Café du Ugo, filmed in Piazza della Rocca, while the village meal scene was shot just below the castle.

13. Pincio Terrace

Location: Viale del Belvedere, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

The season wraps up at the Pincio Terrace. It sits just outside Villa Borghese and looks straight out over the city, with rooftops, domes, and monuments stretching to the horizon. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when everything below starts to glow—and it’s easy to see why they chose this spot for the show’s final moments.

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Why were Melbourne plans originally dumped?

Back in 2022, Soho House’s Australian ambitions hit a wall. Plans to convert the historic Poolman House mansion in South Yarra into a boutique hotel and members’ club were knocked back by councils and met with strong resistance from local residents. Concerns ranged from zoning issues to fears about late-night activity, and despite an appeal to VCAT, the developers eventually withdrew the proposal.

At the time, attention shifted firmly to Sydney, with Melbourne seemingly off the table. Now, that story has changed.

What’s been confirmed this time?

As part of its broader growth push heading into 2026 and beyond, Soho House this week has confirmed it will open in Melbourne, alongside continued plans for Sydney. The announcement comes during a busy period for the brand, which is expanding rapidly across the U.S., Europe, and Asia following its $2.7 billion take-private deal. New houses are planned in cities like Tokyo, Milan, Madrid, and Lisbon, reinforcing Soho House’s focus on creative hubs around the world.

Why Melbourne?

Bringing Melbourne back into the picture feels deliberate. Long regarded as Australia’s cultural capital (with festivals like RISING stepping things up a notch) the city aligns naturally with Soho House’s creative-first identity, drawing members from fashion, film, music, media, and design. By committing to both Melbourne and Sydney, the company is signalling that Australia is no longer a “one-city” market, but a key region in its global network.

Details around the Melbourne location are still being kept under wraps, including where it will be based and when it might open. What is clear, however, is that Soho House appears to be approaching the city with lessons learned from its earlier missteps.

When will it open?

The official word from Soho House’s website is that plans for Melbourne and Sydney will be finalised “beyond 2027”. Which means we’re likely to see openings as early as 2028 for both cities. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.

Feature image (left): Soho House Mexico City. Feature image (right): Soho House Chicago.

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Guests were treated to roaming glasses of red, white and sparkling from Handpicked Wines, Callington Mill whisky, and skewered Gildas, all while taking turns in a retro-style photo booth, courtesy of Camera House, and exploring an electrifying installation that featured the all-new Omoda 9, its boot filled with myriad photography paraphernalia – from BEARE PARK and Loewe styling garments, to Camera House equipment, some sleek RIMOWA luggage, and even a couple of RUSSH Magazine issues to inspire some on-set creation.

At the heart of the night, however, were the three exceptional image-makers: the winners of our 2025 Creative Showcase. Each of these creative minds, whose work challenged conventional ideas and ventured into new territories of storytelling, took home a trophy – sculptural, avant-garde and carved from the bonnet of an Omoda 9 – a symbol of their excellence and vision.

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Who were the 2025 winners?

The evening kicked off with the announcement of the Judge’s Choice award, James Watts, whose work, ‘High Fashion, It’s a Flight Risk,’ captivated the judges with its dynamic subversion of fashion archetypes associated with utilitarian dress. Watts earned a $5,000 grant, courtesy of Omoda, to further pursue his creative aspirations.

Our evening’s Reader’s Choice award went to photographer Stephanie Pederson for her evocative exploration piece: ‘The Female Gaze.’ Through her lens, Pederson was inspired by Laura Mulvey’s cinematic women – highlighting the strength and nuance of the female gaze. Pederson’s recognition came with a Fujifilm Camera Kit, provided by Camera House.

Bianca Murphy took home the evening’s Editor’s Commendation award for her striking series ‘Maasai,’ influenced by her stylist Tyra’s family’s tribal background and familial roots. Her work was hand-selected by RUSSH Editor-in-Chief Jess Blanch for its dynamism, creativity and striking originality, and Murphy received a four-night stay at a Collection by TFE Hotel, with daily breakfast included, courtesy of TFE Hotels.

All three winners were also awarded with a spread in the upcoming March 2026 issue of RUSSH Magazine, affirming their remarkable talent and the bright futures ahead of them.

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Our image-makers panel talk

But the evening was not just about trophies and accolades, however. It was about sparking conversation.

RUSSH’s Executive Fashion Director, Hannah Cooper, opened the evening with a passionate address about the importance of supporting emerging creatives. “The Australian Arts community contributes $122.3 billion to our economy, with the fashion sector alone contributing $27.2 billion. We do important work, and more importantly, we are the joy-makers,” she proclaimed, setting the tone for an evening of celebration.

“We do important work, and more importantly, we are the joy-makers.”

Cooper led a panel discussion, joined by a trio of industry stalwartts: RUSSH contributing editor and photographer Kitty Callaghan, photographer Mia Rankin, and the multi-hyphenate artist Mikka Byarugaba (also known as @mikkapedia). Together, they delved into the complexities of modern image-making, exploring the role of authenticity in a world saturated with digital content, and the influence of AI on the future of photography.

Amid the discussions and celebrations, the evening was punctuated by moments of connection – including a the snapping of memories with one of Fujifilm’s Quicksnap disposable cameras, handed out to guests on arrival. Those in attendance – ranging from sculptural artist Midori Goto to actor Annabel Wolfe, baker Valentine Fodor and photographer Rob Tennent – mingled in a vibrant atmosphere, exchanging ideas and stories; a moment to refuel the next wave of creativity.

The evening was a testament to the unyielding spirit of creativity. It was a night that celebrated the bold visions and boundless imagination of creative minds who are reshaping the landscape of image-making. And for James Watts, Stephanie Pederson, and Bianca Murphy, this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their already remarkable journeys.

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Well, fear not. Luckily for you the RUSSH team are experts (and by experts I mean a team filled with Victorian expats and Melb-ophiles who return there practically monthly), and we’ve scoured our phone notes and Photo Apps to curate a list of the very best spots in Melbourne for a long lunch, below.

1. Carnation Canteen (Fitzroy)

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Open for lunch: Friday–Sunday from 12pm

Tucked into leafy Fitzroy, this sunny, glassed-in corner restaurant and bar is truly one of the best feeds you’ll have in your life. It’s a mandatory pilgrimage almost the entire RUSSH team has made now – and we still can’t stop talking about how damn good a lunch here is. Head chef Audrey Shaw has put together a stellar lineup of seasonal share plates, wines and cocktails. If the weather is lovely you can even opt to sit outside on their back patio, immersed in a herb garden. Their bathroom also features the most luscious soap known to man – To My Ships Of The Gods.

2. Gracie’s Wine Room (South Yarra)

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Open for lunch: Friday–Sunday from 1pm

You don’t have to be as chronically online as we are to understand just why Gracie’s has taken off this year. It’s founder, Kelsey, has charmed us all through the process of opening it on TikTok, but the vibes and menu speak for themselves too. We’d suggest booking a table out the back of Gracie’s for a sunny afternoon spent yapping and downing aperol spritzes (along with some of their famed focaccia).

3. HER Melbourne (CBD)

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You can kind of pick your poison at HER, which is what makes it worthy of our best long lunches list. If the weather’s wonderful, head up to the HER Rooftop to apricate with a couple of cocktails and small plates, or if you’d prefer to cosy up, the ground-floor HER Bar is moody and ambient. (If you stay long enough after lunch, they also have a 4-6pm happy hour every day). This place isn’t a well-kept secret though, so we’d suggest a booking for peak times – especially on the rooftop.

4. Marion (Carlton)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm

Another favourite amongst locals, Marion Wine Bar sits directly on Gertrude Street, perfect for stopping in for a long lunch before or after some shopping or bar hopping. While the beautifully fitted-out bistro-style interiors are divine, we’d suggest snagging an alfresco table when the weather permits. If you head there early (around opening) you’ll usually be able to walk-in and snag a table.

5. Carlton Wine Room (Carlton)

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Open for lunch: Daily from 12pm

Love wine? Look no further. Not only with the incredible staff here guide you through every drop with expert ease, but there’s also a delicious menu to match. From small bites (their anchovy, fried bread, ricotta, and pickled cucumber is the stuff of dreams) to heartier mains, this is the perfect spot for romantic lunches and bigger celebrations alike.

6. D.O.C Gastronomia (Carlton, South Bank and Mornington)

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Open for lunch: Daily from 12pm

If you ask us, one category that Melbourne really excels in is food that’s delicious, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. D.O.C. has that philosophy down to an art. Here, you’ll find pizza and pasta executed just like the Italians do. Several of the locations also come with Italian-style delis attached, so you can take home something delicious for your kitchen, too.

7. Clover (Richmond)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm

A modern wine bar set amongst the lustre to Swan Street, Clover opened in 2023 to heaving crowds. Reservations can still be hard to come by on weekends at a reasonable hour, so we’d suggest you book ahead for a primo time slot, but their wood-fired menu and extensive wines list are worth the minimal admin. The interiors are sleek and minimal – think lead-light windows, exposed brick walls and a long communal table down the centre (perfect for larger groups).

8. Pipi’s Kiosk (Albert Park)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm

There aren’t many spots around Melbourne with the kind of water-front views Pipi’s has. It’s glassed-in walls house a single-page menu focussed predominantly on super-fresh seafood. Despite its humble kiosk exterior, it’s surprisingly elegant while still being casual. The seasonal menu changes every few weeks – but we can’t go past their Friday–Sunday fish and chips special. Perfect for parking yourself with a glass of wine.

9. Gilson (South Yarra)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 7am until late

If hunger strikes while you’re on Melbourne’s south side, head to Gilson. This relaxed Italian eatery is the perfect place to sit back over some freshly-baked wood-fired bread and an Aperol spritz, before you tuck into share-style plates of pizzas, pastas, and everything in between — all while overlooking the iconic Botanic Gardens. There’s also always space for walk-ins, if you’re in need of a spontaneous Italian fix.

10. Builder’s Arms (Carlton)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm until late

This historic pub on Carlton’s picturesque Gertrude street has long had our hearts. In summer, it’s the ideal spot for an al fresco dining situation. But in winter, there’s plenty of warming meals to tuck into while you cosy up from the cold inside. But take it from us, you can’t leave without trying their whipped cod roe and flat bread.

11. Supernormal (CBD)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 11:30am

For times when you find yourself in the city,  Supernormal is something of a Melbourne institution. Dimly lit and with a (delicious, might we add) menu inspired by the flavours of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong, there’s arguably no better spot for a special occasion meal. Pro tip: start with the New England lobster roll, and leave space for dessert.

12. Chin Chin (CBD)

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Open for lunch: Every day from 11:30am

Another iconic city spot. Chin Chin is a Thai-inspired eatery that sits on Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. Upstairs you’ll find a sprawling light-filled eatery serving up modern takes on classic dishes like Pad Thai and Fried Rice, while downstairs is a dimly-lit bar that comes alive with a DJ at night.

Feature image: one, two.

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