Gemellini: Going strong, one year on!

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

Amazing, authentic – and a favourite with Nobby Beach locals. Gemellini has established itself as the best Italian on the GC. ORM popped in to raise a glass to their fantastic first year of success.  

 

When Gemellini opened its doors one year ago, owner Paul Carney and his team had a clear culinary vision. That focus was to create the best, most authentic Italian trattoria on the Gold Coast. Mission, accomplished.

This is the home of first-class informal dining rather than haute cuisine.

The investment was a strong statement of Carney’s commitment, in

excess of $500,000 was poured into the fit out of the restaurant to ensure quality treats diner’s eyes as well as their tastebuds. Rustic timber tables and height adjustable stools help to create a relaxed atmosphere, the décor highlighted with pretty light fittings brought over from Milan.

Looking back on the last twelve months, Paul, 28, says, “We’re right on track. We’ve finally achieved the dream of having 100 per cent Italian staff, that’s important to me.

 

“Popular favourites on the menu have won over the local Nobby Beach crowd. Establishing loyal regulars is a sign of our success. Our Polenta Al Ragu is always a favourite (slow cooked Riverina Angus beef cheek ragu on polenta) as is Linguine Pescatore (market fish, mussels, calamari, prawns, ocean pipi, chill, cherry tomatoes, olive oil). Players from local Titans and Suns teams all have their favourites when they come in.”

Laid-back, stylish Nobby Beach locals are a discerning crowd and the buzz really comes alive here at night.

 

Unless you want the buzz to go? If so, Gemellini’s recently joined Uber Eats. Now, the food you love from the best restaurants the Gold Coast is just a tap on the app away so you can have room service any day you fancy.

“We also open for groups of 25 or more at lunch on any week day. That’s a great option for special occasions,” says Paul. “We recently had a 21st birthday in, the girls loved trying out our extensive cocktail menu. We’ve added to the wine list over the course of this year too; fantastic wine is where my passion is. I really enjoy educating guests and talking them through our wine list and I love it when a couple ask what they should drink with a certain meal. Our sister restaurant, Gemelli in Broadbeach, won Gourmet Traveller Best Wine Award, so I’ve enjoyed bringing that level of sophistication to this area too.

“I live and breathe Nobby Beach. I’m live and work here, I’m here all the time so I understand the locals. I know what they want when they come in here during the week and at weekends. They want tasty quality food, delicious drinks and a great atmosphere. People come here to drink and eat pizza at 11:30 at night! We’re here for that important wind down socialising after work – and we want people to enjoy our wine. I think consistency of quality is what encourages people to come back.”

At the heart of warm and welcoming Gemellini sits the impressive three and a half ton wood-fired pizza oven. The wood-fired oven, which was imported from Italy, is also used to add authentic depth to the menu including Monetpulciano d’Abruzzo olives and king prawns which are carefully wood-fired.

For those with a sweet tooth, desserts here are as mouth-wateringly delicious as the pizzas; house made Tiramisu, Ricotta and Lemon Tart. Or try the donuts – they’re filled with Nutella and Marscapone. A-mazing.
 

 

 

Gemellini: 2/2247 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach.

Monday-Saturday 6pm-late (closed Tues). Sunday 12pm-3pm, 6pm-late.

Tel: 07 5575 1418. http://gemellini.com.au

Find them in the Uber Eats app.