I really am a fan of this place.
Whilst visiting the Gold Coast for the Easter Break (2015) we came across St. Bernard's by chance when we were desperately looking for a late lunch.
The truly inviting and imposing entrance gets you wondering what is behind the front doors to the big white building. The gardens are lush and green and covered in vehicles parking anywhere.
Through the entrance you enter a rich room of lounges, tables and chairs with white wales with chocolate trimmings - this place is so European Old School.
Then through the main 'gathering and lounging' area you walk out onto a big alfresco area which is spacious and boasts one of the most outstanding views (for a beer garden) in Australia. You see a massive valley which sweeps to the right and right out to the sea behind Surfers Paradise.
How can this place be - something so fabulous, real and sincere so close to the neon trash and tourism tacky that is Surfer's Paradise? Who cares! We are here, we have a table outside, the weather is sensational and the kitchen is open.
The restaurant footprint for this place is massive. You keep finding rooms (and marquess) with tables.
The menu is simple comfort food and done well. The perfect menu for everyone, especially kids and the less adventurous diners.
Considering the time of year and the numbers of tourists, our food came out at a reasonable time.
There are a couple of things I might gripe about St. Bernards - the outside dining area needs to have to ground redone so it is level, car parking was a bit hap-hazard (but this might have been down to the season) plus the dessert were a bit sad, but this too was because it was Easter Monday and their would not have been many supplier working.
I can not wait to come back ..... at any time of the year. read more