Passion meets plate at Nobby's newest hotspot - Lars Bar & Grill

By Bianca Trathen

The Gold Coast’s dining scene just received a major glow-up with the arrival of Lars Bar & Grill, nestled in Nobby Beach’s buzzing Oxley 1823 precinct.

Officially opening its doors in August, this new ‘it girl’ eats and sips spot specialises in fine modern Australian cuisine, with woodfired steaks and fresh seafood taking centre stage. Helmed by owner, head chef and culinary powerhouse, Lars Kollrepp, it’s the new kid on the block everybody is talking about - and for all the right reasons.

Lars, the son of Gold Coast hospitality legend Marty Kollrepp of Oskars on Burleigh fame, is certainly no stranger to the restaurant caper. He brings over 20 years of experience, including his tenure as Executive Chef at some of Simon Gloftis' most celebrated Sunshine-state based establishments, like Fish House, Nineteen at The Star, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine and Sushi Room, and Hellenika. Combining his fine dining expertise with a dream to open his very own restaurant, Lars’ menu celebrates the very best local Queensland produce and delivers clean, simple flavours executed to perfection.

Flexing the famous Kollrepp foodie pedigree, his vision was to bring a city-style dining experience to the laid-back atmosphere of the Gold Coast. Cue the applause because he’s done precisely that, creating a neighbourhood spot where locals and visitors feel right at home while indulging in a meticulously crafted high-end meal.

Steak lovers will enjoy plenty of ‘chef’s kiss’ moments, thanks to the custom woodfire grill and in-house dry-aged cool room. Highlights include titillatingly tender 1kg Dry-Aged T-Bone Stockyard Black Angus and the 400g Stockyard New York Strip Wagyu, both flavoursome and Instagrammable in equal measure. If seafood is more your style, an early fan favourite is the PanFried Knobby Snapper, drizzled with golden burnt butter, tangy capers, and a zesty lemon kick.

Not to be outdone, the snacks and starters section offers decadent treats like hand-picked crab rosti. Pair your dish with the signature Dragonfruit Martini or choose from the carefully curated wine list, designed to complement the robust flavours of the menu.

Lars Bar & Grill’s sophisticated yet simple design was brought to life by Dankav, BDA, and interior stylist Nachaya Kollrepp. The result is a stunning and sophisticated space, merging classic elegance with a warm, welcoming feel. Indoors, it’s all about modern minimalism and a friendly, inviting ambience, ideal for those who appreciate refined simplicity without the pretentious undertones. Outdoors, sun-seeking patrons can set up shop, soaking up the iconic Mermaid Beach relaxedmeets-cool vibes, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the ocean. And for anyone looking to host an event, do-or-die business meeting or any special occasion, the intimate private dining room is contemporary yet timeless.

With its prime location and five-star fare, Lars Bar & Grill serves up an unforgettable premium dining experience, wrapped in warm hospitality and guaranteed good vibes. So, whether you're a Gold Coast local or just passing through, let Lars do what Lars does best; dazzle your palette and elevate your dining game to a whole new level of flavour and flair.