There are moments when a city’s dining scene shifts — when a new venue opens its doors and instantly feels like it has always belonged. This week, that moment arrives on the Gold Coast with River House, a breathtaking new waterfront restaurant that captures the soul of coastal sophistication.
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Nerang River in Southport, River House is a place where fine dining meets effortless relaxation, where sunlight shimmers across glass and water and where every plate tells a story crafted by one of Queensland’s culinary greats, Chef Grant Madgwick.
From the moment you step inside, the world slows. The soft palette of stone and timber, the gentle play of natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and the subtle hum of the river just beyond — it all creates a sense of calm luxury. This is not a restaurant that shouts for attention; it invites you in quietly, promising a dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.
At its heart is Executive Chef and co-owner Grant Madgwick, a name synonymous with creativity, precision and passion. With more than 40 years shaping kitchens across Australia and abroad — from his award-winning restaurants Artichoke at Ephraim Island and Sanctuary Cove to some of the country’s most respected fine-dining establishments — Grant brings both mastery and warmth to his latest venture. His philosophy is simple: celebrate the ingredients, honour the seasons and let flavour speak for itself.
"River House is about creating connection between people, flavours and place,” he says. "Every dish tells a story of where it comes from.”
That story unfolds beautifully across the menu. Start with one of the exquisite carpaccios — delicate slices of salmon kissed with soy ponzu and red chilli, or perhaps the beef carpaccio scattered with nut crumble and Danish feta. The entrées are just as inspired: Japanese scallop ceviche, duck and pork belly spring rolls and a tempura lobster roll that is as light as it is indulgent.
When it comes to the mains, River House delivers a showcase of culinary craft and imagination. The XL BBQ Moreton Bay bugs arrive gleaming with Hollandaise and paired with duck-fat potato batons, while the Cape Grim eye fillet comes layered with fondant potato and a Shiraz-Grenache jus.
The duck confit XO, rich with black cherry and pickled cabbage, offers a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and spice. For a true feast, the seafood platter for two — laden with lobster, sand crab, oysters, sashimi and truffle fries — is a spectacle of ocean luxury.
For the adventurous, the Trust the Chef experience is an intimate journey through Madgwick’s imagination, a tasting menu that evolves nightly and reflects his deep connection to local produce and artistry.
Co-owner Anthony Do Rozario describes River House as ‘timeless’ — a space designed to celebrate the Gold Coast’s beauty with understated elegance. The breezy terrace, glass façade and panoramic views connect diners directly to the rhythm of the river. Every element, from the handcrafted tableware to the curated playlist, has been chosen to make guests feel simultaneously at ease and indulged.
The drinks menu mirrors that philosophy — crisp local whites, elegant Pinot Noirs, Champagne by the glass and cocktails inspired by the sea breeze itself. Each one is light, fresh, and beautifully presented; the perfect match to a menu that exudes coastal sophistication.
River House is more than a restaurant — it’s an experience. It’s where long lunches stretch into golden afternoons, where lovers linger over dessert as the skyline glows and where friends gather to toast life’s milestones.
In a city that thrives on sun, sea and style, River House feels like its new culinary heartbeat — refined yet relaxed, grounded yet unforgettable.
