Verandah Restaurant & Bar, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove

Here on the GC, it’s easy to get a little caught up in the hype of chasing the all latest food trends. Sometimes they bring us good things (hey spicy margs) and sometimes said trends just get so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should – *side eye* butter boards, nacho tables. And sometimes our starry-eyed quest for the latest kimchi-infused-croissant-burger (pls no one actually make this) means we momentarily forget the happiness that awaits with our tried and true faves. After all, the key ingredients for a dram good time are pretty simple: cosy surrounds, knock out views and classic eats and sips that just make you feel good.

Just like having a best bud with a boat, perhaps one of the best perks for us locals is the ability to borrow some of those sweet, sweet resort-vibes for a few hours. You only have to head around the corner and you can be kicking back, soaking up those sweeping views over a long lunch for allll the rejuvenating feels of a weekend getaway and zero of the stress of packing up half your wardrobe or the vaycay sized bill #lifehack.

So if you’re overdue to whisk-ey yourself away for a few hours of indulgence, listen up because we’re about to spill the tea on one venue that has it all for foodies and liquor lovers alike. If you’re a whisky fan, we’ve ‘scotch a hunch you’re already well aquatinted with the name Verandah Restaurant and Bar, a well known destination for connoisseurs of the finest drops nestled among InterContinental Sanctuary Cove’s lush surrounds. But even if sipping world class spirits is not normally your cup of, er – tea, never fear – we’ve three magical words set to get the tastebuds tingling: all. day. eats. And as passionate foodies, the chance to have on-demand delish food dished up any old time we fancy is a-ok with us.

Sitting pretty in its prime position within the tropical InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort grounds, Verandah Restaurant and Bar strikes that perfect balance of seamless indoor and outdoor dining. The serene sweeping views overlooking the river from the formal balcony make for a picture-perfect backdrop, while the chance to cosy up in the relaxed fireplace seating has got to be pretty hard to beat this time of year. The light-filled space is bedecked in elegant French style windows, framing the stunning views in the way only French windows can. And if you can manage to peel your eyes away from the outlook, we can’t help but to swoon over the beautiful herringbone floors and the sense of luxury and warmth they bring to the space.

Open from 11 am daily for lunch, dinner and everything in between, the menu has just undergone a fresh new shake up to deliver everything from tasty shared bites through to wholesome, classic comfort food, while showcasing the freshest locally sourced ingredients we have at our fingertips on the Coast #luckyus.

No matter if it’s a leisurely late lunch or some pre-dinner bites, you’re spoilt for choice between the Mezze Plate, Charcuterie Board – or sweet tooths rejoice, even some Devonshire Tea. Or perhaps we could truffle you for some Truffle Fries because you know Tapas always go down a treat – especially when paired with some of the house Signature Cocktails.

The Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl with Grilled broccoli, organic quinoa, roast kumara, wild rocket and halloumi sounds like a big ol’ bowl of superfood goodness perfect for whatever time of the day hunger strikes. Meanwhile, the Chef’s selection of pasta-tively delish options are a whole other type of (carb-a-licious) goodness: Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli – Burnt butter, zucchini, kumara and pecorino or Mooloolaba Prawn & Mussel Fettuccine Fermented chili, confit garlic and mandarin olive oil.

And excuse us while we imagine sitting fireside this Winter, tucking into the Roast Tasmanian Salmon with Charred corn, fennel puree and finger lime or Slow Braised Lamb Shank with Broccolini, pumpkin mash, poached shallot with charred capsicum and basil jus. The only thing missing from that picture is a glass of, well whatever the heck you please because the drinks menu is somehow even more extensive again.

The purists will of course appreciate the array of top shelf spirits from around the world available for sampling, and the cocktail enthusiasts will be hard pressed to select between the classic Time Honoured and the Signature Cocktail selection. Just quietly, a Jacks Gin with Ink Dry Gin, Sapere lychee Liqueur, Elderflower St.Germain, lime juice or perhaps the Autumn Rush with Vanilla vodka, Chambord, Aperol, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, lime juice would surely go down an absolute treat.

So, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a decadent late dinner and drinks, or anything in between, whatever it is you’re craving, the ever-immaculate Verandah Restaurant and Bar is ready to make it a memorable time when you are.

Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Lower Level, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: Open from 11 am until late daily

Words by Kellie Leader

STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT.