Restaurant review: Akoya, The Langham, Gold Coast

With its stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and unmatched attention to detail, you can see why The Langham, Gold Coast, has quickly become an iconic beacon of luxury on the Australian coastline. It is also its signature restaurant, Akoya and its new chapter, inspired by the spirit of a coastal palate, that has the town talking. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean’s surface, we are lucky enough to be strolling towards Akoya. Anticipation is growing knowing that tonight’s family-friendly dining experience at Akoya, would be anything but ordinary. Akoya promised to celebrate fresh, locally-sourced produce and coastal delights, and I couldn’t wait to savour every moment with my loved ones.

Entering the restaurant, a delightful aroma of seafood embraced us, and the warm ambience was ideal. Large windows framed the beachfront view, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for the evening ahead. 

Seated at a table near the open kitchen, we could observe the skilled chefs moving with grace and precision, crafting each dish with artistry and care. The menu boasted an array of enticing offerings, including freshly shucked oysters, bugs, and lobster – all of which had my taste buds tingling with anticipation, and the kids wide-eyed with excitement.

Starting with the freshly shucked oysters, they arrived on a bed of ice, looking as exquisite as pearls from the sea. Each bite was a burst of goodness, an authentic taste of the ocean that even the little ones adored. The prawns are iconic, a simple fresh dish that I haven’t seen matched. 

My curiosity led me to try the wood-fired Moreton Bay bugs basted in whipped sea urchin butter. The dish was a culinary masterpiece, enticing all of us with its delightful dance of taste! As we savoured the first bite, we were transported to a world of smoky richness and delicate sweetness. There is just something truly special about bugs done that well, and it has been a long time since I have had this feeling. The boys order a mouth-watering Wagyu and claim it is the “best ever”. We are told it is sourced from Townsville and is only offered to 4 restaurants in Australia. It became the talk of our table and we came for the seafood! 

Throughout the evening, the attentive staff made sure to cater to the whole family, and the kids were thrilled with the playful and fun service. They especially loved the carefully crafted mocktails, which felt just as special as the adult beverages and allowed them to join in on the celebration.

In the course of these interactions, we learned about the mastermind behind these exquisite creations – Chef Matthew Woolford. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry across various countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Korea, Chef Matthew’s culinary journey was one of refined expertise. His passion for coastal living and the beauty of Queensland’s surroundings was evident in every dish he crafted at Akoya, and he had a special knack for making the kids feel welcome and engaged.

Chef Matthew’s menu celebrated the richness of Australia’s produce, with a particular focus on seafood delicacies that captured the essence of the ocean. His international experience and dedication to local, seasonal ingredients were apparent in each thoughtfully curated dish, making it a delightful experience for the whole family.

We savoured our last moments at Akoya, with delicious cocktails and felt grateful for the adult dining experience with a family atmosphere. The ambience, flavours, and beautifully curated wine list made this dinner an exceptional experience for all of us. With contented hearts and satisfied palates, it was time to say goodbye…

https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/gold-coast/dine/akoya/