Haven’t been to Mexico recently? You’re not alone! Say ‘hola’ to Alma, where we can enjoy Mexican-inspired food on the Gold Coast all day long.
Alma is one of our most picturesque Mexican restaurants offering tasty tacos, sizzling fajitas and loaded nachos washed down with a chilli margarita or two. All that and more as you take in surf views of Surfers Paradise Beach just across the road. Whether you’re checking out the passing parade at lunch or chilling to the sound of breaking waves at dinner, this seaside location is an absolute treat.
You may not recognise Alma, as she has changed her coat. With a facelift lighter and brighter than her former persona, Gringo Loco Cantina, Alma has widened both her opening hours and menu to become an all-day venue.
Seasoned restaurant owners, Paul and Shaun, have worked with Chef Afonso to create a menu of favourite Cal-Mex style food bursting with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. It’s Mexican-fusion cuisine, the way most Aussies prefer to eat it, freshly made and filling, the type of food you need after a day on the beach, perfect holiday food, even when you have to work! (Hello Sunday nights! A ‘margie’ is calling your name.)
It’s perfect family food too, the heat set on mild Cal-Mex so you can dial it up to your level with your chosen sauce, three differing levels of heat provided at each table. There’s even a Kids’ Menu for the smaller gringos in our lives.
What Alma has added to the menu is more Aussie items, such as steak, chicken schnitzel, fish and chips and some luxe fusion dishes – luxe Pacific Ale lobster or crispy soft shell crab tacos, salt and pepper calamari and a Soul salad.
We dine as the sun is setting, enjoying a shared feast. It begins with deliciously crunchy battered jalapeno poppers stuffed with mozzarella, as well as a couple of plates of street-style corn, the smoky flavours of the flame grill boosted by paprika, ricotta cheese and lime rounding off the dish. The poppers are ‘must do’ territory; one of the most popular items on the menu.
We progress to a selection of tacos, which come in serves of two, from Baja fried fish with fresh guacamole, salsa fresco and slaw to Pulled pork with caramelised pineapple, slaw and cumin crema. The fusion elements add interest to each dish, the fresh ingredients piled high on soft flour tortillas.
With the restaurant now open from 7am, there’s a raft of dishes available for breakfast, several carrying a touch of Mexico. Hook into the Brekkie Burrito, Spanish style corn fritters with charred corn salsa and burnt cucumber chilli jam, or an omelette with guacamole and pico do gallo.
Two of Alma’s tacos would make a great light lunch on the run, especially if they’re packed with crispy soft shell crab or Pacific Ale battered lobster. Can’t decide which pair to hang your hat on? Sharing with a friend allows you to taste different fillings.
There’s a lightness to the food at Alma that’s light years away from mashed beans and grilled cheese, the 18-hour beef cheek tacos lightened by slaw and fresca salsa, the fresh ingredients balancing the meat.
There are several vegetarian and gluten-free options, clearly identified throughout the menu, including sweet potato tacos served with black beans, guacamole and beetroot puree. Vegan is available upon request.
Feeling super hungry? Then burritos may be more your style. They’re substantial, with Mexican rice, beans and slaw rolled in a soft flour tortilla, cheese an optional extra, as it is with the tacos.
Cheese features on Nachos, melted over the top of hand cut corn chips loaded with chicken, beef or vegies, topped with sweet corn, guacamole, sour cream and salsa fresca.
Most of all, Mexican food is fun, bound to create a good time. so, if the crowd-pleasing food needs company, choose a margarita, beer or sangria to wash down your meal, relax and soak up the vibe.
What could be better than tacos and tequila or quesadillas and margaritas? Happy Hour, that’s what, held daily from 3 – 5pm with house beer, wine and spirits at wallet-cracking prices. It’s a great time to enjoy the afternoon, scoring a great table with views and tucking a drink or two away with appetisers before launching into the main menu later in the afternoon.
Hola! Jalapeno poppers and a Chilli margarita for me, please! That’s my first order to start…
Alma Surfers Paradise, 101/4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise Ph: 07 5504 7999 Open daily 7am – 10pm
NOTE: This is an updated review.