Nestled beside the lake in the middle of The Promenade at Robina Town Centre, Double Zero brings a little piece of Italy to the heart of Robina.
From owner Sara Artoni’s welcoming smile to the traditional handmade Italian food emerging from her husband Gianluca’s kitchen, this is a dining experience made with passion. After all, love and a dream are the foundations of this restaurant.
Sara’s father, Cesare, always had a dream of coming to Australia. Instead, it would become his daughter’s dream to fulfil on Cesare’s passing.
Upon Cesare’s death, 17-year-old Sara left her home in Bologna to travel. She spent a few months learning English in London, then made her way to Australia. Having worked in hospitality since she was 16, she had no trouble finding restaurant work in Melbourne, where she met Gianluca. In 2019, the family relocated to the Gold Coast to give their children a better future.
If you have already tasted Sara and Gianluca’s food at their previous restaurant Olivia Italian Eatery or their market stall, you will be a convert.
Despite hospitality’s ups and downs, 2021 was a big year for Sara and Gianluca. They bought Double Zero Broadbeach with partners, the only VPN certified pizzeria on the Gold Coast (Queensland’s only other AVPN member being Tartufo in Brisbane), closing Olivia and their market stall to concentrate on their new venue.
Opening Double Zero Robina in December 2021, they at last have their own venue with the location and vibe to suit their food.
With a large alfresco dining space, the playground right outside its front door and views across the lake, Double Zero brings us fabulous family dining, a quick lunch, group dining as well as a classy date night restaurant, even with the kids in tow.
In a fun twist, we pass a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape in the entry walkway, setting the scene for a rustic Italian experience.
Just inside the kitchen we can see the huge Marana Forni pizza oven imported from Italy which cooks their contemporary style pizza in no time, the crusts light and woodfired, the pizza a joy to eat.
Sara is a welcoming host who likes nothing more than making people feel at home. It’s Gianluca’s version of family recipes that she is showing off – simple well-made food all made from scratch. Fresh pasta is also made using a machine they imported from Italy, the pizza and pasta options including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
“I’m so proud of the food we make, so much so that if I’m busy I order takeaway from our own restaurant,” Sara says laughing. “Our kids love it.” And so do we.
Start with house focaccia served with buffalo mozzarella or prosciutto, progress to mains such as pizza and pasta, then there’s freshly made cannoli or tiramisu for a sweet finish. It’s classic rustic Italian.
Seafood is one of Gianluca’s specialties. From prosciutto-wrapped prawns, Gamberi Double Zero, as a starter to mains, the seafood is outstanding.
We love the rustic Barramundi Napoli with delicious barramundi surrounded by vongole and mussels in a Napoli sauce begging to be mopped up by toasted sourdough
We tuck into a traditional Spaghetti Marinara, its house made spaghetti loaded with freshly caught seafood, the Napoli sauce showing it off at its best.
Locals can enjoy weekday lunch special of pizza, pasta or salad with a house wine for $20. This is also a fabulous place for a party, with group menus of antipasto, pizza and pasta available for $35-$45 per person.
Fully licensed, there’s beer on tap, a selection of Italian prosecco and other wines as well as delicious signature cocktails and spritzers to make your meal a party the Italian way.
As fabulous as the food is, though, to Sara, it is people who are the beating heart of her restaurant. Sara is proud of the dream she and Gianluca are making together, tears welling in her eyes as she speaks of her dad and what he taught her.
“He would have been very proud,” she says. “He owned a large trucking business but, despite that, he was a very humble man.
‘We have to start first with the lines on the ground,’ he would say, referring to the chalk line destinations marked out for each of his trucks. ‘Use your heart. Sit down with people and look them in the eye. Admit it when you are wrong.’
These are the lessons I am teaching my kids,” Sara tells me. “That is why he would be proud.”
NOTE: Double Zero recently expanded to a beachfront location under The Strand at Coolangatta and to the kitchen of Madocke Brewery at Ashmore.
Double Zero Robina, Shop 1004 The Promenade, Robina QLD 4226 Ph: 07 2113 2777
Open daily: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – late
NOTE: Also check out Double Zero’s other venues overlooking the beach at Coolangatta (under The Strand at 80/72 Marine Parade) and at Madocke Brewery, Ashmore (Fri – Sun at 286 Southport-Nerang Rd).
Double Zero Masterclasses coming soon!
Good Food Gold Coast dined as guests of Double Zero Robina.