Big Papi's Cocina
Coolangatta
Big Papi's Cucino, tucked away in a charming character-filled space at one end of Coolangatta's main shopping strip, is one of the best Latin American restaurants in south east Queensland.
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In the kitchen is hatted chef and owner Kevin Fredes (ex-Paella-Y-Pa-Mi), who takes inspiration and flavours from traditional Chilean, Peruvian, Colombian, Brazilian and Argentinian cuisine and, with creative flair takes it to the next level.
![Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta](/sites/mustdogoldcoast/files/styles/mdb_full_width/public/images/Big-Papi%27s-Cocina-Coolangatta-June-2024-Copyright-Must-do-Brisbane.com-June-20240K5A8516.jpg?itok=IjpUBqPR)
Diners can take a seat on the fairylit covered terrace out front or through the frosted glass door and down the hallway past a glass wine cellar to the rear of the building, where there's a lovely light-filled atrium-style dining room.
![Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta](/sites/mustdogoldcoast/files/styles/mdb_full_width/public/images/Big-Papi%27s-Cocina-Coolangatta-June-2024-Copyright-Must-do-Brisbane.com-June-20240K5A8528-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=7PbAk8uG)
All plates are designed to share, starting with the likes of vegan tartare (sundried tomatoes, olives and mustard sauce); coal-grilled baby cos with aleppo pepper, topped with sharp aged cheese; ceviche (must-try!); prawn brioche rolls and Papi's provolne (provolone cheese with oregano, chilli, honey, topped with caramelised onion and served in cast iron pan)
![Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta](/sites/mustdogoldcoast/files/styles/mdb_full_width/public/images/Big-Papi%27s-Cocina-Coolangatta-June-2024-Copyright-Must-do-Brisbane.com-June-20240K5A8537-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=Am4XRiPn)
Highly recommended are the heavenly empanadas (soft melted cheese and prawn; Colombian flavoured crunchy vegetables or weekly special) while large plates include grilled pollo (chicken) with smoked red sauce and crispy fried potato; coal-cooked octopus with mashed potato and chorizo oil; and picanha (wagyu rump served with farofa and chimichurri).
![Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta](/sites/mustdogoldcoast/files/styles/mdb_full_width/public/images/Big-Papi%27s-Cocina-Coolangatta-June-2024-Copyright-Must-do-Brisbane.com-June-20240K5A8648.jpg?itok=DztUNYbN)
Desserts (postres) are equally delectable and include Banana Bellena (stuffed banana with dolce de leche and flambeed meringue) and Choccotorta (chocolate sablee with whipped marscapone).
![Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta Big Papi's Cocina Coolangatta](/sites/mustdogoldcoast/files/styles/mdb_full_width/public/images/Big-Papi%27s-Cocina-Coolangatta-June-2024-Copyright-Must-do-Brisbane.com-June-20240K5A8486.jpg?itok=ZMdrPDod)
Drinks on offer include signature cocktails such as Maracuta Sour (pisco, lemon & passionfruit) and Papi's Paloma (mexcal, tequila, rosemary, lemon, grapefruit and spaice agave). beers (Balters Cerveza and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale); and a curated list of wines from Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Spain.
Need to know - There is angle street parking available along Grifiith Street.
Big Papi's Cocina
140 Griffith St
Coolangatta
Opening hours
Licensed
0431 193 205