Arakawa — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

Five Stars! A Magical, Unique Dining Experience

From the moment I sat down, I knew this meal was going to be something special. The atmosphere at the restaurant is warm and inviting, with subtle music and the distant sounds of teppanyaki adding to the immersive experience. It felt like I could’ve been sitting in a restaurant in Japan.

I started with an entrée of Ikura Caviar atop delicate bites served over seashells—each one a burst of flavor that was initially surprising but quickly settled into a beautiful balance of salty and sweet. It was a perfect introduction to the creativity of the menu.

For my main, I ordered the Wagyu Sirlion cooked rare to perfection , and it was divine. The steak was so tender it practically melted in my mouth; I barely had to chew. It was served over a squid ink-infused puree, which added a deep, earthy richness to the dish. The sauce was glossy and full of flavor, perfectly balanced with crispy textures on top. This was Wagyu at its best—rich but not heavy, and incredibly satisfying.

For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Bomb, and I’m so glad I did. A beautifully toasted meringue encased a creamy chocolate center that wasn’t overly sweet. The dish was balanced by a pool of basil seeds, adding a slight peppery aftertaste that kept each bite interesting. The inclusion of nuts brought a savory crunch that tied the whole dessert together. It was truly unique—unlike anything I’ve had before—and exactly the kind of experience I’ve always wanted from a fine dining restaurant.

The staff were attentive and thoughtful, checking in just enough to make sure I was well taken care of without being intrusive. Even dining solo, I felt completely at ease and welcomed.

This meal was an experience I’ll never forget—different, exciting, and flawlessly executed. I’m already considering coming back for the exact same meal again tomorrow!

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Arakawa on two consecutive nights, and both experiences left me beyond impressed. Every element, from the atmosphere to the exquisite flavors, made for an unforgettable dining experience.

On my second evening, I started with the Tuna Tartare, served with delicate sesame crisps. The balance of flavors was impeccable—sweet and creamy from the yolk, beautifully contrasted with the light crunch of the crisps. The highlight was the black caviar, which added little bursts of sweet, salty juiciness that elevated each bite into something truly special.

For my main, I enjoyed the Moreton Bay Bug, and it was nothing short of divine. The perfectly cooked bug was dressed in a creamy blend of mustard and mayo, finished with a touch of lemon that tied all the flavors together. What truly took it to the next level was the fennel slaw served alongside—crisp, refreshing, and the perfect palate cleanser. It added a lightness and unique flavor that made the dish stand out as beautifully unique.

In an unplanned but memorable finish, I used the last of my sesame crisps to enjoy the final bite of the Moreton Bay Bug. The combination of textures and flavors from both dishes came together in a perfect, satisfying conclusion to an already exceptional meal.

The service was attentive, warm, and welcoming. Dining solo can sometimes feel awkward, but the team made me feel right at home. The setting, overlooking the sushi bar, allowed me to watch the care and precision that went into every dish.

Arakawa delivers not just a meal, but an experience—thoughtful, balanced, and masterfully prepared. I wouldn’t hesitate to return and try more from their menu. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beautifully curated Japanese...

A Memorable Teppanyaki Experience at Arakawa, RACV Resort

Dining at Arakawa, the Japanese restaurant nestled within the RACV Resort, was a truly memorable experience—one that delighted all the senses. We opted for the teppanyaki steak, and from start to finish, every element of the meal was crafted with care and excellence.

The meal began with an entrée salad that was incredibly fresh and zesty, waking up the palate with its bright, clean flavours. Following this, the prawn with spicy mayo was a standout—beautifully seared and delicately seasoned, with just the right hint of heat from the sauce.

The fried rice with egg was a humble highlight, made extraordinary by the chef’s technique. It was perfectly textured, full of umami, and satisfying in every bite. The main event, of course, was the steak—cooked to absolute perfection on the teppanyaki grill. It was tender, juicy, and full of flavour, complemented beautifully by a medley of crisp-fried vegetables.

To finish, the green tea ice cream provided a subtle, refreshing end to the meal—earthy, lightly sweet, and silky smooth.

A heartfelt thank you to the talented teppanyaki chef, whose skill and warm performance added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. It wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a refined yet relaxed Japanese...

Japan, on the Gold Coast! We took our children 5 and 8 and had the Tatami Mat room which was amazing! Private dining experience. The kids were given a goodie bag to keep them occupied with colouring in. The food was delicious! We ended up eating the kids sushi too! They really wanted a crispy chicken and avocado but tried the cucumber and the salmon avocado. My favourite was the tofu! But the tempura was also great. Reasonably priced too, including the wine. Would love to try the teppanyaki next! This was a highlight of our time here at Royal Pines and a night I’ll always remember! It felt so authentic and reminded me very much of our trip to Japan. Makes me want to go back, or at the very least, back to Arakawa! Thank you.

Edit: we returned a year later and was not disappointed! Service still excellent and we tried the tasting menu with matching wines and the servings were generous and tasted so delicious. Kids menu was excellent with the popular chicken and avocado sushi roll now on the menu as well as Karage chicken and tender steak. The chips on the side also kept the kids happy, as did the icecream for dessert. We were all so full and content by the end...