Fire Baby Gold Coasts Hottest New Restaurant

Fire Baby: Gold Coast's Hottest New Restaurant Serving Wood-Fired Perfection

Southport has just raised the bar for dining on the Gold Coast with the arrival of Fire Baby, a brand-new restaurant blending wood-fired tradition, stylish design, and a menu made for sharing. Officially opening its doors on Wednesday 3rd September, Fire Baby promises to be more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

The Vision behind Fire Baby

ire Baby is the brainchild of Dr Michael Read and Donna Read, well-known locals with a long-standing commitment to the Southport community. Michael, a doctor and businessman, has spent over three decades building ventures that support families and neighbourhoods. Now, together with Donna, he’s turned his lifelong passion for food into a venue that brings something fresh and fiery to Southport’s dining scene.

Fire Baby's warm internal dining

A design that sets the mood

The moment you step inside Fire Baby, you’re hit with atmosphere. Designed by Phillip Buchanan of Burleigh Design, the space is wrapped in exposed red brick, creating the warm, rustic feel of a giant wood-fired oven. Built by Theo Meredith and the TDM Constructions team, the venue mixes cosy comfort with a modern edge—perfect for group dinners, date nights, or long catch-ups with friends over pizza and wine.

Flames meet flavour

The kitchen is where the magic really happens. Executive Chef Bradley Davids, originally from South Africa, brings his fire-first cooking style to the Gold Coast. Raised around the braai—the South African tradition of cooking over open flames—Bradley has refined his skills across New Zealand, Sydney, North America, and Europe. At Fire Baby, he’s delivering dishes that celebrate the smoky, bold flavours only fire can create.

At the heart of the restaurant is Master Pizzaiolo Vincenzo Quaranta, who grew up in Italy with flour in his hands and pizza in his soul. After working in family pizzerias in Italy and the much-loved Frankie’s Pizza in Sydney, Vincenzo now calls the Gold Coast home. His wood-fired pizzas are the real deal: blistered, chewy, and authentically Italian.

The menu: a celebration of fire and flavour

Start your night with indulgent antipasti, like wagyu bresaola, truffle squid ink salami, or pancetta paired with puff bread and olives. Then dive into the pizzas, which are destined to be Fire Baby’s signature. Choose from classics like the Margherita, with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, basil, and parmesan, or heartier creations like the Patate e Salsiccia, layered with provolone, roast potato, Italian sausage, and rosemary.
If you’ve saved room, desserts will not disappoint. The ice-cream platter features pistachio, 66% Valrhona chocolate, and lemon cheesecake flavours, while cocktails like the Mediterranean Bloom; a refreshing blend of St-Germain, limoncello, Aperol, gin, and grapefruit—double as dessert in a glass.

Mouth-watering dining

Drinks that Impress

One of Fire Baby’s strongest cards is its drinks list. The wine menu balances European classics with Australian favourites, while the cocktails are inventive, balanced, and designed to complement the food. If you’re unsure where to start, ask Manager Michael Pyrgos, known for his experience at The Fish House, Hellenika, and Halcyon House, for a recommendation. Whether it’s the perfect wine to match your pizza or a bespoke cocktail suggestion, Michael has you covered.

What’s next: Ember by Fire Baby

Fire Baby is opening in two stages. Stage one, Fire Baby Pizzeria, focuses on authentic wood-fired pizzas and a laid-back vibe. Soon after comes Ember by Fire Baby, an elevated dining experience where the menu takes fire-cooking to the next level with refined charcoal-grilled dishes. Together, they create a dining destination with endless reasons to return.

For foodies who love discovering new restaurants, Fire Baby ticks every box. From its stylish interior and wood-fired menu to its carefully curated drinks list, it’s the perfect spot for a midweek catch-up, weekend feast, or date night with a twist. Southport has a new flame, and it’s only just getting started.