Big Papi's Cocina

Big Papi's Cocina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. S

   Scott

   Sydney1 review

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great food, atmosphere and service we will be back soon.
   

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2. K

   Katherine

   Gold Coast1 review

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was perfect! The food, the cocktails – 20/10! It’s a privilege to enjoy Latin flavors in Australia!
   

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3. C

   Cliver

   Gold Coast1 review

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — If you think you know Latin‑inspired cuisine, get ready for Big Papi’s Cocina to flip that idea on its head and season it to perfection! From the moment you slip inside this Gold Coast gem, you’re wrapped in a warm glow of terracotta tiles, low‑lit pendants, and the irresistible sizzle wafting off the grill. The ambience hits that sweet spot between fiesta‑lively and date‑night intimate; you can just as easily toast a birthday with margaritas as whisper sweet nothings over slow‑cooked pork. But let’s talk food. Every plate feels like a love letter to Hispanic flavors—reimagined, remixed, and delivered with swagger. Even the humble plantain is elevated to art: twice‑fried, dusted with sea salt, and served with a silky queso dip that should be illegal. Portions are generous, presentation is Insta‑ready, and the flavor combinations are fearless without straying into gimmick territory. Chef “Big Papi” himself is half culinary mastermind, half silver‑screen heart‑throb—gliding from table to table with a grin that says, “Yes, that secret mole recipe really did take 48 hours.” Meanwhile, our server chatted with us like an old friend, sprinkling local slang and cheeky one‑liners while keeping drinks topped and plates paced like clockwork. It’s the kind of service that makes you linger for dessert (do NOT skip the choco-torta). In short, Big Papi’s Cocina isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a sensory celebration. Come hungry, come curious, and prepare to leave planning your next visit before you’ve paid the bill. ¡Buen provecho!
   

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4. G

   Gabriel

   Gold Coast1 review

   2.0

   Dined on April 12, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed with our experience. While the location and ambience were really nice and inviting, the food let us down. It arrived barely warm and was very average in terms of taste and quality. We had higher expectations and hoped for a better dining experience. Hopefully, this can be improved in the future.
   

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5. G

   Gemma

   Gold Coast2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Absolutely delicious & great service; highly recommend!
   

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6. S

   Sarah

   Gold Coast2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   If you're looking for a restaurant that truly delivers on every front, this place is an absolute gem! From the moment I stepped through the door, I was blown away by the welcoming atmosphere and impeccable setup. The ambiance was simply perfect, with just the right amount of lighting, decor, and music that set the mood for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience. Now, let's talk about the food—phenomenal doesn’t even begin to cover it. Every dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. You can tell that they use only the freshest ingredients, and the chef’s creativity really shines through in every bite. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to savour every bite and wish you could have more. The service was top-notch. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure we felt taken care of without being intrusive. They really made the entire experience feel personal, and that level of care made all the difference. The location was just as impressive, adding to the overall experience with its charm and convenience. Whether you’re there for a casual meal or celebrating something special, this place is perfect for any occasion. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough! Every detail was considered, and it shows. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favour and visit—you won’t regret it!!
   

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   2 people found this helpful

7. M

   Mick

   Gold Coast1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was our first visit to Big Papi's Cocina, but we are definitely keen to go back many times. The attentive and highly informative service by our friendly waiter, Jokin, got everything off on the right footing, and then the superb quality of the food made for a very pleasant dining experience. We could not speak more highly of this restaurant.
   

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8. r

   rod

   Gold Coast5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fabulous service and great food. Well presented and good value for money. Would Absolutely recommend. Excellent
   

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   1 person found this helpful

9. M

   Matt

   Sydney2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The staff were awesome! Quality & taste of food was amazing. We were very impressed & will be returning on special occasions. Thanks, we had such a special night.
   

   1 person found this helpful

10. P

    Phil

    Brisbane1 review

    5.0

    Dined on January 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Great seasonal food that was sourced locally. The chef was truly passionate about his craft and personally visited the table and openly discussed the menu.
    

    1 person found this helpful