![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Citrique-JW-Marriott-photo-4.jpg\")
Guiding this experience is Executive Chef Paul Smart, whose philosophy of letting exceptional ingredients shine has earned Citrique an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat three years running. After the meal, I sat down with him to talk about the inspiration behind his signature creations, the role of seasonality in his kitchen, and how Citrique has become a dining destination for both locals and travellers from around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for those looking to mark a special occasion, Citrique\u2019s Father\u2019s Day Long Lunch on Sunday, 7 September promises a feast of prime beef rib carvings, roasted porchetta, slow-braised lamb shoulder pie, and more\u2014an ideal way to celebrate in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bridges<\/strong>: Citrique has been awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for three consecutive years. What core philosophy or inspiration drives the kitchen at Citrique, and how do you consistently deliver a standard that earns such recognition year after year?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPaul Smart<\/strong>: At Citrique, our philosophy is simple: let the ingredients shine. We focus on sourcing the freshest local produce and seafood, allowing their natural flavours to take centre stage. Our commitment to quality and consistency has been recognised with an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for three consecutive years. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering an exceptional dining experience every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour signature seafood and grill buffet is a highlight of the Gold Coast dining scene. How do you curate this experience to appeal to both international travellers and local families\u2014and what elements might particularly resonate with visiting Japanese guests?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Citrique-JW-Marriott-photo-2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nOur seafood and grill buffet is designed to be a culinary journey that caters to diverse palates. We offer a variety of dishes, from fresh oysters and prawns to grilled meats and international flavours. For our Japanese guests, we incorporate elements like sushi and sashimi, ensuring familiar tastes are available. For international guests looking to experience a taste of Australia the buffet is curated with the best and freshest local ingredients that highlight the region. It’s about creating an inclusive dining experience that celebrates global cuisines while highlighting local ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Japanese families. In what ways does Citrique reflect the Gold Coast\u2019s unique blend of coastal lifestyle and world-class dining, and why do you think it\u2019s such a compelling destination for families from Japan and abroad?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Citrique-JW-Marriott-photo-10.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Citrique-JW-Marriott-photo-8.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCitrique embodies the relaxed elegance of the Gold Coast. Our open kitchen and interactive dining spaces reflect the coastal lifestyle, while our commitment to quality and presentation aligns with world-class dining standards. For Japanese families, it’s a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, offering a memorable dining experience that resonates with both local charm and international appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dining at Citrique balances indulgence with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. How do you see the role of a restaurant like Citrique within a hotel setting like JW Marriott, and how do you ensure it feels just as much a destination for global travellers as it does a local favourite?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your signature seafood and grill buffet is a highlight of the Gold Coast dining scene. How do you curate this experience to appeal to both international travellers and local families\u2014and what elements might particularly resonate with visiting Japanese guests?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nOur seafood and grill buffet is designed to be a culinary journey that caters to diverse palates. We offer a variety of dishes, from fresh oysters and prawns to grilled meats and international flavours. For our Japanese guests, we incorporate elements like sushi and sashimi, ensuring familiar tastes are available. For international guests looking to experience a taste of Australia the buffet is curated with the best and freshest local ingredients that highlight the region. It’s about creating an inclusive dining experience that celebrates global cuisines while highlighting local ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Japanese families. In what ways does Citrique reflect the Gold Coast\u2019s unique blend of coastal lifestyle and world-class dining, and why do you think it\u2019s such a compelling destination for families from Japan and abroad?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCitrique embodies the relaxed elegance of the Gold Coast. Our open kitchen and interactive dining spaces reflect the coastal lifestyle, while our commitment to quality and presentation aligns with world-class dining standards. For Japanese families, it’s a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, offering a memorable dining experience that resonates with both local charm and international appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dining at Citrique balances indulgence with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. How do you see the role of a restaurant like Citrique within a hotel setting like JW Marriott, and how do you ensure it feels just as much a destination for global travellers as it does a local favourite?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nOur seafood and grill buffet is designed to be a culinary journey that caters to diverse palates. We offer a variety of dishes, from fresh oysters and prawns to grilled meats and international flavours. For our Japanese guests, we incorporate elements like sushi and sashimi, ensuring familiar tastes are available. For international guests looking to experience a taste of Australia the buffet is curated with the best and freshest local ingredients that highlight the region. It’s about creating an inclusive dining experience that celebrates global cuisines while highlighting local ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Japanese families. In what ways does Citrique reflect the Gold Coast\u2019s unique blend of coastal lifestyle and world-class dining, and why do you think it\u2019s such a compelling destination for families from Japan and abroad?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCitrique embodies the relaxed elegance of the Gold Coast. Our open kitchen and interactive dining spaces reflect the coastal lifestyle, while our commitment to quality and presentation aligns with world-class dining standards. For Japanese families, it’s a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, offering a memorable dining experience that resonates with both local charm and international appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dining at Citrique balances indulgence with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. How do you see the role of a restaurant like Citrique within a hotel setting like JW Marriott, and how do you ensure it feels just as much a destination for global travellers as it does a local favourite?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCitrique embodies the relaxed elegance of the Gold Coast. Our open kitchen and interactive dining spaces reflect the coastal lifestyle, while our commitment to quality and presentation aligns with world-class dining standards. For Japanese families, it’s a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, offering a memorable dining experience that resonates with both local charm and international appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n