Akademya at KDV Sport

The Gold Coast is home to many distinct tribes.

Many of us identify with one or more of these tribes, such as musos, adventurers, intellectuals, foodies, surfers, mothers, nature-lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Each tribe has their place to hang out, with KDV Sport being a favourite of golfers, tennis players, children and teens aspiring to become great players and their parents.

Overlooking the KDV complex through floor to ceiling glass is KDV’s café, Akademya. Simply translated as ‘The Academy’, the restaurant itself named after the venue’s main purpose: a place of learning.

Players come to KDV to improve their game, receive coaching, use the gym, pool or mini-golf, buy their sporting goods and relax with their friends.

It’s possible to play golf (or at least improve your dive) under cover from the elements just outside the café, hitting buckets of balls off the veranda to land on the grassed V-shaped enclosure like hail. Tennis courts can be seen from one end of the café. Coaching, school holiday camps and children’s parties encourage the formation of ‘tribe’ members who see sport as healthy and fun.

There’s an international vibe to the café with its mixed demographic of sports enthusiasts. Sport is a common denominator across cultures and generations, the moderate climate of the Gold Coast an even greater encouragement to stay healthy.

The café space is airy and light with dining booths and tables separated by greenery, the golf practice range and other sports facilities providing live entertainment to those enjoying coffee or a meal.

When we visit, Akademya is overseen by Daniel Batizi (manager of the company’s restaurant Mozzafiato at Elite Hotel), with Chef Marco Gozalves overseeing the kitchen.

Running a short yet quality menu, everything is made by hand, from the gourmet beef patties and caramelised onion on the Beef Cheese Burger ($10) to the sensational Handmade Prawn and Moreton Bay Bug dumplings in a herb-scented Peruvian fish broth ($12). The Warm Thai Beef Salad ($13 – half serve pictured) is packed with punchy flavours, the beef on the Steak Sandwich (the most expensive dish at $17) melts in the mouth due to being marinated for 12 hours. Luscious!

From ‘eggs your way’ and açai bowls to crêpes, chicken parmi and Buddha bowls, there’s lots of healthy interest, a cabinet of goodies soon to expand the range of food on offer.

We enjoy a smooth Toby’s Estate coffee on our visit, however the café is licensed with beer and wine on offer as well as soft drinks, smoothies, juices, shakes and kombucha.

Play and eat. It’s a great combination, and with well-priced handmade food at Akademya the Gold Coast’s sporty tribe is well catered for.