Running from Coolangatta on the Queensland side of the border with NSW, up to Southern-most suburbs of Brisbane, it’s famous for its stunning beaches. If you live on the Eastern side of Australia – and especially if you’ve felt the chill of winter come June! – the chances are you’ve holidayed in the balmy glow of a break on the Gold Coast.
Seaside suburbs such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads are synonymous with sun, surf and the Aussie way of life.
But the Gold Coast isn’t solely about the smell SPF 50+ and sand in your board-shorts. This dynamic city is also home to the theme parks Wet’n’Wild, Dreamworld & Warner Bros. Movie World. There are a wildlife sanctuaries and the natural beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland plus a swathe of sporting activities if that’s your thing.
And of course, there are restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes and budgets.
In fact, at the time of writing this, the Gold Coast has 23 hatted restaurants! From chic Modern Australian menus to cool Asian-inspired feasts and everything in between, the Gold Coast is a foodie haven.
So read on and we’ll guide you through what we consider to be some of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.
We’re kicking off our look at the best restaurants on the Gold Coast with a bona fide stunner.
Honestly, why don’t we hear the words ‘Casual fine dining’ more often in this country? Surely, it’s what us Australians do best?
Blinged up at the end of 2022, this 2-hatted restaurant manages to deliver on ambience, service and food, all whilst refusing to succumb to pretentious affectations.
The food is Modern Australian, and the menu showcases exactly how good our home-grown produce can be when prepared by skilled hands. Although the 12 Hour Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Cabbage Slaw & Jus ($47/85) is rightfully an essential of any meal at the Social Eating House, it’s not the only blinding dish on offer.
Eatability is quickly developing a bit of an obsession with Savoury Donuts. And the one at the Social Eating House + Bar – with Smoked Trout Mousse, Fennel, Caviar & Dill ($14 ea) – is simply exquisite.
Quail is still something of a rarity on Australian menus, but here it’s Fried with Malay Curry, Fragrant Herbs & Green Mango ($42). Yum. Similarly, flavoursome is the Chargrilled Moreton Bay Bugs, Brown Butter, Warrigal Greens, Black Garlic & Fennel ($65). The aniseed notes of the Fennel and warmth of the Garlic gloriously enhance the sweet Bug meat.
Dessert-wise, if you’re skeptical about the charms of a Burnt Onion Meringue, trust us and give it a go. At this venue, it comes with Strawberries, Creme Fraiche Ice Cream & Shiso ($23) and is the perfect palate-cleansing end to a meal.
And did we mention this spot’s funky vibe and hip fit-out? We must have been distracted by the fabulous food…
The views are so good at Rick Shores that you almost don’t register how good the food is. Almost, but not quite.
Plonk yourself down at one of the picture windows and marvel at the glorious beach and rolling surfing unfurling before you. Angle your seat right and you may even get Surfers Paradise sparkling across the waves.
But whatever you do, don’t forget to dip into the delicious Pan-Asian menu. At Rick Shores, the food is designed to share. That said, you won’t want anyone getting their hands on your order of their much-lauded Moreton Bay Bug Roll ($22). The one in question is peppy with Sriracha Mayo, Gem Lettuce and a giving Brioche Bun.
Similarly, if you love your seafood and bold flavours, the Yellow Curry, Chargrilled King Prawn, Coconut, Coriander & Lime ($52) is a must-have. Just make sure you leave space for the Kimchi Fried Rice, Lup Cheong & Spring Onion ($21). When a Side dish is so good you’d happily eat it on it’s own for lunch, you know you’re on to a good thing.
But ultimately, as the sun sets on another blissful Gold Coast day, there are few better options than sitting beachside at Rick shores with a cocktail in hand. Just make sure you book WELL in advance. As one of the top restaurants on the Gold Coast view vistas to match, it’s popular and then some come sundown.
Over on the delightfully named Mermaid Beach, there’s a surprise lurking behind a pair of white barn doors. Venture inside and you’ll find Etsu Izakaya – one of the finest Japanese restaurants on the Gold Coast.
This is a seriously cool bar with a chilled vibe and well-balanced sharing plates to match. The main design feature of the hip space is a curved wave of slatted wood running up one wall and across the ceiling. It adds to the feel of being in a very exclusive bunker.
Whilst the ambience is worth a visit alone, don’t underestimate the quality of the fare. Etsu does izakaya-style food with panache.
One of the stars of their Raw Bar is the Salmon Usuzukuri ($22). An elegant, aromatic plate of Salmon slivers, White Soy, Truffle Oil, Sesame Seeds & Tobiko. For Agedashi Tofu lovers there’s a treat in the form of a locally made Soft Tofu w/ Walnut, Wasabi & Ginger Dressing ($14). And why have we never tried Tempura Halloumi ($14) before? Served with a Dashi Broth and Honey, it’s addictive.
Whatever you do, make room for the Miso Tooth Fish ($54) – deeply umami from it’s 48hr marinade. And then there’s the Twice Cooked Pork Ribs with their Spicy Miso BBQ Sauce ($30). You can thank us later.
All this plus Beers, Sakes and some fabulous Cocktails. The Boba Fett ($22) – Genmaicha Green Tea, Montenegro, Cointreau, Cranberry, Lime and Tapioca Pearls – is as much fun as you’ll ever get in a glass.
Yep, Etsu Izakaya is definitely one of the finest restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Looking for a slice of the Mediterranean whilst enjoying the sunshine on the Gold Coast? Well, look no further than Hyde Paradiso.
Ideally situated 2 floors up within Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise, Hyde Paradiso is your all-day play ground, overlooking the beach. With killer views and a cool vibe, its the kind of place where you nip in for lunch and find yourself sipping sundowner Cocktails and grooving to the DJ 5 hours later.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. This oceanfront lounge does food and drinks for every time of the day. If you feel like Breakfast, then slip into one of their comfy chairs for their Garlic & Lemon Labna ($19). This light, summery dish makes the most of Confit Herbed Tomatoes, Poached Eggs & Chilli Butter with Artisan Bread. For the hungry, it’s hard to ignore the Crispy Spiced Chicken ($25) – Bubble & Squeak Patty, Poached Eggs & Chipotle Hollandaise.
By the time Lunch (and later) rolls around, the Greek, Italian and more-infused menu becomes a string of tweaked greatest hits. Lamb Skewer Flat Bread ($9) – Chermoula Yoghurt & Cucumber – is fragrant and the Moreton Bay Bug Roll ($16) – Brioche Bun, Avo, Harissa & Salsa – luxurious. The Butterflied Boneless Whole Grilled Market Fish (MP) – Green Chilli Verde & Smoked Roco – is a feast. And why haven’t more restaurants thought of pairing Fries with garlicky Toum & Chilli Oil ($12)?
As you may know, Eatability is a huge fan of a sunset Cocktail. And honestly, sitting up above the Esplanade of Surfers Paradise at Hyde Paradiso with passersby gazing (enviously) up at you is a great place to enjoy one. Make mine a Salted Coconut Margarita ($24) – 1800 Coconut Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime & Coconut – and I won’t want to move for an hour or 2.
Lastly, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm Hyde Paradiso does a Beachside Brunch (from $99pp). There’s flexibility on the drink options – depending on price – and the food is Mediterranean tapas to share. Yum!
Rustic, authentic – but most of all proudly Italian – Gemelli is one Broadbeach restaurant with plenty of happy, return customers.
The focal point of the welcoming trattoria is undoubtedly the huge wood-fired oven. Here, a skilled pizzaiolo toils, hand-stretching pizza bases and dotting them with various toppings, before committing them to bake in the flames. The pizzas at Gemelli Italian come both ‘rosse’ (tomato-based) and ‘bianche’ (no tomato-base) and all have a fabulously chewy, blistered crust.
Given a choice, we find it hard to resist the cheeky appeal of the Che Stupido ($29). With Fior di Latte, Leg Ham, Mild Salami, Fennel Pork & Chilli Sausage, it’s one for the carnivores. If you prefer something a little cheesier, then the Principessa ($29) – Fior di Latte, Gorgonzola, Provolone, Dried Figs & 24-Month Aged Prosciutto Di Parma – is like the best bits of a cheeseboard on a flavoursome dough base.
As you can probably tell, much of the produce used at Gemelli Italian is imported from Italy. And this devotion to quality extends to their pasta. Whether you order the Ravioli or the Spaghetti, all the pasta is made in fresh, in-house daily.
Our recommendation? The Rigatoni Ragu ($37) is a stand-out. You can taste all the love in the 8hr Slow-Cooked Oxtail & Pork Shin Ragu with San Marzano Tomato. However, if you want something a smidge lighter, the Spaghetti Ai Gamberi ($39), aromatic with Local Prawn, Zucchini, Cherry, Tomatoes, Chilli, Garlic and Sicilian Oil Olive is a winner.
Wash it all down with a glass of Sangiovese from Tuscany, but make sure you save a space for Dessert. The Gemelli Italian Nutella Bomba ($23) – Deep-fried Nutella Calzone – are famous for a reason!
Incidentally, the such is the success of Gemelli that they have opened further outlets in the area Gemellini, Roy’s & Bar Tano. They’ve even moved into Brisbane with Gemelli, Fortitude Valley.
Another chain that is slowly advancing across the East Coast is Light Years. The Asian Bar & Diner already has a strong foothold in Noosa, Byron Bay & Newcastle where it’s funky vibe, fun cocktails and zingy menu make the eatery popular with locals and tourists alike.
And it’s a similar story in Burleigh Heads. Ever since the crack team through open the doors on the trendy pastel pink outpost, it’s been busy. Honestly, it’s not hard to see why. With charming staff, a bubbly atmosphere and platefuls of vibrant Modern Asian food that is ideal for sharing, it’s a great place to book with a group of mates or for a family get together.
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The menu reads like a greatest hits of Asian Fusion favourites. Open with Wild Truffled Mushroom (4/$18) Dumpling with Black Vinegar, Sesame & Chilli. From there, maybe try the Prawn Toast Donuts (5/$20) paired with Yuzu Kosho Sweet & Sour Sauce, or the punchy Firecracker Chicken ($24). If you love shellfish, then the Singapore Chilli Prawns ($38) is a must. These beauties are a spin of Singapore Chilli Crab and comes with Dippy Baos – genius!
Of course, it’s often hard to choose when you’re dining at one of the top restaurants on the Gold Coast, so you can always leave it up to the kitchen. Smartly, Light Years Burleigh Heads offers 2 Feed Me selections – and both are filling and tastebud tingling.
Lastly, Light Years is also an ace spot for a cocktail. So hop up to the neon pink bar and order a Lola Paloma ($20). It’s sure you put you in a holiday mood.
We’re staying with South East Asian cuisine, but heading up to Nobby Beach for our next recommendation. Formerly Ally Chow, this spot is now home to Monsieur Chow.
So what’s different? Well, the team have raised the stakes a smidge by adding a sprinkle of French flair to their dishes.
At Monsieur Chow, you can travel from Vietnam to China, to Thai and more, all in the space of one meal. And with a menu purposefully designed to share, it’s a great place to visit with a few friends. Then you can really sample a range of dishes. And believe us – with food this good, you’ll want to.
The Coconut Milk Fried Free Range Chicken w/ Smoked Sriracha Kewpie ($25) is a fun play on a well-known fried chicken brand. As for the Duck Satay Roti with Housemade Pickles & Herbs ($22) – we could eat it everyday. From the Mains, the Burmese Style Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Curry ($49) is divine. Pleasingly Ally’s Special Fried Rice with Char Sui Pork ($19) remains on the menu.
Whether you go for one of the set Banquets or a la Carte, you’re sure to leave Monsieur Chow well-fed.
Finally, the team also offer a couple Bottomless Banquets. The first is the Chow Out which is the Chef’s selection, plus 2 hours of Thai Basil Caipiroskas for $99pp. The second is a Margarita Lunch Banquet which follows a similar format for $130pp. Us? Well, we’ve yet to meet a Marg we haven’t loved, so that would be our choice.
Comparatively new, but already considered one of the top restaurants on the Gold Coast, Kost has a lot going for it.
Firstly, it’s a bit of a looker. All cool, sleek stone and smart lighting throughout the extensive dining room and balmy outdoor pavilion. But Kost isn’t just a pretty face. Rather, it’s at the forefront of what a modern beachside grill and bar can – and should – be. Cooking over fire is a huge trend across Australian restaurants at present, and Kost takes it to the next level with a huge charcoal bar.
Secondly, the service is really superb, with staff being both professional and friendly.
Thirdly, as Cocktail fans, we love it when a bar brings something new to the table. Thankfully, the mixologists at Kost are happy to let their imaginations run wild on the coastal theme. Even their Kostal Negroni ($24) is given a twist with Coconut Washed Tanqueray Gin adding a pleasing hint of the tropics.
And then there’s the food, with both a Bar Food and regular Food Menu, amongst others.
The Hibachi Grilled Lamb Skewer, Green Zhoug, Eggplant & Zataar ($15) has the perfect lick of flame. And the same can be said of the Fire Kissed Yellowfin Tuna, Pickled Walnut & Garum ($32). Another stellar dish is the Whole Fish (MP), Smoked Whey Butter, Capers and Sea Herbs. Then there’s a selection of carefully chosen Beef, Chicken and the decadent surprise of Pork Tomahawk (650g for $72) with Grilled Peaches, Ginger Wine and Sesame.
With so much choice, the easy option is to settle in for the Kost Experience ($155). And yes, it opens with that most ‘of the moment’ foodie trend – a Caviar Bump.
If Kost is the future of the beachside Bar and Grill, count us in.
Little Truffle is very much at the forefront of the new wave of Gold Coast restaurants.
With stark, moody decor and an intimate lighting scheme that any hip Melbourne dining room with be proud of and innovative cuisine that could grace the tables of any swish European establishment, it’s quite the find.
The food here is Modern Australian and from the stunning presentation and divine flavours to the superb staff, Little Truffle is definitely in the Fine Dining bracket.
The kitchen offers an A La Carte Menu and a very comprehensive Lunch Menu, but we find it hard to ignore the multiple charms of the 4 Course Menu. Especially, as it’s an absolute bargain at $80pp for some of the most exquisite dishes you’ll eat anywhere.
‘Don’t believe us? Well how does Zucchini Flower, stuffed with a delicate Scallop Mousseline, then steamed and served with a Citrus Beurre Blanc sound? And for both taste and technique, there’s the Quail Ballotine. Perfectly rested and filled with satin-smooth Truffle & Chicken Farce, with 5 Spice confit & fried Quail Legs, Leek & Mushroom, a Vivid Parsley Puree and a sticky Chicken Jus. It’s quite something.
And we could go on, but we don’t want to ruin the fun of exploring the menu for yourselves.
Although, we must give a quick mention to the extensive Drink List. In particular the wild sounding, but delicious, Strawberry & Chocolate Old Fashioned ($22). With Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Strawberry Liqueur, Chocolate Bitters and a sprinkle of Sugar, it’s utterly addictive.
Yes, the Little Truffle is more of a special occasion kind of venue than a regular weeknight meal spot. But find an anniversary or birthday in your diary and make a booking. It’s without doubt one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Location: Marina Mirage, Shop 26/74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5606 7593
The team behind La Luna Dining already have their fingerprints on a number of ventures across the Goldie – Koi, Glass Dining & Maggie Choo, amongst others. So it’s no surprise that they’ve gone big with La Luna, an establishment that includes Mare Restaurant and La Luna Beach Club, as well as La Luna Dining.
And why wouldn’t they, given what they have to play with? No less than some of the most gorgeous views imaginable of Broadwater – luxury yachts and all.
Happily, the food matches the classy surrounds and leans into a sleek Mediterranean vibe. Open with the Turkish or Pizza Bread ($11) and add a Dip or 2. The Olive Tapenade ($9) really gets the juices flowing and the Goose Liver & Black Truffle Pate (16) is rich, earthy and dangerous.
From there you can veer towards Greece with the Saganaki ($24) doused in Rainforest Honey, Lemon & Oregano or the Lamb Kofta ($22) with Tzatziki. Or perhaps you yearn more for the Amalfi Coast of Italy? If so, the House Made Pesto Gnocchi ($37) with Basil Cream, Feta & Pistachio or the Red Emperor ($37) served with Tomato, Chilli & Garlic Aqua Pazza (Crazy Water), should sooth your soul.
After eating, may we suggest that you sit back with a Coffee, or maybe a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini ($26) and watch the beautiful people play with their boats.
Within the same complex, but with a fun, chilled ambience, La Luna Beach Club is a floating pleasure resort.
Here, you can either catch some rays on a lounger or literally bob around in the pool whilst sipping a glass of Champagne.
The Beach Club has more than one dining string to its bow. There are Cabanas Feasting Boards, designed to share for up to 10 people. Options range from an Oyster Platter ($390) to Chargrilled Prime Cuts ($555) and Sashimi + Seafood ($740).
Alternatively, you can graze from the La Luna Beach Club menu. The Wagyu Beef Tartare ($28) is a robust protein hit on a warm day, whilst we’ve never been know to turn down a Crispy Tempura Moreton Bay Bug ($24).
As the name implies, there’s a lot of stunning Fish and Seafood on the menu, which continues to cherry pick the best of Mediterranean fare, but showcases fresh local produce.
There are Prawns, and then there are Large Mooloolaba Grilled Prawns ($34). At Mare Restaurant, they are accompanied by a kicking Nduja Butter and Charred Lemon. It’s a sublime combination. As is the Prawn + Lobster Risotto ($58). Studded with tender chunks of Shellfish and enriched with Stracciatella, its lush and velvety.
And even if you don’t consider yourself to be a Dessert person, try to save room for the Campari, White Chocolate + Coconut Truffles (5pcs $17). You won’t regret it.
Editor’s Note: We are in the process of updating this guide. Please check back for further recommendations
