18 Restaurants to Put on Your Gold Coast Hit List

The Gold Coast promises sweet surf, pristine sand – and a dining scene that’s making waves. Beyond fish ’n’ chips and caramel milkshakes, there’s brekky salads and bug rolls, all done in a relaxed Goldie way. This is your essential guide on the best restaurants in the Gold Coast to put on your radar.

Breakfast

Chilled: Commune

It’s one of the busiest cafés on the Gold Coast but somehow Commune retains its relaxed, community vibe. This eclectic charmer has a ping-pong table on Sundays, making it ideal for kids, and a focus on ethical eating (it’s been operating meat-free Mondays since opening in 2011). What to eat? The signature coriander and corn fritters with housemade chilli jam.
1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5520 3377

Iconic: Sandbar

This Surfers Paradise stalwart ports a Riviera-esque fit-out with an easygoing vibe that befits the beachside location. The big breakfast – in either the Beachside Big Breaky or Tower 35 Burger forms – will set you up for a jam-packed day of ticking off your bucket-list of things to do on the Gold Coast.
52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise; (07) 5526 9994

Wholesome: Bskt

A temple for wellness warriors, Bskt has a menu brimming with nourishing fare (we like the Bskt Brekky Salad, which comes chock-full of roast pumpkin, spinach, corn and haloumi). It’s also the birthplace of CocoWhip, the country’s first vegan soft serve.
4 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach; (07) 5526 6565

Pastries: Bam Bam Bakehouse

Mouth-watering options abound, from bacon-and-egg croissants to Egg Nasi, a spin on nasi goreng. But the real stars at Ursula and Ben Watts’ eatery are the pastries. Their much-loved croissants, which might include almond, Snickers and raspberry and cream flavours, sell out daily (usually before midday). The entire dining area opens onto Mermaid Park, where the crowd mills while waiting for a table.
2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach; (07) 5526 5218

Vegetarian: Blendlove

Riki-Lee Gilbert, the owner of this plant-based café, is driven by a “back to basics” ethos and serves fresh, healthy fare sans refined sugars, artificial colours and preservatives. Order the ever-popular smashed avo with vegan fetta (made with almond meal and tofu).
Shop 1/253 Ferry Road, Southport; (07) 5503 1968

City hipsters: Elk Espresso

Wooing locals and tourists with seasonal menus and stellar coffee, your first visit to this standout eatery practically requires you to order the potato hash with double-smoked bacon, poached eggs and lashings of hollandaise.
Shop 44, Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach; (07) 5592 2888

Suburban hotspot: Daark Espresso Bar

A short drive from the beaches of Labrador, this slick, monochrome café has been serving damn fine coffee and flavoursome staples since 2013. Top pick on the breakfast menu is the cherry tomato and avocado bruschetta.
42 Musgrave Avenue, Labrador; (07) 5667 9339

SEE ALSO: 20 of the Coolest Things to Do on the Gold Coast

LUNCH

Takeaway: Goodness Gracias

Zesty Latin-inspired fare that’s easy on the wallet? Sign us up. This grab-and-go cocina serves burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads and more. You can eat in – there are a few stools and a couple of Acapulco chairs out the front – but the best way to play it is to head to the beach (250 metres away) for a tasty picnic in the sun.
Shop 1a, 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach; (07) 5598 3128

Oceanfront: Rick Shores

You can almost feel the sea spray at this Burleigh Heads eatery, which is quite literally on the shoreline. The pan-Asian menu is on a par with the sensational views and includes Sichuan duck breast in a red curry sauce, cured King Ora salmon with lime and ponzu and the ever-popular Moreton Bay bug roll with sriracha.
3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5630 6611

Sunday session: Jimmy Wah’s

It’s popular midweek but on Sundays this Vietnamese eatery really comes alive. That’s when Jimmy Wah’s does $69 sharing-style banquets; get set for a long, lazy meal of tempura oysters, braised short-rib buns and caramelised pork belly with lychee salsa.
1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5659 1180

Kid friendly: Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club

You want straightforward food in a laid-back setting? At this surf club bar and restaurant, the classic menu includes fish and chips, schnitzels, burgers and salads. It’s all served with great views and a welcoming, holiday vibe.
741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin; (07) 5534 2932

All-day dining: The Island Bistro

The restaurant opens at 7am at boutique hotel The Island but by 11.30am, the lunch menu kicks in and the kitchen gets the tastebuds going with pasta, burgers and rotisserie chicken, with pizzas still being plated up until midnight on the Island Rooftop, which is one of the Gold Coast's most popular bars for good reason.
3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise; (07) 5538 8000

Group eats: Social Eating House and Bar

Thanks to its chic dining room, polished service and delicious tapas-style plates, Social Eating House is one of the GC’s top culinary players. Of course, you have to order the lamb shoulder but what about the chargrilled chicken? And a charcuterie platter is a must. Our advice? Arrive hungry.
3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach; (07) 5504 5210

Casual: Ze Pickle

If a burger always brings a smile to your face, these ones will have you grinning from ear to ear – they’re that good. There are menu options for the littlies and, for biggies, there’s craft beer, wine and cocktails. Settle in – this is easygoing, unpretentious dining at its best.
1/37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5636 4936

Splurge: Kiyomi

Dining at The Star Gold Coast took a step up following its 2017 revamp, the pinnacle of which is Japanese fine-diner Kiyomi. Go all-out and order one of executive head chef Chase Kojima’s set menus. For something a bit more casual, Garden Kitchen & Bar (downstairs from Kiyomi) serves sophisticated gastropub fare in an airy, verdant setting.
Broadbeach Island, Broadbeach; (07) 5592 8100

Pizza and pasta: Balboa Italian Restaurant

Exposed brick and chandeliers sound more clash than flash but it works at this two-storey salon-meets-industrial-chic eatery. Another thing that works is the smart menu of handmade pasta, woodfired pizza and contemporary Italian dishes. Balboa also does takeaway for when you want a night in.
1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach; (07) 5659 2282

DINNER

For carnivores: Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar

Hmm… what to order? Steak, steak or the other steak? To be fair, there are other choices, including seafood share plates and market fish, but with four cuts of beef on offer, plus four extra "signature cuts" featuring additions such as miso glaze, it’s clear what this restaurant does best. 
1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5535 2699

Cheap and cheerful: Rainbow Bay Supporters Club

Views from the Gold Coast’s surf clubs are hard to beat and Rainbow Bay has arguably the best. Happily, the kitchen is also a winner, specialising in pub classics and kids’ meals come in under a tenner.
2 Snapper Rocks Road, Coolangatta; (07) 5536 6390

SEE ALSO: 15 of the Best Bars on the Gold Coast