There’s no denying the Gold Coast of 2024 is a culinary paradise. But finding the right restaurant to suit that special night out isn’t always an easy task, so the Urban List team is here to help.
Narrowing down the city’s culinary champions was no easy task—from north to south, from fine dining institutions to newly established eateries, here are 25 of the absolute best Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country restaurants right now.
Yamagen
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Image Credit: Yamagen | Supplied
QT Gold Coast’s signature restaurant, Yamagen is a funky izakaya with one of Queensland's largest Japanese whisky collections and some of the most innovative Japanese cuisine you'll ever taste. Behind the expansive bar, you can peer into the glass-enclosed kushiage station; the beating heart of the izakaya where smells and smoke wafts as chefs work over robata grills and binchotan charcoal.
Or, nab a spot at the 15-seat sushi bar where you can interact with the chefs and devour plate after plate of omakase (chef’s selection of market fresh sushi and sashimi). If you’re on the hunt for one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, you’ve found it.
Eddy + Wolff
4 Commerce Dr, Robina, QLD 4226
Image Credit: Eddy + Wolff | Instagram
Eddy + Wolff is a 22-seat Asian bar and restaurant bringing delicious, modern eats to Robina, which remains a relatively hidden foodie secret. This sleek eatery boasts a share-style menu split into barbecue snacks and bigger dishes, although you might not want to share when you see the plates coming out of the kitchen.
Expect mouth-watering dishes like their signature ‘Baby Pho’, which boasts a 48-hour simmering bone broth which comes from an old school family recipe passed down from way back. Pair your dishes with Eddy + Wolff's selection of Japanese whisky and extremely rare sake, and you'll agree this is absolutely one of the Gold Coast's best restaurants.
Restaurant Labart
8 West St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Restaurant Labart | Supplied
Gold Coast’s foodie portfolio was elevated when Sydney chef Alex Munoz Labart and his Gold Coast-raised wife Karla opened their first restaurant in Burleigh Heads. Awarded the best regional restaurant in Queensland by The Courier Mail, this intimate 60-seat bistro brings a touch of European sophistication to the local dining scene.
Restaurant Labart’s open-plan kitchen and charcoal grill allows diners a front-row seat to watch Alex and his talented team work their magic. The ever-changing modern Australian menu is designed to share with both snacks, small and large plates on offer, with all ingredients locally and sustainably sourced.
Tommy's Italian
818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tommy's Italian | Instagram
Located on pristine Currumbin Beach, Tommy’s Italian is the breezy southern hang with all the charm of a coastal Amalfi getaway. The bright, airy venue features an upstairs balcony with prime position for those unbeatable ocean views with your long lunch or sunset sips.
The menu encapsulates the perfect Italian food philosophy—simple food done well, with a focus on fresh, high quality ingredients. Load up the lunch table with antipasti including burrata and chicken liver parfait, as well as something hot and fresh from the grill, before diving into the classic pizza and pasta selections with a modern twist.
Kiyomi
The Star, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Kiyomi | Instagram
Spearheaded by celebrated Executive Chef Chase Kojima, Kiyomi is perfection on a plate. Tucked discreetly away on the mezzanine level at The Star Gold Coast, this stylish Japanese eatery is dimly lit, made moodier by the candlelight, dark furnishings and warm wood feature walls. With an adventurous menu including seared scampi with foie gras, Hiramasa Kingfish miso ceviche, binchotan Wagyu and melt-in-your-mouth sashimi platters, all dishes are prepared to look like an edible work of art.
Don’t know where to start? We recommend passing the reigns over and splashing out on their limited edition twenty-course omakase degustation—it’s the stuff foodie dreams are made of. Without a doubt, one of the Gold Coast's best restaurants.
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Citrique
158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Citrique | Supplied
Perched above the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise, lies the foodie paradise that is Citrique. Renowned for its long weekend lunches and seafood market experience, Citrique is a unqiue and chic dining experience that excels at its signature ocean and paddock-to-plate style dining. Their award-winning seafood buffet will have you sampling a variety of fresh, local seafood for the ultimate sea-to-table expereince.
Think: Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, blue swimmer crabs and Moreton Bay bugs galore. If a buffet presents too many sumptous options for you to choose from, dive into their larger plates—which all showcase local ingredients—like the lavendar honey-glazed duck breast with marinated heirloom beetroots, croquettes, chard leaves, asparagus and fig jus.
Little Truffle
2444 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Little Truffle | Supplied
Esteemed Mermaid Beach dining institution Little Truffle has reopened its iconic timber doors, revealing a magnificent million-dollar renovation. Renowned chef and restaurateur Daniel Ridgeway and wife Ruggie are the maestros behind the highly-anticipated rebirth of their distinguished fine-dining haven, Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar.
The restaurant's jaw-dropping million-dollar metamorphosis includes a complete change of layout, fixtures, bar, kitchen and menu. The new Little Truffle menu is as exceptional as always, starring some familiar signature dishes (yes, the Moreton Bay bug and prawn tortellini) as well as dazzling new additions from the wood-fired oven.
Social Eating House
3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach, QLD 4218
Image Credit: Social Eating House | Instagram
Located on glittering Oracle Boulevard, Social Eating House is definitely not somewhere to go for a quick bite, for the simple reason you would not be doing it justice. After undergoing renovations in late 2022 and returning better than ever, Social Eating House is undoubtedly one of the absolute best restaurants on the Gold Coast—this unassuming and unpretentious two chef-hatted bistro sets a culinary bar that other restaurants can only aspire to.
Come for Social Eating House’s legendary one-kilo saltbush lamb shoulder, followed by the most exquisite desserts in town and washed down with orgasmic espresso martinis.
Etsu Izakaya
2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Etsu Izakaya | Instagram
Hidden behind a whitewash timber door, if you didn’t already know about Etsu, you’d question whether you’d stumbled upon a city-side barn. But, look a little closer and you’ll find a modern Japanese izakaya-style dining room with effortlessly cool staff, brought to life with incredible Asian creations—cocktails and sake included.
The intimate venue is one of our top picks for an elevated date night. Designed to share; devour sushi, sashimi, tempura dishes and more at this intriguing Mermaid venue which is easily one of the absolute best restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Palette
HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Palette | Kaitlin Maree Photography
Palette is the sophisticated restaurant gracing the ground floor of the stunning HOTA Gallery and offers a unique blend of art and food. Treat your palette (get it?) with their fresh and modern Australian menu, variety of degustation menus and fully curated wine list, which has scored them 14 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat points.
Your art experience is extended at Palette, with talented Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law taking inspiration from major exhibitions at HOTA Gallery to demonstrate just how naturally art and food combine. The venue itself sings of artistry and showcases natural materials like timber and stone, which seamlessly work together to create a truly stunning space.
Gemelli Italian
2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Gemelli Italian | Brooke Darling Photography
A packed dining room seven nights, plus lunch Thursday to Sunday, is a testament to the young Carney brothers who introduced some of the most authentic Italian fare to the Gold Coast. Gemelli, translating to ‘twins’ in the mother tongue, is the original trattoria in the Gemelli hospitality empire and is somewhat of an institution among pizza and pasta lovers.
It’s the traditional recipes made with imported ingredients from Italy, passed through the generations, which are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike at their iconic Broadbeach restaurant. Come for the woodfired pizzas, melted gnocchi bowls and loaded salumi boards, and then stay for their drool-worthy Nutella Bomba desserts.
T'ang Court
The Langham, 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: The Langham | Supplied
If you can’t visit all of The Langham’s gastronomic offerings, we highly recommend you book in at T’ang Court. The esteemed, chef-hatted restaurant honours its Michelin-star international sister restaurants through its authentic Cantonese flavours and unrivalled service, bringing its global reputation for luxury culinary experiences to life in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
The exquisite menu showcases an array of traditional culinary masterpieces, including duck pancakes with hoisin sauce, sauteed pearl meat with ginger and shallots, and spicy black tiger prawn with roasted garlic. The 80-seat restaurant seamlessly blends modern luxury and traditional authenticity, with an elegant fit-out that celebrates the vibrancy of the T'ang Dynasty.
The North Room
2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The North Room | Instagram
Hunting for one of the best fine dining restaurants on the Gold Coast, whether it be date night or to treat your bestie? We’re totally crushing on Mermaid Beach’s intimate bistro, The North Room. The handiwork of talented husband and wife duo Tim and Shannon Stewart, nab a seat in this stylish 20-guest dining room and be spoilt with a refined European-style dining experience combining faultless service, buttery smooth ambiance and a set tasting menu that champions the finest of seasonal, locally-sourced produce.
Expect creative dishes like the spanner crab and bone marrow crumpet or Pottsville pipis with green zebra tomato and pumpkin, which are even more delicous than they sound. The North Room is only open Thursday to Saturday, so you'll need to book well in advance in order to nab a seat.
Rick Shores
3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Rick Shores | Instagram
With a carefully-curated pan-Asian menu of contemporary dishes from Vietnam, Thailand and further afield, this Burleigh waterfront favourite not only offers lust-worthy views across the table, but some of the most delicious share-style dishes we’ve tucked our knife and fork into. You will not leave disappointed after the likes of soft shell crab on betel leaf, Rick’s famous Moreton Bay bug rolls, Kingfish sashimi and king prawn yellow curry.
Hot tip? Rick Shores’ outdoor patio seats are all-time for a vino or frosty beer with a view, plus that golden hour around sunset is extra magical, so plan your night accordingly. Rick Shores is hands down one of the absolute best restaurants on the Gold Coast but be warned, you will have to book weeks in advance.
Orzo
3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
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Image Credit: Orzo | Kaitlin Maree Photography
Orzo is the second eatery by lauded hospitality couple Matt and Dayna Jefferson, who have made their mark on the Gold Coast with the divine Social Eating House, so when Orzo opened its doors in early 2020, we were always confident this would be special. And we were right. Orzo brings sophisticated coastal Italian cuisine to the Gold Coast; its concise yet impressive Italian-inspired menu includes a playful smattering of Asian and native Australian ingredients to make it truly distinctive.
Orzo's slurp-worthy, handmade pasta menu is simpy divine—from the lamb ragu ravioli with fried fennel to the clam and king prawn linguini, you can't make a wrong choice. Orzo’s elegant design evokes a feeling of relaxed comfort, transporting diners to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. If you're on the hunt for one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, stop the search.
Nineteen At The Star
The Star, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Nineteen At The Star | Brooke Darling Photography
If there’s one destination that seriously nails hotel dining on the Gold Coast, it’s The Star Gold Coast, with a half dozen stellar eateries under one roof. And the crème de la crème of Gold Coast hotel restaurants is Nineteen at The Star.
This is where the who’s who come for grilled Patagonian Toothfish and rock lobster bolognese with glittering views of the coastline 19 floors up; and where visitors and locals splurge to celebrate that special something or someone.
kōst
3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: kōst |Clayten Fowler Photography
The epitome of a modern bar and grill concept, kōst is one of the Gold Coast's newest restaurants—a slick, coastal-inspired restaurant in the heart of Broadbeach, encompassing a stunning 130-seat restaurant and 50 outdoor seats for cocktail-style dining.
kōst seamlessly blends elevated bar and grill cuisine with playful cocktails, fine wine and live fuel cooking methods, to deliver a high-level sensory immersion experience. The exquisite menu stars epicurean offerings of charcoal-grilled and dry-aged dishes, seafood platters, whole market fish and modern takes on plant-based dishes. Almost everything in kōst has been carefully hand designed and procured—from the curved timber seats to the gold accented tableware to the stone tables with 'kōst' emblazoned on them.
The Tropic
43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: The Tropic | Supplied
Burleigh Pavilion’s signature al a carte restaurant, The Tropic’s jaw-dropping locale makes you feel as if you’re dining on the edge of the ocean. With plantation-style ceilings, a pale pink tiled bar, crisp white tables, thoughtful greenery and splashes of pastel blue, moss green and creamy yellow, every inch of the 200-seat restaurant is achingly cool.
Chef Guillaume Zika, who nabbed two hats while running esteemed Restaurant Cottage Point Inn in Sydney, heads up The Tropic’s kitchen, so you know you’re in for a mouth-watering treat. The menu is produce-driven featuring only the freshest local ingredients, which means anything seafood related is a must-try. This is one of our top picks for a long, boozy lunch, so you can soak up the panoramic views at golden hour.
Ally Chow
2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Ally Chow | Supplied
Anyone who has wandered along the Nobby Beach strip will have noticed the circular Chinese culture-inspired wrought iron gate and glass door entryway with intrigue. If you were foolish enough not to investigate further, you've missed out on the delightful experience that is dining at Ally Chow. Inside, glossy black concrete floors and high raw concrete ceilings are softened with a hanging urban jungle of lights and greenery.
The South-East Asian inspired restaurant has a core focus on serving fresh, clean dishes filled with punchy flavours. The Burmese-style slow-cooked lamb shoulder curry and the betel leaf piled high with sticky pork and Fraser Island spanner crab are must-trys.
Miss Moneypenny's
50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Miss Moneypenny's | Brooke Darling Photography
Neslted in the heart of Broadbeach, Miss Moneypenny’s coastal colour palette is dreamy and the styling is elegantly timeless. From the terracotta breeze wall entry way and stunning terracotta lined bar, to the walnut tables, plush heathered grey and sea foam blue couch seating—Miss Moneypenny’s is chic, grown up and very classy.
Now that you've lusted over the interior, let's move onto the food. Artistically executed, work your way through moreish bites like seared beef tataki with smoked enoki mushrrom, Hiramasa kingfish ceviche and chargrilled Moreton Bay bug. With social dining at its heart, we recommend trying Miss Moneypenny's chef's seven dish signature selection, which will have you dining on a carefully curated menu of Miss Moneypenny's signature dishes, including wagyu beef skewers, chargrilled ora king salmon and lemon vanilla buttermilk panna cotta.
Siblings
15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Siblings Kirra | Instagram
Once you soak up the gorgeous views at award-winning Siblings you’ll never want to leave, making it the perfect spot for your long lazy lunch. Kirra views are among the best on the Gold Coast, so combine that with a modern Australian menu that rivals some of the best in the country, and you’ve got yourself a smashing combination.
With a menu like this, you’re better off bringing a crowd and getting a sample of everything. Think: chimichurri steak tacos, mum’s meatballs, manchego croquettes, prawn and bug meat risotto, warm roast cauliflower salad and steak au poivre to name a few, all done to perfection. Vegans are catered for with their own menu, too. Siblings Kirra is a hard one to go past.
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Mamasan Broadbeach | Instagram
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar is Asian fusion done deliciously right. A favourite for business meetings, long boozy lunches, date nights and everything in between, Mamasan boasts the perfect blend of tradition and modern cuisine from South-East Asia.
Think: flavour-packed dishes from twice-cooked pork belly bao to spanner crab ravioli dumplings to Peking duck pancakes to miso Patagonian Toothfish, all wrapped up in a swanky Oriental-style package on central Oracle Boulevard.
Jimmy Wah’s
1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Jimmy Wah's | Instagram
Given our love affair with Asian food, we rank Jimmy Wah’s high among the best casual(ish) restaurants on the Gold Coast. A contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine with an Australian twist, you won’t find any upturned milk crates for stools or conical palm leaf and bamboo hats at this Burleigh hotspot.
Open for both lunch and dinner seven days, undo your top button in preparation for plates and plates of flavour-packed braised short beef short rib on steamed buns, pork and prawn Vietnamese pancakes, Banh Mi and tempura bug tail on betel leaf.
Justin Lane Establishment
1708 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads 4220
Ask any local and they’ll tell you Burleigh is where the magic happens; and one of its star attractions is Justin Lane Establishment. Justin Lane is legendary around these parts; having helped shaped the charismatic pocket of Burleigh we know and love today.
Justin Lane’s bustling two-story digs attracts a hip, jovial crowd any day of the week, so come for the sun-drenched rooftop bar and prime-positioned booths with beach views, then stay for the show-stopping cocktails, handmade sourdough pizzas, pastas and share plates.
Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill
2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
If you love a juicy steak, then Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill should be your go-to restaurant, regardless of the occasion. With its stunning modern interior decor of natural stone finishes, sleek organic curves and state of the art lighting system, this steak restaurant has evolved.
Enjoy a cheese plate and oysters while overlooking Broadbeach’s Victoria Park, followed promptly by one of Moo Moo’s signature steaks. If cocktails are your style, an apple vineyard bellini or espresso caramel margarita is a must. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best steak restaurants on the Gold Coast, well, you’ve found it.
On the hunt for more of the best Gold Coast restaurants? Check out:
- Coolangatta's Best Restaurants
- Tamborine Mountain's Best Restaurants
- The Northern Rivers' Best Restaurants
Main image credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
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