16 Of The Best Southport Restaurants To Hit In 2025
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Southport is best known for its dazzling Broadwater, but, in recent years, it’s also transformed into a fierce contender on the Gold Coast dining scene. A mecca that weaves multicultural influences with fine eats, the best Southport restaurants are just a tram trip away.
I have lived on the Gold Coast for over a decade and find myself revisiting Southport for new reasons each time. First it was the rooftop bars, then vegan bakeries, and now date night close to home. I can near guarantee that there's a Southport restaurant with your current craving on the pass, right here on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh Country.
From rooftops to hideaways, fine dining to new favourites, Korean to Japanese, Southport shines. And that’s just the beginning. Here are mine and the team at Urban List's picks of the 16 best Southport restaurants to tuck into.
Southport's Best Restaurants At A Glance
- Best Asian Restaurants
- Best Japanese Restaurants
- Best Italian Restaurants
- Best Restaurants for Groups
Best Asian Restaurants in Southport
ATTO Korean Cuisine
55 Brooke Avenue, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: ATTO | Instagram
You’re ready for a Friday night feed, and you want fancy. Something lighter than Italian but heartier than Japanese. Enter ATTO Korean Cuisine, Korean fine dining that blends traditional dishes with the occasional modern twist.
Don’t be surprised by the highly ’grammable plating at this Southport eatery, either. It’s owner Yongsul Lee’s gift to the Gold Coast—after stints at multiple prestigious restaurants, including Etsu Izakaya, he’s dishing up a taste of Korean culture in style.
They’re both beautifully simple dishes that wow on flavour and leave plenty of room for dessert—which matters, because the pillowy mango bisu is genuinely unmissable.
INSIDER INTEL
- There are really no wrong choices here, but, if you’re dining with a friend, try sharing the Black Angus galbi and the kingfish sashimi (served in a bath of gojuchang and green shallot oil)
JFX Noodle & Tapas Bar
82 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
Pull up a seat at this hot spot and you’ll see exactly why JFX Noodle & Tapas Bar is a local favourite. From steaming hot pots and hot plate-ready wagyu to crispy katsu and some of the most authentic ramen on the Gold Coast, this open-air eatery slings up some of our favourite Japanese dishes in Southport.
The pork katsu don and the mountainous special ramen are always winners with my crew. Sharpen up your chopstick skills and come with an empty stomach because JFX’s menu is brimming with delish dishes that never disappoint.
INSIDER INTEL
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If you’re lucky enough to visit before the chilli coriander ramen sells out, count your lucky stars and chow down
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There's a try 3 for $20 option, for a tasting platter option of ramen and karaage, even sashimi and rice bowls
Gal.B Korean BBQ Restaurant
21 Nind Street, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Gal.B Korean BBQ | Instagram
Forget that long train trip to Sunnybank. If you’re on the hunt for a centrally located, top-notch Korean barbecue, Southport has you sorted with a plethora of hot spots, and Gal.B Korean BBQ is one of the best.
Conveniently nestled along Nind Street, Gal.B has garnered a reputation for fresh feasts and traditional dishes. I'm a big fan of tasting my way around favourites such as raw wagyu bibimbap, octopus beef bulgogi, and a selection of BBQ sets to sizzle and flip solo.
INSIDER INTEL
- Split a coupla' pork belly strips, a few rice bowls and the ever-enormous bibimbap for a neat $26 each for three people
- A bottle of soju is the perfect addition to your meal with seamingly endless sides
Quan 55 Restaurant & Bar
55 Brooke Avenue, Chirn Park QLD 4215
Think traditional Vietnamese flavours plus contemporary family recipes—the kind of restaurant that uses a phở pot handed down through the owner’s family over more than 20 years. Vietnamese for ‘bar’, Quann 55 delivers tall cocktails that make for the perfect celebratory clink. My go-to's the marg.
Choose from a selection of share plates like rice paper rolls packed with duck, shallots, and glass noodles, medium plates like the tamarind and soft-shell crab bao with daikon, apple and mint, or mains like the infamous phở beef noodle soup served with mouthwatering beef brisket, slices of rare eye fillet beef, and a generous handful of bean sprouts. This broth might possibly changed my life.
There are a heap of plant-based bites and plates and the service here is always friendly. I particularly love that whenever I visit, my eyes aren't quite big enough and we end up ordering plates in stages which never seems to be much of an issue at all
INSIDER INTEL
- This place pours specialty sugar cane juice sourced from Jacobs Well (freshly pressed daily)
- It's an intimate dining space lined with fiddle leaf figs with easy streetside parking and a responsible 9-9.30pm closing
Best Japanese Restaurants In Southport
Ramen Danbo
73 Meron Street, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Ramen Danbo | Instagram
Transport your senses to the alleyways of Shinjuku at this much-loved Southport ramen joint. Ramen Danbo is a long-time local favourite for its silky noodles, authentic broths, and generous servings of personalisable dishes. Choose everything from your noodle firmness, richness, spice, and salt levels. Whether you opt for a classic ramen with tonkotsu pork broth, the negi-goma with its toasted sesame, or any of the six specialties, make sure to take a seat at the bar to watch the kitchen magic unfold. I love watching the chefs spin their magic inside giant silver bowls and with next-level knife skills.
Ramen Danbo is the Japanese restaurant Southport plant-based eaters can get among too—think miso- and konbu-based vegetarian or vegan ramen topped with atsuage tofu and spring onions. In my opinion, this genuine Japanese restaurant in Southport is a front-runner on the Gold Coast.
INSIDER INTEL
- My order's the vegetarian miso, minus the butter making it one of the rare vegan ramens on the Gold Coast
- It's located a short stroll to Brickworks for takeaway pastries, cakes and cookies from the beloved Cardamom Pod
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GOTO Japanese Restaurant
9 Lawson Street, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: GOTO Japanese | Instagram
Don’t let the shopping centre locale fool you. GOTO Japanese is well worth the pretty pennies you’ll happily hand over for authentic dishes tirelessly created by their team of skilled chefs.
I consider this one of the best Japanese restaurants Southport has ever welcomed, while some go as far as to say GOTO plates up Australia’s finest Nagasaki cuisine. Melt-in-your-mouth sashimi pairs perfectly with the miso tooth fish sugitayaki wrapped in aromatic cedar wood.
INSIDER INTEL
- If you’re a Japanese foodie, keep your taste buds open for hints of Chinese influence—they’re a part of the traditional Goto (Five Islands) dining culture that GOTO nails so perfectly
Izakaya Ichi
42 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215
Did I mention that some of the best Japanese restaurants call Southport home? Izakaya Ichi is no exception, featuring competitively priced bites, bowls and beautiful rows of pillowy gyoza. Grab a leather-padded seat, soak up the modern izakaya ambience, and start ordering.
Do as I do and get sucked into taking away an ice snowflake with red bean and green tea ice cream.
INSIDER INTEL
- This lesser-known Southport restaurant is conveniently located right by the Nerang Street tram stop, which comes in handy when you leave with a Wagyu beef don food baby in tow.
Itaewon Korean Restaurant
27 Garden Street, Southport QLD 4215
Okay, I'm officially sold: Southport is the place to go if you want authentic Asian cuisine. ATTO and Gal.B are in good company with Itaewon Korean Restaurant (named after one of Seoul’s trendiest suburbs). Located at the base of Southport Central’s looming towers, this is no-holds-barred authentic Korean, right down to the grill-served meals.
Be warned: I'm not kidding when I say ‘authentic’ – the spices here are not for the weak of tongue. If you’re feeling bold, tackle the eye-watering volcano pork bowl (maybe with the help of a friend). No? I'm a big fan of classics like the bulgogi bibimbap or soy garlic fried chicken instead. Oh, and if you don’t have time to do a sit-down meal, Itaewon has a takeaway outlet in Australia Fair. It's hot property for piping hot bowls to accompany your Netflix binge.
INSIDER INTEL
- The cheese tteokbokki is a bowl literally topped with melted cheese and is giving serious comfort food vibes
- Their housemade battered corndogs are ginormous yet start at just $5, near novelty in look yet incredibly crispy and well-worth a bite
Muso Ramen And Gyoza Bar
Shop1/58 Brooke Ave, Southport QLD 4215
Muso Ramen had me at ‘no ramen, no life.’ And as a Southern belle in Mermaid Beach, my Northern-hailing self was thrilled when they opened a store smack bang in the middle of Chirn Park. This quaint, family-friendly eating house has a new crowd of lovers at their North Coast location.
My husband can’t go past the black miso with a rich pork broth, topped with succulent Kurobuta belly, bamboo, egg, tangy shallots and ma-yu garlic oil. Though, my personal go-to is the creamy vegan ramen which is unlike any other plant-based bowl I've tasted.
If you're able, squeeze in an extra serving of life-changing pork fried rice while you’re at it, all finished with pillowy cheese and pork gyoza.
INSIDER INTEL
- Every visit, the refreshing Black Hops ginger cider on-tap makes its way onto the table as my bev of choice
- Keep an eye out for the ever-changing drink and menu specials. There are a whole swag of creatives working at this joint
- Easy street parking, outdoor seating if that's your jam or intimate tables filled with the hum of ramen-loving locals
Best Italian Restaurants In Southport
Amore Ristorante
59 Meron Street, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Amore Ristorante | Instagram
It shouldn’t surprise you that an Italian fine dining joint with a name that means ‘Love Restaurant’ is nice. Very nice, in fact. Amore Ristorante opened its doors in December 2024 as part of the TRYP by Wyndham hotel. And it lives up to its promise, combining a highbrow hotel aesthetic with authentic flavours and the biggest pizza oven I’ve ever seen.
Headed up by Executive Chef Robert McWhinnie, the menu blends familiar favourites like traditional ragu bolognese with the more creative—dishes like chicken saltimbocca with white wine, sage and prosciutto, and polenta chips with truffle and parmesan. Add in a dessert list that features strawberry salad cheesecake with balscamic and sorbet, and I find myself coming back time and time again for this intriguing medley of dishes.
INSIDER INTEL
- TRYP by Wyndham also houses Rossa Pizzeria & Bar, if you're looking for a more relaxed experience and $20 pizzas
Jafa
253 Ferry Road, Southport QLD 4215
The same unassuming strip mall that houses local favourite Blendlove also hosts Jafa, a frills-free trattoria that’s all about moreish pasta and pizza. Don’t come here expecting white tableclothes and double-digit entrees. This is laidback Southport hospitality at its best—just rock up, slurp down your pasta, and enjoy the lamplit vibes.
But that doesn’t mean Jafa drops the ball on taste. My recommendation's to start with antipasti that ranges from Byron Bay burrata to truffle arancini, then go for Italian classics like the flavour-loaded pesto and creamy mushroom alfredo. That pulled lamb and jalapeño pizza calls my name all too often, and I've not regretted it once.
INSIDER INTEL
- These pizza bases complete a fermentation period which makes for an interesting texture
- The wine list's an impressive selection of imported and locally produced drops, ask about pairings
Fratello Italian
4/79 Central Street, Labrador QLD 4215
It’s open season on modern Italian here in Southport. If you’ve already crossed Jafa off your hitlist, Fratello is the hugely popular nearby eatery that’s light on pretension and big on flavour. Newly relocated to the corner of Turpin Road and Central Street, this casual restaurant is all about exposed brickwork, pendant lights, and chilled conversations.
Flip over a menu and you’ll have to make one of life’s more difficult choices: fresh, handmade pasta or 48-hour-fermented pizza? My recommendation: burrata, olive oil, and fresh bread, followed by the oxtail ragu (slow-cooked for seven hours), finished off with a Baileys-over-gelato cocktail from the bar (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).
This place pumps all week long, be sure to book to save your seat.
INSIDER INTEL
- Order the quattro formaggi gnocchi for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It's a cheesy dreamy delight
- Expect a buzzing atmosphere and opt for streetside seating if you prefer a lower volume over a lively vibe
Aviary Rooftop Bar
5 Melia Court, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Aviary Rooftop Bar | Instagram
It’s the top-level dining experience Southport begged for, and Aviary Rooftop Bar gets all the stars in my books. Because, hey, who needs beachside views when you have the Gold Coast hinterland bathed in the setting sun? I am always pleasantly surprised by the rolling views here, and a star-kissed sky that can't quite be accessed in more packed areas of the gold Coast.
Perched atop Mantra at Sharks (that's the building to the right of the main Sharks spot), Aviary offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails, including the decadent Twisted Espresso, with maple whiskey and served in a tiki-esque goblet. Honestly, the creative twists featured on the cocktail menu are reason enough to visit. Add small plates that include mezcal-marinated pork belly bites, antipasto platters, and next-level pizzas that range from classic Italian to spicy Korean, and you’ve got yourself one of Southport’s best restaurants.
INSIDER INTEL
- Park in the Sharks carpark, head to the building on the right and take the elevator to the rooftop
- To access the outdoor rooftop lounge, turn right when you exit the elevator
- Sunset hour's often accompanied by live music inside, that croons through the speakers to the outdoors for an extra lively atmosphere
Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop
43 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Mr P.P's | Isabel Croker
Tucked inside one of the Gold Coast’s few historical buildings, Mr P.P.’s namesake was a Postmaster General whose family called the space home for a century. Today, this moody haunt is arguably the best Southport restaurant for rooftop sips, generously loaded pizza, and top-shelf tipples.
Drop in for a sundowner affair above Southport’s hustle-bustle on the rooftop or hide away in the adjoining vintage Percy’s Bar. I recommend the succulent Australian olives with preserved lemon, thyme and garlic and the sopressa salami pizza with a ricotta base, roasted peppers, basil, and chilli-infused honey. To be fair, though, there are no wrong choices at Mr P.P’s.
INSIDER INTEL
- These chewy pizzas rival some of the best sourdough bases on the Gold Coast
- The laneway and garden are a top event space for intimate celebrations
- Easy catchup spot, right on the Nerang St tram stop
Best Restaurants For Groups
Cycho’s Buffalo Wings
2 Nexus Way Southport QLD 4215
From time to time, I think you and I can agree that we all get in the mood for a little wing-a-ding-ding. Cycho’s Buffalo Wings is Southport’s answer to all your wing-loving dreams. They've recently moved from Young Street to Nexus Way, right by the Woolworths. Cycho’s vibrant wall mural sets the vibe as you step inside.
Expect a menu loaded with crispy-yet-juicy wings doused in sauces of your choosing. With burgers, sliders, loaded fries and vegetarian options, Cycho’s is, by popular acclaim, the best wings restaurant in Southport, and arguably, on the Gold Coast.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's a $25 all-you-can-eat wings offer for one blissful hour of wings
- It's giving end-of-week catchup spot
Cafe Catalina
11 Gold Coast Highway, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Cafe Catalina | Supplied
In my opinion, a visit to Southport couldn’t possibly be complete without a wander down the Broadwater. With its unrivalled coastal views, a vibrant outdoor bar, and menus spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, the delightfully sun-soaked Cafe Catalina is ideal for a quick pit stop or lingering meal.
Open for breakfast from 6.45am and lunch that starts at 12 then continues on into the evening, it's hard to beat a dozen Rockerfeller oysters at sunset hour while overlooking the water with a cadillac margarita in hand. That's a sunny mix of Batanga Blanca, citrus and cointreau.
Swing by from Friday to Sunday for sunset sessions to the soundtrack of live sax, vinyl, or down-tempo DJ tracks.
INSIDER INTEL
- Taco & tequila Tuesdays recently launched, with $7 tacos up for the chomping
Looking for more restaurant inspiration? Check out:
- The Gold Coast's Best Korean BBQ Joints
- Coolangatta's Best Restaurants
- Tamborine Mountain's Best Restaurants
Main image credit: Amore Ristorante | Jade Quinlivan Photography
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