Where To Find The Gold Coast’s Best Martinis In 2026

13th Apr 2026

Written by:

Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast

Dirty, neat, shaken, stirred—if it’s ice-cold, perfectly balanced, and served in a long-stemmed glass, I’m ordering it.

I’ve always been a cocktail lover, but traditionally, I leaned sweet. Not cloyingly so, but you wouldn’t have caught me ordering a martini unless lychee was involved. That is, until I finally tried my first proper dirty gin martini. I was stunned. What had I been missing all this time?

Salty, clean, sharp, with an almost imperceptible hint of sweetness—it completely recalibrated my palate. I was an instant convert. As it turns out, the martinis I’d had before were simply not very good. Since then, like anyone with a penchant for finding the best of something niche, I’ve made it my mission to find our cities finest.

And so, without further ado—here’s where to find the best martinis on the Gold Coast, from north to south.

ALVINS

12 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point QLD 4216

Image Credit: ALVINS | Instagram

A gorgeous little wine bar that feels like a well-kept secret, ALVINS is easily one of the northern Gold Coast’s most charming golden hour spots. The cheese boards are as scrumptious as they come, and the martinis are every bit as considered—ice-cold, beautifully balanced, and dangerously easy to sip.

It’s the kind of place locals quietly gatekeep, and for good reason. A blessing if you live nearby, and more than enough reason to make the trip if you don’t.

The Exhibitionist Bar

Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Image Credit: The Exhibitionist Bar | Kaitlin Maree Photography

Perched a few levels above the bustle, The Exhibitionist Bar is one of the Gold Coast’s best rooftop bars—and yes, the martinis are just as impressive as the view. They whip up a properly polished martini, best enjoyed with the skyline stretching out in front of you.

Add to that its position above one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants, and you’ve got the makings of a very well-planned evening. Be warned though, it’s near impossible not to stay for more than one.

4 Panitz St, Bundall QLD 4217

Image Credit: Bar Leo | Instagram

With a stellar wine list, exceptional food, and one of the best martinis on the Gold Coast, Bar Leo really can’t seem to put a foot wrong. This backstreet hidden gem is equal parts chic and unpretentious, making it all too easy to settle in for the evening.

My ideal order? A martini (or two), a table full of share plates—be sure to order the saganaki—and don’t skip dessert. Go at golden hour with friends and thank me later.

3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218

Image Credit: Six Tricks Distilling Co. | Instagram

Stepping into Six-Tricks Distilling Co. feels like slipping into another world—dark, chic, and just the right amount of moody. As one of the Gold Coast’s best distilleries, it’s no surprise their martinis are exceptional, with the vodka martini in particular shining bright.

Think deliciously dirty, perfectly crisp, and crafted by a team who clearly know what they’re doing. Add in the warm, knowledgeable service, and you’ve got a spot that’s very easy to linger in.

Cantina

2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Image Credit: Cantina | Instagram

To write about the Gold Coast’s best martinis and not include Cantina would feel borderline criminal. A long-time favourite among locals, this cosy, homey bar has built its name on consistently excellent cocktails—and yes, that includes a standout martini.

Their dirty martini, made with Lillet instead of vermouth, offers a subtle twist that’s balanced, smooth, and endlessly drinkable. Stay for their delicious tiramisu—one of the Gold Coast’s best—and settle in for the kind of night that becomes a regular occasion.

Moustache

3/2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Image Credit: Moustache | Instagram

Spilling out onto the pavement and catching the last licks of afternoon sun, Moustache feels like a little slice of Europe in Mermaid Beach. Naturally, the martinis here are fabulous—my go-to is a dirty gin martini, and they do it very well.

While it’s always a good time (even in the morning, when they serve one of the Gold Coast’s best cold foams), late afternoon is where it truly shines. There’s a certain energy in the air that makes it almost impossible not to stay for another round.

2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Image Credit: Suẽno | Instagram

You know what’s better than a really good martini? A really good martini in the sun, preferably at a rooftop bar—and Suẽno delivers exactly that. Tucked above Mermaid Beach, this swanky rooftop spot is made for long, leisurely sips.

It may not be on the menu, but the team here can turn their hand to just about any martini you’re craving, and they’ll do it beautifully. Add in the scrumptious food and inviting atmosphere, and you’ve got a rooftop worth lingering on.

2a/8 West St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Restaurant Labart | Instagram

This candlelit, intimate, European-style bistro is widely regarded as one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants—and their martinis are no exception. At Restaurant Labart they let the ingredients really shine so, naturally, they use only the best, resulting in a martini that’s as refined and delicious as the setting itself.

Whether you’re tucked inside or perched at one of the charming outdoor tables, it’s the kind of place that invites you to stay a little longer and sip a little more. I’ve never managed to leave after just one—it’s simply too good.

12 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Paloma Wine Bar | Instagram

Paloma Wine Bar has long been known for its killer drinks and seriously tasty small plates, so it’s no surprise their martinis are well worth your attention. This splendid little wine bar strikes that perfect balance between relaxed and sophisticated, plus it’s a prime people watching spot.

Whether you’re in the mood for gin, vodka, dirty, or with a twist, you really can’t go wrong. Just don’t make steadfast plans afterwards, you might end up staying all night.

Rick Shores

3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Rick Shores | Instagram

If it’s a perfect martini paired with a perfect view you’re after, Rick Shores is hard to beat. Sitting right on the edge of Burleigh Heads beach, it’s the kind of place where the drinks are just as memorable as the setting.

Order a martini, settle in, and watch the sky shift colours as the sun dips. Book ahead if you can, or if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the coveted outdoor seats, you’re in for something special.

9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Familiar Spirits | Facebook

A gin martini at Familiar Spirits is non-negotiable for any true martini lover. This small-batch distillery is a hidden gem, offering a relaxed, welcoming space that feels a little like a home away from home—if your home happened to serve exceptional cocktails.

The cellar door is open every Friday from 12pm to 6pm, making it the perfect end-of-week ritual. An expertly made martini here just hits differently.

20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225

Image Credit: Bar Evelyn | Instagram

Bar Evelyn is known for serving some of the best cocktails on the Gold Coast, so naturally, their martinis are spot on. The space strikes that perfect balance—moody and intimate, yet still buzzing with energy.

Pair your drink with something from the menu (the eggplant dip is a must), and don’t even think about skipping their tiramisu—one of the Gold Coast’s best. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger well into the night.

Looking for more? Check out:

Main image credit: Labart | Instagram

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