The Best French Restaurants On The Gold Coast In 2026
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Perhaps you know your way around an aromatic mirepoix, can saute a mean mushroom or even whip out the odd flambe (okay, wow). But let's face it, sometimes it's nice, nay, an absolute treat to let someone else delicately poach, pour or plate up a true piece de resistance at a French restaurant.
Sure, French food feels fancy. But that's because, well, it is. Whether it's their renowned mother sauces, fine Champagnes or attention to detail during table service. Some call it the superior cuisine and honestly, keep flying that flag if that means we get to tuck in.
Since you're craving one of the many butter-doused, perfectly presented and succulent delights signature to French cuisine, here's Urban List's refined collection of French restaurants on Gold Coast/Kombummeri Country. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, take your pick to spoil yourself, clink in celebration or reignite the tealight flame on romance.
How we choose: Culinary excellence, consistent service, cultural relevance, moody ambiance, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.
Best French Restaurants At A Glance
Casual French Restaurants
Saint Marthe
13 Main St, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Image Credit: Saint Marthe | Instagram
While its namesake is the Patron Saint of Hospitality, it is also interestingly the homeplace of Saint Marthe's founders while they ran a bustling restaurant and bar in France. And actually, Rue Saint-Marthe does share a similar charming village feel to Tamborine Mountain. So to experience this Brasserie (that's a French style restaurant for us playing at home), in the Gold Coast hinterland is honestly a real delight. I am all about this flavour affair and lovers running the joint.
Centred around a stone pillar chimney, the feel is elegant and the kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine. A testimant to the traditional French kitchen brigade that many kitchens attempt, though here it's obviously executed with precision.
The portobello mushroom pate is my idea of the perfect entree, while steak and frite-lovers have an intimate selection of fine cuts including MB6 Wagyu rump to choose from. Or make a selection from the petite extras like house pickles or grilled Mediteranean vegetables. Best finished with mulled wine vanilla pears and creamy mascapone.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's the brainchild of El Burro Cantina husband and wife team Marcus and Amalia
- Look for the bright red signage out front that screams 'deli' but delivers 'considered cuisine'
Jonez on Ephraim
2 Ephraim Island Bridge, Paradise Point QLD 4216
You can genuinely taste the level of care that goes into each dish at Jonez on Ephraim. It's a weird name, but if you're a weird person too, then it's the equivalent of following a perfumed path in the air to your lover. And that's exactly how I feel everytime I arrive here. Lustful, saucy and with a wink in my eye.
To give you a feel for the level of intentionality in these dishes, Michelin Star Chef Gary Jones simmers stocks for 18 hours or more, every sauce is made from scratch and cutlets are cooked to an internal temperature of 60 degrees. The result is juicy meat, rich dishes and sauces that'll have you reaching for the spoon. This is is the French restaurant Gold Coast locals keep secret because that homely feel and warm service is just such a treat to experience.
Trained in classic French cuisine Chef Jones weaves traditional techniques with modern twists for interesting yet devillishly balanced dishes. The twice baked goats cheese souffle and pork medallion with braised red cabbage, fondant potato, parsnip puree and baked apple are just the beginning of what I mean here. If cheese is your love language, don't skip dessert.
INSIDER INTEL
- It'd be a crime to leave here without trying the scroppino. A truly French dessert made from prosecco, vodka and lemon sorbet
Restaurant Labart
2a/8 West St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Restaurant Labart | Instagram
This is a moodily-lit bistro that welcomes you to dine by booth or alfresco, and I, like many, have a problematic crush on their sorbet with basil oil. Restaurant Labart was awarded the Best Restaurant in Queensland by Gourmet Traveller in 2024 and is the long-lunch and late dinner haunt known for European excellence. Though steady your gaze on their menu and you'll find a gentle scattering of French-specific dishes throughout.
This is your go-to spot to tuck into authentic beef tartare topped with egg yolk. Or even baked savoury tartes with Compte cheese and a refreshing nectarine salad. And let's not forget the silky classic creme caramel. Hey, be careful how you jiggle on the plate like that, big boy.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's a Valentine's Day-specific menu
- Opt for a pavement-side seat at golden hour to lap up the Euro vibes
Fine Dining French Restaurants
Little Truffle
2444 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Little Truffle | Instagram
Little Truffle is undeniably the most iconic Gold Coast French restaurant for haute cuisine and it screams romance. In 2025 it actually took out the Queensland state winner's Good Food Guide award. The blacked out exterior is honestly quite intense, and leaves many a pedestrian wondering what the heck is hidden behind those doors.
So, perhaps my favourite part of the experience is the arrival. It's where you wrap your mitts around two gold handles, pull - at the same time, for dramatic effect - and step inside for a jaw-dropping reveal. Tables adorned in white linen lluminated by the warm glow of moody lighting and topped with fine glassware.
This joint has two Chef Hats for 2026 and is multi-award winning in the realm of fine dining and European cuisine. So yes, the food is phenomenal. Take the Terrine, for starters. It's confit chicken, duck and pistachios with an apricot relish and buttery toasted brioche. Or the very French and very delish Chicken Ballotine risotto where hearty scoops of forest mushrooms and alsace bacon swim in vermouth cream sauce for induldgent mouthfuls of heaven.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's milestone date night material
- There's an entire menu dedicated to Valentine's Day
Mona Lisa's Lair
Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami QLD 4220
Image Credit: Mona Lisa's Lair | Instagram
Hidden in plain sight within Miami's food and culture epicentre, Mona Lisa's Lair saunters into this Gold Coast French restaurant highlight reel effortlessly. Framed by stained-glass windows and dripping in velvet, this is the chic artwork-lined Champagne bar plastered with floral wallpaper that's impossible to ignore. Available for private hire, as well as an impressive selection of drops from 15 Champagne houses, the ever-evolving menu features French classics with a lair twist.
Think: molten cheese fondue scattered with garlic roasted mushrooms and crisp sourough croûtes. Through to succulent truffled confit chicken Maryland perched atop a white bean and leek cassoulet. Not to mention the sultry selection of French-inspired desserts, including strawberry caiprioska jelly with gooey Turkish delight and a whip of elderflower cream, fresh basil and a scatter of thyme.
INSIDER INTEL
- Look for the secret entrance marked with Mona Lisa holding a pink flamingo and ring the doorbell
- It's Miami Marketta's first 18+ establishment
Still hungry? Feast your eyes on:
- The Best Italian Restaurants On The Gold Coast
- The Best Romantic Restaurants On The Gold Coast
- The Best Restaurants With A View On The Gold Coast
Main image credit: Little Truffle | Instagram
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