Blessed to live in one of the most beautiful spots in Australia, who wouldn’t want to combine good food with a breathtaking view? From coastal horizons to the lush landscape in more secluded regions—the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country is brimming with picturesque potential.
Read on for your ultimate guide to 15 of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast (in North to South order) that are worth getting a park for.
The Best Restaurants With A View At A Glance
- Restaurants With Ocean Views
- Restaurants With Water Views
- Restaurants With Mountain Views
- Sky-High Restaurants
Restaurants With Ocean Views
Rick Shores
3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Rick Shores | Instagram
How could I write a list of Gold Coast restaurants with the best views without mentioning Rick Shores? Local favourite—I honestly can’t decide if the food or the setting is better. If you’re lucky enough to book a seat inside, accompany your meal with Burleigh’s stunning beachside.
Known for its Asian-fusion fare and cult-status bug rolls (IYKYK), Rick Shores serves up bold flavours alongside uninterrupted ocean views. By day, you’ll spot surfers carving through waves right outside the window; by night, the water glows with city lights, making it one of the most magical dinner spots on the Gold Coast.
The Tropic
3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: The Tropic | Supplied
Making use of Burleigh’s gorgeous waves is The Tropic—surrounded by sunshine and sea spray. Open day and night (but I’d recommend the daytime for the dreamiest beach views), this premium dining experience combines classic Australian cuisine with Mediterranean.
To get the most out of your visit, the fresh oysters and caviar are a must-try. Or for something a little more filling, the pasta options include mussel conchiglie and prawn mafaldine. Pair it all with a crisp wine and you’ve got yourself the perfect long lunch by the sea—The Tropic is where laidback luxury lives.
Tommy’s Italian
818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tommy's Italian | Instagram
Want the beachside, but growing tired of seafood? Tommy’s Italian is the spot for you. With a spot so close to the beach you can almost touch the waves, combine authentic, handmade Italian food with a fresh, seaside breeze.
The Tommy’s team have a deep appreciation for authentic, handmade Italian food and it shows. You really can’t go wrong with one of their pizza options, unless you’re more of a pasta person. Either way, they have you covered. The little ones are just as welcome here, with a range of kiddie options and a decadent dessert menu. It’s what you deserve.
Cooly Breeze
13/112 Griffith Street, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Cooly Breeze | Instagram
Don’t tell anyone, but this might just be my favourite view on the Gold Coast. We’re talking cocktails, freshly shucked oysters and a window seat to an oceanside that has you pinching yourself. With delicate interior, and soft white curtains, it really feels like you’re in the Mediterranean at Cooly Breeze.
Focusing on fresh, locally sourced and produced ingredients—the menu is a view of it’s own. Start with their creamy garlic grilled king prawns, and move on to one of their unique oyster offerings like the Alla Land, with crispy bacon, grana padano and Napoli sauce. Or have a bit of everything with their Di Mare platter for two featuring—you guessed it—Moreton bay bugs. Do I have to share?
Kirra Beach House
4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Kirra Beach House | Instagram
If you’ve ever spent the night in Kirra, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of Kirra Beach House. Perched above the iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, it’s a beachfront masterpiece. The terrace envelopes the whole venue which is no easy feat—boasting 1200 sqm—and there’s a view of the ocean from every vantage point.
Hang out by the bar or in one of the spacious beach-style cabanas with friends, and there’s always a live acoustic performance or DJ on the weekends to keep you even more entertained. The menu matches the vibe, with a vibrant and flavour-packed Mediterranean arrangement. Whether it’s for a special event, or a long lunch turned sunset drinks—Kirra Beach House and its stunning views need to be on your radar.
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Siblings
15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Siblings | Instagram
How could I ever forget Siblings? A combination of a fresh, coastal vibe and local seafood—it’s the encapsulation of everything Kirra represents. You can almost taste the sea salt in the open-air outside deck area, that seats over 200 people.
For food, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a Mediterranean arrangement that’s becoming a theme in these oceanside spots. More of an entree person myself, I’d opt for the croquettes manchego with shaved jamon and aioli. If you prefer a heartier meal, don’t worry—there’s a prawn and bug meat risotto with pink champagne cream calling your name. There’s really nothing better than the sweet spot between refined and casual, and Siblings has nailed it.
Hyde Paradiso
Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
No more sleepless nights wondering how you’ll afford the airfare to Europe, we have our very own taste on the Gold Coast with Hyde Paradiso. With gorgeous arched doorframes and a dusty pink, coral and blue aesthetic that’s picturesque in it’s own right—the view of Surfers Paradise beach is yet another perk in this slice of heaven.
This is the type of place you bring your friends to, with share-style plates that celebrate Greek, Moroccan, Turkish and Italian cuisine. Thought you’d get a cocktail to yourself? Think again. We’d opt for their shared cocktails to maximise on value and flavour. Just sit back, sip your sangria, and let the ocean breeze do the talking.
Akoya
38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: The Langham | Instagram
Combine class with the glittering expansion of the Gold Coast at the Langham Hotel’s dining experience—Akoya. This upscale coastal restaurant serves up fresh seafood and refined buffet-style dining with panoramic ocean views to match. Whether you're indulging in a long, leisurely lunch or treating yourself to one of their lavish seafood spreads, Akoya brings a touch of luxury to your plate. It’s on the pricier side, but for a special occasion (or just a main character moment), it’s worth every bite.
Seascape
1/4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Okay Surfers Paradise, you’re spoiling us now. For seafood lovers, don’t forget about Seascape Restaurant. A three-level expansion, but you’ll find me a the rooftop bar—sipping beside one of the best views of the ocean.
You will never catch me missing out on the Moreton Bay bugs, but the menu here sounds so appealing it’s almost overwhelming. We’re talking seared Alaskan scallops with truffled white-bean puree, green lip mussels sauteed in white wine and tempura soft shell crab. Can’t decide if the food or view is more breathtaking.
Restaurants With Water Views
La Luna Dining
Shop 26/74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: La Luna | Supplied
One of the Gold Coast’s newer sights for sore eyes, La Luna has brought stunning beachfront views to the North. Boasting a Mediterranean-inspired interior and mega-yacht surroundings, you’ll be transported straight to a classy European summer. Clear up your camera storage in preparation.
Somehow, it only gets better when you avert your eyes to the menu. Featuring locally caught seafood, it’s a nod to Mediterranean cuisine in a modern, sophisticated way. The Gennari Group is yet to fault, and La Luna just might be our favourite in terms of views.
Surfers Pavillion
30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Surfers Pavillion | Instagram
Jet ski’s, pavilion, seafood and a glittering view of the water—it doesn’t get much more Gold Coast than at the Surfers Pavilion. Located right near Ferny Avenue, trust me, it’s worth braving the long queue to get inside. High ceilings and a crisp white interior that’s beachy but also breathable—generously decorated with foliage—the waterfront is only one of many pros to this spot.
This is the place to be for a frosé fanatic, and if you don’t know—get to know. They have their very own frosé bar with strawberry and lychee-elderflower combinations. Pair this with their freshly shucked oysters and a cheeky champagne, and I’m sold. Told you, it’s worth the queue.
Edgewater Dining
Shop 3 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Edgewater Dining is one long lunch venue that’s successfully embraced the beauty of Gold Coast’s canals. Situated on the ever-bustling Isle of Capri, Edgewater’s sprawling deck opens out to a swoon-worthy view of million dollar mansions and an up-close-and-personal look at the iconic Q1 and glittering Surfers Paradise skyline.
With talented restaurateurs at the helm and open for long, boozy lunches seven days, a visit here is a sure bet you and your crew will be satisfied beyond belief. Munch on oysters, lemon pepper calamari, speciality burgers and risotto, paired with an excellent—and extensive—wine list.
Restaurants With Mountain Views
Rainforest Restaurant
Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Image Credit: Tamborine Mountain Glades | Instagram
Nabbing one of the best spots on the Mountain, this refurbishment of the popular Tamborine Mountain Glades (formerly Cedar Creek Lodges) will have you feeling at one with nature. Tucked inside the lush greenery of the Tamborine rainforest, the Rainforest Restaurant’s à la carte menu features a gourmet range of fresh, local produce. Their vision was to sprinkle magic nature’s magic into everyday life—and oh, how they succeeded.
With herbs and vegetables hand-picked from their own organic garden, their dinner menu boasts mains like miso-glazed salmon and gochujang gnocchi. Like any good restaurant, they have a curated list of drinks—courtesy of local Tamborine Mountain Distillery and wineries.
Hamptons Estate Winery
52 Bartle Road, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Charge up your camera for this photogenic spot right in the heart of Tamborine Mountain. With wrap-around verandas, rolling hills, open air and lush greenery—you don’t even need to be a wine connoisseur to love it at Hamptons Winery.
Not only does their menu focus on local ingredients and emphasise Australian cuisine, but you can head upstairs for a stunning display of talent from the Tamborine Mountain Arts Collective. Alongside the restaurant, this picturesque spot boasts a cellar door and whisky bar downstairs.
Sky-High Restaurants
Skypoint
Q1 Building, Level 77/9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Where can I get a view of the Gold Coast, you ask? Does panoramic count? Perhaps the most impressive is Skypoint, located at the top of Q1 in Surfers Paradise. My choice would be to visit at sunrise and soak up the breathtaking golden sun while enjoying your morning latte. Otherwise, for the night owls—watch the sun hit the horizon at sunset in a stunning amalgamation of pink and orange to match your cosmopolitan.
Serving up a buffet breakfast, all-day dining and sky-high sips until 9pm for after-work drinks—this might be the new Gold Coast go-to spot.
Sueño
2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218
Image Credit: Sueño | Two Birds Social
If you keep up to date with Gold Coast’s dining scene, you would have heard of Sueño. Only opening at The Oxley in late December, when it comes to the Rick Shores team we had high expectations—and oh, how they delivered. The second-storey Latin-American inspired bar to Norté’s restaurant, brings the vibrancy of South America to Mermaid.
The upstairs, open-air bar features more playful dishes with tacos, skewers and ceviches. And of course, the view is unmissable. Dreamy, fresh and coastal—this is the place to be for an afternoon aperitif or a long night under the stars.
Looking for more Gold Coast restaurants? Check out:
Main image credit: The Tropic | Supplied
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