8 Of The Best Main Beach Restaurants For Lavish Dining
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Main Beach’s culinary revival has flourished over recent years, deeming this locale an absolute go-to for waterfront dining on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region.
Known for its dazzling marina, high-profile hotels and boutique shopping, Main Beach is a vibe. Let's just say I wear my good shoes when I visit this area of the Gold Coast. And by good shoes I mean, my wedding shoes because they're the only ones I've got, okay.
With its beachside strolls, chic feel and front row seat to superyachts, your next visit to Main Beach must surely include a spot of feasting. From hidden gem haunts to lavish alfresco eateries on the water’s edge, here are 8 of the best restaurants in Main Beach according to myself and the team at Urban List.
How we choose: Culinary excellence, consistent service, cultural relevance, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.
Best Main Beach Restaurants At A Glance
Waterfront Restaurants
MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club
74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: La Luna Beach Club | Supplied
This adults-only beach club offers the ultimate dining setting with a backdrop of some of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious superyachts. No, seriously, you’ve got to see it to believe. Whether you’re in the mood for a long boozy lunch or a laze on your own hired daybed, MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club has options for all.
MARE is a next-level restaurant that offers stunning views and exclusive poolside sun lounges with minimum spend, or table service areas to dine a la carte. Menu items range from surprisingly affordable to incredibly indulgent, making this one of the best Main Beach restaurants for groups.
INSIDER INTEL
- They pour the best virgin margaritas on the entire Gold Coast
- Caviar bumps and Veuve Clicquot are coming in hot here
- The Hokkaido Scallop Cerviche with passionfruit ponzu, burnt orange and basil oil rules
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Sheraton Grand Mirage | Instagram
Whether it's poolside views, a moodily-lit bar, or casual dining on the deck, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is home to the best restaurants in Main Beach for varied experiences under one roof. Of particular note is Terraces Restaurant, which has built a solid reputation with locals and travellers alike. Set indoors and wrapped by a glistening azure pool, their menu's graced by modern Australian cuisine and some of the finest local seafood.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's a swim-up pool bar
- This is the spot for luxe buffet breakfasts seafood buffets
Southport Yacht Club
1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach QLD 4217
If you’re having a casual lunch with the littles, go no further than Southport Yacht Club. This family-friendly venue is perfect for a laid-back dining experience right on the glittering waters of the marina.
Pick out your dream yacht as you sip on creamy seafood chowder and spiced butternut pumpkin salad in the Waterfront Restaurant, a range of tasty tapas in the 4shore Bar, or sous vide lamb rump and sticky pork ribs in the Waterscape Pontoon Bar. There's also a kids menu.
INSIDER INTEL
- Make lunch an extra long one and stay for the epic north-facing sunset
Moody Restaurants
Bar Ricci
20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Bar Ricci | Supplied
Located in the building that SHUCK once called home, today 20 Tedder Avenue transforms into a modern Italian bar and restaurant in Main Beach. Bar Ricci has all the razz. All the matazz. Head Sommelier Romain Bastianel has personally selected over 300 bottles of wine for a serious collection of considered sips. While Head Bar Tender Tizian Di Vincenzo brings his passion for fine flavours direct to your glass.
I consider Bar Ricci the Northern Gold Coast's answer to Rick Shores or Lars. This stunning fitout, impeccably presented swag of staff and deliberate service make the ultimate trifecta for me. Then there's the food, oh the food. Buttery Moreton Bay Bugs with white wine atop a nest of tagliolini. Through to whole fish with Nduja butter, prawns and greens. Dishes are perfectly balanced and beautifully presented. In case you can't tell, I am a big fan of this new eatery in Main Beach.
INSIDER INTEL
- All steaks are charcoal cooked in the Josper oven
- Pastas are made fresh, in-house daily
Pearls Bar
71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Pearls Bar is perhaps Main Beach's best kept secret. Leafy folliage towers over deep emerald velvet couches, and plates slide to you atop chic stone benches. It's sun-drenched yet moody. Minimalistic yet detail-obsessed.
Here you're invited to induldge in bar bites like Australian Bay Lobster Rolls with salmon caviar, creme fraiche and fine herbs served on brioche. Through to baked honey balsamic figs with prosciutto with grilled rye and Byron Bay burrata. A nightcap or a first date, this joint is where you go to dazzle.
INSIDER INTEL
- The designer cocktail menu features two exxy sips, but just wait 'til you see them
- There's a fully stocked gin bar featuring boutique tonics and local drops
- It's set inside the Sheraton Hotel
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Casual Restaurants
Xenia Main Beach
30 Peak Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Xenia Greek | Instagram
The sister locale to Coolangatta’s addition, Xenia is Main Beach’s answer to authentic Greek food bursting with flavour. Transport yourself to the cliff’s edge of Santorini—except without the crowds or ‘sunset tax’. Choose from a smattering of meze plates perfect for sharing, or head straight to whole table banquets with gluten-free and dairy-free options up for grabs, too.
For first timers, I recommend an order of the saganaki cheese flamed with ouzo, as well as the Psari, or grilled barramundi served with fragrant spinach rice and bisque. You'll live with no regrets, trust me.
INSIDER INTEL
- The saganaki is a must
Il Barocco Restaurant
Imperial Hotel; 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Is any round up of Main Beach truly complete without mention of its lineup of lavish hotels? I think not. The Imperial Hotel’s own Il Barocco Restaurant is set in a classic dining room.
This Main Beach restaurant offers buffet breakfasts, lunch and dinner from the a la carte menus, seafood buffets and even buffets for kids 4 to 12 years old. I highly recommend booking dinner on Friday or Saturday night for the lavish seafood buffet.
INSIDER INTEL
- To reach this spot, venture inside the Imperial Hotel, wander beneath the enormous chandelier, past marble stairs and the grand piano
The Winey Cow
5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: The Winey Cow | Instagram
While technically not a restaurant, if you’re looking for the best boozy brunch in Main Beach, The Winey Cow is your go-to. The younger sister to Victoria’s Mornington location, expect greenery-lined walls, bright interiors and a laid back feel. Available for bookings seven days, stop by for all day breakfast or make it a boozy brunch, with one main meal and endless mimosas for an hour for just $55, offered every day from 10am.
Not your average brunch spot, The Winey Cow offers as many beverages as they do meals. Dishes cater to all kinds of dietary requirements including nut free, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian. If you’re heading to Main Beach and seafood isn’t on your radar, this sweet bunch spot could be for you.
INSIDER INTEL
- $55 bottomless brunch with unlimited mimosas for one hour, daily from 10am
- There's a full mimosa bar with colourful takes on the classic cocktail
Looking for more top restaurants? Check out:
- The Gold Coast's Best Restaurants
- Tamborine Mountain's Best Restaurants
- Coolangatta's Best Restaurants
Main image credit: La Luna Dining | Instagram
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