Food & Drink

There’s no doubt about it—the Gold Coast in 2025 is a full-blown culinary paradise. But when it comes to choosing the perfect spot for a special night out, it can still feel a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

The food news has been coming in thick and fast on the Gold Coast, to make sure that you're on top of all the tasty things happening we've wrapped up everything that you need to know.

Here are the best events you don't want to miss happening on the Gold Coast this weekend. 

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Queensland's leading food and drink festival, The Curated Plate is back for 2025—with a stacked lineup of over 60 events. 

This Mother’s Day, treat your mum like the queen she is and spoil her with an indulgent lunch at one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants hosting special Mother’s Day events.

Get ready to earn fave child status with these 30 awesome things to do on the Gold Coast this Mother’s Day.

Taking place on Friday 30 May within the enchanting Grounds of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Fireside will take your tastebuds on a decadent journey with dishes and tipples from Brisbane’s most celebrated venues.

Matcha has taken over the Gold Coast and it only seems to be growing in popularity. What was once an outlier in the morning beverage scene is now a firmly established drink of choice for many.

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

The Scenic Rim's Eat Local Month is back, hosting over 120 culinary events from late May to June. 

These openings on the Gold Coast are set to shake up a scene that’s already bursting at the seams with wining and dining goodness.

At Urban List, flames and flavour go hand in hand. Who doesn't love the sizzling, smoky, tantalising goodness of teppanyaki?

To help get your next weekend or holiday sorted, here are 22 of best restaurants in Burleigh Heads.

Forks at the ready. Serve yourself a plate (or 20) at one of these 11 best buffets on the Gold Coast right now.

ANZAC Day is all about commemorating our diggers, past and present, but, it is also the crown jewel in a string of public holidays that simply can’t be wasted vegging out on the couch after the annual dawn service. 

This Easter long weekend on the Gold Coast, we’re pointing you in the direction of some of our favourite cafes, restaurants and bars.

​If your go-to food hit list is dwindling as you've eaten through your home city, Brisbane's pumping restaurant scene has got you covered.

From epic eateries slinging farm-to-fork produce, to nature-filled adventures and glittering beaches, here’s where you need to visit around the Moreton Bay region this weekend. 

The crew behind the iconic Gemelli Italian empire have just opened their sixth restaurant, and it’s a nostalgic return to their neighbourhood-style Italian trattoria roots.

Between some seriously breathtaking natural gems, uber-exciting eats, and a range of stays to satisfy all kinds, Townsville has quickly become one of the country's best places to explore this year. 

Dunedin may be a small student city at heart, but this heritage hotspot sure knows how to punch above its weight when it comes to drinking and dining. 

Start booking dinner reservations, here are the best Townsville restaurants and bars to hit up on your trip.

If there was ever a time to shop local on the Gold Coast, it's now.

In true Urban List fashion, we’ve done the hard work and hunted down the best hot cross buns on the Gold Coast. Thank us later.

It's the perfect excuse to jump in the car, directly support the primary producers that feed us, and take in some fresh countryside air.

Cadillac Supper Club has been reimagined as an Italo-American pizzeria and bar, inspired by the team's love of pizza and the lively culture that surrounds it.

Home to urban art galleries, craft beers bars, and an eclectic mix of Kiwis, Dunedin's far more than New Zealand's 'student city'. 

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

If you haven’t figured out that Broadbeach is one of the Gold Coast’s central destinations for all things scrumptious, you’re doing the whole foodie thing wrong.

These are the best restaurants and cafes on Tamborine Mountain to elevate your next hinterland trip in 2025.

To ensure you and your pooch have a ball sampling the Coast's finest fare, we've put together a list of the best dog-friendly cafes on the Gold Coast.

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.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Currumbin boasts a dining scene that's as diverse as it is delicious. 

This northside institution has always been a go-to, but after a stunning revamp, it’s next-level.

Summer might be coming to a close, but there’s no need to go thirsty.

It’s time for a round or three of cafe-hopping in Currumbin and Tugun.  

Want to take your hot date to one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast for Valentine's Day? Here's a helpful list of some of the most romantic restaurants on the Gold Coast.

Bar Monte is equal parts sophisticated and playful; a welcome splash of vibrancy into Miami’s dining scene.

These are the 11 most romantic restaurants on the Gold Coast—perfect for everything from first dates to anniversaries.

Low on funds? Don’t sweat it, because we’ve done you and your back pocket a major solid, penning a list of the best cheap eats on the Gold Coast.

If there’s one thing all oyster lovers can agree on, it’s the pure bliss of smashing through a dozen (or two) without blowing the budget—leaving plenty of coin for a cheeky glass of sparkling to match. 

A stunning fitout, artfully curated drinks and a standout small plates menu—Burly Bar has all the makings of a top-tier bar.

Mullumbimby is big on charm, slow living and character in equal measure. Here's your 2025 Mullum guide.

 From bustling Greek restaurants in Byron's industrial estate to long, leisurely lunches on 120-acre farms, Byron and its surrounds may just have some of the best restaurants in NSW. 

Riverside views, a sleepy country vibe, and Mount Warning in the backdrop—Murwillumbah has all the ingredients for a great dining experience, and it doesn’t disappoint. 

Palm Beach is putting its hat in the ring to be the culinary gem in the Southern Gold Coast's crown.

We’ve tasted our way through this seaside suburb to bring you the best restaurants in Coolangatta totally worth opening your wallet for. 

Norté and Sueño—a Latin American-inspired restaurant and bar pair—have opened as of late December atop the sleek The Oxley 1823 precinct in Mermaid Beach.

Wondering what’s open on the Gold Coast over the 2024 festive period? We've rounded up a bunch of cafes and restaurants that will take care of you on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Make tracks to Victoria Park to try their brand newly refreshed Toptracer Driving Range, where you can swing a golf club and then sip a cocktail or three. 

Breezy, sun-lit, and dotted with clusters of red chairs, Sunnyboy feels like a breath of fresh air in Mermaid Beach. 

These are the best cafes and coffee shops in Mermaid Beach, dished up in no particular order.

These two epic new venues will take over the primo real estate of Miss Moneypenny’s and Fat Freddy's, so expect immaculate vibes, excellent tipples and drool-worthy eats. 

When it comes to ringing in 2025, you don’t want to be stuck just anywhere.

Many sips and nibbles later, we’ve identified the top ten wineries on the Gold Coast and surrounds.

Get your gifts, eat a mince pie and listen to some carols at these Gold Coast Christmas markets. 

Clear your social cals, here’s everything you need to know about your new and improved local.

The Costa Taco crew are opening a Southern Californian-inspired cafe that doubles as a pop-up space for up-and-coming vendors.

Catering for the clan on Christmas Day can really take the fun out of festive season. So why not hang up your novelty apron and leave it to the experts?

These are the top 11 cafes and coffee shops in Southport, in no particular order. 

Hanks was designed with the laidback Kirra lifestyle in mind and neighbourhood spirit at its heart.

Find out how to score a trip to Italy, valued at $8K.

We had a yarn with Gareth Whitton about the top Aussie dessert businesses and pop-ups that he believes are redefining the world of all things sweet.

Robots delivering dishes, lab-grown meat and 3D-printed veggies—imaginations run wild when thinking about the future of food.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer swiller or just love a reason to get out and socialise; we’ve rounded up the best breweries on the Gold Coast and nearby.

Once upon a time, dinner was enough. You came, you saw, you ate, you drank. Now? Well, it’s an endless adventure with wild possibilities.

The best place to view the Gold Coast's spectacular shores (while indulging in a cheeky nibble or sip) is from the deck of a surf club.

Whether you're treating mum or just feeling fancy, here's where to find the best high tea on the Gold Coast.

Tommy’s Taco Bar is the vibrant, tequila-wielding little brother of Tommy’s Currumbin.

Plus, win an adventurous Aussie holiday worth up to $3.5K.

Madame V blends traditional and modern Asian flavours, offering an exquisite à la carte dining experience, private dining rooms, and signature Yum Cha Sundays. 

Fine dining meets Euro-inspired party vibes at the sprawling split-level hospitality venue.

Best consumed overlooking the beach or let’s be honest, anywhere on our beautiful Gold Coast, we’ve rounded the best fish and chip joints the Gold Coast has to offer. 

Coolangatta, the southern gem of the Gold Coast, is teeming with vibrant cafes that offer much more than just a caffeine fix. 

Nope, that’s not a typo.

When a venue seamlessly blends an elegant sashimi bar and elevated seafood takeaway, you know it’s something special—and that’s exactly what awaits you at Eska.

These are 12 of the Gold Coast’s best acai joints, served up and ready to go.

We love cake. We love thinking about cake, procuring cake, and obviously, eating cake; especially from the best cake shops on the Gold Coast.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, these cafes should be on your radar—here are eight of Broadbeach's best cafes that you simply cannot pass up.

So you’ve been enlisted to organise the office Christmas party—gulp. The pressure is on and chances are you’re scratching your head for ideas. 

Surfers Paradise isn’t just about sun, sand, and surf—it's also home to many top Gold Coast cafes.

Experience Brisbane’s ultimate bottomless feasts this winter with stunning alfresco dining options. 

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the humble pie. 

Created with the laidback Mermaid Beach lifestyle in mind, Moustache effortlessly merges the laidback vibes of an espresso joint with the elegance of a wine bar. 

One thing we haven’t seen before? A Japanese alley-style brewery with a dedicated sake bar and electronic darts room. 

There’s more to Palm Beach than just sun-kissed shores and epic surf breaks—it's a gem for coffee lovers and brunch fanatics alike. 

With ample choice but varying quality, let us guide you to all of the very best restaurants in Surfers Paradise that'll keep you fed and watered this summer.

From Melbourne’s bustling cafes to Sydney’s vibrant brunch spots, all the way to Brisbane’s innovative morning eats and Perth’s beachside beauties, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to breakfast across Australia.

Gone are the days of sad, boring gluten-free food. More recently, mouthwatering gluten-free dishes have rolled out in force across the Gold Coast.  

Brunch is basically the cheekiest meal of the day. You’ve secretly already had brekky, it’s not quite lunch, yet you’re already famished and heading out for a friendly catch up is on the cards.

The Gold Coast is a hub for tasty vegan eats, with vegan cafes, restaurants and bakeries popping up on the regular. 

This is your sign to get up out of your office chair and hit these top cafes to work from. 

These are the Gold Coast’s top 10 steakhouses, curated for your carnivorous pleasure. Bon appétit.

We know that money is tight right now for a lot of us, but that doesn’t have to impact your social life or love of dining out.

These are the Gold Coast’s eleven best pho joints—perfect for winter. Grab your chopsticks and get ready to slurp.

Nuzzled amongst the sunniest Australian coast, just over an hour's roady from Brisbane, it is not hard to see why Maroochydore is Queensland’s current lifestyle hotspot.

From dedicated kid-friendly menus to epic play areas, here are our picks for the top family-friendly restaurants and cafes on the Gold Coast.

When it comes to stunning seaside brunch spots, Burleigh Heads is where it’s at.

Good things come in small savoury pockets of magic. Whether you love dumplings, live for gyoza, want more wontons or don’t really know the difference between the three... we’ve got you covered. 

From hippie haven to a mecca for Australia’s glitterati, Byron Bay/Cavanbah has undergone a serious glow-up over the past few decades. But one thing that hasn’t changed: its line-up of ridiculously tasty cafes.

Meaning ‘by the beach’ in Thai, LimLay comes to us from the team behind some of the Gold Coast’s most beloved Thai restaurants. 

A quick trip to Redland’s Coast is never a bad idea.

We’ve done the hard work for you and sipped our way around to find the best hot chocolates on the Gold Coast.

There's no better way to spend a sun-soaked arvo in Brissy than with your favorite drop and a smorgasbord of treats—so don’t sleep on this year’s return of Providore Park to Roma Street Parkland.

From walks and hikes to tasty eats and the Sunshine Coast’s most scenic mountain view, here are all the best things to do in Maleny and Montville. 

Main Beach’s culinary revival has flourished over recent years, deeming this locale an absolute go-to for waterfront dining on the Gold Coast.

Snuggled between Broadbeach’s glitz and Nobby’s beach town vibe, Mermaid Beach has our heart for many reasons.

Whether you're a die-hard pasta fiend or just craving a big bowl of hearty Italian comfort food this winter, the Gold Coast has some truly incredible Italian restaurants serving authentic spaghetti, orecchiette, ravioli, fettuccine and pappardelle. 

If food is your significant other’s love language, then pencil in your next date night at The Star and get ready to score some serious brownie points.

With some of Brisbane City's best restaurants, bars, and eateries joining forces for the entire month of June, we’ve rounded up the events that are topping our 2024 Dine BNE City hit list.

Feeling thirsty but feeling the pinch? There are still plenty of spots around town where you can drink on a dime, you just need to know where to look (and when to visit). 

From melt-in-your-mouth pastries to international eats that will take your tastebuds around the world, here’s our non-negotiable hit list next time you plan a day trip to Logan. 

Whether it’s a long lunch with family or an intimate evening degustation, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month has over 40 experiences with next-level dishes to tuck into. 

This year, Dine BNE City is kicking off their month-long food festival with Fireside, a culinary exploration under the stars at St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

From fancy cheeses to lovingly handcrafted pastries, each deli offers a unique experience for eager foodies seeking out the finest in artisanal products.

From hidden-gem espresso bars to memorable organic cafes, there's something to suit everyone among out list of the best breakfasts in Caloundra.

Everyone loves a good sanga, but something magical happens when you slather the outside with butter and fry that bread to golden, crisp perfection.

There’s no better way to experience the city than from above.