Where To Eat & Drink In Gold Coast

Byron Bay is welcoming a new addition to its food scene, with New York–style cookie brand Butterboy opening a permanent store in Jonson Street.

One of Melbourne’s favourite destinations for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hotpot has come to the Gold Coast. 

Farm & Co has been through many iterations since its humble beginnings as an organic market stall, and now it’s stepping into its most exciting phase yet. While the bountiful sunflower fields and friendly farm animals that captured hearts from the beginning are still very much part of the experience, there’s a whole new layer of magic waiting to be discovered.

A three-storey dining and entertainment venue has opened with a glam piano bar, pan-Asian restaurant and soon-to-launch rooftop bar in Surfers Paradise. 

Southport is about to dial up the heat with the arrival of Kaktus Bar, a vibrant new Mexican-inspired venue serving next-level margaritas and a lively atmosphere, set to open mid-December.

Velvet Cafe & Lounge is Miami's latest cafe fixture that's creating chatter across the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country.

The team behind cult-favourite Costa Taco haved opened one of their biggest venues yet in Burleigh Heads.

The Gold Coast has welcomed a refined destination with the opening of River House, a waterfront restaurant perched on the banks of the Nerang River in Southport. 

Queensland’s first-ever Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe has landed at Pacific Fair, bringing a full-on dose of kawaii magic to the Gold Coast. 

If you're craving a Mediterranean escape,you’ll want to book a table at Meltemi Mediterrania, Broadbeach’s new dining destination from the team behind the much-loved Xenia Grill

From sweet to savoury, Shiro Gelato & Snack has all of your Japanese treat cravings satisfied in this one-stop shop.

George’s Paragon is officially back on Tamborine Mountain, and we’re already dreaming of saganaki and seafood platters in the crisp hinterland air.

Luna’s Deli is the closest any deli has been to a ray of sunshine before, and it’s luring folks from all over the Gold Coast down south in pursuit of perfect pastries and pillowy foccacia. 

Big Papi’s Cocina serves up bold Latin American flavours, warm hospitality, and an effortlessly cool atmosphere that will keep you coming back.

Mudjira Village Eatery is more than just a cafe—it’s a local institution.

Perched in the leafy corners of Highland Park sits Hudson & Rosie’s Table, a cafe that’s equal parts charming local haunt and hidden gem.

Brisbane's viral cookie bakery Brooki Bakehouse is heading south, officially opening a Gold Coast outpost at Pacific Fair on Saturday 28 June.

It’s no secret that bagels are making a major comeback and we’re here for it

The Gold Coast’s dining scene is heating up once again with the arrival of LiTO—the brand-new all-day Italian restaurant landing on the ground floor of Mondrian Gold Coast.

Coastal dining has reached a new peek at Mondrian Gold Coast’s much-anticipated restaurant and beach club.

Rossa Pizzeria & Bar is opening this May at the Wyndham, designed to be a casual and social spot for some authentic Italian classics.

The century-old Commercial Hotel Boonah has been lovingly restored, reopening with an on-site craft brewery—Boonah Brewing Co.

Sun Devil isn’t your average coffee bar—it’s a full-blown Americana fever dream tucked inside the grungy-cool vintage store Strange Days in Coolangatta.

Just when we thought Broadbeach fine dining icon, kōst Bar & Grill couldn't get much better, they launch a chic new pop-up cafe for all our morning caffeine needs. 

Tarte Tea Garden is a dreamy garden escape tucked beside Tarte Beach House in Currumbin.

'94 cafe is a gathering place for the flavour-obsessed, the wellness-curious, and anyone who believes the best mornings begin with a perfect sip.

Piada Co fuses traditional Italian eats with modern street food energy and they’re now taking their game-changing concept to Byron Bay.

Surfers Paradise's neon-soaked Pink Whale Thai seamlessly melds boldness and eccentricity with authentic Thai street food.

Familiar Spirits Distillery arrives in Burleigh Heads with an intimate cellar door experience.

Ciccio’s offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience combining Italy’s iconic duo–pizza and gelato.

Mona Lisa’s Lair is Miami Marketta’s new intimate restaurant and Champagne bar, serving up a French-inspired menu in a space that oozes moody Parisian charm. 

Bobby Bang’s is where cafe classics meet Asian-inspired flair.

Perched on 200 acres of lush Gold Coast hinterland at Mudgeeraba’s Boomerang Farm, Cook Club is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the tastebuds.

The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick, a highly anticipated culinary collaboration between the renowned Three Blue Ducks team and Hotel Brunswick, has made its debut.

The Gemelli empire is about to get even sweeter with the highly anticipated opening of Gelato Gemelli.

Amore Ristorante brings vibrant Italian flavours to the heart of Southport.

Harahetta Ramen is the newest kid on the block to join the Gold Coast ramen scene, quickly earning rave reviews and a steady following of chopstick-wielding devotees. 

Tucked away alongside Currumbin Creek, Bridges MD Belgian Dining brings a slice of Belgium right to the Gold Coast. 

Inspired by the lively oyster bars of New England and New York, this stylish new spot combines laid-back coastal vibes with an elevated dining experience.

Marina Social offers a more casual breakfast and lunch take on the Social Eating House experience, nestled in the heart of Marina Mirage.

Bringing together modern Japanese cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and hours of high-energy entertainment, Tokyo Doll is quickly becoming  Byron's go-to spot.

Queensland's ever-iconic floating club is back in full force, and YOT Club 2.0 has relaunched with a makeover that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.

A dog-friendly sports bar and taproom has found its way to Tamborine Mountain. 

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

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Nestled away in the back streets of Bundall, this local suburban restaurant will transport you to a Mediterranean dream.

Sefa Kitchen, a much-loved Middle Eastern Bondi institution has just made its Byron Bay debut. 

Surfers Paradise is about to level up its nightlife scene with the grand opening of Lulu Rooftop & Bar, and trust us—you’ll want to be there from day one.

Wood-fired steak, hyper-local seafood and a head chef with seriously impressive creds—Lars Bar & Grill has just opened in Mermaid Beach and we’re hyped about it. 

A touch of the Mediterranean has landed in Byron Bay with the opening of Gitana, a Spanish wine bar located in the lively Nourish Habitat precinct.

In seriously delicious news for Broadbeach locals, cult-fave Mexican restaurant Costa Taco has opened in Broady and we couldn't be more excited. It has ignited Broadbeach's dining scene, breathing new energy into the iconic yellow building on the corner of Armrick Avenue, proving that sometimes the most mouthwatering revivals come wrapped in a tortilla.

If there’s one thing Gold Coasters love, it’s Italian cuisine. What about authentic Italian street food? Now we’re talking. Chuck in a prime location in the heart of Burleigh Heads and you’ve got all the ingredients for the Gold Coast’s next big thing.

As if Tarte Bakery wasn’t already a household name on the Gold Coast, they’ve dropped a sweet, sweet bombshell on us with the opening of Tarte Market.

If a European bakery, cafe and pasta bar had a lovechild, FARINA & Co. might be it. 

Any Gold Coaster serious about their breakfast game will know Refinery Coffee in Currumbin, which has garnered a loyal following for many delicious reasons. And luckily for us, the talented Refinery crew have opened a lush new sister cafe in Carrara. 

A new sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub has opened in Surfers Paradise, with the highly anticipated launch of Australia's largest Sporting Globe sports bar and brewpub. 

Set in the heart of Robina, The Robina Farmers Market is quickly making a name for itself as the Gold Coast’s newest community hub.

If you have a penchant for top-notch Japanese food—and seriously, who doesn’t— then you must add Kiyomi to your Gold Coast dining bucket list. A refined masterpiece within The Star Gold Coast’s culinary crown, this is fine dining that oozes elegance.

The Gold Coast’s newest wedding and events venue has just opened at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, as part of the award-winning attraction’s newest, multi-million-dollar tourism precinct. The aptly named ‘The Homestead’ draws inspiration from the iconic Queenslander style, complete with a wraparound verandah, soaring ceilings and a huge sandstone fireplace. Read: it’s impressive. 

When a talented pastry chef and their business savvy partner team up to create a chic patisserie cafe, you know you’re going to be in for quite the treat and that is definitely the case with Dipcro Pastry. 

It’s no secret that we’ve fallen head over heels for Doughed, and for three very valid (and delicious) reasons…cookies, doughnuts and sandwiches—need we say more? 

A feeling of devastation settled over the Gold Coast when Francie’s Pizzeria closed their doors for renovations in early 2022, with the only solace being that they would be back, with a promise of new and improved. 

The Northern Gold Coast’s burgeoning culinary scene has gained a novel culinary experience unlike anything we’ve seen before. Allow us to introduce Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant, an unparalleled dining experience on the glistening waters of Marina Mirage.

Ramen Danbo has come a long way from their origins in Chikushino, on one of Japan’s southern islands. After opening their first store in 2000, news of their supreme noodles spread to the rest of the island, then the entire country, and these days Ramen Danbo is an international sensation. At their Pimpama store, they’re breaking the internet once again with Australia’s first drive thru ramen, where you can now grab a bowl of tonkotsu on the run. 

If you needed another sign that Mermaid Beach, or Nobby Beach to us locals, is the rising star of the Southern Gold Coast’s burgeoning culinary scene, the opening of Sunkist Eatery could be it. 

Sitting pretty in the burgeoning foodie hub that is Nobby Beach lies Buoy, standing out like a beacon to hungry passerbys. This new breakfast hotspot is primely located in Nobby’s highly-anticipated new dining precinct, The Oxley and if you don’t spot the whitewashed cafe first, you’ll certainly smell the freshly roasted coffee.

Perched directly above Kirra Beach Hotel on the second level of Kirra Point Precinct, Kirra Beach House is a jaw-dropping 1200 sqm beachfront dining masterpiece. The dining, drinking and event destination boasts uninterrupted ocean views from every vantage point, unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Named for Byron Bay's iconic blue waters, Azure Bar and Grill boasts both a open-air bar and grill terrace and a fine dining restaurant space. Nestled within Elements of Byron's luxury beachfront resort, the sleek restaurant is headed up by world-renowned chef Ebony Baker and has a strong ethos of celebrating Byron Bay and surrounds' finest produce.

The unrivalled pie connoisseurs of the Gold Coast, Fuel Bakehouse have been sprinkling their pastry-loaded magic around the Gold Coast for years, garnering a cult-like following at their Cabarita store and flagship Currumbin location.

If you needed another sign that the Northern Gold Coast is levelling up its restaurant scene, the opening of ATTO Korean Cuisine is certainly it. Located in Chirn Park, this pocket-sized modern Korean joint might be small but its culinary offerings are mighty. 

'Kefi', derived from the Greek word that embodies the sense of joy, is exactly how we would describe Coolangatta’s bright newcomer. The Mediterranean-inspired cafe is founded on the principle of serving soul-nourishing food made with love, and once you dig into a plate of their Turkish eggs, you’ll understand the ‘made with love’ ethos. 

Broadbeach is undoubtedly one of the Gold Coast’s most lauded foodie hubs and it has cemented its place even further with the opening of an opulent seafood restaurant. BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar is brought to us from the restaurateurs behind Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill, Steve and Autumn Adams, so you already know it’s seriously special.

Frida’s Field is the Northern Rivers’ ultimate celebration of wide open spaces. Perched atop an emerald glade, this husband-wife run farm-to-table restaurant and event space offers refined local eats and rustic country charm in equal measure. 

Kirra is undoubtedly one of the Gold Coast’s hottest, quickly-evolving suburbs and the arrival of Billy Chow is testament enough.

The Northern Gold Coast just got a whole lot swankier with the opening of the revamped Lagoon Beach Club. The $2.5 million beach club in the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is the first of its kind on the Northern Gold Coast and it's got lazy poolside days in the sunshine written all over it. 

The Gold Coast’s first-ever surf park is set to be unveiled in Parkwood Village, which will be transformed into a world-class integrated golf and surf village, predicted to open in 2026. 

There’s no doubt Mermaid Beach (or Nobby Beach to locals) is becoming one of the Gold Coast’s burgeoning foodie hubs and the opening of The Oxley certainly cements this.

Nestled in an unassuming cul-de-sac overlooking the Broadbeach skyline, Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is Mermaid Beach's innovative artisan rum and whiskey distillery, tasting room, and cocktail bar.

The revamped Kirra Beach Hotel within the Kirra Point Precinct will open late November 2023, as part of a revival of the cherished coastal locale which has proudly stood as a Kirra icon since 1956. The essence of the pub remains the same—a casual, quintessentially Aussie watering hole which keeps locals at its heart.

kōst eloquently describes itself as ‘a place where sensory meets the sea; where rustic meets refined’. The modern bar and grill boasts Australia’s first two-metre Mibrasa charcoal bar and grill and has amalgamated three previous tenancies on Oracle Boulevard in Broadbeach to create one sprawling venue and outdoor pavilion, encompassing a stunning 130-seat restaurant and 50 seats for cocktail-style dining. 

Born from a desire to create a safe, judgement-free bar—with banging drinks and bites—E.L.E is the newest Burleigh bar on the bustling block. The team behind Burleigh institution, Oi Izakaya are the maestros behind E.L.E, affectionately shortened from ‘Everybody Love Everybody’. So, yes this means the cocktails and food are top-tier. 

Esteemed Mermaid Beach dining institution Little Truffle has reopened its iconic timber doors, revealing a magnificent million-dollar renovation. Renowned chef and restaurateur Daniel Ridgeway and wife Ruggie are the maestros behind the highly-anticipated rebirth of their distinguished fine-dining haven, Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar, which closed for 11 months due to light rail construction.

'Elegant and refined, yet approachable' is how one might describe Byron Bay's signature steakhouse, Ember. Ember Byron Bay is a premier destination for steak enthusiasts with an impressive menu that celebrates the rich diversity of produce from the Northern Rivers region. 

Freshly baked cheesecake is one of life’s greatest pleasures and we think it’s even more divine when paired with a glass (or bottle—we won’t judge) of velvety Champagne. Yes, cheesecake and Champagne is a match made in heaven and the talented team at BASQUE certainly knows it.

Yamagen is a funky Japanese izakaya located inside QT Gold Coast in the heart of Surfers Paradise. With Queensland's largest Japanese whisky collection (over 65 bottles and counting) plus some of the most innovative and creative Japanese cuisine you'll ever taste, a night here is a serious treat. 

There’s no doubt that the Southern Gold Coast is becoming a burgeoning bar haven and if you needed any more proof, this is it. The aptly-named Nacho Baby is Tweed’s new specialty tequila bar and after three years in the making, this vibey joint is set to be the go-to destination for tequila and mezcal lovers on the Gold Coast.

Tweed Heads’ sweet new coffee, smoothie and sandwich shop, Delightful, is slinging up a delicious range of loaded sandwiches, fresh salads, little lunch boxes, baked goods, smoothies and coffees for all your snacking desires.

Indulge your sweet tooth and visit Molendinar’s adorable Bake House Gozen, where you can chow down on an astonishingly wide selection of unique baked goods we’ve never seen before, from matcha-infused croissants to viennoiserie and much, much more. 

Boasting stunning and uninterrupted vistas of Kirra Beach, Bread and Butter is the a prime spot for dinner with your gang or lazy Sunday lunch with the family. 

Tucked away in the lakeside suburb of Varsity Lakes, Side Piece Coffee is one of the Gold Coast’s sweetest new cafes and is ready to deliver you top-notch coffee, subs and loaded toasties, or sandos as they like to call them.

Nestled on the Gold Coast’s iconic Broadwater, Cafe Catalina is the full package with its fresh menu, laidback vibes and vibrant outdoor bar. Taking full advantage of location, Cafe Catalina has unrivalled coastal views to set the scene any time of the day. 

The Gold Coast is certainly a melting pot of flavours and cuisines, but every now and then, a new restaurant comes along which brings something truly unique to the table. Meet Tayta.