Restaurants

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.

A three-storey dining and entertainment venue is slated to open this November, with a glam piano bar, pan-Asian restaurant and soon-to-launch rooftop bar in Surfers Paradise. 

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. 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

Just as the Gold Coast starts to heat up for summer, Burleigh’s buzzing dining scene is getting a refresh of its own.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

The Byron Bay restaurant scene has a dazzling newcomer—a culinary hotspot that is determined to push the boundaries of flavour, champion seafood and plant-based cuisine and seamlessly blend elegance with comfort. Meet Bonito. 

The Light Years crew has added another jewel to their crown, with the opening of a bold new Middle Eastern restaurant championing charcoal-grilled cuisine. The aptly named Smoking Camel showcases vibrant interiors, share-style dishes cooked over charcoal and fragrant cocktails, all set against a neon backdrop. 

It might feel like everyone is living their best Euro summer lives right now but if you’re craving waterfront summer sips here on the Gold Coast, we’ve got good news for you. Luxury superyacht venue, YOT Club and Main Beach Superyacht Marina are teaming up to bring us an incredible summer pop-up entertainment venue.

Situated on the edge of the Nerang River, the waterfront Southport Pavilion boasts magnificent views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Gold Coast hinterland. While the literal waterfront location is undoubtedly the jewel in Southport Pavilion’s crown, the fit-out is seriously impressive with coastal blue and white tones paying homage to its prime location, reminiscent of Euro-style beach clubs. 

It’s no secret we have a passionate love affair with Mexican cuisine, and if you’re anything like us, then you need to make your way to Burleigh’s Mexican newcomer, Mex Cartel. Formerly Margarita Cartel, the revamped new venue boasts a boldly colourful fit-out, top-notch Mexican eats and impressive cocktails to boot.

The Gold Coast is renowned for boasting stunning vistas, but it doesn’t get much better than at Horizon Sky Dining. Formerly Four Winds 360 Revolving Restaurant, the beloved Gold Coast icon has been reborn as Horizon Sky Dining, with 360-degree revolving views sitting sky-high above Surfers Paradise. 

We heart Etsu Izakaya. This flawless venue has been a raging success since the day it opened, and it’s not hard to see why. Be it the sexy fit-out, the energetic atmosphere, the loveable owners and their seriously cool staff, or that Etsu are plating up some of the most next-level modern Japanese eats the Gold Coast has ever seen.

The Gold Coast is bursting at the seams with top-notch Italian joints, but every now and then, one comes along which grabs our attention with a unique concept. And incredible pizza, of course.

If a night spent laughing at wild antics like juggling, magic, singing and dancing sounds like time well spent, you’re gonna need to make a booking at Dracula’s. Dracula’s is an MA15+ cabaret show full of death-defying aerial acrobatics that are bound to send a chill down your spine with excitement. 

While you might not be taking a trip to the sunny land of Florida anytime soon, you can be there in spirit—with a cheeky marg in hand, of course—at Tropic Vice. The expansive rooftop space overlooking the iconic Nobby’s strip first opened in late 2021 and has just reopened after a major revamp. 

If you’re ever feeling peckish after a long day in Mudgeeraba shopping centre you’re in luck, because Lenny Pizzeria & Bar is just a few steps away. 

Palazzo Versace’s signature Italian restaurant, Vanitas, has re-opened after a twelve-month hiatus and it’s already shaking up the Gold Coast fine dining scene. Vanitas is unrivalled in sophisticated dining, with diners treated to a nine-course degustation menu that is a refined celebration of modern Italian classics, in a nod to the chefs’ European heritage.

Chef Ollie Wong-Hee has clocked time in the kitchen at Mr. Wong, Sixpenny, and Ester—some of Sydney's best restaurants—but these days you'll find him at Bar Heather in Byron Bay. 

The Gold Coast’s only specialty charcoal rotisserie chicken shop offers a deliciously elevated take on the humble rotisserie chook—and that’s not all. Bird Royale, the purveyor of crispy, succulent charcoal chicken is perched at Brickworks Ferry Road and the vibrant day-and-night venue slings up an array of wholesome salads, gluten-free fried chicken, made-to-order sandwiches and burgers and of course, its signature charcoal chicken.

From the talented team behind Light Years, Moonlight Hibachi and Wine Bar is a whole new reason to make tracks for Byron Bay. 

When the iconic Pizza Hut in Kirra closed its doors two years ago, we—and much of the Gold Coast—waited with anticipation to see what venue would take over this much-loved location. Say hello to Siblings Kirra. This long-awaited beauty brings a breath of fresh, seaside air to Kirra and it’s exactly what the southern end of the Gold Coast was missing.

The Northern Rivers is certainly in no shortage of incredible dining destinations, but every now and then, there’s one that sets itself apart from the rest. Let us introduce you to Tweed River House.

Grab your gang, because Suzy BBQ, nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, is the funky Korean BBQ house we’ve all been waiting for. From the vintage Korean posters lining the walls to the red Coca-Cola chairs on the footpath to the vibrant atmosphere, everything about Suzy BBQ is eccentric, fun and something the Gold Coast hasn't seen before.

Sitting pretty on the corner of the iconic Nobbys strip, comes newcomer Zephyr Kitchen & Bar, but it’s not just your average Nobbys joint. Sure, it’s got the prime location, the trendy vibe and the impressive cocktail list to boot, but Zephyr sure is mixing up things on the south end of town.

If pillowy bao buns, artfully arranged sashimi and finger-lickingly good karaage chicken are right up your alley, then KAMI Burleigh is where it’s at. This Burleigh newcomer has already set tongues wagging in the Gold Coast hospitality scene, and once you step into the breezy, white-washed space it’s easy to see why.  

Pasta, pizza, and wine—the Italians certainly know how to live. If you’re a fan of  the divine cuisine that is Italian food (and let’s face it, who isn't?) then make a beeline to Sogno Italiano in Mermaid Waters.

Authentic Italian is the name of the game at Double Zero Robina. There is no doubt the Gold Coast is incredibly spoiled in the Italian restaurant department and Double Zero is a testament to that. Tucked just off the main drag of the Promenade at Robina Town Centre, this traditional Italian restaurant is full of authentic flavours and bang-on woodfire pizzas. With laid back vibes, a welcoming interior and Italian just like nonna makes, Double Zero has earned its reputation as a Gold Coast favourite. 

Cali Beach Club has taken the Gold Coast by storm, solidifying its place as the Coast’s undisputed hottest beachside haven. If this wasn’t enough already, they’re adding another jewel to their burgeoning crown—a high end, modern Japanese restaurant and bar. 

Quickly earning itself a cult following on the Gold Coast, the line frequently snaking out the door and the full tables at Matteo’s Woodfired Pizza are testament to Matteo Finotto, the culinary genius behind this Italian gem. A cosy hidden gem in Clear Island Waters and one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast, Matteo’s is dishing up Italian just like Nonna made. 

If you haven’t visited The Star Gold Coast recently, then consider this your call to action, ‘cause you’re seriously missing out. The latest newcomer to their incredible array of dining destinations, Uncle Su is The Star’s new flagship Chinese restaurant and serves up impressive classic Cantonese cuisine, with innovative twists inspired by local Australian ingredients. 

Like a breath of fresh air, No. 35 Cabarita has blown into the sleepy seaside haven of Cabarita and has certainly blown us away. This modern Italian restaurant brings coastal summer vibes and traditional Italian delicacies with a twist to northern New South Wales and we can’t get enough of it. 

Watch out Gold Coast, 'cause the humble egg has had a makeover. Forget boring poached eggs, we now want them sandwiched between layers of juicy, meaty goodness, melty cheese and saucy goodness. And that’s exactly what newbie Two Yolks is slinging up.

Having made their mark on the Gold Coast dining scene with their hearty-as-ever plant-based ramen, i like ramen have recently jujed up their beloved menu of 100% vegan Japanese fusion eats, and the results are just as delicious as they are aesthetically pleasing. Fear not, all your old favourites (such as the cult favourite white miso + chick’n ramen) are still on the menu, just with some fresh twists and new innovations thrown into the mix.

Northern Rivers crew, rejoice: acclaimed chef-owner Jessi Singh just opened his “unauthentic Indian” restaurant Daughter in Law on Fletcher Street in Byron this June and it’s about to take you on a very flavourful ride.

Gold Coasters went wild when we broke the news of the opening of the brand new HOTA Gallery, and rightly so. If you haven’t checked out the stunning new venue yet, well we’ve got one more reason why you need to. 

Tucked just off the main drag of James Street, Ra Ra Ramen is a funky new craft ramen bar slinging up authentic bowls of slurp-worthy goodness. Using only fresh, ethically sourced ingredients to deliver traditional Japanese ramen (without the nine-hour flight), you can taste the love in every element of their dishes, from the noodles made fresh in house everyday to the locally grown fresh produce.

Hidden down an alleyway off Burleigh's bustling James Street lies Oi Izakaya, a Japanese eatery that's totally worth hunting down. With an unassuming entrance, one foot inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a legit izakaya in a small Asian village. 

Cardamom Pod is the OG of vegetarian eating in the heart of Broadbeach, where you can enjoy a weekend breakfast array of Insta-worthy waffles, pancakes, mermaid and acai bowls. They've also always had options for lunch and dinner, like vegetarian salads and hot savoury meals like shepherd’s pie, lasagne, curries, dahl and moussaka, but recently they've upped their dining game and we're loving it.

Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar is a homage to the dreamy tones of coastal Europe and brings a breath of fresh, salty sea breeze air to the Broadbeach dining scene. Sofia’s draws you in from the moment you spot it. The stunning fit-out is classic European with a contemporary twist—whitewashed walls, exposed brick, touches of wood and pops of colour, all designed to transport you to slow, serene summers on the French Riviera.

Hold on to your pint glasses, because we’re bringing you some breaking hospitality news: Surfers Paradise’s first and only brewery, BOBs Beer, has finally opened its doors and it’s what a beer lover’s dreams are made of.

Honour has long established itself as a firm favourite in the Brunswick brunch scene, but they’re changing the game with their new after-hours natural wine and salumi bar—needless to say, it was love at first sight for us. European-style charcuterie plates and natural wines take centre stage with their simple, authentic and delicious flavours, bringing uncomplicated yet indulgent delicacies into our lives. 

2 Bros is the newest must-try spot for fried-chicken fanatics and we’re digging it. This funky Southport joint isn’t your average ‘grab your chicken and go’ kind of place. The asymmetrical orange blue walls provide a vibrant colour pop to the space and the spacious indoor and outdoor seating is perfect for rounding up your gang for a casual Friday night feed.

The moment you walk through the pink door of this bright, coastal-inspired eatery you are greeted with ocean breezes, stunning views and a host of warm smiles which make you want to unwind and let the day (and night) pass you by.