Must-see restaurants in Gold Coast

  • BSKT exterior

    BSKT Cafe

    Gold Coast

    This satisfyingly industrial-styled cafe is only metres from the beach, but that's far from its only charm. It's the brainchild of four buddies whose…

  • Etsu Izakaya

    Gold Coast

    Transport yourself to Tokyo at this mysterious and moody yet fun and vibrant space reminiscent of a Japanese izakaya. Prop up the bar or nab a seat under…

  • Social Eating House & Bar

    Gold Coast

    These simple, elegant dishes show you what Modern Australian cooking is all about. The menu ranges from soft-shell crab with green mango, peanuts and…

  • Paradox Coffee Roasters

    Surfers Paradise

    Sustainably sourced beans are roasted on-site to produce some seriously good brews at this impressive cafe, where red-brick walls support a high ceiling…

  • Bam Bam Bakehouse

    Gold Coast

    Watch artisanal bakers at work through the windows at Bam Bam – part bakehouse, part cafe, all amazing. Sitting on the edge of a park, the breezy, buzzing…

  • Commune

    Gold Coast

    The hippest kid in Burleigh, this excellent cafe serves all the açai, chia seed and paleo muesli power bowls you could ever hope for, but we'll be…

  • Fishhouse

    Gold Coast

    This stylish whitewashed brick building across from the beach is well known for its seaside specialities, with the best sustainably caught fish sourced…

  • Elk Espresso

    Gold Coast

    Stroll across the road from the beach and brush off your sandy feet for some seriously good breakfasts at this breezy corner cafe, generously garlanded…

  • Tasca

    Gold Coast

    Tasca, Italian for pocket, sums up this tiny, intimate and sophisticated wine bar that not only pours from an impressive wine list but also does fantastic…

  • Justin Lane exterior

    Justin Lane

    Gold Coast

    One of the key players in Burleigh's eating and drinking scene, Justin Lane has colonised most of an old shopping arcade with a downstairs pizzeria and…

  • Kokum

    Gold Coast

    This collaboration between Michelin-starred chef Mural and Sridhar Penumechu of the Saffron restaurant brings an exciting Indian-Asian fusion to Palazzo…

  • Greenhouse Canteen

    Gold Coast

    Sandwiched between a Hog's Breath Cafe and a betting agency, Greenhouse Canteen is a breath of fresh air with its recycled hardwood furniture, pressed…

  • Paddock Bakery exterior

    Paddock Bakery

    Gold Coast

    An antique wood-fired oven sits in the heart of this beautiful old weatherboard cottage and turns out wonderful bread, croissants and pastries. The semi…

  • Moo Moo exterior

    Moo Moo the Wine Bar & Grill

    Gold Coast

    Moo Moo’s winning steaks include lots of grain-fed Wagyu, a 400g, 50-day dry-aged rib eye on the bone, and a pasture-grazed local Angus. There’s also…

  • Rick Shores exterior

    Rick Shores

    Gold Coast

    This acclaimed modern Asian restaurant offers beachfront dining at its most beachy, with windows that open out to let in the breeze and the sound of the…

  • Cardamom Pod exterior

    Cardamom Pod

    Gold Coast

    Vegetarians and vegans rejoice! This meat-free place has a counter full of salads and warmer-tray curries, vegan lasagne and cheesy bakes. Finish off with…

  • Borough Barista exterior

    Borough Barista

    Gold Coast

    It's all cool tunes and friendly vibes at this little open-walled espresso shack across from the beach. Join local surfers for their dawn espresso or cold…

  • Cafe Dbar

    Gold Coast

    This lovely spot is perched above the cliffs of Point Danger, at the easternmost point covered by two states, almost on top of the NSW–Queensland border…

  • Surfers Sandbar

    Surfers Paradise

    This family-run hot spot is a little Riviera-meets-Canggu opposite the beach, with a menu of globally inflected dishes. There's a big breakfast menu,…

  • Glenelg Public House

    Gold Coast

    A passionate place, this atmospheric eating and drinking den uses premium produce; the epic steak list takes in quality cuts from Queensland, NSW and…

  • Ally Chow

    Gold Coast

    Occupying a prominent corner spot in Nobby Beach, Ally Chow dishes up share-style plates in a youthful Asian-inspired dining space with inky walls and…

  • 4217

    Surfers Paradise

    A lovely concept that still seems to be finding its feet, the 4217 is home to a serious coffee haunt, Paradox, as well as an American burger and beer bar,…

  • Fire Cure Bar & Grill

    Gold Coast

    The Fire Cure crew brings a little bit of BBQ to the beach, though this is no snags-and-thongs affair but more of a Latin American twist. Share-style…

  • The Collective

    Gold Coast

    Five kitchens here serve one rambling indoor-outdoor communal dining space, strung with fairy lights, flush with pot plants and packed with happy eaters…

  • Harry's Steak Bistro & Bar

    Gold Coast

    Harry's is a stylish paean to 'beef, booze and banter' which is superserious about its steaks, with each accredited with the name of its producer and…

  • The Sandwich Bros

    Surfers Paradise

    Wrap your lips around these tasty toasted sandwiches and burgers with fillings such as garlic mushroom grilled cheese, BBQ brisket or southern fried…

  • Stairwell Coffee

    Surfers Paradise

    Escape to this hole-in-the-wall cafe, hidden down a shabby shopping arcade, for well-made coffee using locally roasted beans and a short menu of jaffles …

  • Jimmy Wah's

    Gold Coast

    Modern Vietnamese is dished up in a relaxed yet stylish setting, featuring a wall mural of the man himself (Jimmy Wah is a character in the film Good…

  • Ze Pickle

    Gold Coast

    Ze PIckle might overwhelm the burger purist but it does a roaring trade in its signature hand-pressed Wagyu mince burgers, available straight-up or as a…

  • St Bernards Hotel

    Gold Coast

    A rambling old mountain pub reminiscent of a Swiss ski lodge, with a large timber terrace and sweeping views. It offers reasonable if basic pub grub, such…

  • Elephant Rock Café

    Gold Coast

    On the refreshingly underdeveloped Currumbin beachfront you'll find this breezy, two-tier cafe, which morphs from beachy by day into surprisingly chic at…

  • Elston

    Surfers Paradise

    Its name harking back to Surfers Paradise's pre-1933 identity, this atmospheric spot mixes beach views with a cool industrial feel. Come for big…

  • Bumbles

    Surfers Paradise

    This gorgeous converted house (actually, at one stage, a brothel) is the place for cooked breakfasts and non-run-of-the-mill lunches, such as miso salmon…

  • Baritalia

    Surfers Paradise

    A thoroughly Italian place with a fab outdoor terrace, friendly staff, and tasty pastas and pizzas, including gluten-free choices and a good range of…

  • Double Zero

    Gold Coast

    A stylish Italian restaurant cranking out homemade pasta and authentic thin-crust pizza with warm and efficient service. Pair the delicious tartufo pizza …

  • Salt Mill

    Gold Coast

    çTiny hole-in-the-wall Salt Mill, across the road from the beach, keeps surfers and sunbathers refreshed with well-made coffee, delicious smoothies and…

  • Bellakai

    Gold Coast

    Open extra early for presurf coffee and sustenance, Bellakai is popular with locals as a meeting and chatting spot. Substantial cooked breakfasts shift…

  • Dancing Waters Café

    Gold Coast

    Next to the Purling Brook Falls car park, this affable cafe serves salads, soup and toasted sandwiches, along with homemade cakes and scones. Open fire in…

  • Peter's Fish Market

    Gold Coast

    A no-nonsense fish market and fish-and-chip shop selling fresh and cooked seafood, which can be eaten on a few tables out the front by the river. The…

  • Gelato Messina

    Gold Coast

    Get lickin' on gelato and sorbet flavours such as salted coconut and mango salsa; dulce de leche; pistachio made with Sicilian pistachios; and classics…