The Best Restaurants On The Gold Coast for Your Vacay Or The Everyday

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s favourite places to kick back and soak up the sunshine, as well as the relaxed attitude of the locals. You may be feeling so relaxed that you’re not inclined to cook and clean - and we heartily endorse this energy. When you try some of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast that we’ve listed below, you’ll understand why. 

From casual rooftop eateries to hotel restaurants that boast unmatched hospitality, there’s a diverse range of dining options available to make each night a memorable experience.

Siblings Kirra

Pizza Hut has had a major facelift. The brand-new redevelopment of this iconic location certainly has not disappointed, with the arrival of Siblings. With a dreamy waterfront view and 1950s-inspired coastal interiors, it’s one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast to visit for an all-around amazing time. The menu is stacked with fresh seafood, abundant salads and hearty carnivorous dishes, but there’s also a vegan menu for the plant-based diners in your party. And make sure you explore the cocktail menu, these sips are not to be missed!

15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Lagoon Beach Club

Back with a brand-new look, the Lagoon Beach Club has undergone extensive refurbishment to bring all-new Amalfi Coast glam to the Gold Coast. This restaurant has a stunning view of the Sanctuary Cove Resort’s one-acre lagoon pool, setting your mood to coastal calm as soon as you step foot into this gorgeous venue. The menu covers casual poolside eats, locally sourced seafood and gourmet pizzas along with meticulously crafted cocktails. Expect a diary of fun events and activations from your favourite spirits brands, DJ sessions and live music to keep the European beach club energy pumping year-round. 

Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Kirra Beach Hotel

Originally established in 1956, the Kirra Beach Hotel is one of the Gold Coast’s longest-standing iconic locations. After spending three years out of action, November 2023 finally sees this dream dining destination make its long-awaited return to the GC dining scene. Despite the glamorous facelift, the Kirra Beach Hotel retains its laid-back and deeply Australian heart, embracing the surfers and beach-goers that walk in, barefoot and sandy in search of a nice frosty drink to refresh themselves after a day at the surf (they even keep a tub of thongs behind the counter if you need to slip on some flip-flops). Enjoy weekly seafood specials, icy cold beers, Australian wines and much more as you drink in the view of one of Australia’s most famous point breaks.

2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar

Adding another elegant dining destination to your roster in 2023, Blowfish Ocean Grill & Bar opened their doors to the Broadbeach community in November. Brought to you by the husband and wife duo behind Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill, Autumn and Steven Adams, this lush new ocean-inspired restaurant has a razor-sharp focus on sustainability. Utilising sustainable and seasonal produce from land and sea, this two-level location also boasts a wine list of over 2000 bottles. If you’re hunting down the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, be sure to put Blowfish on your radar!

2 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Little Truffle

One of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast has just had a makeover! Little Truffle has operated out of Mermaid Beach since 2010, keeping locals and visitors wined and dined for years. This hidden gem has been well recognised by the foodie community, winning numerous awards including Gold Coast Best Fine Dining Restaurant, and hats with the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide. If you haven’t tried this amazing Gold Coast restaurant yet, now’s your time to book in and indulge in their modern European fare.

2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Southport Pavilion

The Sunshine State is simply made for al fresco dining, couple that with waterfront views and you’ll have a resounding YES from your hungry group chat. Southport Pavilion is your new favourite Instagram-worthy destination for charcuterie, seafood platters, burgers and most importantly… cocktails. Sip on a Stardust (Grey Goose Strawberry & Lemongrass, prosecco, strawberry jelly) or a Smoke & Mirror (Mezcal, Aperol, pineapple chartreuse and tajin) while you tuck into a platter of fresh seafood with your besties on a Sunday to celebrate the week that was. Any excuse to celebrate with a cocktail will do!

2 Barney Street, Southport

Glass Restaurant

Seeking relaxed, waterfront dining that promises an elevated menu? Glass is one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast to check those requirements off your list! Perfect for date nights or special occasions, Glass offers intimate and elegant dining with a modern, European-leaning menu. There’s a banquet on offer to make dining a (sea) breeze, and the plant-based pals among your dining party will be thrilled to know there’s a vegan menu on offer, too! So the next time you’re hunting down a dining destination for your night away on the Gold Coast, make sure you make a reservation at Glass.

27/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Kōst

One of the best new restaurants to hit the buzzing Broadbeach scene is Köst; a venue that blends dining, drinking, fire and music. Inspired by the coastline where earth, sea and sky converge, the team behind Köst set out to bring an immersive, sensory experience to the GC scene. This contemporary new 180-seater bar and restaurant plans to elevate the local foodie scene with a core focus on “fire-kissed” dishes. Led by esteemed Gold Coast restauranteur Dave Galvin and with a kitchen helmed by Executive Chef Sebbie Keynon, we have a feeling Köst stands a pretty fair chance at achieving their intentions.

Shop 135S/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Jimmy Wah’s

Founded after a five-week road trip through Vietnam, Jimmy Wah’s has thrived in the heart of Burleigh Heads since 2016. Locals flock to this popular Gold Coast restaurant for the delicious food (think Vietnamese pancakes and tempura soft-shell crab banh mi), warm service and a soundtrack of classic 50s, 60s and 70s tunes. With a casual and energetic atmosphere, Jimmy Wah’s is the best spot to hit after a long day in the sunshine. Order up a few share plates to tuck into with your friends and delight in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.

Sitchu Tip: We recommend making a booking in advance so that you can definitely get a table!

 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Hail Mary

You might have missed Hail Mary if you didn’t know otherwise, as this Mexican joint is tucked down an alleyway in bustling Burleigh Heads. This warm and welcoming restaurant is painted in pink hues, making it not only a feast for the eyes but in fact, all the senses with its delicious Mexi eats and tastebud-tingling cocktails. The menu is stacked with taco options, daily deals, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and more, ensuring they can conquer every appetite. All that’s left to decide… is whether you’ll order the Burleigh Burrito or the Cali Burrito.

26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

T’ang Court

Fine dining and an elevated experience are on the menu at T’ang Court. Located within the luxurious Langham Hotel, you needn’t be a hotel guest to book in at one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants. With a nod to the dynasty that shaped a nation, T’ang Court melds Southern Chinese tradition with local produce to plate up memorial dishes that will linger on your mind long after dining. The bespoke wine list adds a new layer to your dining experience, so be sure to ask the sommelier for their recommendation.

The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Citrique

Renowned for its seafood buffet and chic, modern ambience, Citrique is easily one of our top picks for the best restaurants on the Gold Coast. Receiving an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat in 2023, you know it’s not just Sitchu that believes Citrique is a must-do! Opt for a buffet booking and choose from seafood, curries, stir-fries, salads and more, or dine a la carte and feast on dishes like the seared scallops, served with pickled fennel salad and a white pudding of pear and vanilla puree.

JW Marriott Hotel and Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Orzo

ORZO take measures to set itself apart in order to become one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants for contemporary Italian dining. Inspired by Italian tradition, the ORZO team ensure they use the freshest local produce to plate dishes that will leave you feeling satiated in mind, body and soul (the way food should be!). Using traditional ‘00’ flour imported from Italy, it’s the perfect place to bring the discerning Italian foodie (or food critic).

Be sure to start your meal here with our favourite entree; fried green olives stuffed with Taleggio cheese and kissed with truffle oil. Buon appetito!

1N-02, The Oracle, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach

Sofia’s

Coastal European fare, with Gold Coast convenience? It’s all right here at Sofia’s! Welcoming you in with the warmest hospitality, this sparkling Italian restaurant employs traditional techniques whilst making use of the freshest local and seasonal ingredients to plate up dishes that melt in your mouth. If you’re searching for the best restaurants on the Gold Coast for your next night out, Sofia’s should be at the top of your list!

Sitchu Tip: The dish to try here is the Cacio e Pepe, a linguine with cream and cracked pepper, served at the table tossed in their 40kg parmesan wheel. It’s a feast for all of the senses!

Oasis Shopping Centre, Shop G0/53 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Kiyomi

Kiyomi invites you to taste the flavours of Tokyo with a menu created by Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima that will transport your senses. With the freshest of sashimi, tantalising tempura and truly decadent desserts, if you’re looking for a special night out to remember, Kiyomi is the place to be.

The best way to dine at Kiyomi is to order the set menu, so you can enjoy the omakase the way Chef Chase intended. With a list of awards as long as your arm, it’s easy to see that this is one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants for upscale dining.

Lobby Level, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

The Tropic

Stunning views of the Gold Coast skyline pair perfectly with fresh Mediterranean eats, and you can enjoy both in one sitting at The Tropic at the northern end of the Burleigh Pavilion. Brunch on oysters, spiced bread and burrata or opt for vegan eats like stuffed capsicum or grilled eggplant. The Tropic is one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast to visit for fresh seafood, good vibes and truly Insta-worthy views.

3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Social Eating House

Setting a high standard for dining on the Gold Coast is the Social Eating House in Broadbeach. Offering fine dining in a casual setting with warm and friendly staff, Social is owned & operated by Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson, the winner of the People’s Choice ‘Chef of the Year’ award for three consecutive years. Choose from sumptuous share plates or opt for the set banquet menu - as it’s too hard to choose when the menu is this incredible!

The cocktails are just as impressive, so be sure to order something refreshing to complement your dish. Our personal favourite is the Wild Wombat; Zubrowka Vodka, marionette groseille liqueur, topped with house-fermented wild Australian ginger beer made with Riberry, rosella, desert lime and lemon myrtle. It’s a total flavour sensation!

Shop 137/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Collective

Have you been charged with the impossible task of picking the restaurant for your group chat? The Collective at Palm Beach has the answer. Housing five individual restaurant kitchens and a rooftop bar, you and the gang can order from one huge menu that spans several different cuisines and caters to gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets. Italian, Mexican, Asian and Greek are all on the menu!

Book a table on the roof and spend your Sunday afternoon drinking delicious cocktails whilst you’re drinking in the view. For optimal coastal energy, we recommend pairing the rooftop sunshine with a Gin Daisy, featuring Bombay Dry Gin, pineapple juice, lemon, sugar and grenadine.

1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Greenhouse Canteen

Famous for its ambience, incredible food and entirely plant-based and gluten-free menu, Greenhouse Canteen is a must-do on the Gold Coast dining scene. With a lush and earthy atmosphere, Greenhouse strives to provide an upscale dining experience serving up hearty and exquisite meals accompanied by Australian wines and local breweries. It’s easily one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast for plant-based dining. Be sure to finish your meal with their house-made pecan pie!

268 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera Valley

Rick Shores

Ever popular with the Gold Coast crowd, Rick Shores serves up incredible Asian fusion meals created from fresh, local produce. Choose from their ever-popular Moreton Bay bug roll, crispy snapper or one of their three flavourful curry dishes. The Katsu beef roll, with fried egg mayonnaise, Korean BBQ sauce and zucchini pickles definitely has us drooling.

With an incredible view of the ocean from the patio seats, be sure to book yourself in for a sunset session, to soak up the fresh air and ambience that the Gold Coast is so well renowned for.

3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Justin Lane Establishment

If you’re looking for peak Burleigh good vibes, you’ll be sure to find them at the Justin Lane Establishment. Within eyeshot of the water and a rooftop destined for sunshine-laden Sunday sessions, the Establishment serves up sourdough pizzas and handmade pasta. Their motto is to eat, drink and be messy, so consider this your open invitation to sip a cocktail and slurp up some pasta. Be sure to book in advance, this is one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast and it’s genuinely always packed!

1708–1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Misono Japanese Steakhouse

Located within the luxurious Marriott Hotel is the Gold Coast’s ultimate destination for teppanyaki. Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or are craving an entertaining dining experience, Misono Japanese Steakhouse is the place to be! With theatrical flair and an experienced touch, your chef will not only make you chuckle with their mischievous antics but will make your tastebuds sing with any of the teppanyaki banquets on offer.

Level 3/158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The North Room

With a menu crafted on seasonal produce, The North Room operates on a philosophy of ‘eat with your eyes’ and aims to delight all of your senses when you dine with them. The menu is composed of contemporary and exquisite share-style plates. Their best-selling dish is the crab crumpet, with the only change they make seasonally relying on whether it's spanner or mud crab season. It’s remained the top pick after five years on the menu, so we definitely recommend trying this delicious seafood dish!

With an intimate ambience and casual comfort, we recommend opting for the tasting-style menu with matched wines to accompany each course. This is definitely one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast that fly under the radar, so impress your friends by suggesting the North Room for your next night out.

Shop 1/2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Labart

An absolute must-do on your next tour of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast is Labart. With a kitchen helmed by Sydney chef Alex Munoz Labart, this elevated 60-seat restaurant in Burleigh is loved by local foodies. Operating on a philosophy of sustainability, seasonality and simplicity, the menu of small plates changes regularly whilst the impeccable hospitality remains consistent for your every visit. We’d tell you what we drooled over, but the menu won’t be the same on your next reservation at this amazing Gold Coast restaurant… and that’s just one of the reasons we love it. Let your palate escape to the Mediterranean and thank us later!

Sitchu Tip: One of the best bars on the Gold Coast, Paloma, is also owned by Alex Munoz Labart and is well worth a visit if you’re a wine lover.

2a/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Etsu

A modern izakaya in the heart of Mermaid Beach, Etsu is a favourite for easy, flavourful and fun casual Japanese dining. With a menu spanning classics like sushi and sashimi, there are share plates of tempura, salad, teriyaki and meats that you can wash down with a mix of traditional Japanese cocktails, whiskies or gins. Our favourite plate is the Salmon Usuzukuri, a dish of thinly sliced salmon served with white soy, truffle oil, sesame seeds and tobiko - delicious! The next time you’re planning to book a dinner date at one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, be sure to make a reservation at Etsu.

2440 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Palette Restaurant

Treat your palate at Palette the next time you’re craving modern, Australian fare that hits right every time. Palette is the best restaurant on the Gold Coast to visit when you plan to mix some culture with some wonderful food, as it calls the HOTA (Home of the Arts) Gallery home. The incredible Chef Dayan Hartill-Law and his team take inspiration from the exhibitions to craft inventive new plates like the Jerusalem Artichoke, served with Ngarang-Wal ginger leaf, miso tofu cheese and native raspberry, that has our mouth watering just thinking about it. Palette also hosts regular collaborations with guest chefs to bring exciting new culinary experiences to the Gold Coast’s dining scene.

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Now that you’ve sampled the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, why not see what else is on offer in this coastal metropolis? Whether it’s jam-packing your day full of the best activities on the Gold Coast, or planning your next vacay with the coolest accommodation, you’re set to have fun in the sun all year round.