23 of the Best Restaurants on the Gold Coast

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 feel so relaxed that you’re not inclined to cook and clean - and we heartily endorse this energy. You'll understand why when you try some of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, as listed below.

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.

Lars Bar & Grill

If wood-fired steak and fresh local seafood take your fancy, make a reservation at the Gold Coast’s newest restaurant: Lars Bar & Grill.

You might recognise Lars Kollrepp’s name from some of Brissie’s best-known restaurants (Hellenika, The Sushi Room and SK Steak and Oyster) from his time as executive chef for Simon Glotftis’ restaurants.

Now, realising his dream to own his very own restaurant, Lars aims to bring laid-back energy to a restaurant that harmonises modernity with simplicity. The menu will showcase local line-caught fish, award-winning local beef and the region’s coastal flavours.

Shop 1 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

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.

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 inside.

The menu covers casual poolside eats, locally sourced seafood, gourmet pizzas, and 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

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 saw this dream dining destination 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

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 Ocean Grill & Bar 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 awarded a chef hat from the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide.

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!

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.

Sitchu Tip: We recommend making a booking in advance so that you can 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 all the senses, with its delicious Mexi eats and taste bud-tingling cocktails.

The menu is stacked with taco options, daily deals, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and more, ensuring they can conquer every appetite.

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 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

Sofia’s

Coastal European fare, with Gold Coast convenience? It’s all right here at Sofia’s! Welcoming you with the warmest hospitality, this sparkling Italian restaurant employs traditional techniques whilst making use of the freshest local and seasonal ingredients to plate 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

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.

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 homemade 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.

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, Justin Lane 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 always packed!

1708–1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

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 recommend trying this delicious seafood dish!

This is 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

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 to surprise and delight your taste buds.

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.