With the bounty of the ocean at its doorstep, the Gold Coast boasts some incredible restaurants serving up treasures from the land and sea. From bustling Surfer’s Paradise to laid-back Broadbeach, from family-friendly spots to must-visit brunch destinations, the best restaurants on the Gold Coast offer unforgettable meals in a welcoming atmosphere.
Share plates of Japanese staples in Mermaid Beach or try pan-Asian eats in Burleigh Heads. In Broadbeach, check out a stylish, modern steakhouse or an elegant seafood grill. Alternatively, enjoy Asian cuisine and classic street food near Kurrawa beach. A refined Surfer’s Paradise hotspot hosts a weekend seafood buffet while a Burleigh Heads hotspot serves up contemporary Cantonese cooking.
Plan your next outing at the best restaurants on the Gold Coast and secure your table on OpenTable today.
Keep scrolling for the 10 best restaurants on the Gold Coast
For one of the best sushi restaurants on the Gold Coast – head to Etsu Izakaya in Mermaid Beach
Enjoy Japanese cuisine made with local produce at Etsu Izakaya in Mermaid Beach. This relaxed, dimly lit bar with neon signs, colourful murals and black and white collages is the perfect spot to get together with friends. The long dining space, with high ceilings, bustles with activity, whether you gather around one of the tables or grab a seat at the dining bar. The menu reflects izakaya style dining, Japan’s cosy pubs that serve up a range of popular Japanese dishes to share. Start with some salted edamame, before moving on to the raw bar featuring a range of sashimi and tartare dishes. Share plates of crispy tempura like king prawns and seasonal vegetables or dip house-made wagyu gyoza into a spicy soy sauce. Etsu also has a huge Japanese whisky collection which you can enjoy served over hand-cut ice. Alternatively, try a pint of one of the on-tap Japanese beers or a cup of sake.
For pan-Asian cooking on the coastline – book at Rick Shores in Burleigh Heads
Dig into pan-Asian flavours made with a local touch at Rick Shores. With huge glass doors that open up directly onto the sand, Rick Shores offers stunning views of the Gold Coast’s shoreline. Particularly stunning at sunset and high tide, this relaxed restaurant offers a moment of zen as the waves move closer and closer. The pan-Asian menu is seafood focused, with freshly shucked oysters and top-quality caviar paving the way for chicken laksa xiao long bao and fried Moreton Bay bug rolls. Try one of the melt-in-your-mouth curries with braised beef cheek or Sichuan roasted duck. Two different set menus include the restaurant’s signature items with a unique cleanser of the day to refresh your palate halfway through.
For one of the best steakhouse restaurants on the Gold Coast – visit Moo Moo Restaurant in Broadbeach
Moo Moo Restaurant’s sleek, modern dining space, dimly lit with red neon, evokes the feeling of a relaxed cocktail bar or fine-dining restaurant. Unafraid to break with tradition, Moo Moo offers up a creative menu that focuses on steak but also includes seafood, game, and vegetarian options. Moo Moo’s signature dish is the one kilo spice-rubbed Wagyu rump cap roast that serves two to three people. Seasoned with the chef’s secret spice rub, it’s given a smoky flavour on the char grill before being oven-roasted just how you like it. Perfect for a special date night, it’s hand-carved at the table and served with crispy potatoes and creamy buffalo ricotta. The wine list has been carefully curated to match the menu with Clare Valley Shiraz and Venetian sparkling wine. A selection of signature cocktails includes a refreshing elderflower and gin concoction and a vodka and sour apple liqueur sweet treat.
For one of the Gold Coast’s best Asian restaurants – check out Mamasan Kitchen and Bar in Broadbeach
Mamasan Kitchen and Bar serves up pan-Asian dishes in a vibrant, colourful dining space, decorated with relics from across Southeast Asia. With a relaxed, yet lively atmosphere, Mamasan is perfect for everything from family gatherings to solo outings. From the main à la cart menu, try crispy soft shell crab slaw and juicy pork san choy bau. Larger plates include flaky, hibachi grilled market fish and soft wagyu beef bao. The drinks menu features signature cocktails like the vodka and yuzu Tokyo rose and the sake and gin Southeast side. It also has a wide collection of sake and offers sake flights with different tasting profiles. Mamasan is a great spot for drinks and light bites with a snacking menu that includes fresh sashimi with sweet strawberry nam jim and crispy Korean fried chicken. Alternatively, if you’re after a full feast, order the yin or yang banquet menu to try all the signature dishes.
For vibrant street food with a group – book at Hideaway Kitchen & Bar Broadbeach in Broadbeach
Escape to Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, a colourful restaurant serving up traditional Asian street food on the outskirts of Broadbeach. Dine in the buzzing alfresco seating area where colourful umbrellas and lanterns hang from the overhead beams and string lights. Indoors, neon lights and bold graffiti create an insta-worthy atmosphere. Bite into soft and crispy pork gyoza or try sweet and salty satay skewers. Large plates of sweet honey ginger chicken or tender lemongrass pork are perfect for sharing. The drinks menu includes a range of wines, with a particular focus on South Australian and New Zealand varietals. You can also try sweet, fresh sake or one of the unique cocktails like the hideaway jungle juice, which changes every week.
For a stunning seafood buffet – book at Citrique Restaurant in Surfers Paradise
Winner of an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat in 2023 and 2024, Citrique Restaurant’s seafood menu is a must try for anyone in Surfers Paradise. The elegant, modern dining area is divided into multiple areas so it’s easy to find your own space to enjoy a relaxed meal. Executive chef Paul Smart has created a modern Australian menu, infused with Asian flavours and made with Australian produce. A la carte dining from Monday to Wednesday features refreshing entrées like beetroot and goat’s cheese salad the signature grilled bay bug dumplings. For a main, try fluffy pan-roasted gnocchi with heirloom tomatoes or a flaky oven-baked snowfish. Every Friday and Saturday from 5:30 pm and Sundays from 12 pm, Citrique offers a seafood buffet packed with juicy prawns, tender crabs and much more.
For one of the best fish and seafood restaurants on the Gold Coast – visit Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar in Broadbeach
From seafood to steaks Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar serves up premium quality dishes. The airy, light-filled dining space with a marble bar and potted plants is a calm oasis in the heart of busy Broadbeach. The set two-course lunch menu is perfect for business meetings or midday catch-ups. Kick things off by choosing from the range of premium oysters and caviar on offer. Ask your waiter about the sashimi on offer or try the creamy local buffalo mozzarella with sweet truffle honey. Seafood favourites include a crispy flathead tempura fish and chips and a juicy Western Australian rock lobster. For something truly special order the Blowfish seafood tower, a luxurious selection of the best raw and cooked seafood of the day. Non-seafood options include tender steaks and vegetarian pasta dishes.
For one of the best Chinese restaurants on the Gold Coast – book at Mr Hizola’s in Burleigh Heads
Leafy plants and colourful lanterns hang from the ceiling at Mr Hizola’s, a vibrant Cantonese restaurant in Burleigh Heads. Dimly lit and packed with tables, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends for a bottomless brunch or a fun night out. Serving up contemporary Cantonese cuisine, diners can share plates of crispy Zhejiang cauliflower popcorn or refreshing duck san choy bow. Fluffy bao filled with mushrooms, tofu or pork belly are always popular. Dig into hearty noodle bowls like sweet and savoury chow-mein or thick hokkien noodles with prawns and scallops. All of the dishes on offer pair perfectly with the drinks menu, featuring signature cocktails, Australian wines and Chinese beers. Try the plum and Chambord plum fairy cocktail or sip on a devil in disguise made with watermelon liqueur and fairy floss.
For sharing tapas and sangria – check out Lucia in Tugun
Step away from the Gold Coast and into the Iberian Peninsula at Lucia, a welcoming restaurant that the whole family can enjoy. Dine out on the sundeck surrounded by terracotta-coloured walls and leafy plants. Start with some fluffy, cheesy garlic bread and a smooth tapenade tomato and olive dip. The papas bravas, traditional fried potatoes topped with tomato sauce and aioli is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Other tapas options include the piping hot jamón croquettes and the refreshingly chill pumpkin salad. For a heartier meal, try the house paella, bomba rice with mussels, juicy king prawns and spicy chorizo. Pair your tapas with fruity or spiced sangria by the glass or the jug. Alternatively, sip on a berry and peach cocktail or a crispy Australian beer.
For one of the best family-friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast – book at Kitchen 34 in Miami
Part of the Burleigh Leagues Club, Kitchen 34 is a refined, family-friendly restaurant with an approachable, modern menu. Whether you’re a member of the club or you’re just passing through, Kitchen 34 is ready to welcome you with a friendly smile and fantastic food. Start by trying the fluffy sourdough with the house herb butter alongside a serving of melt-in-your-mouth spiced lamb ribs. Juicy cuts of maple-glazed pork and grain-fed eye fillet are cooked to perfection on the grill and the chef’s roast of the day is always an easy option. The kids’ menu includes classic favourites like crispy chicken tenders and rich bolognese pasta. As an added bonus, kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday nights. One highlight of Kitchen 34 is the gnocchi bar, which features handmade ricotta gnocchi and your choice from three flavour-packed sauces.
From Surfers Paradise to Tugun, the Gold Coast is home to a number of excellent eateries. From refined dining experiences to casual, lively atmospheres, you can find a coastal restaurant to suit you. Enjoy modern Australian classics, pan-Asian favourites and European delights. Paired with local wines, international beers and unique signature cocktails, the best restaurants on the Gold Coast always create a memorable experience.
