Gold Coast for foodies

The Gold Coast has hundreds upon hundreds of places to eat, so it can be difficult to know where to try if you’re visiting. I love my food and dining out, so I’ve curated a list of some of my favourite places to eat while in this beautiful city. I hope you enjoy!

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La Luna Beach Club

@josieking

It’s an amazing dining experience at La Luna. By the water at Marina Mirage, it’s a lovely atmosphere to sip on some bubbles and enjoy exquisite food. It’s a little bit pricey but definitely worth it for the quality of food and beautiful surroundings. You’ll feel like a celebrity relaxing by the pool in a lounger or booth. Attached is also Mare restaurant, which is a great option if you’d like to get a little dressed up as opposed to lounging in swimwear.

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Siblings@Kirra

@josieking

Lovely beachfront spot at Kirra, with a fantastic sharing menu and great lighting for some photos with the girls. They have a large array tasty cocktails, all with cheeky names. It’s a great restaurant for a fun lunch or romantic date night.

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The Tropic

@josieking

This stunning venue is the formal dining area of the Burleigh Pavillion. It overlooks the bustling Burleigh beach and has loads of natural lighting. The food is scrumptious, as are the drinks. You’ll have to book in early due to popularity but it is definitely worth a visit. Would recommend for a fancy lunch with the girls or a special date.

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Mr Hizola's

@josieking

Mr Hizolas is a groovy restaurant that serves amazing Asian cuisine. The service is always excellent and I’ve never been disappointed with any dishes. It’s located amongst the many restaurants in the Burleigh Heads locale. I would recommend coming here for an aperitif and delicious meal, followed by some drinks at one of the bars close by. The Emperor’s Feast is a great banquet option if you’re feeling ravenous, or otherwise you can’t go wrong with any of the bao options.

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Pink Monkey Bar & Grill

@josieking

A lovely rooftop bar in the main Burleigh strip for a boozy lunch. On weekends they offer a ladies luncheon deal with tapas and cocktails. Feel the beautiful sea breeze and enjoy the bubbly atmosphere here on your next trip to the Gold Coast.

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Justin Lane

@josieking

Fabulous Italian restaurant boasting authentic pizzas and pastas. It has 2 levels with several different rooms, but still gets booked out on a weekend. Has a fun atmosphere and is a great place to hit the wines at lunchtime, with a fantastic banquet option. Very central to all the bars and restaurants along the main strip in Burleigh.

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Gemellini

@josieking

Gemellini is the little sister restaurant of the well-renowned, Gemelli Italian. The food is amazing, and my favourite dish is the lamb ragu rigatoni. The pizzas are also delicious, with authentic fluffy wood-fired bases. Perfect for a date night or group of friends who enjoy good food and wine.

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MexiCali Bar Y Taqueria

@josieking

Popular Mexican rooftop restaurant in the main strip of Nobbys and for good reason. If you’re a taco and margarita fan, add this place to your must-visit list. With beautiful decor and the locally-famous stairwell for photo opportunities, it’s a lovely place to come with your group of girlfriends. They also have bottomless drink packages and a fantastic sharing menu. They’re open Wed-Friday for dinner and on weekends for lunch until late.

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The Collective Palm Beach

@josieking

Excellent place to have dinner if you can’t decide what you feel like to eat! Multiple restaurants in one, so you can order a bit of everything. Fun atmosphere with great drinks and sometimes live music. It has fabulous lighting for daytime celebrations, but also makes for a lovely dinner location.

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Frida Sol

@josieking

Cozy little restaurant with super fresh and tasty Mexican food. It’s a pleasant atmosphere, with decor that will keep you looking around all night and great service as well. They have an excellent range of drinks on the menu. I’d recommend this place for a girls or group lunch/ dinner out.

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Ally Chow

@josieking

As aesthetically-pleasing asian fusion restaurant in the main strip of Nobbys. Ally Chow is an all round great dining experience with so many tasty dishes on the menu. I’ve been a few times, including for a birthday lunch with a large group of friends and they were very accomodating. The banquet is a great option to try a few recommended dishes if you’re feeling hungry. They’re open every night for dinner, which is very conveninent if you’re only visiting the area at the start of the week when lots of other places are closed. Also a lovely spot for lunch or some afternoon beverages on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Cheese Me Baby

@josieking

They serve the all-time best toasties you’ll ever eat. They turn a simple ham, cheese, tomato toastie into the most delicious meal. It’s only a small cafe, located just down the street from Mermaid Beach. If they’re too packed to dine in, I’d recommend getting takeaway and eating it by the beach.

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Light Years - Burleigh Heads

@josieking

Light Years is just down the road from the main cluster of restaurants in Burleigh. It’s easier to get a carpark out of the main drag but isn’t too far away. The vibe is bright and fun and the food is so delicious. It’s become very popular so booking a table in advance might be a good idea.

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Palm Springs burleigh

@josieking

Palm Springs is beautifully decorated with a Southern Californian theme. The simple green and white colour scheme is very inviting and pleasing to the eye. They also have excellent food and drinks here, including some cheeky cocktails and fresh smoothies. It’s located on the main road (Gold Coast highway) in North Burleigh. Come for a relaxing and enjoyable breakfast or even some drinks.

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Tarte Bakery & Cafe

@josieking

A must-do for breakfast while you’re in Burleigh. They have the most delicious bagels and pastries. It’s very popular, so there might be a small wait but it’s worth it. Can dine in their alfresco area or take away to eat your scrumptious snack by the beach.

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ELK Espresso

@josieking

The perfect spot for a relaxing and delicious beach-side brunch. This cafe offers inventive and quality warm breakfast meals as well as a large selection of the best pastries. Located centrally on the GC, right next to Broadbeach beach, a lot of people like to grab a takeaway coffee and treat and sit by the water. They also offer a bottomless mimosa brunch for a fun morning with the girls.

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Mamasan Kitchen + Bar

@josieking

Mamasan is one of my favourite restaurants. This Asian cuisine is so delicious and the popular restaurant fills up, so make sure you book a couple of weeks in advance.

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Mecca Bah Gold Coast

@josieking

I’ve been to Meccah Bah multiple times and have never been disappointed. The Mediterranean style food is so delicious and they have a great array of drinks. My personal favourite menu option was the banquet, which was the perfect to share on a date with lots of yummy dishes to try.

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Gemelli Italian

@josieking

Gemelli has such good quality, tasty, authentic Italian food. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s also conveniently located in the centre of Broadbeach, so there’s plenty of places to go to for drinks or dessert afterwards. If you’re feeling stuffed, I love doing a walk along the beach at nighttime after dinner to help disgest.

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Hideaway Kitchen & Bar

@josieking

Delicious Asian cuisine with fun and bright decor. The menu has lots of items great for sharing as well as some very tasty main courses if you’d prefer your own meal. Convenient location in Broadbeach, not far from Pacific Fair shopping centre and other bars & restaurants along the main strip. Would recommend for a group of friends or family or even a date night.

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Bonita Bonita

@josieking

A very popular Mexican restaurant, located not far from Broadbeach along the Gold Coast Highway. It’s a groovy little spot with must-try tacos and coconut margaritas. Would recommend for a fun date or hang out with friends. They’re open Tuesday-Saturday and have a locally famous taco Tuesday where they are only $6 each. Attached is the very cozy Bon Bon bar, where you can enjoy a large variety of cocktails made with excellence.

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Cabukee Speciality Coffee

@josieking

Cabukee is an enjoyable little cafe in the Main Street of Emerald Lakes village. I’ve been many times and have never been disappointed. The service is attentive and the food and coffee is really good. It’s the perfect spot to have lunch after strolling around the beautiful lakeside village.

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Haig St Cafe & Restaurant Kirra

@josieking

Very popular cafe and for good reason! I love going here when I’m down the south end of the Gold Coast as the breakfast food is always amazing. If you’re in for a boozy day, you can also start sipping on tasty cocktails from 10am.

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Social Brew

@josieking

This beautiful plant-filled cafe is on the famous James Street in Burleigh. It has such a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere with natural lighting and loads of greenery hanging from the ceiling. It also has a fantastic menu with some healthy options, mouth-watering treats and a bottomless brunch. Great spot for bigger groups or a coffee date. If you’re doing a Burleigh bar crawl, I’d recommend starting your day off here and then coming back the next day for a hangover meal!

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Las Palmas

@josieking

Beautiful venue with pastel interiors, loads of plants and a great view overlooking the beach. I had my engagement party here and everyone raved about the venue. They serve Latin American dishes, which are great for sharing. The cocktails are very refreshing and tasty. Would recommend for a fantastic lunch along Palm Beach’s main strip.

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Miami Marketta

@josieking

A vibrant and exciting place for dinner and entertainment. Miami Marketta is an undercover area with a large variety of food and clothing stalls to browse through. Grab some delicious food for yourself or to share with friends or family and find a picnic table to sit and enjoy. There’s always great live music that gets the atmosphere going. They’re open from Wednesday-Saturday nights and entry is free. I’d recommend checking this place out if you’re after a lively evening of excellent food and live entertainment .

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Bistro Lamp (Japanese Fusion+Bar)

@josieking

This small restaurant is very easy to miss if you’re not in the know about it. Just down the street from Mermaid beach, it’s situated on the gold coast highway. The food is just so good- would definitely recommend trying if you’re staying nearby.

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House of Brews

@josieking

For the best burgers and cocktails around, check out House of Brews. It’s an American-style grill and bar that serves huge portions. They’re famous for their massive, creative burgers that aren’t just Instagram-worthy but also delicious. They have great share options too, such as the nacho platter, which is great for groups of friends or families. It’s right in the main strip of Surfers Paradise, so you can continue the night at any of the other locales nearby.

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Cantina

@josieking

Cantina is a cozy little bar tucked away in the corner next to Bonita Bonita. This cluster of restaurants is very popular with the locals and isn’t far from Broadbeach. If you’re after a low key evening with mood lighting and tasty food, give this place a go.

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The Glenelg Public House

@josieking

Fantastic steak house located not far from Broadbeach along the Gold Coast Highway. If you’re craving a big, juicy steak with some delicious sides, you need to give this restaurant a try. It has a very pleasant atmosphere, with mood lighting and sophisticated decor inside, as well as outdoor seating for those clear warm nights. Perfect spot for a date night or intimate gathering over some great food and wine.

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Social Eating House + Bar

@josieking

One of my all time favourite restaurants. Such delicious, quality food. Great for sharing with a group. Would highly recommend the beef empanadas and tuna crackers to start.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Josie King

I’m a 28 year old female who loves to travel and share my experiences! I really enjoy going out for meals and drinks, so I can give you plenty of dining suggestions. I also like to recommend fun activities and places where you can just relax and explore. I lived on the Gold Coast in Australia for 25 years, so I know heaps of fantastic places to visit there. My family is from Tasmania, so I have done many trips to the beautiful state and have lots of tips to share. I have been to Europe 3 times, one of which was a gap year spent nannying and travelling. I’m very honest in my reviews and recommendations, so if you need helpful tips for your next trip, check out my guides!

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