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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • The Treehouse

    Gold Coast

    Grab a seat in the shade of the beautiful tree here for a lazy breakfast or lunch with well-made coffee. The menu has gluten-free and vegan options, too.

  • Koi exterior

    Koi

    Gold Coast

    Fast-moving, black-clad waitstaff shuffle out plates of pasta, gourmet pizza, steaks, tapas, seafood and hearty trad Italian mains. Live music on Sunday…

  • Barefoot Barista

    Gold Coast

    Barefoot is every bit as laidback as its name implies, but with keen attention to detail. All produce is local, down to the organic herbs, and there is a…

  • Bread 'n' Butter

    Gold Coast

    After a two-year hiatus, Bread 'n' Butter reopened in 2018 with a new upmarket look and it's perfect for a drink, a wood-fired pizza, handmade gnocchi or…

  • Mason Winery Eden Restaurant

    Gold Coast

    Lunches here don't push any culinary boundaries, but the charcuterie platters are satisfying and it's a lovely spot – nab a seat under the covered…

  • Sunset Bar & Grill

    Gold Coast

    This umbrella-shaded, family-friendly place by the water won't knock your socks off, but it does serve something for everyone, with an extensive menu of…

  • Hot Shott

    Gold Coast

    Drop by for a breakfast of eggs Benedict, Bircher muesli or buttermilk pancakes, or try a burger or filling salad for lunch at this down-to-earth cafe…

  • Burleigh Social

    Gold Coast

    This back-street cafe has a party vibe from early morning onwards at its picnic-table seating. The menu includes all the cafe favourites – granola, acai…