Making it that little bit harder to concentrate on the menu.
Making it that little bit harder to concentrate on the menu.
As it turns out the Gold Coast is quite the good-looking city. With all of our green mountains and beguiling beaches, you’d expect venues to be taking full advantage of the glorious vistas we have on show. And guess what — there certainly are!
We propose you consult our trusty list of scenic dining spots and feast your eyes upon some infinitely more inspiring and soul-fulfilling sights than the mountain of half-folded washing on your dining room table. Or is that just us?
We’ve taken a good look around our city and put together a list of the very best places you can eat with your eyes.
Oozing luxury at every turn, if it’s knockout views you seek, there’s a whole yacht to love about La Luna. Perch up and be mesmerised by all the Broadwater action passing you by as you treat the tastebuds to some top notch Mediterranean and Asian-fusion inspired eats – and soak up some world class marina vibes while do it. With a spot that just screams long lunch, tuck into ocean inspired delicacies like Moreton Bay bug rolls and Kingfish Ceviche and sip the afternoon away on the signature cocktail menu. Pinky popping and fanciest pants, optional.
Where: La Luna Beach Club, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Hyde Paradiso
A light and airy stunner studded with cascading greenery, spacious ceilings, and of course, uninterrupted views to the iconic shores of our very own glitter strip – Hyde Paradiso is oceanfront, Surfers Paradise dining at its finest. Start – or finish – your day by gazing out to the rolling surf, watching the world go by while you refuel with your choice of breakfast, brunch, lunch and/or dinner at this Euro-chic noshery. And if we *have* to choose, Kingfish Tacos and a Salted Coconut marg sounds like a particularly swell way to farewell the day, no?
Where: Hyde Paradiso, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Nab yourself a spot on the deck and watch the water goers weaving throughout the canals (aka jetski’s absolutely carving up) as you ponder working your way through the dedicated marg list – perhaps Pineapple or Watermelon to start? Situated on the banks of the Nerang River, Surfers Pavilion is a particularly stunning spot for scenic dining and/or drinking, with a mix of small bites, share plates, seafood and burgers on offer. Grab some mates, chuck in a helping of Bug and Prawn Linguine or a Pav Parmy, and you’ve got yourself a party for the peepers and the tum.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Gonna take a little more than some enchanting views to impress you? The Langham Gold Coast’s five-star stunner, Akoya, dishes up an elevated and extravagant experience from breakfast through dinner, daily. Come Friday and Saturday evenings, the seafood-centric menu becomes a full-blown buffet of ocean odysseys inspired by the breathtaking beachfront backdrop. All dished up with that specific, over-achieving brand of Langham indulgence, it’s safe to go ahead and consider those socks well and truly knocked off (we’ll spare you the butchered Berlin ‘Take my breath away’ power ballad rendition, though).
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Excuse us while we don our Captain Obvious pants, but, no waterfront restaurant list worth its salt(water) would dare omit an icon like Rick Shores. Located mere footsteps from the sand and directly underneath The Tropic, this place is certainly not riding on the coattails of its incredible views – an esteemed foodie haven renowned for its equally stunning and inventive array of eats. Get your fix of sensational pan-Asian flavours flanked by panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can ‘sea’. Their share plate menu is filled with absolute taste sensations and the cocktails are always pure perfection. For us, it doesn’t get much better than dining (and drinking, obviously) at Rick Shores.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
It might be one of our worst kept secrets, but there’s no denying there’s something magic in the water at Burleigh – and who hasn’t spent many a weekend scrambling to get a slice of that sweet outlook out to the Surfers Paradise skyline? Capitalising on that million dollar view, The Tropic brings a whole new level of luxe to our long standing weekend hill chill pilgrimage, with a windswept, sun-kissed deck to throw down Freshly Shucked Oysters, King Prawn Pasta and vodka-infused Caviar bumps. With a view like this, it would be rude not to also oblige in sunset inspired sips, like the Lucy Lava, made with Malfy Blood Orange Gin, Spiced Rum, apricot and aromatic rosemary notes.
Come for the water views – stay for the… *insert absolutely any item from the menu, here*
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Sitting right on the sand in one of our most sought-after suburbs, the vistas extend the entire coastline from Surfers to Tweed. Though more specifically, it’s the mouth-watering, modern pub-style fare and frosty bevvys they’re consistently churning out breakfast–dinner that makes this surf club gem both worth a mention and a visit. An old-faithful that’s always a sight for sore eyes.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
The epitome of la dolce vita vibes – Tommy’s Italian in Currumbin has so much more going for it than incredible Italian eats, courtesy of some killer ocean views. Housed in the heritage ex Beach Shack Cafe site, its breezy beachside abode is a dreamy sun-drenched spot for lazy afternoons spent slurping down grilled seafood, woodfired pizzas and hand-crafted pasta. Two levels of absolute beachfront bliss are backed up by an enticing and extensive sip menu of shaken cocktails, wines, spritzes and jugs. A trip to Tommy’s truly is a treat for all the senses.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
With a whopping 1200 sqm of sweeping surf views, newcomer Kirra Beach House was not messing around when it came to capitalising on the suburb’s relatively untapped surf frontage. And the uninterrupted, panoramic ocean views are just the beginning – equipped with not one, but three bars, an oh-so instagrammable mix of indoor and cabana-studded alfresco spaces, and chic beach club vibes aplenty. The epitome of elevated seaside dining, the vaycay-inspired sips like the Champagne Piña colada and ‘Cancun’ spicy watermelon margarita are complemented by a Mediterranean-style grazing menu, purposefully crafted to share with your crew as the waves roll in and sun sinks low.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Bringing a fresh face to the iconic Kirra Beach Pavilion with some slick 1950s Miami vibes, Siblings is another vantage-blessed stunner at which to simultaneously treat the eyes and the tastebuds with Modern Australian style eats, available anytime from lunch onwards. Those lucky enough to snag a waterfront table can soak up uninterrupted beach views flanked by swaying pandanus palms, and people watch to our heart’s content. Pineapple salsa studded Steak tacos and share platters of Moreton bay bugs & king prawns go down an absolute treat surrounded by the salty sea air, as do cocktails like the Sicilian Summer – a frosty concoction made with Mulberry gin sour… and, er, what were we saying again? We were momentarily distracted by… *gestures vaguely at entire menu and IRL Baywatch unfolding in front of our eyes*
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
Sitting pretty on the 13th floor of the Beachcomber International Resort, Cooly Breeze is our only fine dining restaurant that boasts unique views to the southern coastline and the Tweed River surrounds. Easily one of the southern GC’s best kept dining secrets, the hidden rooftop gem channels an intimate, Amalfi coast experience with moorish Mediterranean-inspired eats from a sky-high vantage hidden in plain sight. The cosy ambience and sweeping surf vista is coupled with a fresh menu, such as the Seared Scallops da Costa and an azure-toned Rainbow Martini as vibrant as the view. Plus, there’s always the chance to catch a spontaneous whale show during migration season. Neat, huh?
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Perched dramatically atop Point Danger with uninterrupted ocean views stretching from Snapper to D’Bah, Pipi’s Restaurant is the kind of place that makes you order dessert before mains, purely because the view told you to. This Mediterranean-inspired stunner from the Gambaro Group nails the holy trinity of epic scenery, polished coastal interiors and seriously elevated eats, making it a no-brainer for long lunches, sunset sips and special-occasion splurges. Expect pristine seafood, perfectly cooked Steak Frites, theatrical oyster shucking and cocktails that pair alarmingly well with salty sea air. It’s refined without being stuffy, luxe without losing its laid-back Cooly soul, and frankly, the ocean is doing most of the heavy lifting. But the food happily keeps up.
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
Coast Beach Bar's upgraded Terrace is a winner, whatever the weather.
If there’s one thing we love on the GC, it’s some good ol’ fashioned rooftop revelling. While we all love a good day spent soaking up the sunshine, sea breeze and million-dollar panoramic views… sometimes the weather has other plans.
Fortuitously (for those of us who fancy a spot of rooftop noshin’), Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen has sweetened the deal on one of Surfers’ most stunning vantages – unveiling a slick new all-weather look for its formerly open air Beach Bar Terrace.
Meaning we can now get amongst beachfront bottomless brunches and sip studded seafood and Steak Frites seshes – rain, hail or shine… Can we get a ‘hail yeah’?!
In the few short years since owners Justin and Elizabeth Allie threw open Coast’s doors, the beachfront beauty has earned itself quite the rep for delivering knockout nosh, sips and downright impressive views, inside and out. The only catch is the latter left the otherwise impeccable experience at the mercy of the elements.
After a few practical tweaks for the more casual of Coast’s two spaces, the Beach Bar Terrace now comes complete with all the mod-cons – namely, a state-of-the-art retractable roof and enhanced wind protection, because lbh, fielding windswept manes whilst dining is not a vibe.
In addition to the all-weather upgrade, the refurb also delivers a fresh, dedicated Terrace menu and a brand new kitchen for the oceanfront space – with a private dining room to capitalise on every square inch of that stunning shoreline to be revealed soon… we can hardly wait.
And with no chance of the weather raining on our parade, we can allow ourselves to commence drooling over the reimagined menu, which is tactically divided into ‘Beach Eats’, ‘Bar Bites’ and ‘Burgers’… plus ‘Fresh Seafood’, which we will begrudgingly include (because #yum) even though it kind of ruins the whole ‘b’ theme we had going there.
The plentiful pickings include everything from corn and jalapeño topped Fish Tacos, Fried Halloumi, and Crispy Buffalo & Blue Cheese Wings to set the tastebuds on fire. If you’re feeling a little more peckish, bacon stuffed Steak Sando’s, butter-laden Steak Frites served with skinny fries (oh the irony) and Bourbon BBQ Ribs are all up to the task.
If we haven’t already got your attention (and lbh, we have) the new and improved offering also includes live tunes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with some irresistible mid-week eats specials to really seal the deal.
The reinvigorated Beach Bar is gearing up to host $7 Taco Night and $1 Wings on Wednesdays, and $25 Steak Frites on the Terrace on Thursdays – a sear-ious steal, if you ask us.
Seafood fans can get their fix sans splurge from 3–5pm every day, with half price oysters to slurp down alongside daily drink specials. Oh, and lovers of a boozy brunch aren’t forgotten, where every weekend $89 buys you two fanciful hours of food and bottomless beverages.
Yep, we’d say things are looking pretty darn watertight at the jazzed-up Coast Beach Bar Terrace. We suggest you throw caution to the wind and get on down as soon as practicable.
Where: Lvl 1 Meriton Hotel, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Tuesday & Wednesday 3pm–10pm, Thursday–Sunday 12pm–10pm
Website: www.coastbeachbar.com.au
Instagram: @coastbeachbar
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Cooly Breeze Restaurant and Bar might be Cooly’s best kept secret.
We Gold Coasters like to keep those ‘best kept secrets’ very close to our chest, lest word get out about our fave lesser-known spots.
Which is why the existence of a hidden rooftop haunt flying under the radar right in the heart of Coolangatta may very well be news to many.
A sky-high destination for Mediterranean eats and sips boasting sweeping views of the Cooly skyline.
If you’re not already acquainted with Cooly Breeze Rooftop and Bar, it’s time to be.
Sitting pretty on the 13th floor, it is the Coast’s only fine dining rooftop restaurant with unique views to the southern coastline and the Tweed River surrounds.
With a gastronomy-trained chef at the helm, the views certainly are not the only thing worth heading up for.
For chef-owner powerhouse Marcondes Almeida Neto, Cooly Breeze Rooftop and Bar is the culmination of 16 years refining his craft abroad, after notable stints in the UK and most recently, Italy.
The latter leading to Marcondes uncovering his love of seafood and the stunning Mediterranean coast, and fair enough too, how could you not?
The welcoming space also features those same hints of Amalfi coast influence, with cosy lighting, rustic timber features, chic white tablecloths and flickering candlelight adorning the tables.
Lending a charm that feels akin to being welcomed into an authentic Italian eatery.
Of course, that is if you can tear your eyes away from that stunning ocean vantage for long enough to take it all in.
For starters, we’ll certainly be all about the alla sea – natural oysters with finger lime & ginger, though the thought of digging into the signature Bug on focaccia with avocado, finger lime, jalapeno and watermelon radish sounds like the perfect summer dish.
The Seared Scallops da Costa with walnut butter sauce and cauliflower puree are definitely calling our name.
The extensive mains offering showcases authentic Mediterranean flavours at their finest.
Seafood features prominently, with the likes of Octopus Tentacles, sautéed potatoes, capers dressing, fresh herbs and the WA Half Lobster & Scallops Linguini, made with caviar, confit tomato and light lemon butter sauce set to steal the show.
There’s a host of equally enticing dishes from the land and earth, with a Vegan Paella, made with zucchini, red capsicum, olives, sun dried tomato, garlic, saffron that’s sure to satisfy absolutely everyone.
To complement the whole experience, there’s a stacked dessert menu (House Nutella Brownie, Spanish Churros, House Tiramisu, Chocolate Lava Cake) or for those who prefer their indulgence to take liquid form for their sipping pleasure, a stellar selection of cocktails (and in case you’re wondering, we’re firmly #teamboth.)
There is absolutely no reason why we would go home without getting our hands on the signature Rainbow Martini – vodka, lychee liqueur, lychee juice, lavender syrup.
Or two for good measure.
The kicker?
This time of year your 5 star dinner might even come with a spontaneous show, with the vantage providing the added bonus of the whaley cool chance to see the whales doing their thing during the migration season.
What more could you need?
Maybe just one more Rainbow Martini.
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
When: Mon 5pm – 9pm, Thurs to Sun 12pm – 9pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY COOLY BREEZE ROOFTOP AND BAR
Top honours for your faves.
Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. And while some of our neighbouring cities may have once side‑eyed the Gold Coast’s dining scene, it’s official: the tables have turned, and the GC is strutting its stuff.
This year, a whopping 25 of our favourite local eateries snagged at least one hat, and we’re practically bursting with pride! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20, and although nobody’s hit that elusive perfect score just yet, there’s plenty of brilliance on display.
In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with seven venues receiving hats. The newly revamped Mamasan charmed its way to a score of 13, while Social Eating House and Bar (13) matched it with its masterful blend of modern Australian favourites.
The Oracle Boulevard scene was further flaunted by BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar (12) and kōst (13), each offering their own distinct flavour explosions for diners.
Of course, several of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs. Japanese sensation Kiyomi scored a sophisticated 14, while the sleek Modern Australian fine‑dining gem Nineteen at the Star earned 13.
Rounding out Broady’s winners, long‑standing steak haven Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill received a solid 13, keeping carnivores grinning from ear to ear.
Travel south to Mermaid Beach and you’ll find boutique dining superstar The North Room boasting an impressive 15, a testament to its thoughtful, modern dishes executed with technical precision. Beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar earned 14, and esteemed Japanese haunt Etsu Izakaya scored 13, continuing its legacy of refined flavours.
Slick Latin American newcomer Norté, with its vibrant, fiesta‑inspired energy and bold Mexican flavours, made its debut with a 12. Euro-inspired Juju (13) and The Oxley’s stalwart fave Lars(12), rounded out Nobby’s award recipients.
Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets.
Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 13, while Bundall’s Mediterranean‑meets‑local gem Bar Leo Food & Wine debuted with a solid 12.
Burleigh wasn’t left behind either. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian offerings. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s(13).
Daniel Ridgeway’s Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 13, while Kirra’s beachfront Billy Chow (12) made its debut, earning recognition for its playful pan‑Asian menu.
Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, topping the list with a stellar 16. This Modern Australian standout blends bold flavours with innovative techniques, earning its spot among Queensland’s finest.
The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen scored 13 and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.
Over in Main Beach, La Luna Dining scored 12 with its modern Australian waterfront charm.
Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…
Words by Belinda Symons
