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

The Gold Coast never sits still and 2025 proved we like our nightlife like we love our cocktails: bold, buzzing and beautifully poured. The latest wave of openings is giving us plenty of reasons to plan “just one drink” that turns into a full-blown night out.

Whether you’re clinking schooners, swirling something fancy, or chasing the perfect margarita, we’ve rounded up all most exciting bar arrivals of 2025. Consider this the must-sip shortlist you’ll want to bookmark.

Kaktus Bar

Kaktus Bar is turning up the heat at Southport Sharks with an agave-fuelled Mexican fiesta. Think colourful cantina vibes, build-your-own margaritas and street eats made for sharing. It’s part bar, part playground, part tequila education where good times are guaranteed. Arrive thirsty, leave smiling (and maybe slightly spicy).
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Aves, Southport

The Straddie Hotel

The Straddie Hotel is officially back on deck, serving seaside nostalgia with a fresh summer glow. Think cold beers, live music and pub classics enjoyed with million-dollar ocean views. Reimagined but still gloriously laid-back, this is where locals, legends and holidaymakers come together for sunrise sessions to sunset singalongs. Jump on the ferry over, kick off your thongs and settle in.
Where: 158 E Coast Rd, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.

Padre

Crack a cold one because Padre Brewing Co has officially landed in Miami. Built on two decades of friendship, the crew behind Padre believes good beer is best shared, and their new 160-seat brewery is the best place for it. Expect 14 beers brewed onsite, a menu stacked with elevated pub classics and a space designed for good times. Whether you’re sinking a lager, sampling an IPA or grabbing a takeaway, Padre is your new best mate.
Where: 9 Ozone Parade, Miami

Hotel Jardin

Hotel Jardin has officially brought a new era of chic to Chevron Renaissance, unveiling a multi-level playground of bars, dining and late-night glamour. Its first stage features the moody Lobby Bar, a sultry Piano Bar and SABA Kitchen, where Executive Chef Minh Le dishes up spice-driven pan-Asian flavours. With velvet booths, live music, refined cocktails and a rooftop arriving in 2026, Hotel Jardin is set to become Surfers Paradise’s newest go-to for elevated evenings, golden-hour moments and seriously stylish fun.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

PlayZone

PlayZone Gold Coast is your ultimate grown-up playground, where cocktails meet your competitive side in the best way possible. Spanning three levels in Surfers Paradise, it’s packed with karaoke rooms, UV pickleball, mechanical bulls, ball pits, party hosts and cowboy-themed fun. Whether you’re belting out bangers or battling it out on shuffleboard, everything’s included with entry. It’s the perfect excuse to leave adulting at home and let loose with your crew. Minimum ten mates required, maximum memories guaranteed. Let the games begin!
Where:  41 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Commercial Hotel Boonah

The historic Commercial Hotel Boonah has been lovingly restored and has upped its cool factor with the addition of Boonah Brewing Co. microbrewery. With a brand-new beer garden to sip these new brews and pub classics reimagined by Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, it’s your ultimate Scenic Rim road trip pit stop. From housemade fish fingers to the show-stopping Bull + Bug, there’s something for every appetite. Crisp craft beer and country vibes? Boonah’s never looked better.
Where: 39 High St, Boonah

Familiar Spirits

Familiar Spirits Distillery has opened in Burleigh Heads, offering a unique family-run retreat for cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Husband-and-wife duo Justin and Lana Bell, along with their team, serve up expertly crafted spirits and seasonal cocktails, including our favourite – Butler’s Secret with The Butler’s Gin (distilled onsite) mixed lovingly with Elderflower, Orange Oleo Sacrum Lemon, Orris & Angelica Root. The intimate, tropical space is complemented by small plates like Beef Carpaccio and Tiramisu made with house-made rum. Familiar Spirits promises to leave you in good spirits. Cheers to that!
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads

Sueño

Sueño is Norte’s fun, sun-drenched sibling, the kind that always convinces you to stay for “just one more.” Brought to you by the Rick Shores crew, Sueño is a breezy rooftop cantina where ceviche, tacos, and skewers take centre stage, best enjoyed with a side of ocean breeze and a margarita (or three). The Moreton Bay bug “al pastor” tacos? Absolute must-try. The champagne crayfish skewers dripping in chipotle butter? Game-changer. And with a drinks list heavy on tequila, mezcal, and cocktails that demand a sunset toast, Sueño is the kind of place you walk into for lunch and somehow leave after dark.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Words by Lisette Drew

When you’re in Surfers Paradise and hunger strikes you want food that’s easy, vibey and good enough that you’d happily repeat tomorrow. Enter: Soul Boardwalk – beachside, breezy and doing the absolute most in the best way.

Right opposite the beach at the top of Cavill Mall, Soul Boardwalk isn’t just for visitors. Locals are regulars too, and that’s always the greenest of green flags. No overthinking, no bookings panic, just roll in, pick a mood and eat accordingly.

Mornings start strong. Locals fuel up at ESPL Coffee, grab a takeaway and do a bit of prime people-watching while the beach wakes up (elite cardio-free entertainment). If you’re more of a “sit, sip, stay” brekkie person, Surfers Paradise Beach Café delivers all the classics with friendly faces and ocean views that may convince you to cancel the rest of your plans and stay put. Long breakfasts accidentally turning into lunch? Very on brand here.

By lunchtime, Soul Boardwalk hums. Alma is the go-to for shared plates and “we’ll just get one more” energy, while Vapiano keeps things cruisy with fresh pasta and pizza made to order (yes, we’re watching it being made and yes, we love that). After a big beach morning, Fishbowl hits just right with fresh, Japanese-inspired bowls that feel light, clean and smugly healthy.

One of the newer kids on the boardwalk that locals are genuinely hyped about is Woodfired Mediterranean Grill and Café. Brought to life by Gold Coast restaurateur Arthur De Snoo, it blends Greek, Italian and Moroccan flavours without any fuss or fluff. The woodfired pizzas are the main character, light, flavour-packed and made with house-made dough and fresh daily sauce. Add freshly baked breads, Moroccan pitas and a surprisingly solid whisky list and… yeah, it’s already a regular.

As the afternoon rolls into evening, Soul Boardwalk becomes the meet-up spot. Seascape Restaurant and Bar is where you go when you want to impress. Seafood, cocktails and ocean views doing the heavy lifting. The newly reopened Hurricane’s Grill and Bar is back and better, with a glow-up, extra alfresco seating and those iconic flame-grilled ribs and steaks. Same fave, just hotter.

For easy, no-frills feeds, Brazilian Flame Bar and Grill brings the drama with meats carved at your table (yes please), while Hog’s Breath Café is a comfy classic for burgers and steaks. And when life is moving fast (or you just need a snack, stat), KFC and Subway are right there doing what they do best.

Dessert is where the pace slows and decisions get sweeter. Yo-Chi and Minus 18 Degrees are both firm favourites, especially on warm nights when everyone’s out strolling, chatting and pretending they don’t want dessert (lies).

What we really love about Soul Boardwalk is how easily food turns into an entire afternoon. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a fun wildcard, especially with kids in tow, while Build-A-Bear Workshop somehow always becomes a holiday highlight. If browsing is more your thing, Foot Locker and Quiksilver are right nearby and fit the beachside brief perfectly.

For visitors, that local stamp of approval matters and Soul Boardwalk has it in spades. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, lingering over lunch or settling in for dinner after a long beach day, it’s welcoming, familiar and effortlessly fun. The kind of place you pop into once… then somehow return to every time you find yourself in Surfers.

Where: Soul Boardwalk, 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Instagram: @soulboardwalk

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY SOUL BOARDWALK