Making midday eats great again.
Making midday eats great again.
Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.
Whether it’s a Friday long lunch with cocktails or a weekday steal, the Gold Coast has mastered the art of the set lunch. From bottomless brunches to two-course indulgences, these midday menus prove that the best lunches aren’t packed in Tupperware.
We’ve done the hard, and hungry, work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!
Starting strong, we have Norté with their bold new $55 lunch set menu, created by Chef Rudy Malinverni, which blends Latin American flair with fresh, local produce. The three-course spread features Scallop and Kiwi Ceviche, tacos filled with crispy pork or braised cabbage, and a choice of roasted barramundi or crispy braised beef, served with rice and a Currumbin herb salad. Available Friday to Sunday from 12pm, it’s a sun-soaked long lunch best paired with a cocktail or bottomless package, and maybe a sunset drink upstairs at Sueño.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Here to make weekdays decadent with their new two-course lunch menu for $75 per person. Choose entrée and main or main and dessert, with indulgent dishes like sashimi with soy dressing and yuzu gel, Moreton Bay Bug rolls, wagyu steak tasting boards, NZ King Ora salmon with truffle and crème fraîche, or calamari fritti with sobrasada garlic mayo. Finish with a kalamansi crème brûlée or a decadent cheese selection. This is Broadbeach sophistication at its finest.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
There’s only one way to end the week right, and that’s with Glenelg Public House’s ‘Thank F**k It’s Friday’ spread! Think hearty pub favourites like grilled local prawns and rib fillet wagyu – there’s even roasted bone marrow with onion jam and mustard on toast. All for $70 per person. It’s the perfect excuse to sneak out for a cheeky early weekend meal.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Still serving one of the best value lunches on the Coast is Kin in Burleigh. For $25 per person, you’ll get your pick of Pan-Asian favourites – teriyaki chicken, bao, squid karaage, salmon sashimi, or chargrilled salmon with house furikake. Pair it with a cheeky drink and you’re laughing, plus their epic happy hour runs from 12–5.30pm. Ooh, cheeky!
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Our fave weekend ritual, The Island’s Rooftop Graze Lunch. Gather the crew for a lavish three-course meal with a two-hour drinks package for $79 per person, available Saturdays and Sundays. It kicks off with a mimosa on arrival, followed by a spread of charcuterie, karaage chicken, lamb kofta, arancini, wood-fired pizzas, and more. Wash it down with cocktail carafes like watermelon margarita spritz and passionfruit and vanilla mojito while the DJ sets play!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Spice things up with a $69 per person weekend bottomless brunch at Mr Hizola’s. The deal includes your choice of lunch bowl (fried chicken, crispy beef or wok vegetables with sesame dressing) plus two hours of Shaojiu Spritz (peach, elderflower, lychee, strawberry and watermelon) and tap beer. With sittings at 12–2 pm and 2–4 pm, it’s the perfect way to ease into (or extend) your weekend.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
These guys know how to do a Saturday feast. For $29 per person, it’s all-you-can-eat tacos, tostadas, nachos, corn, and more. It’s the kind of lunch deal that calls for stretchy pants and maybe a margarita (or three) on the side.
Where: 140 Duringan St, Currumbin
The weekend bottomless brunch served two ways. First, we have The Wine Lover Pack ($79pp) which gives you two hours of free-flowing wine and Peroni alongside a three-course Italian menu. The Cocktail Lover Pack ($99pp) ups the ante with endless margaritas, Aperol spritz and mimosas. Expect classic entrées like calamari fritti or burrata, handmade pastas or pizzas for main, and cannoli or gelati to finish.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Coast at Surfers is serving a three-course shared banquet with the option to make it bottomless (and, of course). For $99 per person, you’ll enjoy a banquet of sourdough with smoked butter, tempura eggplant, Angus flank or BBQ chicken, sides, and dessert, all paired with a two-hour drinks package. Long, leisurely and very tasty.
Where: Ocean by Meriton, Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Get around Hideaway’s ‘Street Feast’ for the entire table to enjoy! For just $69 per person, choose a selection of smaller and bigger plates, edamame or lotus root for starters, plus noodles or rice and salads or greens. Bring the gang, the menu is designed for the whole table to dive in.
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Welcome to the weekend bottomless lunch. For $85 per person, indulge in a chef’s selection of tacos and entrées paired with bottomless Prosecco, Palomas, Tequila Spritz, sangria, wine and beers for 1.5 hours. For an extra $25, upgrade to bottomless Classic and Chilli Coconut Margaritas, because it’s a crime to have tacos without margaritas.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Get ready for a flavour-packed weekday lunch deal at Maggie Choo’s. From Wednesday to Friday, 12–3 pm, their three-course express menu is just $29 per person. Start with roti and spiced peanut curry, move on to your choice of dumplings (spanner crab & prawn or chicken & truffle), and finish with either Pad Thai noodles or Vietnamese prawn lettuce wraps. Bold, fast and packed with flavour.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
So next time you’re tempted to settle for desk snacks, remember the Gold Coast has a lunch deal with your name on it. There’s no wrong choice, except not going.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Midweek bites that won’t bite your wallet.
Tuesday sits in a funny spot. The grind of Monday has worn off, but the weekend still feels a lifetime away. Motivation is… questionable. Energy levels? Also questionable. Appetite? Present, but not for the meals we just spent Sunday prepping…
The good news is that Tuesday is pulling its weight with a lineup of cheap eats across the Gold Coast that make getting through the week a whole lot more enjoyable. We’re talking tacos, parmis, pizzas, schnitties and everything in between, all at prices that feel like a small win in today’s world.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Because the best weekends begin with brunch.
Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup-drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our taste buds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.
Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails, and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosas).
From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!
Suppose you consider yourself a brunch connoisseur. In that case, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow, is a must-try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business. After all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Breathtaking views and bottomless vino? Of course. La Calabrese’s Dine & Sip Italiano brunch serves up a three-course Italian feast alongside two hours of drinks with two dreamy packages to choose from. The $79 Wine Lover Pack offers self-serve bubbles, wine, and Peroni, while the $99 Cocktail Lover Pack brings the fun with Margs, Mimosas and Aperol Spritz. Menu-wise, it’s all about calamari, burrata, bolognese, woodfired pizza and sweet scoops of gelati. We really don’t know what to say except, bellissimo!
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
COAST’s rooftop terrace is home to one of the most stylish weekend sessions in town. Their $99pp Long Lunch runs Friday to Sunday from 12–3pm and brings together chilled cocktails (think spritz, daiquiris, Coast lager and rosé) and share plates like Pork Tostadas and Chicken Satay. Classy, yet an absolute vibe- just how we like it.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean, and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm, tuck into an all-out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Up for a rooftop rendezvous? Lulu Rooftop in Surfers is doing Sunday justice with their Bottomless Brunch package. For $79pp, indulge in a spread of colourful share plates (Popcorn Chicken Tacos, anyone?) and 2 hours of drinks- we’re talking spritz, wine and ever-changing froze flavours. Yes, you heard right- there’s a whole section dedicated to Bottomless Froze. We’ll be there from 1pm, and not a minute later.
Where: Level 2, 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing, and good times. Who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Woodfired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so grab the gang, rock up from 10am and purchase any dish to partake in sixty whole minutes of mimosa action! And nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical mimosa varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach
They call it ‘Spritz Saturdays’ at Nineteen, and it’s every bit as glam as you’d expect. From 4–7pm, sip fancy spritzes (Strawberry, Elderflower & Mint, Aperol) while slurping oysters and nibbling on cheese plates, charcuterie and garlic fries on the luxe rooftop terrace. At $89pp, this high-end soiree is a must for anyone who likes their brunch with a side of skyline views. Minimum two people, bookings essential.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
You haven’t really done a bougie brunch until you’ve bottomless’d at Cora. Their $89pp Saturday sessions are a three-course Mediterranean-style share lunch served with 2 hours of cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine– not to mention a live DJ spinning as you sip. The kicker? Every week brings a new signature cocktail lineup: Malfy Gin, Aperol and Chandon Garden Spritz, Absolut Vodka, Olmeca Altos Tequila… it’s a rotating roster of boozy fun. Enjoy the people’s favourite, Peach Burrata, Gold Band Snapper and Wild King Prawns! Bookings for two or more required.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Bottomless mimosas by the beach- say less! Sunnyboy’s breezy Mermaid Beach location means you can roll straight from the sand to your seat, where $49 scores you a meal of your choice plus one gloriously boozy hour of bottomless mimosas. No bookings are needed- just arrive between 10am and 1pm, round up the gang (because we know that more is merrier), and tuck into a seasonally rotating menu of brunchy faves. Chorizo Truffle Scramble? Yes, please. Fig & Mascarpone Hotcakes? Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats but also a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu. Think Fig and Persian Feta, Steamed Barramundi, Puffed Spiced Bread, Mixed Berry Panna Cotta and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rosé and Bellini Cocktail packages are available from $59 per person (ya kidding). Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Latin flair meets bottomless bubbles at Las Palmas’ $79pp weekend brunch. Every Saturday and Sunday, dive into 2 hours of sangria, rosé, tap beer and more, or upgrade for $20 and make it Margarita Time with Tommy’s Margs. Food-wise, expect chips and guac, crispy squid, tacos and more, with the option to elevate with grilled corn and slow-cooked beef short rib. Pro tip: upgrade it all. Life’s short. Live large.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbins light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck into your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as the Turkish Style Poached Eggs or Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question), with a non-alc option also available. For just $62 pp, we’ll say bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Pan Asian coastal dining, bottomless rosé and Sunday banquets? Say less. Billy Chow brings you Bottomless Blush Sundays- a curated chef’s banquet accompanied by free-flowing Maison AIX Rosé and sparkling rosé in the dreamy beachside setting of Kirra. This is the kind of Sunday sesh worth putting pants on for. $125 per person.
Where: 76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta
Boozy brunch, but make it a random Tuesday. Kefi Café is dishing up 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas – classic, pineapple or sunrise – for $60pp every day (like, Monday-Sunday) from 10am. Pair your fizz with a main like the lemon-curd loaded Hotcake or their beet-hummus-and-harissa-nut topped Avo Toast, and soak up all the feel-good Gold Coast vibes. Bottomless brunch before noon? We approve.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Make the most of your hard earned cash.
Is there anything that makes you happier than cheap drinks? Neither. Because summer is the best time for beverage consuming, we’ve found the top 10 spots to make the most of your hard earned cash (and beat that absolutely unnecessary heat).
You’re welcome.
Apres Surf Kitchen & Bar
Happy hour comes around daily at your favourite surf shack. Pop in from 5pm to 6pm for $5 house drinks and $10 selected cocktails. They’ve also got tasty food deals most nights so your shiny coins will stretch far.
Where: 2376 Gold Coast Highway Mermaid Beach
Bine Bar & Dining
It’s a beer bonanza at Bine with $5 craft beer daily daily from 4pm to 6pm. Why not grab some 50c wings to go with it. On Thursdays head in for a $15 parmi and paddle where you get to taste five beers and down your fave dinner option.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobbys Beach
Stingray Lounge
Keep it classy at Stingray Lounge on Taco Tuesdays from 5pm to 10pm. There are $3 tacos and $10 cocktail specials (margaritas please). Tequila Thursdays are a good time with tequila from $15 and additional $10 quesadillas.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
On Sundays at Steampunk you can indulge in a double dose of goodness with drink specials (changes weekly) and live music. Oh and Espresso Martinis are a measly $10 all day, every day so there’s no excuse not to spend all your time there.
Where: Level 1, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Nightjar
Unsurprisingly, Burleigh’s home of the never ending good times has epic happy hour deals. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s from 4pm to 6pm there’s $5 basics (including Sailor Jerry, dry and lime HELLO). It’s guaranteed fun and frivolity.
Where: Justin Laneway, Burleigh Heads
Mecca Bah
Not only do these guys do a delicious feast they also have $5 selected drinks from 3pm to 6pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. Make a night of it and stay for dinner once you’ve slayed a few beverages.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
BiN 12
BiN 12 in beautiful Burleigh graces you with a happy hour every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm – perfect for after works knock offs. In other exciting news, they also offer a Taco Tuesday deal with some of the most delicious tacos on the Coast for just $6. Race ya.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar
Make a date with Harry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm until 5pm with drink and food specials that’ll absolutely make your weekend. It’s called Harry’s Hour and we like the way he thinks. Everything there is exceptional so do yourself a favour.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Elephant Rock Café
Keen for a frosty cold beverage and one of the best views in town? Same. Head down to Elephant Rock Café in Currumbin overlooking the ocean and with $5 wine and beers and $10 nibbles on Friday’s from 4 to 6pm. Happy days.
Where: 776 Pacific Pde, Currumbin
Words by Kirra Smith
