When it comes to dining, the Gold Coast serves more than just stunning beaches — it’s home to some of Australia’s most exciting food experiences. Whether you’re a born-and-bred local or a savvy foodie in search of your next standout meal, this guide to the 10 best gold coast restaurants will help you eat like you actually live here.
We’ve kept it tight, local, and quality-focused — no tourist traps, just real favourites that locals return to time and time again.
1. Citrique
Location: Surfers Paradise
Style: Upscale seafood dining
Perfect For: Date nights, celebrations, seafood lovers
Why Locals Love It:
Citrique isn’t your typical buffet. It’s a full-blown seafood celebration—think Moreton Bay bugs, Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba prawns, and custom laksa stations. The produce is fresh, local, and constantly replenished, making it one of the few all-you-can-eat restaurants on the Gold Coast that actually delivers on flavour and quality.
What to Order:
- Seafood buffet (available Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday lunch)
- A la carte duck breast with fig jus (if you’re not doing buffet)
Local Tip:
Go for the Sunday long lunch. It’s relaxed, less crowded, and the food is just as good.
2. Yamagen
Location: QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
Style: Modern izakaya dining
Perfect For: Celebrations, date nights, foodie friends
Why Locals Love It:
Yamagen is what happens when an izakaya meets a whisky bar — and the result is stunning. Run by an ex-Nobu chef, this moody venue is known for its sashimi tacos, premium omakase menus, and the largest Japanese whisky collection in Australia. It’s slick, surprising, and wildly consistent — a true standout in Surfers.
What to Order:
- Sashimi tacos (signature dish)
- Wagyu gyoza
- Chef’s selection omakase
Local Tip:
Book a seat at the sushi bar. It’s more interactive, and you’ll catch all the kitchen action up close.
3. Kōst
Location: Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Style: Modern Australian bar and grill
Perfect For: Group dinners, Friday nights out, food & wine lovers
Why Locals Love It:
One of the newest hotspots on the Gold Coast, Kōst is making serious waves. The space is gorgeous — coastal luxe meets open-fire cooking — and the food is as bold as the branding. Think dry-aged rib-eye, charcoal-grilled seafood, and a menu that champions local produce with flair. It’s the kind of place that makes a night out feel special.
What to Order:
- Yellow fin tuna with burnt citrus
- Dry-aged steak cooked over Mibrasa charcoal
- Seafood tower (if you’re in a group)
Local Tip:
Start with cocktails at the outdoor bar just before sunset. You’ll get the vibe, the view, and the appetite.
4. Gemelli Italian
Location: Broadbeach
Style: Traditional Italian trattoria
Perfect For: Family dinners, pasta cravings, midweek pizza nights
Why Locals Love It:
Gemelli feels like home. It’s noisy, it’s warm, and it smells amazing. Run by the Carney brothers, this is the original site that kicked off the Gemelli empire. Locals love the woodfired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces, and the kind of arancini that make you want to cancel your plans and stay for dessert.
What to Order:
- Arancini ai funghi
- Gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts
- Nutella bomba
Local Tip:
Skip the weekend madness and visit early in the week — same amazing food, less of a wait.
5. Rick Shores
Location: Burleigh Heads
Style: Modern pan-Asian
Perfect For: Romantic dates, birthdays, showing off the GC
Why Locals Love It:
The view. The food. The vibe. Rick Shores nails all three. Sitting just steps from the sand, this place has become an institution for pan-Asian share plates that feel fine-dining but never fussy. Their Moreton Bay bug roll is arguably the most famous bite on the Coast — and for good reason.
What to Order:
- Moreton Bay bug roll
- King prawn yellow curry
- Kingfish sashimi with Thai vinaigrette
Local Tip:
Tables on the patio book weeks in advance. Plan early or try your luck with a walk-in at the bar.
6. Restaurant Labart
Location: Burleigh Heads
Style: Modern Australian, fine dining
Perfect For: Anniversaries, intimate dinners, food-focused nights out
Why Locals Love It:
Labart is where you go when you really want to eat well. Owned by chef Alex Munoz Labart and his wife Karla, this chef-hatted bistro brings European technique and Queensland produce together beautifully. The open kitchen, charcoal grill, and seasonal set menu make this a true culinary experience without the pretentiousness.
What to Order:
- Whatever’s on the tasting menu (it changes often)
- King prawn ravioli
- Baked scallops in peppercorn butter
Local Tip:
Book a table near the open kitchen for a full view of the magic.
7. Palette
Location: HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise
Style: Contemporary fine dining
Perfect For: Culture lovers, gallery dates, special occasions
Why Locals Love It:
Palette isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a creative extension of the HOTA Gallery, with dishes inspired by current exhibitions. The menu is thoughtful, the service top-tier, and the setting stunning. It’s where food, design, and storytelling all come together on a plate.
What to Order:
- Seasonal degustation
- Wood-fired quail with hibiscus gastrique
- House-made sauces (also available to buy)
Local Tip:
Make a day of it — visit the gallery, then settle in for dinner. It’s the perfect culture-meets-cuisine night.
8. Jimmy Wah’s
Location: Burleigh Heads
Style: Vietnamese with an Aussie twist
Perfect For: Fun date nights, casual-but-cool dinners
Why Locals Love It:
Named after the bar owner in Good Morning Vietnam, Jimmy Wah’s is all about good vibes and big flavours. Expect crispy banh mi, tempura oysters, and a “Feed Me” menu that’s packed with punchy, shareable plates. The venue’s laid-back but stylish, with great service and a killer drinks list.
What to Order:
- Soft shell crab banh mi
- Vietnamese pancake with pork and prawn
- Feed Me chef’s menu
Local Tip:
It’s small and popular — book ahead, especially on weekends.
9. The Tropic
Location: Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads
Style: Upscale coastal dining
Perfect For: Long lunches, group celebrations, sunset dining
Why Locals Love It:
With panoramic views over the ocean, The Tropic delivers that ultimate Gold Coast lifestyle experience. It’s beachy yet refined, and the menu leans heavily into local seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Add a playlist, cocktails, and views that look like a screensaver, and you’ve got one of the city’s best lunch spots.
What to Order:
- Cold seafood platter
- Lobster frites
- Oysters mornay
Local Tip:
Book for golden hour (about 4:30–5:30pm) and get the full sunset show with your spritz.
10. Social Eating House
Location: Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Style: Modern Australian, share plates
Perfect For: Work lunches, casual fine dining, group feasts
Why Locals Love It:
If you ask any Gold Coaster where to go for a reliable, standout meal — Social will be on that list. It’s unpretentious but polished, offering next-level small plates, a tight seasonal menu, and a comfortable atmosphere that’s always buzzing. It’s won awards, sure, but more importantly — it has repeat diners.
What to Order:
- 12-hour lamb shoulder
- BBQ sugarloaf cabbage
- Saltbush lamb ribs
Local Tip:
Their espresso martini is elite. Save room.
Local Tips Before You Book
Planning a dinner out? Here’s what Gold Coast locals know:
- Best time to go: Weeknights are calmer. Weekends bring more energy but require bookings.
- Dietary-friendly: Most restaurants are very accommodating — just ask.
- Booking essential: Don’t wing it — places like Rick Shores, Kōst, and Labart often book out weeks in advance.
- Budget guide: Expect to spend between $50–$120 per person, more with drinks and desserts.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of great food on the Gold Coast — but these 10 spots are tried, tested, and loved by locals. Whether you’re after a seafood feast, a romantic dinner, or just a solid bowl of pasta, these restaurants bring the flavour and the experience.
Hungry yet? Book ahead, bring your appetite, and enjoy the Gold Coast like you live here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best restaurant with a view on the Gold Coast?
For breathtaking ocean views, Rick Shores in Burleigh Heads is unbeatable. Located right on the sand, it offers stunning sea vistas and standout pan-Asian dishes. Perfect for sunset dining or romantic evenings, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting the best beachfront restaurant experience on the Gold Coast.
Where can I get a romantic dinner in Gold Coast?
For a romantic dinner on the Gold Coast, try Restaurant Labart in Burleigh Heads — known for its intimate atmosphere and modern Australian cuisine. Or head to Little Truffle in Mermaid Beach, a fine-dining favourite with timeless elegance and candlelit charm. Both are ideal for special date nights.
What’s the best seafood restaurant on the Gold Coast?
For the best seafood, Citrique in Surfers Paradise is famous for its fresh seafood buffet. Prefer à la carte? Go for Rick Shores or The Tropic, where you’ll find ocean-fresh dishes like Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, and prawn curry, all served with stunning coastal views.
What new restaurants are trending in Gold Coast for 2025?
In 2025, Kōst in Broadbeach is the hottest new restaurant on the Gold Coast. It offers fire-grilled meats, premium seafood, and sleek interiors with a coastal feel. Known for its modern Australian menu and live-fire cooking, Kōst is perfect for stylish group dinners or special celebrations.
Where should I go for group dinners on the Gold Coast?
For group dining, locals love Social Eating House, Yamagen, and The Tropic. These venues offer vibrant atmospheres, share-style menus, and standout service — ideal for birthday dinners, work parties, or catching up with mates. Book ahead, especially on weekends, to grab the best group tables.