The Gold Coast is famous for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back lifestyle, but over the last few years, it has quietly blossomed into one of Australia’s most exciting and diverse food destinations. From casual beachside bites to elegant fine dining, the city now boasts a culinary scene that caters to every taste, occasion, and budget.
Here’s our list of the top restaurants in the Gold Coast for 2025 — ideal for locals, road-trippers, and visitors flying in.
🐚 1. Rick Shores – Burleigh Heads
- Style: Modern Pan-Asian Fusion
- The Vibe: Sophisticated beachside dining. Just metres from the crashing waves of Burleigh Beach, this iconic spot offers a truly unique atmosphere. The restaurant features a relaxed, open-air design with sleek, minimalist decor that lets the stunning ocean views take centre stage.
- Must-try: The legendary Moreton Bay Bug Roll is a non-negotiable. Other standouts include the wagyu potstickers and the crispy skin Murray cod.
- Why Go: For the perfect combination of bold, flavour-packed dishes, a stunning wine list, and a location that is simply unbeatable.
- 📍 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
- 🔗 rickshores.com.au
🥩 2. Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill – Broadbeach
- Style: Contemporary Steakhouse
- The Vibe: Classy, elegant, and perfect for special occasions. Moo Moo is a destination in itself, renowned for its luxurious dining room and impeccable service. It’s the place you go for a special birthday, anniversary, or corporate dinner.
- Must-try: The menu is a carnivore’s dream. Their Wagyu sirloin with truffle butter is a signature, but their dry-aged beef selection, which tells you the breed, age, and diet of the cut, is truly exceptional. Don’t skip the extensive wine list.
- Why Go: An award-winning steakhouse known for serving some of the nation’s finest cuts of beef.
- 📍 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
- 🔗 moomoorestaurant.com
🐟 3. Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant – Marina Mirage
- Style: Upscale Australian Seafood
- The Vibe: Elegant, classic waterside dining. This long-standing Gold Coast institution has been serving fresh seafood for decades. The atmosphere is traditional and refined, with expansive views of the marina and the sparkling Broadwater.
- Must-try: While the whole lobster thermidor is a classic, the fresh sashimi platters and the salt and pepper calamari are also local favourites.
- Why Go: For a taste of the Gold Coast’s rich culinary history, with fresh seafood and a beautiful waterfront setting that never goes out of style.
- 📍 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
- 🔗 omerosbros.com
🌱 4. Greenhouse Canteen – Miami
- Style: Vegan, Plant-Based
- The Vibe: Cool, eco-conscious, and vibrant. This plant-based hotspot has a bustling, lively atmosphere that feels welcoming to everyone, not just vegans. The decor features recycled timber and glowing neon signs, creating a unique “botanical bar” feel.
- Must-try: Even non-vegans will love their signature jackfruit tacos and creamy cashew cheese nachos. The cauliflower florets are also a popular appetiser.
- Why Go: For a creative and delicious plant-based meal that proves vegan food can be just as satisfying and flavourful as any other cuisine.
- 📍 1916 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
- 🔗 greenhousecanteen.com
🍕 5. Gemelli Italian – Broadbeach
- Style: Authentic Southern Italian
- The Vibe: Bustling, family-run, and authentically Italian. Gemelli brings the heart of a Southern Italian kitchen to Broadbeach. The atmosphere is lively and warm, with the sound of chatter and the scent of wood-fired pizzas filling the air.
- Must-try: You can’t go wrong with their wood-fired pizzas, like the truffle mushroom pizza. Don’t miss their house-made gnocchi or the slow-cooked lamb ragu, which are local sensations.
- Why Go: A local favourite for rustic Italian fare made with love and a genuine passion for traditional food.
- 📍 2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
- 🔗 gemelligroup.com.au
🍣 6. Etsu Izakaya – Mermaid Beach
- Style: Japanese Izakaya
- The Vibe: A true hidden gem with a moody, sophisticated, and intimate atmosphere. From the unmarked wooden door on the Gold Coast Highway to the dimly lit interior, Etsu is an experience of discovery.
- Must-try: Start with the wagyu beef tataki or a sashimi platter, then move on to the wagyu gyoza and the wagyu kushiyaki. Their cocktails are also a highlight.
- Why Go: For one of the city’s coolest and most authentic Japanese dining experiences, perfect for a date night or a special evening with friends.
- 📍 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
- 🔗 etsu.com.au
👨👩👧👦 Bonus Pick: Bam Bam Bakehouse – Mermaid Beach
- Style: All-Day Brunch & Artisan Bakery
- The Vibe: Family-friendly, bright, and breezy. This is the sister café to the famous Paddock Bakery, known for its incredible pastries and lively atmosphere.
- Must-try: The custard-filled croissants are legendary. Also, don’t miss the eggs benedict served on one of their freshly baked croissants.
- Why Go: One of the best cafés on the coast — perfect for a casual breakfast, a coffee and pastry fix, or a laid-back brunch before exploring the Gold Coast.
- 📍 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
- 🔗 bambambakehouse.com
🚗 Getting Around the Gold Coast for Foodies
The best restaurants are intentionally spread across the Gold Coast’s diverse suburbs like Burleigh, Broadbeach, Main Beach, and Mermaid Beach. Having a car makes it incredibly easy to create your own culinary tour and explore them all — especially if you plan to dine at multiple locations or take scenic drives in between.
✈️ Flying in? Book a car with Alpha Car Hire Gold Coast Airport for fast pick-up and affordable rates. They have a wide range of vehicles, from fuel-efficient compact cars for zipping around town to spacious SUVs and people movers for families and groups.
📝 Final Tips
- Make Reservations: This is crucial, especially on weekends and during holidays. Iconic spots like Rick Shores, Moo Moo, and Etsu can be booked out weeks in advance.
- BYO vs. Licensed: Most restaurants are fully licensed, but it’s always a good idea to check their website beforehand if you’re planning to bring your own wine.
- Parking: Parking is generally available but can be challenging, especially in the busy Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach areas. Arrive a little early to find a spot or consider a parking app to help.
- Dress Code: While the Gold Coast is laid-back, some venues like Moo Moo and Omeros Bros have a smart-casual dress code, so it’s best to check ahead.
