Gold Coast is one of the most liveable cities in Australia. It combines a beach and a city, and this amazing paradise comes with many many great food options.

Queensland is home to many gourmets. That probably explains the exciting environment, and there will be no lack of good food – especially when in Gold Coast.

We have rounded up some of our favourites – from cafes to ethnic restaurants to sophisticated restaurants, here is a Guide To The Best Dining Places in Gold Coast.

ANIMOTO

A hole-in-the-wall Japanese eatery, Animoto sits in a dubious-looking alley and you might do a double take. But yes, the unit is run down and totally unassuming-looking.

But be seated, and you are in for really affordable and typical Japanese meals of sushi, donburis and teishoku. Most dishes are within A$15 to A$20, and we thought the sashimi was pretty fresh. The cooked food are no less comforting, and this is the place to be at when you are away from home and need your Asian food fix.

24 Orchid Ave
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5538 7816
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Closed: Sun

BLACK COFFEE LYRICS

One of the most popular dining spots in Gold Coast, Black Coffee Lyrics is always dimly lit, has a very strong indie feel to it, and there is something mysterious yet cosy about that place.

It is a great hangout spot in Gold Coast with a menu of both main courses and drinks.

1, 3131 Surfers Paradise Bvd
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: +61 402 189 437
Tue to Thu, Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12am
Closed: Mon

BSKT CAFE

This is one of our favourite eat clean places in the world. Combining a yoga studio and a cafe that emphasises on green food, BSKT Cafe is one amazing place off Nobby’s beach.

The menu is completely healthy – but of course, right? There are both small and large bowls, so you can get a main each, or order several small bowls to share. Think vegetable noodles, fat-free burgers and pressed juices. Vegetarians also have a great deal of options here.

4 Lavarack Rd
Gold Coast QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5526 6565
Mon to Thu: 7am – 4pm
Fri & Sat: 7am – 10pm
Sun: 7am – 5pm

DONTO SAPPORO

One of the more popular Japanese restaurants in Gold Coast is Donto Sapporo. It looks every bit traditional, and you bet the food is pretty authentic too.

Donto has a wide menu – of teppanyaki and tempura, sushi and sashimi, Donto Sapporo is a favourite hangout for Japanese expats living in Gold Coast. And we had a wonderful dinner here too. The tempura is a must try.

2763 Gold Coast Hwy
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5539 9933
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Closed: Sun

ELK ESPRESSO

Elk Espresso is a cafe in Broadbeach with a rustic outlook, and a lazy kind of sexiness. Honest Australian fare, aromatic brews, good music and a laid back vibe. The cafe has a really tasteful interior and furnishing.

The Lindt Hot Chocolate (A$5.50) was simply divine!

16 Chelsea Ave
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5592 2888
Daily: 6am – 4pm

GROCER & GRIND

Another popular cafe that is packed with health nuts every day is Grocer & Grind. It is another of those places for people with conscious diets and have a penchant for clean food.

Grocer & Grind has a healthy menu of buckwheat pancakes, acai bowls and organic juices. While it may not be for all, we thought a meal here actually did wonders for our soul. Not all healthy food tastes bad, especially not when you dine at Grocer & Grind – who are so talented in whipping up clean food that do not compensate on flavours.

1/1 Sunshine Blvd
Gold Coast QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5527 6223
Daily: 6am – 4pm

JÅMM

JåMm is another sexy place to dine at at Broadbeach. The colourful interior is made up of mix-matched seatings, and of course, we loved the swing seats.

The menu is one interesting one. Serving mainly tapas, you can expect a series of fusion tapas. Of seasonal ingredients and Asian flavours, JåMm is a great spot for both friends and couples. Tapas and cocktails? We are in.

S134 &135 Oracle Boulevard
Gold Coast Broadbeach 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5538 8529
Daily: 12pm – 12am

MAX BRENNER

Max Brenner may be a chain, and you might just cast it off as another of those “predictable” places. But the experience in Gold Coast is different.

We liked the outlet at Broadbeach, where it sits on a quiet street of restaurants and fashion boutiques, and the unit is spacious and cosy. Grab a hot cup of the classic hot chocolate, or get some chocolatey waffles. Honestly, nothing much to complain. Just simple desserts time for all chocolate lovers.

Shop E111 & E112,3 Oracle Boulevard
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5592 0220
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12am

NO NAME LANE

We had countless cups of Flat Whites here at No Lame Lane. It is a small and no-frills coffee house, with baristas who are greatly in love with specialty coffee and coffee lovers just chilling their afternoons away.

There are daily fresh bakes to pick and go, and for non-caffeine drinkers, the hot chocolate’s pretty yummy too!

S132, 3 Oracle Boulevard
Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia 4218
Tel: +61 7 5538 5221
Daily: 6.30am – 4pm

PETERS FISH MARKET

If you are on your way to SeaWorld, Peters Fish Market is just a stone’s throw away.

Some say they have the best Fish & Chips in Gold Coast. You can also pick up both fresh and cooked seafood. For diners, there is a outdoor picnic area to enjoy your meals at.

120 Seaworld Dr
Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5591 7747
Daily: 9am – 7.30pm

SEADUCTION RESTAURANT + BAR

This restaurant is se(a)ductive. With an unobstructed view of Surfers’ Paradise, Seaduction Restaurant + Bar is the ultimate dinner venue in Gold Coast if you want something indulgent and romantic.

The menu changes pretty often, but we remember having really decent steaks here. The philosophy of the cooking is pretty simple – to bring out the essence of the premium ingredients used and complemented with fresh produce from the country.

2, 8 The Esplanade
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5635 5700
Mon: 7am – 10.30am
Tue to Sat: 7am – 10pm
Sun: 7am – 2.30pm

SOCIAL EATING HOUSE + BAR

Social Eating House + Bar is arguably our favourite dinner spot in Gold Coast. It has this lively vibe that makes the place feel so happening, yet in an extremely unpretentious manner.

Take a seat at the kitchen counter so that you can watch the chefs in action. It makes a lot of difference to the dining experience, and it will be like no other.

Something that we really enjoyed was the Free Range Organic Chicken (AUD$30 for half, AUD$55 for whole). Chargrilled  with lemon, garlic, fresh herbs and soaked in natural roasting juices, this is comfort food at its best.

9 Elizabeth Avenue
Broadbeach, Gold Coast, QLD
Tel: +61 (07) 5504 5210
Daily: 12pm – 11pm

THE FISH HOUSE

For the best seafood in Gold Coast, look no farther than The Fish House. It is a specialty fish and seafood restaurant at Burleigh Heights, and comes with a great view of the beach.

The menu changes daily, but the chef keeps them simple and unpretentious – just fresh seafood cooked simply. It is little wonder The Fish House is fully packed every single day.

50 Goodwin Terrace
Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5535 7725
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9pm

Queensland is a state that we have always wanted to explore, and we finally made a trip down under for a fortnight of fun. The good people at Tourism and Events Queensland were more than hospitable, and we ate and saw so much.

We started our holiday at Brisbane, an upcoming city that is bustling in its own rights and home to many. Sunshine Coast was next. We experienced the hinterlands and fell in love with the picturesque Maleny. Then, we moved on to Noosa for a lot of feasting and to experience the laidback lifestyle. The last leg of our trip saw us spending a week at Gold Coast, the famous destination for a beach-in-a-city experience.

Having seen the bests of Queensland, we are certain that this is the place to take a fun-filled holiday at. For lovers, friends, families – there will definitely be something for everyone. Here, we share the memorable parts of our trip and we hope these will entice you to take a trip down under too!

B R I S B A N E

#1 SHOPPING AND DINING AT JAMES STREET

James Street in Fortitude Valley is easily our favourite area in Brisbane. It has an eclectic mix of lifestyle shops, Aussie labels boutiques, quaint cafes and coffee shops, and restaurants to boast.

#2 THE WHEEL OF BRISBANE

Hop on to the ferris wheel of Brisbane and catch a glimpse of the city from up above. Located within South Bank, The Wheel of Brisbane is a leisure ride of about fifteen minutes, and there are special prices for students, families and a private gondola.

#3 STAYING AT EMPORIUM HOTEL

Super chic and sexy, Emporium Hotel is where you should put up at when in Brisbane. It adds on to the city experience, we promise. Its vicinity is an enclave of restaurants and bars, and its prime location is of walking distance to James Street and Fortitude Valley.

#4 LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY

Getting chummy with koalas, kangaroos, emus, wombats, and dingoes, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to 130 koalas, and if you don’t already know, they just sent 4 koalas to Singapore recently. Definitely a must-visit spot in Brisbane, and you too shall have fun cuddling koalas and feeding kangaroos.

#5 CLIMBING THE STORY BRIDGE

The Story Bridge Climb offers a breathtaking view of the city. What we love most about it is that the bridge is located very near to the city – offering a close-up view of the city’s skyline. It is a relatively easy climb, so don’t be intimidated. It will be an experience to love.

#6 SPENDING A DAY EXPLORING BRISBANE WITH BRISBANE GREETERS

In Brisbane, there is this amazing group of volunteers called ‘Brisbane Greeters’, and they are locals who are so passionate about sharing their city. Their services are completely free of charge, and they will dedicate a few hours to bringing you around Brisbane based on your interests.

S U N S H I N E C O A S T

#7 SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLANDS FOOD TOUR

We spent a day to explore Maleny, Flaxton and Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands with Mystic Mountain Town. Quaint towns where the air is fresher, and countryside experience with visits to a cheese factory, a chocolatier, a local gelato shop… and we milked cows and tasted the freshest custards at a local farm too!

#8 OUR FIRST TIME STAYING IN A RAINFOREST RESORT

It was quite an experience to stay at Narrow’s Escape Rainforest Retreat. We were not expecting a rainforest resort to be so modern and well-furnished – needless to say, it took us completely by surprise! Nature lovers, this is for you. Wake up to Australian King Parrots hanging out at your verandah, and enjoy life on a hammock while breathing in the freshest air.

#9 ARRIVE IN NOOSA IN STYLE WITH NOOSA DREAM BOATS

After leaving Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, we arrived in Noosa in style with Noosa Dream Boats. We went on a cruise with our super friendly host Michael along Noosa River to visit the river mouth, see gorgeous holiday houses, and even passed by Sir Richard’s private resort island.

#10 NOOSA BEACH

One of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen in recent times, and it is little wonder Noosa Beach is such a hit among beach goers. The waters are calm and the skies are blue; what’s there not to love about this postcard-worthy place?

#11 EUMUNDI MARKETS – GOOD FOR THE SOUL, BAD FOR THE WAISTLINE

The many food stalls at Eumundi Market drove us crazy, and there was even a cronuts truck! Local commodities are also commonly found – artwork, clothes, homeware… If you ever find yourself in Noosa, Eumundi Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday.

#12 NOOSA FARMERS’ MARKET – A HEAVEN FOR FOOD LOVERS

Noosa Farmers’ Market is the dream place for all foodies. Apart from stuffing yourself silly with all kinds of food, indulge in the vast selection of local produce by proud Aussie farmers.

#13 DO THE STAND UP PADDLE LIKE THE LOCALS

We heard the locals lead awesomely balanced lives and they do the stand-up paddle every day. It was a first for us, and our patient instructor, Rick, guided us through. By the fifteenth minute, we were paddling around at ease on our own, and the liberation of being out in the sea is one you would love too.

GOLD COAST

#14 STAYING AT PEPPERS BROADBEACH – OUR DREAM HOME

Peppers Broadbeach, to describe simply, is like our dream house. White and bright, clean spaces, an amazing obstructed view of Broadbeach… it was a hospitality that we will always remember. Its vicinity – The Oracle – is one happening area that is home to many reputable restaurants. We would like to think that staying at Peppers Broadbeach completed our Gold Coast experience.

#15 A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF GOLD COAST BEACH FROM SKYPOINT OBSERVATORY DECK

Because no trip to Gold Coast is complete without heading up to the Skypoint Observatory Deck. There, you get a bird’s eye view of the entire city. It is incredible. You won’t believe how we were so fascinated, especially when we could see the whole stretch of gorgeous beach – that’s Gold Coast for you.

#16 DINING AT GOLD COAST’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

Gold Coast is a connoisseur’s heaven. We were actually surprised by the availability of so many fine restaurants, and you bet our bellies were pretty pleased. Not a single bad meal we had, and we have nothing but praises for the culinary standards. To name a few that we like: Social Eating House, Seaduction, Fish House Donto Japanese Restaurant, and Jamm.

This Queensland trip to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast is made possible by Tourism And Events Queensland. 

Enchanting. That’s how we would like to think of Elk Espresso – a cafe in Broadbeach, Gold Coast. It is not the fairytale kind of enchanting; it is a cafe with a rustic outlook, and a lazy kind of sexiness.

Honest Australian fare, aromatic brews, good music and a laid back vibe. The cafe has a really tasteful interior and furnishing. Wooden furnitures and chairs in shades of green, blue and white; and we are really digging those pipes on the wall and the abundance of plants everywhere.

Elk Espresso lived up to its hype indeed. It is little wonder so many locals recommended this cafe to us, and now, we are strongly urging all of you who are in or going to Gold Coast to drop by Elk Espresso too. Fall in love with this Australian cafe, you guys!

To start off with a drink, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. It will bewilder you for a while surely, but if you just want a good cuppa, yes, go for that latte (A$3.60). Want something a little crazier? The Lindt Hot Chocolate (A$5.50) was simply divine! You have to drink it while it is hot, when it is first served to you, because that is when the chocolate bits are still semi-solid and you can actually bite into them while sipping the milky goodness.

Alright, salads are not the most exciting meals to have. But the Pea and Silverbeet Croquette Salad (A$18) drove us crazy! The croquette may be fried and not the healthiest, but we can forgive that as long as it is not overly greasy! Accompanied with steamed beet, pickled radicchio, avocado, Persian feta, smoked trout and a watercress salad, this dish was among the best we’ve had among all the Aussie cafes we had been to by far.

Then, there is a pretty mean Southern Style Fried Chicken Burger (A$17) that’s stuffed with coleslaw, double smoked bacon, chipotle mayo and a side of fries. The fried chicken alone wasn’t astounding but the combination is so damn awesome. It made us so happy.

This lunch at Elk Espresso was so wonderful, and we can only say that if we were living in Gold Coast, it would be our favourite cafe to frequent.

Elk Espresso
16 Chelsea Avenue
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5592 2888
Daily: 6am – 4pm