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

Dessert specialty store San Churro is not of Australian origin, but that does not mean that it has not gained a special place in the hearts of Australians. The popular brand is so highly sought after that there are 48 San Churro outlets across Australia today – and they certainly face no lack of patrons who frequent it for their irresistibly delicious combination of churros and chocolate.

Apart from churros and chocolate, those with a sweet tooth will be elated to find out that San Churro’ exhaustive menu comprises other delectable treats that will sweeten up even the dullest days.

While Australia is no Spain, their churros are arguably one of the best we had.

For first-timers, churros are Spanish are delicious fried-dough pastries with a physique of narrow long cylinders. The perfect churros are crispy on the outside with soft and chewy insides. San Churro has nailed the recipe and you can try an adult portion of their divine snack  that comprises of 3 churros and a dip-cup (from AUD 8.95).

The churros are cooked fresh to order from the in-house fryer and the piping hot choux-based snack is served to you warm with either chocolate or caramel sauce on the side. If you are visiting with a group of family and friends, it is best to order their dessert platters of churros fiesta (AUD 39.95) – which includes 18 churros and 6 dip-cups.

The range of desserts served at San Churro is not limited to just churros. Choose from mouthwatering cake slices, refreshing ice cream, couverture truffles and artisanal macarons. San Churro also boasts a wide variety of hot and cold beverages that are perfect for any season.

From Spanish hot chocolates, gluten-free fair trade coffees, chocolate shakes to diary-free smoothies, there is definitely something here for everyone’s differing tastes. Warm yourselves up during winter with their classic hot Spanish Latte (AUD 4.90) with condensed milk or quench your thirst with a refreshing Peach Iced Tea (AUD 5.95).

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.