The best restaurants on the Gold Coast

What is it? This glamorous bar and grill in Broadbeach serves fire-kissed food from one of the city’s only charcoal woodfire grills, along with seafood towers, caviar trolleys, roving Champagne and immersive cocktails.

Why go? The shiniest jewel in the Gold Coast crown of new-ish restaurants, Kōst impresses in more ways than one. For starters, there’s the extremely attentive staff and incredibly luxurious space, featuring glamorous indoor booths, bar dining, outdoor pavilion stools and a private dining room. That’s not to mention the purpose-built dry-aged cool room and Australia’s first two-metre Mibrasa charcoal grill and oven. Kōst’s rather extensive menu splits share plates between the ocean, land and earth, with heroes like their fire-kissed yellowfin tuna, steak tartare with crisps, dry-aged cut cooked over embers and an extravagant seafood tower. 

Time Out tip: Don't sleep on the sides. The blackened hispi cabbage is one of Kōst's signatures, served with pistachio cream and lemon. We can confirm, it slaps!

Address: Shop 135S/3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 11.30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11.30am-10pm; Sun 11.30am-9.30pm

Expect to pay: $95pp for the set menu

What is it? Burleigh Heads' very own edition of the playful, pastel modern-Asian diner loved in Bryon Bay and Noosa.

Why go? Expect shamelessly indulgent share plates served under sexy low lighting with a disco-heavy soundtrack. Start by ordering brioche buns loaded with prawns laced with yuzu tartare and furikake, plus delicately poached kingfish ceviche in smooth coconut and kefir lime. Can’t decide between the crispy pork belly and the Wagyu beef rendang? Surrender control and leave ordering in the hands of the team: they’ll surprise you with a series of excellently balanced dishes for a reasonable $69 per person.

Time Out tip: Four-legged friends are invited to join you outside and will be welcomed with lots of pats. 

Address: 1848 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 4.45pm-10pm; Fri-Sun noon-10pm

Expect to pay: $69pp for the chefs selection menu

What is it? One of the Gold Coast’s most celebrated restaurants, where you can savour a medley of pan-Asian flavours right on the gorgeous waterfront at Burleigh Beach.

Why go? For ten years, Rick Shores has set the bar high for fine dining on the Gold Coast. The glamorous and contemporary Asian fusion menu draws inspiration from Vietnam and Thailand, featuring their now-famous fried Moreton Bay bug roll with bug mayonnaise and sriracha — arguably the Gold Coast’s most iconic snack. Rick’s cured king salmon sashimi and freshly shucked oysters with Thai vinaigrette go down a treat, while the roasted braised beef cheek curry and grilled pork rack with nam jim jaew deserve a spot on your table for mains.

Time Out tip: You’ll need to book a table at Rick’s, but if you’re feeling spontaneous, arrive early and try to nab a table in the bar or on the sunny patio.

Address: Burleigh Pavilion, 3/43 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 11.30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm

Expect to pay: $90pp for the standard set menu

What is it? Australia’s first floating beach club, featuring a fine dining restaurant, expansive bar and gorgeous pool surrounded by sun lounges, day beds and private cabanas.

Why go? Ocean gazing meets Mediterranean-inspired grazing at this boho-luxe beach club on the glistening Marina Mirage. In winter, share mezze plates and local seafood at the heated alfresco Māre restaurant, overlooking the glistening water and sublime skyline. In summer, bask in the warm rays with a Spritz in hand, lounging on day beds or sun lounges to soulful melodies and soft grooves.

Time Out tip: Pack your swimmers – the pool isn't just for looking at, it's for swimming in too. 

Address: Marina Mirage, La Luna Beach Club, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Opening hours: Wed-Sun noon-11pm

Expect to pay: $99pp for the banquet menu

What is it? Burleigh Heads’ highest-rated Vietnamese restaurant blends traditional and contemporary cuisines to a backdrop of 50s, 60s and 70s tunes.

Why go? Named after the charismatic bar owner in Robin Williams’ Good Morning Vietnam, Jimmy Wah’s is as cheeky as it is charming. Long-time favourites include the soft shell crab banh mi, and the pork lard and prawn Vietnamese pancakes. But don’t waste time stressing over what to order and let the chefs decide with their multi-layered Feed Me menu.

Time Out tip: Got gluten-free friends? Jimmy Wah's is a great option, with an almost 100 per cent gluten-free menu. 

Address: 1,724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Mon-Thur noon-2pm, 5.30pm-8.15pm; Fri-Sat noon-3pm, 5.15pm-9pm; Sun noon-2.30pm, 5.15pm-8.15pm

Expect to pay: $90pp for the standard set menu

What is it? A slick, neighbourhood Italian joint in Miami, brought to us by the legends behind Light Years and Pixie (Byron Bay).

Why go? Effortlessly chic and endlessly appetising, Bar Monte is a love child between Italy and Australia. Just like a Roman trattoria, seating spills onto the street, inviting you to sip on a Limoncello Spritz and soak in the ambience. The wine list, curated by Andrea Martinisi – once crowned the world’s eighth best sommelier by the Association of Sommeliers International – is a blend of Aussie and French treasures. Pair your tipple with small bites, like elevated anchovy toast, chicken liver parfait eclairs, and housemade focaccia with whipped butter and hot honey. For the main event, share Wagyu ragu and cacio e pepe along with heartier proteins, including a showstopping bistecca with marrow butter.

Time Out tip: Lunch like a Roman every Sunday, with $25 pasta from noon to 3pm. Pick from carbonara, amatriciana or cacio e pepe, and add a glass of house wine for an extra $10.

Address: Shop 2/3 Mountain View Ave, Miami

Opening hours: Wed-Thur 5pm-10pm; Fri 4pm-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-9pm

Expect to pay: $69pp for the set menu

What is it? A taste of Tokyo in Surfers Paradise, featuring an izakaya-style menu crafted by ex-Nobu chef Adam Lane. Yamagen also boasts the largest Japanese whisky collection in Australia, alongside cutting-edge cocktails and premium spirit flights. 

Why go? Neon lights and moody lighting set the scene at Yamagen, the QT’s signature restaurant and the Gold Coast’s first Japanese fine diner. Executive chef Adam Lane – of Nobu, Sake, Sushi E and Tetsuya’s fame – blends old-school techniques with bold Asian flavours, offering a feast of market-fresh sashimi, sushi platters, izakaya snacks, robata skewers and hot share plates. Trust chef Lane with one of his three premium omakase menus, showcasing delicacies like sashimi tacos, Wagyu beef gyoza, crispy pork belly, spicy popcorn prawns and miso-glazed glacier toothfish. Say kanpai with a yuzu or tea-infused cocktail, a sake flight or a choice from the extensive Japanese whisky and umeshu list.

Time Out tip: Yamagen only opens for lunch on Fridays, where you can enjoy the set menu for $60pp – almost half the dinner price. 

Address: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 5.30pm-10.30pm + Fri noon-3pm

Expect to pay: $110pp for omakase set menu

What is it? A beautiful and airy 200-seat dining destination that embodies all the best parts of the Gold Coast, welcoming crowds from brunch to dinner.

Why go? This is a definite upgrade from your average surf’n’turf by the beach. The brainchild of brothers Jarrod Kyle and TJ Cianci, Siblings Kirra showcases the best of Australia’s seafood scene, moving from breads and raw bites to snacky plates, salads and mains. Bring the whole family to share classics, like Baja fish tacos and salt and pepper calamari, or splash out with prawn and bug meat risotto or the daily catch – available pan-seared or battered. Your liquid journey is serious business at Siblings, whether you’re after a whitecap, a big-personality red or a summery Spritz.

Time Out tip: Got plant-based pals? Siblings has a dedicated vegan menu with more than ten tasty options.

Address: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta 

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: More than $50 per head

What is it? Your go-to spot for a long lunch or a romantic sunset dinner, with stunning views over Burleigh Heads. 

Why go? This buzzing beachfront eatery is the fancy older sibling to The Burleigh Pavilion. With breathtaking ocean views and the soothing sound of crashing waves, it’s perfect for a relaxed dining experience at any time of day. The Tropic’s menu weaves Mediterranean flavours into reimagined Aussie classics, such as prawn cocktails, oysters mornay, lobster frites and a showstopping cold seafood platter to share. Don’t be shy with the cocktails, like the Tropic Bellini and Lights Out with chilli mango gin, passionfruit and citrus.

Time Out tip: Love a bottomless brunch? The Tropics hosts one on the last Saturday of every month, with exclusive terrace seating, a live DJ and a Mediterranean-inspired feast. You can sip on rosé, Bellini cocktails or Veuve Clicquot as you soak up the sunshine.

Address: 3b/43 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Mon-Thur noon-10pm; Fri noon-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $85pp for the standard set menu

What is it? A stylish and intimate Parisian restaurant centred around an open-plan kitchen with a charcoal grill. 

Why go? Who needs the Eiffel Tower when you can experience the flavours of Paris just a few streets back from Burleigh Beach? Seek out this sophisticated European-style bistro headed by owner and chef Alex Munoz Labart (Monopole, Cirrus, Est). The menu moves with the seasons, and you can watch the chefs work their magic from front-row seats near the charcoal grill. The shared set menu is a good shout, giving you tasters of signature plates, including white anchovy toast with stracciatella and smoked peppers; chilli spanner crab risotto; and roasted spatchcock with oyster mushrooms and Aleppo pepper. 

Time Out tip: Seating is limited, so you'll definitely want to book in advance.

Address: 2a/8 West St, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Wed-Thur 4.30pm-9.30pm; Fri-Sat noon-2pm, 4.30pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-2pm

Expect to pay: $85pp for the set menu

What is it? A fast-casual taqueria slinging real-deal Mexican street food, with only one Aussie twist in sight.

Why go? Margarita Mondays, tacos Tuesdays, ceviche Saturdays – Costa Taco gives you an excuse to drop in every day of the week. From the taqueria’s humble beginnings as a pop-up at the Currumbin Community Market to the launch of its third joint in Broadbeach, Costa’s journey is a testament to its tasty tacos. Their young gun chefs, many of whom are Mexican and Latino immigrants, grill up street-style tacos filled with beef birria, pork carnitas and beer-battered snapper. We’d recommend ripping into their quesabirria, featuring two cheesy birria tacos grilled to crispy perfection and best enjoyed dunked in their legendary ‘consome’ (Mexican stew) sauce. 

Time Out tip: If you're craving tacos while travelling, Costa also has locations in Palm Beach and Byron Bay.

Address: 36 Armrick Ave, Broadbeach

Opening hours: Daily noon-9pm

Expect to pay: $7.50 to $8.50 for a taco

What is it? A popular ‘casual fine diner’ with a strong Australian identity in Broadbeach.

Why go? If you’re in the business of being social while snacking, then this place has your name all over it. For more than a decade, this local hotspot, run by husband-and-wife team Matthew Jefferson (executive chef) and Dayna Cooper, has been serving sophisticated, seasonal dishes paired with succulent sips. Seafood takes centre stage on the bar snack menu, with the house charcuterie board and 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder also bringing main character energy.

Time Out tip: Celebrating a special occasion? Social Eating House has a gorgeous private dining room available for groups of up to eight. 

Address: Shop 137/3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach

Opening hours: Daily noon-9pm

Expect to pay: $95pp for the banquet menu

What is it? A three-in-one dining, drinking and event destination that sits on the second floor of Kirra Beach Hotel. 

Why go? Kirra Beach House is the Gold Coast’s most ambitious and perhaps largest hospitality venue. The effortlessly chic 1,200 sqm space, with a capacity of roughly 700, features a full-service indoor restaurant, a sunny terrace with private cabanas, an intimate cocktail bar and a dedicated wine bar, along with private event spaces. That means you’ll have plenty of places to kick back with a cocktail in hand, as you take in uninterrupted ocean views over one of Australia's most famous breaks and indulge in Mediterranean-style grazing plates.

Time Out tip: Get around the weekly specials, including Taco Tuesday (two tacos for $12), $28 steak with bottomless fries on Wednesday and $12 burgers every Thursday.

Address: 4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Opening hours: Tue-Wed noon-10pm; Fri noon-1am; Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $25 for a pizza, $26 for a burger, $30 for a pasta