Although Australia’s Gold Coast is known for its relaxed lifestyle and beautiful beaches, the food scene is something else entirely. In the many towns and cities that make up the Gold Coast, visitors will find casual restaurants mixed with fine dining—so fine that some are classified as Australia’s top restaurants. Here are the best options.
Daniel Ridgeway is the owner and chef at Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar. His aim is make sure all locals and visitors have an opportunity to experience a little gem on the Gold Coast. The restaurant’s menu includes modern Australian dishes, which have Italian, Spanish, and French influences. The most important ingredient—truffles—are used in many dishes too. The restaurant offers a special three course menu, a six course degustation menu, and a five course vegetarian degustation menu.
The Fish House in Burleigh Heads is an award-winning fine dining and seafood experience. The team at The Fish House pride themselves on their fresh seafood choices and exquisite wine selections. The seafood is so fresh that it’s flown in daily from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Led by head chef Damien Styles, the menu at The Fish House changes daily, depending on the seafood available. Enjoy the restaurant’s amazing view of Burleigh Beach while sampling dishes like caramelised Patagonian Toothfish from Heard Island.
Parador de Cañadas del Teide, Santa Cruz | Miriam Espacio / Flickr
“Pan-Asian flavours in one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic locations”. The aforementioned iconic location of Rick Shores is on Burleigh Beach; looking out towards the Surfers Paradise skyline. The executive chef at multi award-winning Rick Shores in Jake Pregnell, formerly from Golden Fields Melbourne. The restaurant’s menu includes bar snacks, a raw bar, meats and curries, sides and salads, and desserts. But it’s their signature cocktails list—featuring nine unique flavours—that will have you coming back for more.
Allure on Currumbin is an award-winning Gold Coast fine dining restaurant. Ranked number one on TripAdvisor for Currumbin restaurants, it seems locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of the French-influenced cuisine here. With a menu featuring knockout dishes like seared Moreton Bay Bugs, classic French duck, and herb-crusted lamb backstrap, it’s easy to see why Allure is a top-rated restaurant filled with returning guests.
Located at the Sofitel on Broadbeach, ROOM81 has been awarded Two Chef Hats from the Australian Good Food Guide. The restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Sam Moore has crafted a menu that is inspired by modern Australian tastes. Guests can choose to indulge in a five course, seven course, or nine course tasting menu, which can also be paired with matching wines. The award-winning wine list is very extensive too. Visit ROOM81 on the Gold Coast today for an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Prepare to be transported to a world of “gastronomic delicacies; an internationally influenced fusion of earth and sea” at Seaduction Restaurant + Bar. Executive Chef, Joel Bryant says his menu focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients and clean flavours, which work together to excite the senses. Some of the regional ingredients include Humpty Doo barramundi, and Northern NSW beef tenderloin. Located in Surfers Paradise, Seaduction offers two and three course lunch menu specials as well.
Located within the Gold Coast’s exclusive Palazzo Versace, Vanitas is an Italian fine dining restaurant. Vanitas Chef de Cuisine Andrew Musk has prepared a menu focusing on locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, and pasta that’s handmade onsite. The menu includes starters, pasta dishes, main courses, sides, and dessert. The wine list includes a selection of Italian varieties, alongside award-winning Australian and New Zealand wines. Enjoy dining in one of the region’s most luxurious addresses.
TEN Japanese Restaurant is a fine dining experience people can have on both the Gold Coast and in Kuala Lumpur. The Broadbeach restaurant was designed by Satoshi Matsumoto, a renowned architect. Visitors can choose from an à la carte menu, a lunch menu, a special degustation course, or an Omakase course, featuring 12 to 13 courses. The team at TEN need 24 hours to prepare the Omakase course, where the chefs make a selection of surprising dishes using seasonal ingredients.
