Best restaurants on the Gold Coast

By Katrina Lobley

From modest beachside eateries serving up world-class seafood to over-the-top opulence in one of the region's most upmarket hotels, the Gold Coast has a restaurant for every mood and occasion. Try native Australian ingredients such as kangaroo, a Aussie take on a European classic, or a thrilling mix of unusual flavours. 

Jimmy Wah's

Where: 1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

For a fun and lively night out fuelled by cocktails as delicious as they are beautiful, Jimmy Wah's will not disappoint. The menu is modern Vietnamese, dishes are designed to share and there are plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions. The seven-course "Feed Me" menu is a bargain, and a relief for those who agree that every dish on the menu deserves to be tasted. 

Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Located right on Burleigh Beach with floor-to-ceiling windows, Rick Shores takes full advantage of its proximity to the ocean. Seafood is the focus here, with a colourful pan-Asian influence. The Moreton Bay bug (like lobster) roll with Sriracha, mayonnaise and lettuce, is easily the restaurant's most famous dish, but that will just whet your appetite. The menu changes regularly (including its award-winning drinks list), giving you a great reason to rediscover this slice of heaven again and again.

Kiyomi

Where: Lobby Level The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

With executive chef Chase Kojima at the helm, it’s no wonder Kiyomi attracts a lot of buzz. Like Kojima's Sydney enterprise – the highly regarded Sokyo – this Japanese eatery is also tucked away in a casino (The Star Gold Coast at Broadbeach). Given Kojima's appetite for artful presentation, it's a sure bet diners will be astounded as one gorgeous dish after another emerges from the kitchen. The binchotan (white charcoal) and grill menu features lamb chops with plum wine and eggplant, while the small plate menu matches grilled octopus with green sauce and watermelon.

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar

Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

Mix and match favourite Asian dishes updated with modern touches at the glamorous Broadbeach eatery, Mamasan Kitchen + Bar. Chef Ray Choi perfected his cooking at Sydney's China Doll on the Woolloomooloo Wharf before migrating north to the Gold Coast. Here, under the watchful eye of a lady in red (whose striking portrait stars in many Instagram shots), he serves the likes of Wagyu beef bao with kimchi mayo, Singapore chilli crab, Thai sticky pork cheeks and matcha panna cotta.

Miss Moneypenny's

Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Set back from the hustle and bustle of Broadbeach, the dreamy interiors of Miss Moneypenny's will have you instantly wanting to settle in for a while. Start with one of their creative cocktails and some bar snacks as you peruse the menu. The seven-course chef's menu is a bargain at AUD $89 per person and ideal for those who just can't decide. Serving food until late, this is also a great spot to dine after dark if you've lost track of time exploring everything on offer in the Gold Coast. 

Social Eating House

Where: 137/3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach

Social Eating House in Broadbeach’s Oracle precinct is a recently awarded Australian Good Food Guide two-hatted restaurant. As the name suggests “Social” is all about sharing. Expect tapas-style entrées like local prawns, melt in the mouth scallops, oysters, a wide range of charcuterie from Australia, Italy and Spain, freshly baked baguette and house-made butters. Their signature main sharing dish is lamb shoulder, slow-cooked for 12 hours in yoghurt. Other standouts include a melt in the mouth, twice-cooked pork belly, wagyu striploin 9+, chargrilled chicken or one of the daily specials. Their bespoke cocktails, local and international wines and spirits only serve to elevate the experience.

Restaurant Labart

Where: 2a/8 West St, Burleigh Heads

Venture a few blocks back from the beach and feel like you've been transported to Paris as you step foot into Labart. The understated decor is chic, yet casual. And the open kitchen lets you glimpse the magic that comes from mixing Australian, European and Japanese cooking techniques. With a set menu highlighting the best seasonal local produce, the offering changes regularly to reflect what's on offer from their suppliers.