The Gold Coast’s best cheap eats

By Leah Dobihal

From must-try restaurants to nighttime markets, the Gold Coast is known for its culinary choices. If you’re after something both affordable and delicious, check out the bargain eateries that bring everything from street tacos to steamy dahls to the table.

Here are ten of the best cheap eats on the Gold Coast.

Frida Sol

Where: 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

A mecca for all things Mexican, Frida Sol is the place to go if you’re looking for a bit of spice. Small dishes like chorizo croquettes and beef empanadas will get you started, and a menu of fish, chicken, beef, pork, calamari and cauliflower tacos will keep you satisfied. Be sure to dine on a Thursday, when tacos are just AUD $5 each.

Little Cooly

Where: The Strand at Coolangatta, Shop 120/72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Impressive coastal views aren’t the only reason that patrons visit Little Cooly again and again. The pasta here is hand-made and drenched in traditional sauces. When it comes to the pizza, you’ll find tried-and-true combinations alongside local favourites like ‘The Queenslander’ and ‘The Burleigh Bird.’

Miami Marketta

Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Always the centre of the action, Miami Marketta is an indoor-outdoor night market serving up global dishes, drinks and live music. Street food is available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and will have your belly full of karaage chicken, mezze plates, seafood chowder and more.

The Don

Where: Shop 4/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Authentic woodfired pizza awaits at The Don, opened by the team behind Gold Coast favourite Margarita Cartel, located just two doors down. The menu focuses on Italian comfort food, and the vibe reflects the laid-back seaside locale. If you have some extra pocket money, opt for one of four different negronis on offer, including coffee and chocolate.

Govindas

Where: 20 James St, Burleigh Heads

Healthy, casual and fresh, Govindas is the go-to Gold Coast eatery for vegetarians and vegans. In fact, the entire menu is meat-free and full of nourishing dishes like veggie curry, creamy potato bake and dhal soup. If that’s not enough, find peace of mind knowing that Govindas dishes are prepared daily from the morning’s produce delivery.

MUSO Ramen

Where: 2b/2484 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Have a passion for ramen? You’re in luck, because the Gold Coast’s MUSO Ramen is some of the best in the country. A selective yet generous menu will have you slurping spicy miso, traditional Yokohama and dashi ramen to your heart’s (or stomach’s) content. MUSO has multiple locations, but the Mermaid Beach restaurant puts you just a block from the beach.

Charis Seafood

Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador

Fish and chips on the beach is an Australian tradition, and Charis Seafood is keeping this tradition alive. Head to the waterfront location on Marine Parade to grab yourself some crispy battered fish (as well as oysters and sashimi if you’re eager for a feast) and bring it to the long stretch of golden sand nearby. The perfect lunch.

Hideaway Kitchen and Bar

Where: 2657 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Hideaway Kitchen and Bar may not look like much from the outside, but step through the door and you’ll be met by neon signs, a leafy garden and colourful umbrellas suspended above the tables. Even better than the atmosphere is the lengthy menu that mixes the flavours of Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. Be prepared to share – you’re sure to order more plates that you can eat.

Lucky Bao

Where: 6/90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters

At Lucky Bao, Asian fusion has never tasted so good. Sichuan lamb, spicy miso and sweet Korean chilli bring the best flavours from around Asia to Lucky Bao’s delicious share plates. Of course, the bao buns are famous here, but be sure to have a taste of their noodles, dumplings and bar snacks as well.

8 Street Harbour Town

Where: 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters

For a hawker-style food experience, hit up 8 Street Harbour Town. Enjoy a bustling market atmosphere while taking your pick of Asian cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Filipino and more. This street food precinct is combined with a beer garden, so you can easily spend an entire evening trying the diverse dishes.