Gold Coast’s Top 21 Hatted Restaurants for Fine Dining

The Gold Coast is getting a reputation as a foodie destination and with an impressive 21 hatted restaurants scattered across the city, it’s no surprise. 

If you’re wondering why a restaurant would be wearing a hat, let us explain… It’s a rating system used by the Australian Good Food Guide which considers factors such as ingredients, taste, presentation, technique and value. AGFG Chef Hats are awarded to establishments which consistently deliver incredible food. So to experience the finest of Gold Coast dining, be sure to book a table at one of these exceptional restaurants.

1. Little Truffle

One of the venues owned by award-winning chef and restaurateur, Daniel Ridgeway, this Mermaid Beach restaurant was a pioneer in Gold Coast fine dining. After a 11 month hiatus Little Truffle DIning Room & Bar is back and better than ever with a magnificent million dollar makeover to  the layout, fixtures, amenities and kitchen. Choose from à la carte or four-course menu option and savour a truly memorable meal in the elegant ambiance of this sophisticated dining room. Must try: Seared duck breast, butternut pumpkin puree, pistachios, spiced blackberry sauce.
Location: 2444 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

2. La Bella Cellar

Tucked away down a suburban street in Burleigh, La Bella Cellar is a hidden gem where wine flows, flavours delights and every meal is a celebration of the culinary arts. The understated location and aesthetic give it an exclusive feel.  An exquisite selection of wines from around the world complements the delectable dishes created from the region’s finest ingredients, as does the impeccable service. Must try: Harrissa roast cauliflower, pomegranate, sumac labneh.
Location: Shop 9/3 Deodar Dr, Burleigh Heads

3. Social Eating House & Bar

Located in Broadbeach’s Oracle Precinct, the essence of Social Eating House + Bar is modern Australian dishes served with elegance and sociability. Kick back and enjoy the faultless service at a venue that has been around for ten years and counting. Must try: The king prawn risotto with black truffle crème fraiche with caviar. 
Location: Shop 137/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

4. Eddy + Wolff

Don’t let their tucked-away location deter you because, for the intrepid diner, the rewards at Eddy + Wolff are great. Beyond an uber aesthetically pleasing venue, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves up thoughtful and delicious takes on Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine you’ll be hard-pushed to find anywhere else. Must try: Prawn Toast, Corn, Salted Egg Yolk, Tangy Mayo.
Location: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina 

5. KOST Bar & Grill

Broadbeach’s newest hatted restaurant brings a fabulous fusion of dining, drinking, design, fire and music to the mix. Many of the dishes at KOST are cooked over embers of the two-metre long charcoal grill - think premium cuts seared over iron bark for unique flavours, complemented by blackened cabbage and smoked eggplant. Take a seat in the sleek interior or enjoy a twilit dinner at alfresco seating on the Oracle Boulevard. Must try: Seafood tower.
Location: Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

6. Anekawa

Traditional Japanese cuisine is inspired by the finest local ingredients at Anekawa - an intimate 26-seat restaurant in Mudgeeraba with a minimalist aesthetic. The menu changes daily and is designed around seasonal, fresh produce and seafood, but each dish is prepared with utmost attention to presentation and flavour. Pair with sake, shochu or biodynamic wines for the authentic experience. Must try:  8 course Omakase menu.
Location: Corner of Swan Lane and Railway St, Mudgeeraba

7. Nineteen at The Star

One of the most elevated dining situations (literally) you’ll come across on the Gold Coast, Nineteen at the Star finds the balance between much-lauded classic dishes with a pinch of modern coastal flair. The focus is on style, service, and quality of food, and they nail every element. Must try: Patagonian Toothfish.
Location: The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

8. Jimmy Wah’s

Smack bang in the buzz of Burleigh Heads, step into the simple interior of Jimmy Wah’s, where the feature is a beaming portrait of the restaurant’s namesake (a character from Good Morning Vietnam) on the wall. A country with a smile around every corner, there is also a trove of mouth-watering flavours to be found in Vietnam. Across lunch and dinner sittings, this venue captures the nuance of tastes with authenticity, respect and a contemporary twist. Must try: Vietnamese Pancake (pork larb and prawns).
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

9. Kiyomi

Renowned Chef Chase Kojima leads the culinary crusade at Kiyomi with a refined and astute representation of Japanese cuisine. Experience the exciting flavours of Tokyo and Osaka (no passport required) at one of the city’s most awarded restaurants. Must try: Ocean trout sashimi, wasabi salsa, yuzu soy.
Location: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

10. The North Room

Shannon and Tim Stewart invite only 20 guests at a time to their exclusive venue to enjoy their delectable and considered dishes highlighting fresh and seasonal produce. Rest assured, you’ll experience super local and ever-changing menus, giving The North Room incredible replay value (every day is different to the next at this dining establishment) and mouth-watering appeal.
Must try: The constantly changing five-course tasting menu.
Location: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

11. Ally Chow

Southeast Asia meets Nobby Beach at Ally Chow in a striking, moody laneway venue lit with pops of neon pink. The fun and vibrant atmosphere extends from the dining tables to the kitchen where small and large plates combine exotic Easter flavours with skill. With small and large plates to share, a meal here is destined to be enjoyed down the last morsel. Must try: Burmese Style Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder. 
Location: Shop c/2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

12. Rick Shores

That view. You know you're somewhere special when you find yourself in a venue with jaw-dropping views and the food to match. That's Rick Shores. The menu takes delicious, zesty flavours of Asia and makes eating them inches from Burleigh’s golden sand an everyday experience. Must try: (the famous) Fried Moreton Bay Bug Roll.
Location: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

13. Palette

Once you’ve meandered the show-stopping corridors of HOTA’s Gallery, you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite. Palette continues the artistry but in the form of food, where Head Chef Dayan Hartill-Law highlights local produce and providence in every dish.  Must try: Borrowdale Pork Belly with scallop, cauliflower and Pedro Ximenez sauce.
Location:135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

14. Balboa Italian

Just a stone’s throw away from the beach; Balboa Italian is a striking red brick venue with attitude. It’s the authentic pizza and pasta that shines here - authentic as it comes. Grab a table al fresco and watch the buzz of Palm Beach — la dolce vita Gold Coast style. Must try: Any of the pizzas.
Location: 1069 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

15. La Luna

Beyond an utterly breathtaking location and jaw-droppingly attractive fit-out, La Luna is serious when it comes to seriously good food. Choose across abundant cold bar options, fresh pasta dishes, and chargrilled premium beef - we didn’t say it would be easy! Must try: Pasta Orzo Funghi, Wild Mushrooms, Crème Fraiche, Porcini Dust.
Location: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

16. Miss Moneypenny’s

Not content with being a Noosa institution, Miss Moneypenny's made a move to the Gold Coast several years ago and hasn’t looked back. The vibrant atmosphere lends itself just as well to long lunches as intimate date nights. Modern Mediterranean cuisine paired with an incredible cocktail list is a sure-fire winner. Must try: Miss Moneypenny’s Signature Fish Pie.
Location: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

17. Etsu Izakaya

One of the original Japanese eateries still lays claim to be one of the city’s best places to eat out. Beyond an eye-catching drink offering, the set menus at Etsu Izakaya are a fabulous exploration of Japanese ingredients and flavours. Must try: Wagyu Gyoza.
Location: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

18. Mamasan Kitchen + Bar

Combine a share food philosophy, exciting, authentic pan-Asian flavours, plus top-notch service, and you’re on the same page as this Broadbeach favourite. Perfect for bigger groups right down to intimate date nights, Mamasan Kitchen + Bar raises the bar very high. Must try: Soft Shell Crab Bao.
Location: 3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach 

19. Citrique

Between gorgeous seafood buffets and delectable degustation menus, the JW Marriot Resort houses one of the Gold Coast’s finest hotel restaurants. Welcoming the hotel guests and general public alike, from the first bite, Citrique is guaranteed to win anyone’s favour with delectable flavour. Must try: Oven Baked Snow Fish.
Location: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

20. Yamagen

Another Broadbeach hotspot and another brilliant Japanese menu. The eclectic dining space and casual streetside manner extend across an impressive menu of hand-rolled sushi and intricate sashimi plates to grilled skewers and full-blown omakase experiences. You'll be back again and again to Yamagen. Must try: Yakitori Chicken Skewers.
Location: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise 

21. Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill

One of the Gold Coast’s longest-running establishments — and for good reason. Lauded for their succulent steaks and exceptional wine offering, there is still plenty to impress those with meat-free diets at Moo Moo, as local seafood and vegetables are given hero status here too. Must try: Organic Pork Belly.
Location: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

Keen to keep exploring Gold Coast's dining scene? Check out these waterfront restaurants where you enjoy incredible views with your meal.