Gold Coast’s Top 23 Hatted Restaurants for Fine Dining

The Gold Coast is getting a reputation as a foodie destination and with an impressive 23 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. Social Eating House

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. 
Where: Shop 137/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

2. 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.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

3. 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.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina

4. T’ang Court

The opening of the The Langham Gold Coast created a buzz, but for those with a food-focused mind, their flagship fine-dining Cantonese restaurant has got tongues wagging. The stunning dining room of T'ang Court is where you’ll experience one of the city’s best Chinese eating experiences across a selection of exceptional set menus. Must try: Chef’s Premium Set Menu with paired wines.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

5. 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.

6. 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.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

7. 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.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

8. Uncle Su

Red leather booths, private dining spaces, and A1 service just scratches the surface of what you can expect at Uncle Su. Beijing and Szechuan flavours combine with exquisite attention to detail across various menus, including their ever-popular yum cha offering. Must try: Peking Duck (whole bird).
Where: The Star, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

9. Orzo

Little sister to Broadbeach’s Social Eating House, Orzo comes from a serious restaurant pedigree. The contemporary take on Italian fare is refreshing, memorable and mouthwatering. Fresh hand-made pasta and deftly fashioned signature cocktails are just two of many reasons you should pay them a visit.  Must try: Spaghetti Carbonara.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

10. 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.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

11. 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.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid 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.
Where: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

13. 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.
Where: 3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach

14. Glass Dining & Lounge Bar

A completely relaxed atmosphere either for lunch or dinner — and your meal will be enhanced by the stunning views from Marina Mirage to the Broadwater. Between a brilliantly curated wine list and a seafood-centric modern menu, you’re spoilt for choice at Glass Dining & Lounge Bar. Must try: Scallop Ceviche.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

15. 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.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

16. 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.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

17. 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. 
Where: Shop c/2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

18. 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.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

19. The Tropic

French Chef Guillaume Zika’s menu is an ode to the freshest seafood and the lush sub-tropical environment of the Gold Coast. Hence the name! Think Mediterranean influence guided by Southeast Queensland persona, and you’ll begin to understand the allure of The Tropic's food and unmatched coastal views. Must try: Free Range Roasted Chicken, Brown Butter and Capers.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

20. 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

21. 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.
Where: 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

22. Moo Moo

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.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

23. Vanitas

Prepare for heightened sophistication from the moment you enter the stunning Palazzo Versace. And expect it to continue at Vanitas from the first to last bite with refined takes on European classics with stunning Australian produce and contemporary flair. Must try: Freshwater Marron, Puffed Grains, Chicken Beurre Blanc.
Where: 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

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