Make it a meal to remember at venues that have something special. Take your pick from luxe Med-style pool club, sky high buffet, oceanfront fine dining or a country escape. Book well ahead at these Gold Coast restaurants you need to try.
Palette at HOTA Gallery
While the HOTA Gallery is filled with inspiring works of art, you’ll find masterpieces of the culinary kind at Palette. Located on the ground floor of the gallery, this fine dining establishment boasts two Chefs Hats, and a unique foodie experience where dishes take inspiration from the artwork on display.
Treat yourself to a tasting menu with wine pairings (vegetarian options available) or dine a la carte and savour the incredible flavours, creative flair and artistic presentation that Execute Chef, Dayan Hartill-Law, and his team whip up in the kitchen.
Taste test: Visit on Sunday to experience Palette’s premium high tea with sweet and savoury delicacies including pumpkin spice macarons, Davidson Plum Danish and mulled wine fruit scones with native berry jam and double cream. Taste with Tavalon tea ($60) or champagne ($75).
Location:135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Horizon Sky Dining
Welcome to the iconic buffet dining experience where every seat is the best seat in the house. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the belly with mesmerising views of the Gold Coast skyline, coastline, Hinterland and local landscapes threaded with waterways.
Horizon Sky Dining is Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, perched on the 26th floor of the newly refurbished Crowne Plaza in Surfers Paradise. The only thing that will distract you from the ever changing scenery is the incredible spread of cold seafood, entrees, salads, hot dishes including meat and seafood, desserts, fruit and cheese platters. The all-you-can-eat banquet celebrates local seafood and produce. $125 per person ($65 kids).
Taste test: Book your table to dine during the sunset hour for a spectacular display of the Gold Coast at its best from above.
Location: Crowne Plaza, 2807 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
The Paddock at Beechmont Estate
Set amongst the rolling green hills, The Paddock Restaurant is a favourite for regional fine dining. Showcasing a paddock to plate philosophy using local, sustainably sourced produce, the menu here changes with the seasons but consistently delivers a unique and memorable dining experience.
Dine in the sunshine on the sprawling wrap around deck where golden hour sets the surrounding landscape aglow. Boutique country luxe accommodation is available onsite in cosy cabins with a private deck. The Paddock is open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday, and dinner seven days a week.
Taste test: Local, seasonal produce from the surrounding Scenic Rim is the hero of the menu here.
Location: 422 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont
Kiyomi at The Star
This award-winning Gold Coast restaurant has a well earned reputation of excellence. Housed inside The Star entertainment precinct, Kiyomi presents the finest of Japanese dining. Executive Chef, Chase Kojima, creates innovative yet authentic Japanese dishes that will take your tastebuds to Tokyo with exquisite tastes and textures. The presentation of each dish is pure artistry, and the aesthetics of the moodily lit venue, along with some freshly shaken cocktails, only enhance the experience.
Taste test: Oysters in ponzu sauce, sashimi and shochu cocktails. Try the Japanese Margarita.
Location: The Star, Broadbeach
The Tropic
Get swept away with the stunning outlook, sea breezes and amazing flavours at The Tropic. Set on the shores of Burleigh Headland, this iconic Gold Coast restaurant is set in a location that makes you slow down and take a breath - the view from the balcony is an expanse of sea and sky and the coastline unfurling before you.
While the outlook is unforgettable, the produce-driven menu also makes a great impression - Mediterranean inspiration showcases the freshest local seafood, shareable plates and reimagined classics, paired with delicious drinks. Start with the puffed spiced bread and pumpkin hummus and explore the food and drinks menu from there. A cold glass of crisp white wine pairs perfectly with sunset.
Taste test: Brunch in style at The Tropic on the last Saturday of every month. Enjoy exclusive terrace seating, a resident DJ and bottomless bubbles.
Location: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
MĀRE
If you’re dreaming of the Mediterranean, MĀRE at Marina Mirage might be the next best thing. With its exclusive waterfront location, restaurant on the deck and a swimming pool that sparkles like a gem, it sure is a showstopper. Book a table for long lunches, sunset cocktails or intimate dinners with a focus on mezze plates, fresh fish and local seafood as well as premium beef cuts. Watch the super yachts sail by and the sunset behind the distant hills of the Hinterland for a perfect end to your day, or the beginning of a great night.
Taste test: The ceviche is as fresh as it gets and pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine.
Location: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.