Sunshine and happiness make for great meals and even better ingredients, and these brand-spanking-new eateries stand ready to welcome you with open arms and delicious dining.
From next-level seafood to South American inspired plates, tuck into some of the best atmospheres on the beaches and delight in the street’s best eats.
No matter if you’re headed to the Gold Coast for a getaway or if you’re lucky enough to be a local – you’re in for a treat. Here are five of the newest Gold Coast restaurants to check out ASAP.
Gods of the Sea
Foodies rejoice! Shining bright like a diamond in Main Beach, there’s a palpable buzz about the new Marina Mirage location of this fast favourite. Showcasing and serving only 100% Australian food, the menu changes to reflect what’s fresh, in season and available. The sensational location boasts views of beaches, boats and beautiful people.
Some restaurants rely on their waterfront proximity to make up for the less than stellar calibre of their food, but that is most certainly not the case here.
Chef Jon Nurminen, previously of The Fish House in Burleigh Heads, works mighty magic with gorgeous Aussie ingredients.
Fat oysters are shucked immediately to order, and the elegant scampi tail glistens with sapphires of caviar – making it a feast for the eyes before it’s even consumed. Turf lovers can’t go past the Wagyu beef; bookings are a must.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Shop/16 Marina Mirage, Main Beach QLD 4217
Uncle Su
In trendy Broadbeach, add some spice to your palate with modern coastal Cantonese at Uncle Su. Tucked inside the Star Casino, it’s been a huge hit since opening in September 2021. Chef Song Yao Su (the Su in Uncle Su) draws upon his 35 years of international postings to create splendidly flavourful morsels.
Guests rave about the freshness, the authenticity of the dishes and the where-have-you-been-all-my-life friendly service. Settle into tomato-red banquettes that make for lush but comfy seating, and get ready to make some hard decisions.
Craving handmade yum cha? The Six Fortunes selection gives a varied selection for sampling. Or maybe something from the sustainable seafood selections like abalone, rock lobster or barramundi.
Meals are cooked creatively to make the most of both Chinese tradition and Australian ingredients. Don’t save this one for a special occasion, it may just end up on your list of new favourite Gold Coast restaurants.
Where: Ground Level, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach 4218 QLD
Vault Bar and Tapas
Resplendent in jazzy art-deco vibes of black and gold, this sexy little newcomer is both fun and flash. Whisky is having a moment and here, a tightly curated selection awaits your attention, from a spendy 21-year Hibiki (if you’re feeling mighty flash indeed), to the noble single malt Macallan – still a very respectable tipple.
Food is a celebration of sharing bites tapas-style, and since plates come out as they’re ready, there’s an enjoyable lingering flow to the meal that’s just right for catching up with friends and really taking your time to connect.
The cocktails here aren’t too shabby either, with many patrons calling them ‘next level’ and ‘the best I’ve ever had’. An abbreviated but respectable wine list will keep oenophiles content, but really – this place is all about the whisky.
Join the Bar Membership at bronze, silver or gold level and enjoy your own personal vault where your select bottles eagerly await your return.
Where: Shop 21/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Tommy’s Italian
Decked out in white and red stripes with accents of pink tile and gold hardware, the unfussy but still Instagram-worthy atmosphere of this cutie is fresh air on a sunny day. Food made simple with lots of love and flavour is what Tommy’s do best.
Antipasti is advisable, I mean, why not try as much as you can? There is so much to make your mouth water on this one section of the menu alone, so you’re going to want to come hungry.
The chewy crusted Neapolitan-style pizza is pretty much sheer perfection. Since it’s cooked in an Italian Marana Forni pizza oven you get a real taste of Naples with your view of the Currumbin Beach waters.
In the mood for a more substantial fare? Every piece of pasta is handmade in-house, and the fit-for-a-king bistecca Fiorentina – one kilogram of T-bone toothsomeness – comes sliced and ready to devour.
Seafood features heavily, with grilled WA octopus and even vegetarian options so everyone’s catered for. A piece of advice? Save room for dessert.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Tropic Vice
Lean into the retro 80’s pastels of turquoise and pink at this polished rooftop perch nestled into the heart of Nobby Beach. Think California meets Miami and you’re on the right track.
Cocktails are de riguer, presented as they are with flair and gorgeous garnishes, and the in-demand margaritas in ingenious flavours (guava and goji, coconut and mandarin and lychee and chilli) may just be the best beverage on the beach.
Also, Perrier-Jouët anyone? Who says no to bubbles? Nobody’s going thirsty here. The menu is a revelry of foods that lend credence to South America and the Caribbean; get ready for forkfuls of luscious limey ceviche and prawn empanadas with grilled pineapple.
The deserts? There are only two: the creamy coconut rice with house-made dulce de leche and the fried bananas with salted caramel and ice cream.
They’ll have you licking the finished remains off your fingers, so you may want to order both. Check the website for special events.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
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