On the Gold Coast, food isn’t just fuel – it’s a full-blown lifestyle. From industrial laneway espresso bars to rooftop cocktail spots with skyline views, the Gold Coast dining scene is redefining what it means to eat out.

Whether you’re chasing bold flavours, oceanfront ambience, or just the perfect croissant, the Gold Coast delivers with flair. We dive into the local favourites and hidden gems that make eating here an adventure in itself.

Cafes

For the best cafes and breakfast food on the Gold Coast, head to:

• Elk Espresso, Broadbeach, known for its creative seasonal menu – the black sesame crumpets and famous potato hash are local favourites
• Paradox Coffee Roasters, Surfers Paradise for expertly roasted coffee in an industrial-chic atmosphere
• Tarte Bakery & Cafe, Burleigh Heads for Parisian-style pastries and brunch dishes
• Paddock Bakery, Burleigh Heads, the Gold Coast’s best and most awarded breakfast cafe where you can find wood-fired sourdough and rotating seasonal pastries
• The Milkman’s Daughter, Mermaid Beach where you can try Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes and baba ganoush
• Cardamom Pod, Southport for Insta-worthy vegetarian dishes and vegan desserts
• Bear Boy Espresso, Helensvale, a northern gem with a playful vibe and menu full of surprises – think biscoff oats and fried chicken croissants

Restaurants

For the very best of the Gold Coast dining scene, head to:

• Kiyomi, Broadbeach where you can take fine Japanese dining to the next level with the ten-course omakase
• Social Eating House, Broadbeach, the Gold Coast’s take on casual fine dining serving award-winning Australian fare with a focus on share plates
• Jimmy Wah’s, Burleigh Heads for Vietnamese with an Aussie twist – think tempura oysters and crispy banh mi
• Restaurant Labart, Burleigh Heads, a chef-hatted restaurant with a contemporary European bistro feel and seasonal tasting menu
• Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads for pan-Asian dining with iconic views and the famous Moreton Bay bug roll
• Hail Mary, Burleigh Heads, a beachside Mexican gem with vibrant interiors, tacos and margaritas tucked down a laneway
• Norte, Mermaid Beach, a Latin American food dream with wood-fired meats and hearth-cooked dishes
• Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin for Gold Coast dining with Amalfi vibes

Bars

For the Gold Coast’s hottest bars, head to:

• The Exhibitionist Bar, Surfers Paradise, for panoramic views and tapas-style menu atop HOTA Gallery
• Nineteen, Broadbeach, where you can enjoy oysters and cocktails by the infinity pool on the 19th floor of The Star
• Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads, a sprawling pastel-hued venue perfect for fresh drinks with unbeatable ocean views
• Familiar Spirits, Burleigh Heads, a cellar door-style bar with house-made limoncello and gins
• Juju, Mermaid Beach where you can sip craft cocktails under the sun or the stars
• Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport, a vibrant rooftop offering skyline views, kombucha cocktails and live music every weekend
• Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach for colourful cocktails and bottomless brunches in a Miami-meets-Gold Coast setting

Discover the Gold Coast’s food scene with Airtrain

From street eats to five-star feasts, dining on the Gold Coast is as diverse as it is delicious. Your next Gold Coast food adventure awaits, and Airtrain can help you get there on time and in comfort.

Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport and stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations, with services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak.

Travelling to and around the Gold Coast is easy with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. You can also pay for your Airtrain journey with Smart Ticketing. The world-class Smart Ticketing system allows you to simply tap and travel using your Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards.