Eat your way around Surfers Paradise's best restaurants

For many first-timers to the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise becomes the epicentre of the stay and when it comes to restaurants, options span the entire spectrum. From towering burgers and Asian fusion to unbeatable water views and fresh seafood, we’ve created the ultimate guide to Surfers Paradise best restaurants for you to tuck into.

SkyPoint Bistro + Bar

Have lunch amongst the clouds at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar. Located on level 77 of  the Q1 (Australia’s tallest building) you’ll score 360 degree views of the Gold Coast. Sip on one of their signature cocktails and work your way through their all-day dining menu filled with tasty classics like beef burgers, chicken parmigiana, barramundi and chips and thin crust pizzas. If you want to make your visit even more special, book in for their high tea in the sky.

Seascape

Perched on the edge of Surfers Paradise's iconic beach, snag a seat on the deck at Seascape and feel the fresh sea breeze tickle your skin while devouring a freshly caught seafood feast like, green lip mussels, oysters and shellfish pasta. Upstairs, take things to the next level with Seascape's fine dining offering where you can treat your tastebuds to lobster bisque and chargrilled Moreton Bay bugs.

Yamagen

Nestled amongst tranquil gardens and fringed by cotton candy-hued cherry trees, Yamagen at the QT Gold Coast, will transport you to straight to Japan. Grab a spot at the modern izakaya’s 15-seater sushi table or watch the sizzle of the robata grill in the centre of the restaurant while you feast on innovative Japanese cuisine and whisky cocktails. Pro tip: order the sashimi tacos. They’re a game-changer.

Palette

Over at Gold Coast’s thriving arts centre, HOTA, book a table at their fine dining restaurant Palette. Boasting two Chefs Hats, the menu here is celebration of modern Australian cuisine where celebrating local produce is at the forefront of every dish. While the dishes change seasonally, expect tasty delights like Stanthorpe figs with goats curd and vanilla pickled pistachio or Lady Musgrave Island swordfish and Gladstone squab. Because every dish here is worth your stomach space, opt for the tasting menu and sample a little bit of everything.

The Exhibitionist

If you’re after something a bit more casual, jump in the lift next to Palette and head to the rooftop where you’ll find The Exhibitionist. With incredible views that sweep from the lush ranges of the hinterland out to the ocean, you’ll be hard pressed to find a prettier lunch spot. The menu features drool-worthy eats like Steak Frites, lobster rolls, oysters and cheese boards – all of which are perfectly paired with the cocktail menu that is inspired by HOTA’s impressive art collection.

Misono

Surfers Paradise’s Asian restaurant offering is plentiful, so make sure you carve out enough time to hit them all. Get your teppanyaki on at Misono at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa – which claims to be the largest teppanyaki restaurant in the country. Misono also boasts a whisky bar with an impressive array of Japanese and Irish whisky and signature cocktails.

Salt Meats Cheese

If eating pasta served straight out of a flaming cheese wheel gets your stomach rumbling then you’ll want to head to Salt Meats Cheese on a Wednesday for your dinner. Every other night of the week you can feast on thin wood-fired pizza, meatballs and gnocchi and their famous Nutella desert pizza.

Bumbles

Riverfront cafe Bumbles is a local’s favourite as much for its quirky, kitsch interior as its homely lunch menu. Located across the road from Budds Beach, tuck into generous servings of fish and chips, beef Bolognese pie and their famous prawn sandwich while watching boats cruise along the sparkling water. Whatever you do, make sure you leave some room for a something sweet - on the front counter you’ll find plates filled with Nutella stuffed cookies, three-layer chocolate cake, lemon meringue pies and moreish slices.  

Hyde Paradiso

Soak up beach views and devour Mediterranean-inspired eats at Hyde Paradiso – one of Surfers Paradise’s most loved restaurants. Start your day with their decadent boozy bottomless brunch, or book at table for sunset and watch the ocean turn into a sparkling cluster of diamonds – cocktail in hand. At night, there’s DJ sets to keep the vibe high.

Surfers Pavilion