Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. And while some of our neighbouring cities may have once side‑eyed the Gold Coast’s dining scene, it’s official: the tables have turned, and the GC is strutting its stuff.

This year, a whopping 25 of our favourite local eateries snagged at least one hat, and we’re practically bursting with pride! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20, and although nobody’s hit that elusive perfect score just yet, there’s plenty of brilliance on display.

In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with seven venues receiving hats. The newly revamped Mamasan charmed its way to a score of 13, while Social Eating House and Bar (13) matched it with its masterful blend of modern Australian favourites.

The Oracle Boulevard scene was further flaunted by BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar (12) and kōst (13), each offering their own distinct flavour explosions for diners.

Of course, several of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs. Japanese sensation Kiyomi scored a sophisticated 14, while the sleek Modern Australian fine‑dining gem Nineteen at the Star earned 13.

Rounding out Broady’s winners, long‑standing steak haven Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill received a solid 13, keeping carnivores grinning from ear to ear.

Travel south to Mermaid Beach and you’ll find boutique dining superstar The North Room boasting an impressive 15, a testament to its thoughtful, modern dishes executed with technical precision. Beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar earned 14, and esteemed Japanese haunt Etsu Izakaya scored 13, continuing its legacy of refined flavours.

Slick Latin American newcomer Norté, with its vibrant, fiesta‑inspired energy and bold Mexican flavours, made its debut with a 12. Euro-inspired Juju (13) and The Oxley’s stalwart fave Lars(12), rounded out Nobby’s award recipients.

Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets.

Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 13, while Bundall’s Mediterranean‑meets‑local gem Bar Leo Food & Wine debuted with a solid 12.

Burleigh wasn’t left behind either. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian offerings. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s(13).

Daniel Ridgeway’s Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 13, while Kirra’s beachfront Billy Chow (12) made its debut, earning recognition for its playful pan‑Asian menu.

Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, topping the list with a stellar 16. This Modern Australian standout blends bold flavours with innovative techniques, earning its spot among Queensland’s finest.

The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen scored 13 and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.

Over in Main Beach, La Luna Dining scored 12 with its modern Australian waterfront charm.

Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…

Words by Belinda Symons

Every January, the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) bestows its much-anticipated Chef Hat Awards, aka the foodie holy grail. For hardcore dining devotees, it’s a bit like Christmas morning, only with better smells and no awkward socks. Think of this as our cheat sheet for working your way, hungry-caterpillar style, around the most esteemed and decorated local destinations.

Our Northern Rivers neighbours are doing their thing, but this year we’re also adding South East QLD country into the mix – because why limit your appetite?

Whether it’s hinterland hideaways or mountain-top marvels, these spots all earned a Chef Hat score of 13 or above, making them prime candidates for your next road trip. Here are 16 of this year’s most road trip-worthy restaurants:

Northern Rivers

Pipit

Founded by former Paper Daisy chef, Pipit owner Ben Devlin (alongside his wife Yen Trinh) is no stranger to the art of crafting exquisite eats – nor has he pulled any punches when it comes to his first solo venture. And AGFG clearly agrees, with Pottsville’s Coronation Avenue darling taking out the coveted top spot among this year’s most noteworthy Northern Rivers Hat recipients. They stand as the highest-ranked NSW regional restaurant outside of Sydney.

Pipit’s superb score of 16/20 propels them to pole position on our day trip priority list and also, according to the AGFG, ‘ worth a detour’ designation.

Set aside a few hours and treat yourself to the revelatory set menu dining experience, a curated sequence of flavours, textures and ideas spanning over several hours, one which Ben likens to ‘a day trip around the Northern Rivers’ in and of itself.
Where: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

Rae’s Dining Room

Byron Bay institution, Raes on Wategos scored an impressive 15/20. Headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby, the restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence deemed ‘Quite Out of the Ordinary’ by AGFG – we wholeheartedly agree.

The chic boutique retreat, an icon set amongst Byron’s idyllic beaches, delivers a fine-dining experience in its Dining Room, headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby. A culinary showcase of the region, curated with Mediterranean influences, the menu offers Caviar service, 3-course à la carte and Tasting Menu options.

A word of warning, though – after tasting dishes like Lamb Blackstrap in black garlic, lamb fat & anchovy salsa, Glazed Northern Rivers Duck, and the MacAffogato dessert, a coconut and roast macadamia sorbet topped with macadamia crumb, Brookie’s Mac liqueur and espresso, you might want to move in.
Where: 6 – 8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay

Tweed River House

Murwillumbah’s aptly named Tweed River House, perched just a stone’s throw from its banks, also scored a hat – earning a rating of 14 for its gastronomic bistro and bar experience. Shout out to master chef Dayron Perugorria.

The venue, housed in a spruced-up, century-old colonial-style mansion, offers a panoramic river view, wraparound verandas, and elevated eats to match.

The luxurious and immaculately appointed interiors alone make it worth filling your tank. Still, decadent dishes like Lobster agnolotti with vin jaune and wild vanilla sauce, Beef tartare with brioche and crème fraîche and the Peach dessert made with poached peach, almond dacquoise, peach mousse and almond praline certainly sweeten the deal.
Where: 131 River St, South Murwillumbah

Bistro Livi

Another noshery deemed one of the best in the Northern Rivers Restaurant category is Murwillumbah’s Bistro Livi, scoring the prestigious hat with a total of 14.

A short 30km trek from Cooly and one of the fresher faces among its culinary cohort – if you’re yet to be acquainted with Livi, it’s an easy one to tick off the list when you’re looking for a low effort adventure snap you out of the Sunday lazies (or scaries).

Tucked within the arts precinct of the tight-knit Murbah community, the European-inspired venue radiates romance with rustic textures and an inviting, intimate ambience, while Spanish influences inform the menu. It’s certainly not just the AGFG critics that this regional gem has succeeded in winning over… #swoon.
Where: 1A 1-3 Brisbane St, Murwillumbah

The Hut Byron Bay

This Possum Creek gem scored 13, shocking absolutely no one who’s ever eaten there. Set in a literal old-school setting (the former O’Possum Creek Public School), it pairs Southern European flavours with Byron hinterland charm.

Soak up garden views through airy white windows as you dive into fresh oysters or Burrata with Tuscan tomato salsa, breadcrumbs and basil oil. For mains, expect delights such as Black Angus brisket ragú with horseradish gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano, and Australian bay lobster with chilli, garlic, confit cherry tomatoes, zucchini and crustacean bisque.

Rustic, refined, and ridiculously good, this is one lesson in good taste you won’t want to skip.
Where: 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek

Frida’s Field

If long, lazy farm lunches are your vibe, Frida’s Field is a must. Set on 120 dreamy acres just outside Bangalow, this paddock-to-plate gem dishes up a seasonal feast that scored 13/20. Award-winning chef Alastair Waddell lets Northern Rivers produce shine with a modern Australian menu that changes every six weeks – think wood-fired meats, farm-fresh veggies and big, bold flavours.

With only three long lunches a week (Friday to Sunday), this is a slow-food experience in every sense – one sitting per service, plenty of time to sip, savour, and soak up the Byron hinterland views. Whether you go omnivore or veg, you’re in for a next-level spread that might just ruin you for regular dining forever.
Where: 76 Booyong Road, Nashua

Potager

Capitalizing on Carool’s sweeping valley views, Potager – A Kitchen Garden has long been a favourite destination among locals and discerning visitors. The charming nosher is also somewhat of a teacher’s pet, earning a score of 13 for its Modern Australian style eats in this year’s Chef Hat Awards – along with a near-perfect 4.8 score on Google, might we add… and honestly, we’re not sure which is harder to pull off.

Set on a small 10-acre farm, the seasonal menu is informed by locally sourced produce, much of which is grown on the property. Dishes like the heirloom tomato with Byron Bay mozzarella are a testament to the community-minded culinary experience, while the fish stew with focaccia and zeta’s coffee and dark chocolate mousse gets a mention, because #yum
Where: 502 Carool Rd, Carool

Dorsia

Byron Bay’s Dorsia has quietly earned itself a well-deserved nod with a solid 13, cementing its place as one of the region’s most exciting dining destinations. Sitting along Jonson Street, this intimate, mood-driven restaurant delivers a polished yet approachable take on modern fine dining – the kind that feels special, but never stuffy.

Guests can choose between a thoughtfully curated two-course or three-course menu, dive all in with the chef’s tasting menu, or kick things off with elegant snacks and a luxe caviar experience. Early standouts include the pillowy Parker roll with Noosa black garlic and the indulgent dry-aged duck cigar. Mains deliver more exquisite dishes like Murray cod paired with pickled green mango and coconut, or the show-stopping Cape Grim sirloin with burnt carrot and puffed grains. Dessert is a must, with Valrhona dark chocolate and malted milk that leaves you wanting to order round two.
Where: 109 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Paper Daisy

Halcyon House’s beloved Paper Daisy, of course, also earned itself a nod, with an honourable 13. The esteemed and elegant eatery, sitting pretty against Cabarita Beach’s stunning shores, is not just reserved for sandy-footed in-house guests.

We’re all invited to see what the fuss is about, courtesy of the bar, open from 3pm, or for dinner. Led by Andrew Milford, the kitchen shoots for ‘sophisticated simplicity’, where you can expect to delight in inventive and delectable dishes like Spanish anchovies and gremolata on toast with guindillas and coconut-crumbed king prawns, green mango and herb salad alongside an award-winning wine menu.

We’d recommend packing your appetite (and your towel, because, y’know, Caba #phwoar).
Where: 21 Cypress Cres, Cabarita Beach

River – Wild at Heart

Brunswick Heads’ River – Wild at Heart has quickly carved out a name for itself after opening less than a year ago. Sitting pretty on Mullumbimby Street, this intimate dining destination is a creation by Scottish-born chef and former welder (yes, really) Michael Lee, serving small plates that change and adapt to what’s growing and what’s caught.

Standout starters include the Lismore wild shot venison tataki made with Blueberry Fields ponzu, radish, charred and crispy shallots and the bay lobster with smoked garlic, lobster coral butter and lemon. For the main, the soltera rum-glazed smoked corn short rib and the local line-caught market fish. Finish with Piña colada made with soltera rum, sumac caramel and coconut aquafaba and you may call it the best meal of your life.
Where: 2/26 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

Shelter

For a long, leisurely meal in a ridiculously scenic spot, Shelter is the move. With a score of 13, an award-winning wine list, and bi-fold windows framing 7 Mile Beach, it’s got everything going for it – top-tier food, service, and views.

From sunrise to sunset, they’re serving up seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced goodness. Kick off your morning with green chilli scrambled eggs with avocado and roti, or swing by later for gems like local sashimi with watermelon verjus, gochugaru salt, grapes and finger lime, followed by their daily beef cut with chilli crunch, katsuobushi cream, black sesame. Don’t leave without trying the beetroot mousse with lavender, pine nuts and almond panna cotta rhubarb consommé. Trust us.
Where: 41 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head

Bar Heather

Perched on Byron Bay’s Jonson Lane, Bar Heather transports its diners to the charm of Paris or New York – at least that’s what it feels like. They lead with an exquisite selection of natural wine, followed by an equally impressive menu, so clearly designed to torture and tantalize you into returning time and time again. It’s no surprise that they, too, were awarded a 13/20.

You must try their snapper with tomato cream and cucumber and the lamb skewer with roasted chilli and roti. And, of course, no trip to Bar Heather is complete without sampling a selection from their wine list. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay

South East Queensland Country

The Peak Restaurant at Spicers Peak Lodge

High on a mountain, with clouds drifting past your table and the Great Dividing Range as your backdrop, The Peak is where Modern Australian cuisine meets luxury without fuss. AGFG scored it 15/20, enough to make this Scenic Rim gem a must-visit.

The tasting menu is a culinary journey across Australia: cured kangaroo, dry-aged duck, Kangaroo Island marron and more, all paired with wines that could start their own conversation. With comfy furnishings, an open stone fireplace and an outdoor terrace that’s practically begging for a lingering lunch, The Peak turns a meal into a full-on experience.

Road trips are better with views like this, and food this ambitious.
Where: 1 Wilkinson Road, Maryvale

Homage Restaurant

At Homage, the clue really is in the name. This refined paddock-to-plate powerhouse at Spicers Hidden Vale celebrates the farmers, producers and fertile lands of the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley with flair.

Scoring a solid 14/20 from AGFG, Homage is officially ‘worth a detour’ and then some. The menu champions local ingredients with dishes that feel both elegant and deeply connected to place, whether that’s Murray cod with finger lime and macadamia cream, pork belly with Kalbar carrot and nduja or heritage rooster elevated into something truly special.

It’s fine dining with heart, where every plate tells a story and every ingredient earns its spot.
Where: Spicers Hidden Vale, 617 Grandchester–Mt Mort Road, Grandchester

Blume

Boonah’s Blume is a restaurant that feels like it’s been quietly waiting for you. Inspired by the town’s original name, Blumbergville, this 14/20 AGFG-hatted spot focuses on the principle of ‘time and place’. Only the freshest local ingredients make it to the table.

The ever-evolving set menu is packed with clever touches: rainbow trout with finger lime, Brisbane Valley quail with fig leaf and exotic pepper, or sweet cheese ice cream with apricot and almond praline. Every course reflects the region, the season, and the care of the people behind it.
Where: 5 Church Street, Boonah

The Paddock Restaurant

In the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, The Paddock is a spacious, sunlit spot celebrating simple, honest food. AGFG awarded it 13/20 for its unpretentious approach to paddock-to-plate dining.

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame sweeping Hinterland views while the menu champions local produce, from roast duck with spiced carrot purée to fire-grilled vegetables and Wagyu rump cap. Cooking over an open flame, the dishes are rustic yet refined, the kind that make a long drive feel completely worth it.

If you’re chasing fresh air, great food and a true Hinterland vibe, The Paddock delivers in spades.
Where: 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont

Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons

Breakfast and Burleigh go together like all of our favourite things. Bread and butter, eggs and bacon, macaroni and cheese, gin and tonic… You get this gist. And as you can probably tell, we’re partial to a good old breakfast.

What’s not to love about breakfast? And even more, what’s not to love about Burleigh? You’ve got sun, sand, surf and a boatload of egg-cellent spots to fill up and fuel up to get the day going. It is the most important meal of the day after all.

We took it upon ourselves to do the hard task of eating our way around one of our fave beachside suburbs to determine who exactly has the best brekkies on offer, and it did not disappoint. Here’s our pick of 10 of the best breakfast eats in Burleigh. Just don’t scramble to get to them all at once!

Pretty Handsome

Don’t get caught up in the name; they’re more than their good looks. However, they’re pretty handsome too. Their Avo, Maple Bacon and Egg Roll is an obvious standout, while the Handsome Benny (with basically everything on it) speaks for itself. If you’re feeling extra naughty on a Sunday morning, the Beef Brisket Toastie is here for that.
Where: 18 Christine Ave, Burleigh Heads

Paddock Bakery

Remember when Paddock Bakery changed the game with their epic sweet treats and loaded doughnuts? How could we ever forget- we’re grateful for it pretty much every day. But they’re so much more than just baked goods. Tucked away in their charming weatherboard haven is a bakehouse, so, as you can imagine, they’re big on bread. In honour of that, the Toad in the Hole or literally any toastie is a crowd fav, while the Lemon Blueberry French Toast is perfect for when your sweet tooth is making the ‘what’s for breakfast?’ decision.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Palm Springs

This Palm Springs-inspired brekky haunt takes pride of place on the Gold Coast Highway. It’s hard to miss the slice of California desert in the heart of Burleigh. Take it from us, the food is as fabulous as the space is gorgeous. Their Breakfast Tacos are an obvious front-runner for our favourite breakfast pick. We adore the Chicken & Waffles with southern-fried chicken, chipotle mayo, and maple syrup for a delicious taste of the US. It’s something dreams are made of.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Mohr

If you’re the kind of person who takes their coffee and nosh seriously (as you should), Mohr is your spot. Part café, part deli, this Burleigh gem is all about quality produce and feeds made (by a pro chef) with flavour and absolutely zero shortcuts. Their Open Toasts lineup is one to work your way through from top to bottom, starting with tofu, tomato and chilli, and ending with the lobster, potato aioli, dill and lemon. Yep, they’re as good as they sound. The croque monsieur is an obvious 100000/10 and a Mohr Rosti that’ll have you rethink every meal you’ve ever had.
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Commune

Commune has stood the test of time when it comes to breakfast goods, and if you’ve been, you’ll know why. Run by the same legends behind Blackboard in Varsity (so you know it’s the real deal), the menu is brimming with both classics and new flavours. Their Eggs Florentine, stacked on one of the best potato rosti’s going around, is an all-time pick of ours. They’ve got acai bowls on tap along with their fan-fave chorizo burrito – it’s an IYKYK situation.
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

LiTO

Bringing a fresh, European-inspired flair to the Burleigh brekky scene, LiTO is one of those spots that feels effortlessly cool. Perhaps it has something to do with it occupying the ground floor of the sleek new Mondrian Hotel. Expect elevated classics and a strong coffee game to match. It’s the ideal spot if you’re looking to settle in for a slow morning- ocean breeze and top-tier people watching on the side.
Where: 3 First Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Tarte Bakery

It’s the spot that almost doesn’t need an introduction because if you haven’t been to the Euro-inspired café, then where have you been?! Basically, if breakfast went to the Olympics, Tarte Bakery would be taking home gold, no doubt. Words can only take us so far, so when we say their loaded bagels (hello Bullseye Bang) and Miso Scramble are absolute chef’s kiss, just know that’s an understatement.

If you’re more of a liquid breakfast person, the Parisian Hot Chocolate is a no-brainer, while the Arnold Palmer (a blend of house lemonade and iced tea) is a top-tier refresher. We’re also pretty sure it’s illegal to leave without one of their baked goods- à la Muffin Top in a bag – and trust us, you won’t regret it.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Social Brew

James Street has long been the heart of Burleigh when it comes to all things food, fashion and fun and tucked away in the Big B Arcade is Social Brew. A bustling melting pot of Gold Coasters, from brekky dates to catch-ups with friends and people working over a bite to eat, the people watching is almost as good as the food. Stay for a good time and a long time if that’s your vibe, with breakfast turning into lunch on the reg. The Truffle Mushroom Bruschetta and Eggs Benny are must-tries for a reason.
Where: 34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads

Choubidou Cafe

Choubidou Cafe brings a charming slice of Paris to Burleigh, serving French-inspired brunch classics in a lush garden setting tucked within Hibiscus Haven. From sweet and savoury crepes to elevated breakfast dishes like Le Poulailler Eggs Benedict with buttermilk fried chicken and house hollandaise, the menu is packed with indulgent comfort food. Pair your brunch with a specialty coffee or one of the café’s signature cold foams and settle in for a long, leisurely morning in one of Burleigh’s prettiest new breakfast spots.
Where: 2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

PLANTATION HOUSE CAFE

This pretty little spot is all about great breakfast and gorgeous interiors. Think fresh, clean interiors, a lush green wall and of course, a splash of hot pink neon. It’s giving Instagrammable, and we love it. Their French Toast is a true sweet-lovers’ heaven, with caramelised bananas, strawberries, and ice cream, a creamy Nutella drizzle, and a flaked-almond garnish. The Breakfast Tacosare the savoury king of the menu (in our profesh opinion), with scrambled egg, avo mash, Picco De Gallo, caramelised onion, bacon, jam and a side of relish. You will be rolling out of this place, but is that not the aim of weekend breakfast?
Where: 1/43 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads

Words by Chelsea Ipsen