There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.

Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.

The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach 

Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 

Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach 

That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.

Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 

Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Words by Kellie Leader

Obviously, eating is life. Period.

And sometimes the only real issue with this beloved pastime is having to decide on just one dish when you’re out and about. Sure, there are share plates — but there never seems to be enough of those either. What’s an ever-hungry gal (or guy) to do?

DEGUSTATIONS that’s what. The definition of which is carefully selected dishes focusing on the sensory aspects of eating and often involving a Chef’s selection of signature dishes. Think of it as a culinary journey from the first bite to when you finally lay down your fork. How fancy.

Luckily, we on the Gold Coast have a fair selection of great restaurants which offer degustations to die for. Here’s our rundown of the places you must visit when three courses simply won’t do.

Labart
When Chef Alex Munoz Labart strolled into Burleigh Heads three years ago and decided he would open a restaurant; the Gold Coast dining scene would never be the same. From day one the crew at Restaurant Labart have been serving up incredible food with top-notch service and a carefully compiled wine list to boot. The evening set menu of $125pp consisting of nine dishes is ever-evolving and hinges itself on whatever fresh and tantalising produce Chef/Owner Alex can get his hands on. Expect great flavours, seasonality and local produce like you’ve never seen before.
Where: 2a/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Little Truffle
The Mermaid Beach gem is absolutely adored for its Modern European fare and if you’re yet to sample it, we highly suggest you do so stat. Conveniently, a good way to treat yourself to a variety of dishes is with a degustation and here we are. Little Truffle’s set degustation menu is priced at $110pp. With dishes like Braised beef cheek potato gnocchi with truffle cream sauce and Fried Zucchini Flowers filled with Persian feta and pine nuts, you know it’s going to be a mind-blowing affair. You can also wine match at $60pp.
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
Serving up the perfect blend of modern and traditional Asian cuisine is Mamasan in Broadbeach. It’s a share plate-style situation with many a delicious flavour to try. You can grab yourself a Yin or Yang degustation and each is filled with incredible, must-try dishes. The Yin will set you back $55pp and comes with dishes like Panko Fried Squid and Wagyu Beef Red Curry (YUM). The Yang is $69pp and you get a few extra dishes including Spanner Crab Ravioli Dumplings and Sichuan Salted Duck. Count us in.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Kiyomi
When it comes to a deluxe Japanese dining experience there is only one place you need to visit, and that’s Kiyomi at The Star Gold Coast. Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima spares no expense in sourcing the finest ingredients and then delivering an authentic albeit modern taste of Japanese cuisine. For $150pp you start with sparkling sake and dishes like Ocean Trout with Wasabi Salsa and Yuzu Soy before then moving onto the likes of Cuttlefish Tempura, Wagyu Beef Cheek, artichoke and hatcho miso.
Where: Lobby Level The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

The Fireplace
At the northern end of the coast, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove is home to a wood fire restaurant like no other. The Fireplace is guaranteed to impress from the word go — and you can expect delicious big flavours all backed by an unmistakable smokiness that has been infused to perfection. Their degustation menu is a six-course extravaganza and includes Moreton Bay bugs and seared duck breast, costing $118pp or $150pp with matched wines. A definite winner with all of you barbeque fans out there!
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circuit, Sanctuary Cove

Vanitas
Everything about the Palazzo Versace is designed to wow you. From the moment you walk through the door until you take your seat at restaurant Vanitas, you can be assured you are at one of the finest restaurants on the Coast. At $238pp the six-course Signature Degustazione is something to behold: with simply some of the finest lobster, quail and Wagyu Australia has to offer. The service here is impeccable, the setting elegant and the matched wines to wash it all down are nothing short of mesmerising. This is the kind of experience you must do at least once… or perhaps multiple times?
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Words by Alex Mitcheson

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. Although many of our neighbouring states and cities may have once turned their noses up at the GC dining landscape, sir, times are a’changin!

This year, a whopping 21 of our fave local eats destinations scored at least one hat, and we are proud as punch! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20. No restaurant has yet achieved the holy grail of a perfect score.

In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with seven venues receiving hats, including Social Eating House and Bar, which scored 14 and once again earned a special mention for its award-winning share plates.

Newcomer kōst Bar + Grill burst onto the dining scene with fanfare in August with its sleek and sexy venue and equally enticing menu, so it’s no surprise they have earned a mention (12).

Of course, a couple of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs, including Japanese sensation Kiyomi (15) and Modern Australian go-to for a fancy night out Nineteen at the Star (14). Miss Moneypenny’s marvellous Mediterranean menu (say that a few times) earned 12, as did longstanding steak restaurant, Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill

Rounding up Broady’s winners are grinners list with a score of 13 is The Oracle’s melting pot of Asian goodness Mamasan Kitchen and Bar.

Moving slightly south now to Mermaid Beach and the recently reopened Little Truffle has scored 15, while boutique dining superstar The North Room scored 14 and esteemed Japanese restaurant Etsu Izakaya earned a 13.

Nobby Beach also served up a winner in the form of Ally Chow (12) in all her amazing Asian glory.

Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 13. 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 14.

Now let’s talk Burleigh and again, there are a few to unpack here. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian cuisine, along with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s.

Burleigh’s hidden gem, La Bella Cellar also got a nod (12).

Palm Beach’s ever-popular Balboa Italian was shown some love with 12.

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, who proudly scored 15.

The QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen scored 12, while the JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 13.

Neighbouring Main Beach’s modern Australian relative newcomer La Luna scored a 12.

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.