We’re all partial to a spot of fancy feasting from time to time. Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, special celebration, or none of the above and you just feel like getting dressed up and playing swish, thankfully the GC has some cracking fine dining options. Once upon a time, our hood may not have exactly been praised for its culinary prowess, but that was so 1990 and today’s Gold Coast eats scene has award-winners at every turn.
So don your special occasion finery and refresh your memory re. which cutlery matches which meal coz here we go!
Palette
With The Australian Good Food Guide awarding Palette 14 points and two chef’s hats, need we say more. Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law draws inspo from the artworks on display and major exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blends. Our tip: order the Burrawong Gaian Duck with five-spice cabbage, native plum and berry. Insert (fancy) drool here. You can’t go wrong here.
Where: HOTA Gallery, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
The Fireplace
As the name suggests, expect cosy feels and epic wood-fired cuisine. Executive Chef Hamish and fellow culinary lord Randy Tablan showcase the finest locally sourced produce. And we’re not just talking about firing up the ovens with any ‘ole wood here – redgum wood is the chosen one, infusing each dish to perfection. If ever there was a (classy) party in your mouth, this is it.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circuit, Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Citrique
Famous for its breakfast buffet, weekend-long lunch, award-winning seafood market experience buffet, and exciting Modern Australian a la carte dishes, it’s the ultimate fine dining experience. Calling the beautiful Gold Coast home, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s Citrique restaurant is a stunner. Let Executive Chef Paul Smart show you why is a master of his craft…and his craft is crafting unforgettable five-star meals.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Kiyomi
With a menu created by visionary Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima, Kiyomi gives diners a modern, yet authentic taste of Tokyo – sans the long-haul flight! As you explore the innovative dishes, you’ll quickly see why it has earned itself a reputation as one of the town’s most talked-about restaurants. Our tip: book yourself a Sake Flight and immerse yourself in Kiyomi’s signature sakes.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Nineteen at The Star
A rooftop restaurant with a chic lounge bar, this combo can do no wrong! Surrender yourself to Chef Uday Huja’s exquisite dishes from his signature a la carte and set menus. Plus, you can add paired wines carefully selected by the expert Sommelier to your dining experience…and it would be rude not to right?! With a slew of awards under its designer belt, elevate your tastebuds to new heights. Literally.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The North Room
At The North Room, the mantra is to always keep guests intrigued with an ever-changing food and wine list. They believe we eat with our eyes (same), so the incredible eats here not only captivate the tastebuds, but activate an unparalleled multi-sensory experience. Smaller, share style dishes focused on a few primary, seasonal ingredients create a relaxed, contemporary fine dining experience to remember.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Il Barocco Restaurant
I mean, it’s located in Palazzo Versace and if this doesn’t equate to fine dining…. A celebration of fresh and seasonal flavours, Il Barocco boasts a bountiful array of the freshest seafood and fish, vibrant salads, succulent roast meats and decadent desserts for a swanky buffet feed. Side note: the buffet breakfast is also a fine diner’s best friend.
Where: Palazzo Versace, 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Little Truffle
This relaxed yet intimate showstopper from owner and esteemed Executive Chef Daniel Ridgeway and Chef de Cuisine Jason Burt is a foody and wine lover’s haven. Winner of numerous awards including the Gold Coast Best Fine Dining Restaurant, and hats with the Australian Good Food and Travel Guide and Good Food Guide Queensland, it’s the real deal…and then some.
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Social Eating House
This award-winning local treasure has recently re-emerged with a sleek, New York luxe look, only eclipsed by its incredible new menu. The recipient for three consecutive years of the People’s Choice ‘Chef of the Year’ Award, owner and Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson along with Head Chef Youngkyu “YK” Reu, treat diners to the epitome of modern Australian and international cuisine perfection.
Where: The Oracle Boulevard, Shop 137/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Restaurant Labart
This Australian cuisine specialist offers a small, frequently changing menu showcasing the best seasonal, local produce – and we’re superfans. Delighting tastebuds with sophisticated and perfectly balanced flavours, everything from the warm rustic ambiance to the staff’s impeccable knowledge of every morsel they serve up, the experience is faultless. Do yourself a favour and opt for the wine pairing. It’s worth its weight in grapes.
Where: 2a/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Words by Bianca Trathen.