Locals can’t quit and tourists keep coming back.
Locals can’t quit and tourists keep coming back.
The Gold Coast dining scene moves fast. One minute there’s a shiny new rooftop bar, the next it’s a 14-course degustation everyone’s talking about. But tucked between the newcomers are a handful of restaurants that have stood the test of time.
You know the ones. The places where birthdays have been celebrated for decades, where your parents had date night before you did, and where the staff might even remember your usual order.
From old-school Italian to legendary steakhouses, here are some of the Gold Coast restaurants locals keep coming back to.
Few places say classic Gold Coast dining quite like George’s Paragon. What began as a beloved seafood restaurant has grown into a small local group, but the formula hasn’t changed: waterfront views, generous portions and all the seafood classics.
Expect oysters, garlic prawns, barramundi and big seafood platters, plus steaks for anyone leaning more surf-and-turf.
Where: 46 The Prom, Hope Island, Level 1/72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, 1705 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads, 141 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
If carbs were a love language, Alfresco Italian Restaurant would be fluent. A Surfers staple for decades, this is the kind of place where dinner stretches long into the night, with pasta twirling, wine flowing and conversations lingering.
Founded by Tony and Silvana Velardo after moving to Australia from Italy in the early ’80s, Alfresco grew from a humble pizza shop into a Gold Coast favourite. Today, the Velardo family legacy continues with Raff and Natalie, keeping the hospitality warm and the pasta plentiful.
Where: 3018 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
If Gold Coast restaurants had iconic landmarks, Chiangmai Thai would be right up there, with its purple signage that locals could probably spot from space. The story began in 1993, when Michael and Nopporn Theravanish opened their first restaurant at Nobby Beach, before relocating to Broadbeach, opposite Cascade Gardens, and later expanding to Surfers Paradise.
Think fragrant Pad Thai, rich Massaman curry, spicy Green curry and the always comforting Tom Yum Prawn soup. Safe to say Chiangmai Thai has more regulars than most gyms in January.
Where: 2779 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and 5-19 Palm Avenue (Inside Mantra Crown Towers Resort) Surfers Paradise
When it comes to steak on the Gold Coast, Cav’s Steakhouse has been setting the standard since 1984. Owned by Richard Cavill, great-grandson of Gold Coast pioneer James Freeman Cavill, the restaurant combines family hospitality with seriously good steak.
Think 45–60 day aged Black Angus cuts, hickory-smoked pork ribs, fresh seafood and all the classic steakhouse extras. Finish strong with desserts like Valrhona chocolate pudding or pavlova.
Where: 6 Bayview St, Runaway Bay
Before tacos were trendy and margaritas were mandatory, Montezuma’s was already bringing Mexican flavours to the Gold Coast. Opening in 1978, it has a fiercely loyal fan base who keep coming back for the large portions and excellent value.
The menu is packed with all the classics: enchiladas, burritos, tacos and sizzling fajitas. Some traditions are simply too good to mess with.
Where: 62 Frank St, Labrador
Before Broadbeach became the dining hotspot it is today, Valentino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria was already feeding hungry locals. The Covino family story began in 1952 when Alfonso and Carmelina left Naples for Australia, eventually bringing their love of traditional Italian cooking to the Coast
Expect authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients, from seafood and veal mains to wood-fired pizzas and comforting pastas. And yes, the garlic focaccia absolutely deserves its own fan club.
Where: 29a Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Walking into Mike’s Kitchen is a bit like stepping into a time capsule… one filled with flame-grilled ribs, juicy steaks and very happy diners. Established in Merrimac in the 1970s, this legendary restaurant built its reputation on hearty portions and rustic charm.
The menu leans unapologetically indulgent, from schnitzels and burgers to pork ribs and South African-inspired dishes. If comfort food had a headquarters on the Gold Coast, it might just be here.
Where: 2 Gooding Dr, Merrimac
If neighbourhood Italian restaurants were an Olympic sport, Romana’s at Mermaid Beach would be going for gold. This long-running favourite has been serving home-style Italian classics since 1984.
Pizzas, pastas, seafood and parmigiana all feature heavily, and the cosy, welcoming atmosphere is part of the charm.
Where: 2233 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Another Broadbeach stalwart, George’s Steak & Seafood has been welcoming diners since the late 1980s. Run by the Covino family (also behind Romana’s and Valentino’s), it’s a true local family affair. With George now running the restaurant alongside his sons Alfonso and Emilio, it remains a true family affair.
The menu is packed with reliable favourites: oysters, steaks, pastas and hearty Italian-inspired mains.
Where: Shop 1/27b Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Located along the Mermaid Beach strip on the Gold Coast Highway, Itoshin has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine since 1988, continuing a legacy that began in Kyoto in 1977.
Take a seat at the sushi bar to watch chefs craft delicate slices of fresh fish, or explore the menu’s sashimi, tempura, hot pots and Aburi nigiri. Don’t skip dessert either, the tempura ice cream and crème caramel are worth the extra room.
Where: 2484 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Since opening in 1989, Mario’s has become one of Broadbeach’s most recognisable Italian restaurants. Generations of locals and holidaymakers have come for the lively atmosphere and classic dishes.
From spaghetti marinara to crispy tomato-based pizzas, Mario’s delivers the kind of Italian comfort food that never goes out of style.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Shop G48-52 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Think you’ve been there, Thai’d that?
When you think about it – what is there not to love about Thai food? It’s fairly healthy, extremely delicious, group friendly and not to mention, the perfect accompaniment for that hard-earned night of Netflix on the couch.
We all know finding ourselves on a deserted beach in Thailand is not going to happen anytime soon. And yes, we’re fairly upset about that too. So why not experience the next best thing?
As Autumn has arrived this week, we suggest you get yourself cosy at home or venture out and treat yourself to some of the tastiest Thai flavours from one of these epic Gold Coast Thai restaurants.
Chong Co Thai
It’s hard to believe you’re inside a shopping centre when dining at Pacific Fair’s upstairs food court (you could even bring your Tinder date here). It’s the epitome of a sweet little Thai restaurant you just have to visit. They offer all the classics which will surely fill you up whether it’s for your monthly bestie-catch up or for a quick meal before catching a movie at the cinema.
Where: Pacific Fair, Broadbeach
House of Siam
You know the saying – location, location, location! House of Siam in Hope Island is right on the marina and overlooks the pier and million-dollar yachts, offering a great atmosphere accompanied by oh-so-delicious food. You might want to reconsider getting takeaway from here since the ambience of the restaurant is half the experience!
Where: Marina Shopping Village, 5 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
While not a Thai restaurant per se, Mamasan’s incredibly indulgent menu includes some Thai specialities you need to try ASAP. For example, the Oysters with Thai green chilli, nam jim and finger lime followed by the Thai Chilli Jam Prawns with kaffir lime, dehydrated pineapple and cucumber ribbons. Be sure to finish things off with the Ginger and Lemongrass Cheesecake with kaffir lime, mango and Asian crisps. You’ll surely ‘thai and go to heaven’ (sorry).
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Little Malaya Tweed Heads
Don’t let the name deceive you. In addition to the traditional Malaysian cuisine, you will find an array of Asian signature dishes including Thai! We’re big fans of the Tom Yum soups and Pad Thai, but while you’re there, give the Coffee Pork Ribs a try, two of our great loves combined.
Where: 32 Bay Street, Tweed Heads
Basil Thai
Tucked away along Nobby’s cute little food strip is Basil Thai, a cosy, no fuss Thai restaurant bringing you everything you’d expect from your local! The portions are huge, so it’s a great place to take your friends and share a couple of dishes. They’re also BYO and have takeaway options – what more could you ask for?
Where: 2243 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Nahm Thai
This is the contemporary styled Thai restaurant you just have to visit in Coomera. With gorgeous aesthetics and jaw-dropping food, the flavours and authenticity here are truly a one-off. Offering set menus for couples and families means you can relax and know Nahm Thai is going to deliver nothing short of a taste sensation. The soft-shell crab Papaya salad is likely to blow your mind.
Where: Shop R001 Westfield Coomera, 109 Foxwell Road, Coomera
Zabisan
It’s annoying, but it’s always a good sign when you can’t score yourself a table at a restaurant on a quiet weekday night. So, be sure to book ahead when you decide to pop in at Zabisan on the Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh. They bring you the best dishes North Thailand has to offer, but be warned, they can be a little bit spicy! We highly recommend the Pineapple Chicken Curry, eat in or take away!
Where: 1742 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Oz Thai
It’s safe to say the cat’s out of the bag when it comes to this Palm Beach favourite. Cherished by locals, Oz Thai serves up simple but delicious Thai food at very reasonable prices. All your favourite dishes are on offer but keep your eyes open as there are often unique specials you won’t want to miss.
Where: 1/1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Sunshine Thai Restaurant
Sunshine Thai Restaurant in Coolangatta has been serving up stellar Thai food for over 16 years. Their philosophy is to create authentic flavours using only the freshest Australian sourced produce — and we love everything about it! Offering all your favourite Thai food classics and then some.
Where: 152 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Chiangmai
Found in a prime position on the Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach, Chiangmai Thai is a much-loved spot amongst the locals. The chefs here really know how to create the perfect balance between sweet, sour and spicy – so expect only the best. And if you’re feeling spoilt for choice and can’t decide what to get, try the Massaman Beef Curry (trust us on this one).
Where: 2779 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach and second restaurant located at 5-19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise
CocoHut Taste of Thailand
Serving up rich, full flavours, CocoHut’s menu features mouth-watering starters and main dishes that’ll tickle those Thai-loving tastebuds. A must-try is the Coco Tomyum Soup and Noodle, made from fresh ingredients including lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice and fresh chilli that all combine to create a healthy and soothing broth that is so very tasty. Who said healthy and tasty was an impossible feat?
Where: 3114 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Thai I Am
Situated at Miami One Shopping Centre, this is a team favourite for us here at Inside Gold Coast. Mostly a takeaway spot (they do have a couple of tables to eat in), these guys serve up authentic Thai dishes with beaming smiles — after all, they do say Thailand is the land of a thousand smiles! Stuck for lunch? There’s a daily lunch-special menu available from 12pm – 3pm too.
Where: Miami One Shopping Centre, Miami
Words by Alex Mitcheson
From north to south, we’ve got you (and the kids) covered.
At some point during the week (usually Monday for us) you get sick of preparing meals, decide to throw in the tea towel, round up the rugrats and head to one of our fine establishments so they can handle that exhausting little song-and-dance. Only to be faced with a whole new issue – the prospect of taking the munchkins out for munches #cuepanic
To save you the ‘find-something-everyone-can-eat-without-too-many-tears’ struggle entirely – we’ve collected our very favourite purveyors of good vibes, welcoming atmospheres and of course, bulk ice cream and chippies.
So without further ado, here is a list of family-friendly Gold Coast restaurants to treat you and your cherubs to some chow, so you can have a reprieve from slaving over the stove for a night.
From north to south.
The Wattle Hotel
A hidden gem in Upper Coomera, The Wattle Hotel is the perfect playground for parents and kiddies. The adult menu is filled with all your fave pub-style dishes while the littlies menu has all their favourites for $12 bucks including a drink and dixie cup – a bargain and a half, especially when you consider the inbuilt perk of those blissful sounds of serenity (the kind only a Cheeseburger could buy). 10/10 kids also agree the whopper playground is the bees knees (ok, so that stat is more of an educated guess, we hope you can let it ‘slide’…) Gather the kiddies and get down and see for yourself.
Where: 1 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera
Coomera Lodge Hotel
If riverside hangs and room to roam are high on your priority list, Coomera Lodge Hotel delivers. With an expansive open-air beer garden overlooking the Coomera River and an undercover pavilion for all-weather hangs, it’s an easy yes for families. The menu covers all the pub classics, while the real win for parents is the rotating kids’ fun, including a petting zoo and school holiday activities that keep little hands busy while you settle in.
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford
Hope Island Tavern
Sunny days, good vibes and an epic playground? Say less. Hope Island Tavern is a go-to for families thanks to its sprawling beer garden and kid-approved play area that keeps them entertained while you dig into wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood or even a cheeky gelato. The kids’ menu is stacked (think battered fish, nuggets, spaghetti bolognese, and even a health bowl), and their Sunday Funday lineup offers even more reason to linger from 12pm.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Dublin Docks Tavern
Set right on the water at Harbour Town, Dublin Docks Tavern brings relaxed family dining with a side of Irish charm. The spacious family bistro dishes up all your pub favourites- think steaks, seafood and hearty classics- alongside a kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy. Bonus points for being pet-friendly, so even the fur babies can get in on the outing.
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Biggera Waters
Charis Seafoods
Found in Harley Park, Labrador, Charis Seafoods offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a sweet view to boot. Enjoy your fish and chips by the Broadwater while the kids play in the park or swim in the lagoon. There’s a huge variety of seafood on offer, and everything is of the freshest and highest quality. This Gold Coast icon is also renowned for its pelican feeding at 1:30pm daily, where close to a hundred pelicans gather for their special feed of fish!
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador
Historic Rivermill
Less of a restaurant, more full-blown adventure day – Historic Rivermill might be an overachiever, but we promise you, a meal at this beaut spot will delight you and your little people. The outlook from the cafe is breathtaking with views to the bushland beyond and plenty of space, including a cute ‘lil playground, for the kids to explore. This pretty riverside spot boasts its own petting zoo, so the animal encounters are a must-do for the munchkins. Feed the turtles and alpacas, or even go on a horse ride! Don’t sweat it when your little people grow peckish, of course, the cafe boasts plenty of yummy goodies for the human folk too. Including coffee, which we absolutely will require after herding the critters (we’ll let you decide which we’re referring to). Do yourself a favour and take a drive out there with the whole family.
Where: 950 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Mt Nathan
Southport Sharks
For families, Frenzy’s buffet is the go-to – especially for the mini salad dodgers. Pair it with the Wobbygones Kids Club (rock climbing wall, mini basketball and theatrette), plus the LOL Crew Kids Show on Sundays from 5–7pm, and you’ve got them sorted as the small ones frolic under supervision, and you kick back with a frosty beverage. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet and à la carte options. Even better, kids eat free at Monday dinner and Saturday breakfast buffets with a paying adult, and score a half-price buffet with every full-paying adult on Sundays!
Where: Olsen Ave and Musgrave Ave, Southport
Mermaid Waters Hotel
When it comes to keeping kids entertained, Mermaid Waters Hotel has thought of everything. With both indoor and outdoor play areas- including a playground and a playroom with PlayStations- it’s a dream scenario for parents wanting a moment of peace (#guiltfree). Pair that with a dedicated kids menu (it’s an epic adventure within itself) and a solid lineup of adult options, and you’ve got a spot that ticks all the boxes for an easy family outing.
Where: Cnr Markeri & Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Surf clubs are family-friendly by principle, but the Mermaid Beach Surf Club in particular has got the goods in the form of a playroom (with a jungle gym and TV) that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Some of us here have been in there and can attest that it’s a good time. Of course, they have lots of child-friendly menu options on their Nippers Menu, which include a FREE Zooper Dooper or vanilla ice cream, AND on Monday nights, kids eat free with any main meal purchased. How good.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Tavern
These days, Tavs, Pavs and Clubs have well and truly ditched their old-school beer dungeon rep — and Exhibit A is Mermaid Beach Tavern. Easy on the eyes, spacious, and serving up classic pub eats the whole family will love. Speaking of, you can feed the family (of four) dinner on a Thursday for $70 from 5:30pm. Now that’s an offer that one (one tired parent at the back end of the week) simply couldnt pass up! Putt wait, there’s more… Play a round of mini golf next door at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach, then present your voucher at the bistro to score an $18 adult meal or $10 kids meal for lunch or dinner — the perfect combo for a family outing, date night or catch-up with friends.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Miami Marketta
Another, ‘less of a restaurant’ venue, Miami Marketta is more a market-style dining situation, which is ideal when ‘relaxed eats’ is kind of the whole objective when we’re talking about feeding the oft-rambunctious rugrats. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with food stalls and (often) live music, kids absolutely adore running around, dancing, and eating all the things. Same. There’s a ridiculous array of next-level desserts and a bar, so that’s pretty much all your bases covered, we think. Always a fun time.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Hotel CBD
Varsity Lakes’ Hotel CBD is basically a one-stop shop for family nights out. There’s an indoor playground and a dedicated kids’ room to keep the little ones busy, plus regular entertainment, including Saturday night activities and school holiday fun. Add in perks like 50% off kids’ meals on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursday movie nights with free popcorn, and a $45 family pizza night, and you’ve got yourself a very solid midweek solution.
Where: 15/21 Lake St, Varsity Lakes
Burleigh Town Hotel
We Gold Coasters do love a good all-rounder, and this spot delivers with a slick and spacious layout – it’s a firm favourite with locals (the top-notch steaks don’t hurt either), especially parents. The sprawling set-up is a win for families, with a modern bistro, two fully serviced bars and an epic playground where the kids can roam while you settle in. From woodfired pizzas to easy crowd-pleasing bites, the menu keeps even the pickiest eaters happy- we’re looking at you, kids. There’s also a dedicated Kids Club to keep the little ones entertained (think face painting, balloon and slime making and petting zoos), and even better, kids eat free with any main meal every Monday. This is livin’.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Currumbin RSL
Sitting pretty (and we do mean pretty- she’s not your average RSL, she’s a cool RSL) right on the banks of Currumbin’s beloved creek, families flock here in droves. Whether it’s the dreamy waterfront outlook or the lineup of modern, crowd-pleasing eats is up for debate (though the ice-cold beers certainly help). Upgrade things for the little ones with a soft drink and a single scoop of ice cream with any kids’ meal. Even better, kids eat free on Mondays with any main purchase, and the menu is fit for a small king — think la bambino pizza, tempura chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, linguine bolognese or battered flathead. Don’t worry, grown-ups, you’re well covered too. Add in a fully fenced park right next door, and you’ve got yourself a very easy win.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Club Banora
Just five minutes south of Twin Towns, Club Banora is a full-blown family playground disguised as a dining spot. The outdoor Kids Zone is packed with architect-designed play equipment, mini golf, table tennis and more – aka, hours of entertainment sorted. Meanwhile, the bistro serves up all the crowd-pleasers, with kids’ meals (hello cheeseburgers, nuggets and fish bites) coming with a free ice cream. Easy win.
Where: Leisure Drive, Banora Point, New South Wales
There you have it ,folks, from playgrounds to pelicans and nuggets to next-level pub feeds, the Gold Coast is packed with family-friendly spots that make dining out with the kids way less chaotic (and way more fun). Click here for Surfers Paradise family-friendly restaurants with the ultimate seal of approval: the kids themselves.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
