Making it that little bit harder to concentrate on the menu.
Making it that little bit harder to concentrate on the menu.
As it turns out folks, the Gold Coast is quite the good-looking city. With all of our green mountains and beguiling beaches, you’d expect venues to be taking full advantage of the glorious vistas we have on show. And guess what — there certainly are!
We’ve taken a good look around our city and put together a list of the very best places you can eat with your eyes. These spots in our opinion have the most impressive views across the Coast: so, you can both enjoy tasty eats and marvel at some magical views.
Eagle Heights Mountain Resort
The view alone is certainly something to write home about. Make your way up Mount Tamborine and treat yourself to lunch at Eagle Heights Mountain Resort. They do an exceptional feast and frosty cold beers. Best of all though? You can enjoy stunning views of the entire Gold Coast from up there, past the skyline and out to the ocean. It simply doesn’t get much better.
Where: 1683 Tamborine Oxenford Road, Mt Tamborine
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
If your idea of a great eating experience is savouring delectable food whilst taking in a world-class view, then look no further. Part of the opulent and highly revered Marina Mirage complex, Glass is positioned perfectly to spoil your eyes with incredible views across the Main Beach Marina, Broadwater and beyond. (Providing the multi-million-dollar superyachts don’t get in your way!) Along with the incredible decor, the menu offers an array of culinary delights making it easy to see why so many celebrities have visited this restaurant in the past.
Where: Shop 27, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Surfers Pavilion
The newest venue to the Gold Coast’s dining and party scene is Surfers Pavilion in Surfers Paradise. Sitting pretty overlooking the Nerang River, nab yourself a spot on the deck and watch the boaties and jetskiers zoom past as you relax with a glass of frose or champagne and oysters. Their Sunday Sunset Sessions are already gaining momentum as the place to be to listen to some epic tunes and watch the sunset over the west.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Kurrawa SLSC
The recently revamped surf club in the heart of Broadbeach has long been loved for its laidback ocean side vibes — and the fact it’s found right on the sand with uninterrupted beach views — means it was a no-brainer to be added to our list. The kitchen does a great job of turning out some tasty eats, perfect for the family or just a relaxing Sunday arvo with your crew.
Where: Beachside, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Rick Shores
Obviously. You’re practically dining in the ocean at this Burleigh Heads gem. Found right on the sand, one can expect to be so close to the sea, you can smell it but with exceptional service and incredible food it certainly is a giant step above the local surf club. For us, it doesn’t get much better than dining (and drinking obviously) at Rick Shores. Their share plate menu is filled with absolute taste sensations and the cocktails are always pure perfection.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion
Located in the very same building as Rick Shores, Burleigh Pavilion is double the fun with a sit-down dining venue – The Tropic – on one side and a more casual dining slash drinking style area – The Terrace – on the other. The Pav, as it’s affectionally known, is a firm favourite amongst both locals and visitors due to the top-notch people-watching potential, plus it’s possibly one of the greatest views on our coast.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Las Palmas
Having only been open a matter of months this Palm Beach rooftop bar/eatery has already secured itself as an all-round revered place to visit. The wrap-around balcony and seating towards the back of the space are treated with extensive views of the beach. Turn the other way and you then find unhindered views out towards our gorgeous hinterland. We suggest you go by around magic hour and order yourself one of their amazing cocktails — and let the sky/ocean do their thing.
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
Makes sense that surf clubs have got the goods when it comes to highly rated views. Currumbin SLSC is perhaps the most iconic in our city, if not Australia. The vistas extend the entire coastline from Surfers to Tweed. Sitting right on the sand in one of our most sought-after suburbs with the ocean washing in underneath is quite special. Add to this great food, constant drinks specials and live music: Currumbin SLSC is the ace up your sleeve when you’re stuck thinking of somewhere to go.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Café dbar
It’s long been a favourite amongst locals and tourists, and quite frankly it’s not hard to see why. The two-storey space overlooking Duranbah Beach has a tucked-away loft space for eating in with views down the mesmerising Tweed Coast to Kingscliff. On-street level when the conditions are right — which they often are — you’ll witness some of the best surfers taking apart world-class waves just below you. Nature or surfing, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Words by Alex Mitcheson