Warm up this winter next to an open fire.
Warm up this winter next to an open fire.
Winter is officially here on the Gold Coast and baby it’s cold outside. When the temperature drops for that hot minute you bet we’re making the most of soaking up the winter vibes, and nothing says winter like cosying up by the fireplace with a glass of red and some of the best food the Gold Coast has on offer. We’ve found the best Gold Coast restaurants with roaring fireplaces so you don’t have to try and flex your fire making skills at home – you’re welcome.
Cora has taken over the iconic Miss Moneypenny’s space—and yes, the fireplace still slaps. This Broadbeach beauty brings the heat with its coastal-meets-luxe vibes, Mediterranean-inspired menu, and a roaring fire that’ll make you want to cancel your next appointment and settle in till spring. Order a Peach Melba, sip on a Blazing Oasis cocktail, and let the flames (and the ambience) do the rest. Fire, food and fancy vibes? Cora’s got it glowing on.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub has been serving hearty Irish meals for over 30 years — a testament to their popularity amongst tourists and locals alike. While our winters are just a tad warmer than Ireland’s — ok, a lot warmer — we are still thankful they decided to bestow upon us a crackling, open fireplace to gather around over a Guinness or three. Take full advantage of their fireplace and book your Christmas in July for the full Euro-winter effect. We promise a fireside meal at D’Arcy Arms will soften the blow of missing out on that Euro trip.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It must be said, nothing else makes you feel as warm and fuzzy inside as a glass of wine next to an open fire, meaning The Wine Barrel in Mudgeeraba has seriously got its priorities in order. This tapas and wine bar is a family-owned and run hidden treasure, featuring some of the best tapas and share platters the Gold Coast has seen. So, grab a couple of mates and proceed to devour serious eats, next to the fireplace naturally…
Where: 8/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Ok, this one is in the name. Still, the fine-looking InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is home to a restaurant rightly named The Fireplace, and yes, you guessed it: it does indeed have an impressive fireplace within the dining room that is also used for cooking. But don’t just go for the roaring embers; the menu features locally sourced cuisine, a 300-strong wine library and a delightful wine-matched degustation. This is serious date night material, maybe even staying overnight wouldn’t be the worst idea you’ve ever had! There’s even a second fireplace located in the foyer at the Verandah Restaurant and Bar that you can cosy on up to with one of their 50 whiskies.
Where: Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
It’s a Gold Coast institution for good reason, nestled in Mudgeeraba is the colourful ‘roadhouse’ style Mexican joint Panchos. It’s been lovingly restored to its former glory by local couple Lachlan and Maddie (the geniuses who brought us Suzy BBQ and TOKOH), holding onto the iconic 80’s character but dishing up a 2023-approved Mexican feast. We’ve pretty much never met a margarita we didn’t like, but something about them tastes even better when there’s a roaring fireplace and live music to keep you snug and beat the Hinterland chill.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba
It might be in the heart of Surfers Paradise, but that doesn’t mean they’ve compromised on comfort and cosiness. Enjoy your dinner or date night out in the lantern lit courtyard or sneak a spot inside by the fireplace, either way the home of refined Persian food might just be one of our favourite Middle Eastern restaurants on the Gold Coast (big call, we know),
Nothing says winter warmer like authentic Persian food, and Shiraz celebrates its roots with authentic and flavour rich entrees and mains. The menu has a little something for everyone from traditional skewers to the richest slow cooked stews, as well as a generous range of vegetarian options. We’re all about warming up from the inside out.
Where: Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
If you haven’t been to Pasture & Co have you really been to Currumbin Valley? Local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients are the heroes on Pasture & Co’s menu, and it quite literally caters to everyone (and we mean EVERYONE’s) dietary preferences and cravings. Wholefoods are a hero but if you know a thing or two about coffee, the organic fair-trade brew will blow even the biggest coffee snob away.
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
If crackling fireplaces, cold mountain air and country pub charm are your thing, St Bernard’s Hotel is calling your name (probably from a vintage rotary phone). Perched on Tamborine Mountain, this cosy gem dishes up casual pub fare with a side of sweeping valley views, and yes, a toasty fireplace that’s perfect for warming your mitts between sips of mulled wine or a hearty red. Bonus: there’s a giant St Bernard dog on site. Need we say more?
Where: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain
Dreaming of a winter dining spot that’s all about ambiance? Tweed River House has you covered. Nestled in a century-old riverside manor, this venue offers chandeliers, pressed metal ceilings and stunning dining room, complete with an impressive open fireplace to set the perfect scene. Savour plates that showcase the finest produce of the Tweed region. During the cooler months, enjoy lunch on the heated river verandah, but come dinner time, it’s all about cozying up by the fire. This is the perfect spot for a long lunch or an intimate dinner, making it a must-visit destination this winter!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah NSW
The Paddock at Beechmont Estate is giving major cosy country manor energy, and the fireplace? Chef’s kiss. This chef-hatted gem serves up paddock-to-plate perfection, with seasonal dishes that spotlight the best of the Scenic Rim. Settle in by the fire with a glass of local red and let the mountain air, crackling logs and five-star flavours do the heavy lifting. It’s like a warm hug from the hinterland.
Where: 422 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski