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.
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
This Broadbeach beauty brings the heat with its coastal vibes, bistro menu, and a roaring fire that’ll make you want to cancel your next appointment and settle in till spring. Order some Charred King Prawns, sip on a Golden Hour Sour cocktail, and let the flames (and the ambience) do the rest. Fire, food and feel-good 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’s a Gold Coast institution for good reason, nestled in Mudgeeraba is the colourful ‘roadhouse’ style Mexican joint Hotel Panchos. It’s been lovingly restored to its former glory, holding onto the iconic 80’s character but dishing up a 2026-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 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
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
Winter's sweetest survival strategy.
When the Gold Coast temperature drops below “swim at your own risk” levels, it’s officially hot chocolate season. And thankfully, local cafés have us Sorted (capital S).
Powdered stuff? Forget it! We’re talking thick European-style drinking chocolate, torched marshmallows, fresh cream, strawberries, Coco Pops and enough melted chocolate to make Willy Wonka raise an eyebrow. Whether you’re chasing a cosy café catch-up, a post-beach warm-up, or simply looking for an excuse to consume chocolate before midday (a completely valid rationale), these Gold Coast spots are serving some serious winter decadence from North to South.
If your winter philosophy is more chocolate, less chill, Lindt has entered the chat. Their signature hot chocolates are the stuff cold-weather dreams are made of, crafted with premium Lindt chocolate and available in indulgent flavours including Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut and Salted Caramel. Coffee lovers can level up with a Lindt Mocha, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes things firmly into treat-yourself territory. Rich, velvety and unapologetically decadent, it’s the perfect excuse to warm up after a Harbour Town shopping spree.
Where: Harbour Town Premium Outlets, 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Served in their iconic hug mug (because apparently regular cups aren’t comforting enough), this rich, velvety hot chocolate is the ultimate winter indulgence. Thick, chocolatey and guaranteed to warm even the coldest Gold Coast morning, it’s best paired with one of their legendary chocolate desserts if you’re fully committing to the cause. Which, frankly, you should be.
Where: Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Churros and hot chocolate? Say less. Tower 28 is serving up a thick Brazilian-style hot chocolate alongside either classic churros or apple-filled churro bites (there’s no bad decision here), creating our ultimate winter combo.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Proof that Gelato Gemelli isn’t just a summer fling, their rich hot chocolate is giving main character energy all winter long. Velvety, decadent and unapologetically chocolatey, it’s topped with a flame-torched marshmallow that slowly melts into the cup, creating the kind of cosy chaos we fully support. Whether you’re escaping a chilly sea breeze or simply looking for an excuse to indulge, this is one winter warmer that’s worth leaving the house for.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Made with real melted chocolate and topped with a soft, silky and house-made torched marshmallow, Paddock’s signature hot chocolate has built a loyal following over winter for good reason. It’s rich, indulgent and worth the inevitable marshmallow moustache.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Straight from a Parisian daydream, Choubidou’s Parisienne Hot Chocolate arrives at your table surrounded by fresh strawberries and accompanied by a silver coupe of thick whipped cream. Très chic. It’s part hot chocolate, part chocolate fondue moment. Needless to say, we’re ordering seconds.
Where: 2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
When the temperature drops, Tarte’s iconic Parisian Hot Chocolate returns. And yes, we do have a countdown on our phones dedicated to this specific event. Made with triple-melted French mixed chocolate (plus a few other secret ingredients) and topped with a flame-torched house-made marshmallow– we recommend one a day to get you through winter. Grab a croissant on the side and lean all the way into the French affair.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1, 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
For something a little different, Palm Beach’s ’94 Café has introduced a Sea Salt Hot Chocolate topped with Coco Pops. Our childhood selves would be drooling. Actually, who are we kidding? Our adult selves are, too. Sweet, salty and nostalgic all at once, it’s a playful twist on the classic winter favourite.
Where: 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Prefer your hot chocolate the old-fashioned way? Or, chocolat chaud à l’ancienne, as the French say. You’ve come to the right place. This rich, velvety cup of pure French melted chocolate is made to order, served with fresh cream, and technically made for two. We like every part of that sentence except the last bit…there’s no ‘we’ in melted chocolate, only ‘me’, darling.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Lobby didn’t spend two months perfecting its Belgian Hot Chocolate for nothing. Made with real dark chocolate, cream, and cocoa topped with a toasted marshmallow, this thick European-style beauty is giving hot choc by the fire, snowy-chalet vibes, and we want it all. They have done us dirty, though and made it a limited-time offer! Oh well, just means we have to get in quick and multiple times a day while it lasts.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Scenic drives, exceptional dishes.
Every January, the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) bestows its much-anticipated Chef Hat Awards, aka the foodie holy grail. For hardcore dining devotees, it’s a bit like Christmas morning, only with better smells and no awkward socks. Think of this as our cheat sheet for working your way, hungry-caterpillar style, around the most esteemed and decorated local destinations.
Our Northern Rivers neighbours are doing their thing, but this year we’re also adding South East QLD country into the mix – because why limit your appetite?
Whether it’s hinterland hideaways or mountain-top marvels, these spots all earned a Chef Hat score of 13 or above, making them prime candidates for your next road trip. Here are 16 of this year’s most road trip-worthy restaurants:
Founded by former Paper Daisy chef, Pipit owner Ben Devlin (alongside his wife Yen Trinh) is no stranger to the art of crafting exquisite eats – nor has he pulled any punches when it comes to his first solo venture. And AGFG clearly agrees, with Pottsville’s Coronation Avenue darling taking out the coveted top spot among this year’s most noteworthy Northern Rivers Hat recipients. They stand as the highest-ranked NSW regional restaurant outside of Sydney.
Pipit’s superb score of 16/20 propels them to pole position on our day trip priority list and also, according to the AGFG, ‘ worth a detour’ designation.
Set aside a few hours and treat yourself to the revelatory set menu dining experience, a curated sequence of flavours, textures and ideas spanning over several hours, one which Ben likens to ‘a day trip around the Northern Rivers’ in and of itself.
Where: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville
Byron Bay institution, Raes on Wategos scored an impressive 15/20. Headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby, the restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence deemed ‘Quite Out of the Ordinary’ by AGFG – we wholeheartedly agree.
The chic boutique retreat, an icon set amongst Byron’s idyllic beaches, delivers a fine-dining experience in its Dining Room, headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby. A culinary showcase of the region, curated with Mediterranean influences, the menu offers Caviar service, 3-course à la carte and Tasting Menu options.
A word of warning, though – after tasting dishes like Lamb Blackstrap in black garlic, lamb fat & anchovy salsa, Glazed Northern Rivers Duck, and the MacAffogato dessert, a coconut and roast macadamia sorbet topped with macadamia crumb, Brookie’s Mac liqueur and espresso, you might want to move in.
Where: 6 – 8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
Murwillumbah’s aptly named Tweed River House, perched just a stone’s throw from its banks, also scored a hat – earning a rating of 14 for its gastronomic bistro and bar experience. Shout out to master chef Dayron Perugorria.
The venue, housed in a spruced-up, century-old colonial-style mansion, offers a panoramic river view, wraparound verandas, and elevated eats to match.
The luxurious and immaculately appointed interiors alone make it worth filling your tank. Still, decadent dishes like Lobster agnolotti with vin jaune and wild vanilla sauce, Beef tartare with brioche and crème fraîche and the Peach dessert made with poached peach, almond dacquoise, peach mousse and almond praline certainly sweeten the deal.
Where: 131 River St, South Murwillumbah
Another noshery deemed one of the best in the Northern Rivers Restaurant category is Murwillumbah’s Bistro Livi, scoring the prestigious hat with a total of 14.
A short 30km trek from Cooly and one of the fresher faces among its culinary cohort – if you’re yet to be acquainted with Livi, it’s an easy one to tick off the list when you’re looking for a low effort adventure snap you out of the Sunday lazies (or scaries).
Tucked within the arts precinct of the tight-knit Murbah community, the European-inspired venue radiates romance with rustic textures and an inviting, intimate ambience, while Spanish influences inform the menu. It’s certainly not just the AGFG critics that this regional gem has succeeded in winning over… #swoon.
Where: 1A 1-3 Brisbane St, Murwillumbah
This Possum Creek gem scored 13, shocking absolutely no one who’s ever eaten there. Set in a literal old-school setting (the former O’Possum Creek Public School), it pairs Southern European flavours with Byron hinterland charm.
Soak up garden views through airy white windows as you dive into fresh oysters or Burrata with Tuscan tomato salsa, breadcrumbs and basil oil. For mains, expect delights such as Black Angus brisket ragú with horseradish gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano, and Australian bay lobster with chilli, garlic, confit cherry tomatoes, zucchini and crustacean bisque.
Rustic, refined, and ridiculously good, this is one lesson in good taste you won’t want to skip.
Where: 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek
If long, lazy farm lunches are your vibe, Frida’s Field is a must. Set on 120 dreamy acres just outside Bangalow, this paddock-to-plate gem dishes up a seasonal feast that scored 13/20. Award-winning chef Alastair Waddell lets Northern Rivers produce shine with a modern Australian menu that changes every six weeks – think wood-fired meats, farm-fresh veggies and big, bold flavours.
With only three long lunches a week (Friday to Sunday), this is a slow-food experience in every sense – one sitting per service, plenty of time to sip, savour, and soak up the Byron hinterland views. Whether you go omnivore or veg, you’re in for a next-level spread that might just ruin you for regular dining forever.
Where: 76 Booyong Road, Nashua
Capitalizing on Carool’s sweeping valley views, Potager – A Kitchen Garden has long been a favourite destination among locals and discerning visitors. The charming nosher is also somewhat of a teacher’s pet, earning a score of 13 for its Modern Australian style eats in this year’s Chef Hat Awards – along with a near-perfect 4.8 score on Google, might we add… and honestly, we’re not sure which is harder to pull off.
Set on a small 10-acre farm, the seasonal menu is informed by locally sourced produce, much of which is grown on the property. Dishes like the heirloom tomato with Byron Bay mozzarella are a testament to the community-minded culinary experience, while the fish stew with focaccia and zeta’s coffee and dark chocolate mousse gets a mention, because #yum
Where: 502 Carool Rd, Carool
Byron Bay’s Dorsia has quietly earned itself a well-deserved nod with a solid 13, cementing its place as one of the region’s most exciting dining destinations. Sitting along Jonson Street, this intimate, mood-driven restaurant delivers a polished yet approachable take on modern fine dining – the kind that feels special, but never stuffy.
Guests can choose between a thoughtfully curated two-course or three-course menu, dive all in with the chef’s tasting menu, or kick things off with elegant snacks and a luxe caviar experience. Early standouts include the pillowy Parker roll with Noosa black garlic and the indulgent dry-aged duck cigar. Mains deliver more exquisite dishes like Murray cod paired with pickled green mango and coconut, or the show-stopping Cape Grim sirloin with burnt carrot and puffed grains. Dessert is a must, with Valrhona dark chocolate and malted milk that leaves you wanting to order round two.
Where: 109 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Halcyon House’s beloved Paper Daisy, of course, also earned itself a nod, with an honourable 13. The esteemed and elegant eatery, sitting pretty against Cabarita Beach’s stunning shores, is not just reserved for sandy-footed in-house guests.
We’re all invited to see what the fuss is about, courtesy of the bar, open from 3pm, or for dinner. Led by Andrew Milford, the kitchen shoots for ‘sophisticated simplicity’, where you can expect to delight in inventive and delectable dishes like Spanish anchovies and gremolata on toast with guindillas and coconut-crumbed king prawns, green mango and herb salad alongside an award-winning wine menu.
We’d recommend packing your appetite (and your towel, because, y’know, Caba #phwoar).
Where: 21 Cypress Cres, Cabarita Beach
Brunswick Heads’ River – Wild at Heart has quickly carved out a name for itself after opening less than a year ago. Sitting pretty on Mullumbimby Street, this intimate dining destination is a creation by Scottish-born chef and former welder (yes, really) Michael Lee, serving small plates that change and adapt to what’s growing and what’s caught.
Standout starters include the Lismore wild shot venison tataki made with Blueberry Fields ponzu, radish, charred and crispy shallots and the bay lobster with smoked garlic, lobster coral butter and lemon. For the main, the soltera rum-glazed smoked corn short rib and the local line-caught market fish. Finish with Piña colada made with soltera rum, sumac caramel and coconut aquafaba and you may call it the best meal of your life.
Where: 2/26 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads
For a long, leisurely meal in a ridiculously scenic spot, Shelter is the move. With a score of 13, an award-winning wine list, and bi-fold windows framing 7 Mile Beach, it’s got everything going for it – top-tier food, service, and views.
From sunrise to sunset, they’re serving up seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced goodness. Kick off your morning with green chilli scrambled eggs with avocado and roti, or swing by later for gems like local sashimi with watermelon verjus, gochugaru salt, grapes and finger lime, followed by their daily beef cut with chilli crunch, katsuobushi cream, black sesame. Don’t leave without trying the beetroot mousse with lavender, pine nuts and almond panna cotta rhubarb consommé. Trust us.
Where: 41 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head
Perched on Byron Bay’s Jonson Lane, Bar Heather transports its diners to the charm of Paris or New York – at least that’s what it feels like. They lead with an exquisite selection of natural wine, followed by an equally impressive menu, so clearly designed to torture and tantalize you into returning time and time again. It’s no surprise that they, too, were awarded a 13/20.
You must try their snapper with tomato cream and cucumber and the lamb skewer with roasted chilli and roti. And, of course, no trip to Bar Heather is complete without sampling a selection from their wine list. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay
High on a mountain, with clouds drifting past your table and the Great Dividing Range as your backdrop, The Peak is where Modern Australian cuisine meets luxury without fuss. AGFG scored it 15/20, enough to make this Scenic Rim gem a must-visit.
The tasting menu is a culinary journey across Australia: cured kangaroo, dry-aged duck, Kangaroo Island marron and more, all paired with wines that could start their own conversation. With comfy furnishings, an open stone fireplace and an outdoor terrace that’s practically begging for a lingering lunch, The Peak turns a meal into a full-on experience.
Road trips are better with views like this, and food this ambitious.
Where: 1 Wilkinson Road, Maryvale
At Homage, the clue really is in the name. This refined paddock-to-plate powerhouse at Spicers Hidden Vale celebrates the farmers, producers and fertile lands of the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley with flair.
Scoring a solid 14/20 from AGFG, Homage is officially ‘worth a detour’ and then some. The menu champions local ingredients with dishes that feel both elegant and deeply connected to place, whether that’s Murray cod with finger lime and macadamia cream, pork belly with Kalbar carrot and nduja or heritage rooster elevated into something truly special.
It’s fine dining with heart, where every plate tells a story and every ingredient earns its spot.
Where: Spicers Hidden Vale, 617 Grandchester–Mt Mort Road, Grandchester
Boonah’s Blume is a restaurant that feels like it’s been quietly waiting for you. Inspired by the town’s original name, Blumbergville, this 14/20 AGFG-hatted spot focuses on the principle of ‘time and place’. Only the freshest local ingredients make it to the table.
The ever-evolving set menu is packed with clever touches: rainbow trout with finger lime, Brisbane Valley quail with fig leaf and exotic pepper, or sweet cheese ice cream with apricot and almond praline. Every course reflects the region, the season, and the care of the people behind it.
Where: 5 Church Street, Boonah
In the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, The Paddock is a spacious, sunlit spot celebrating simple, honest food. AGFG awarded it 13/20 for its unpretentious approach to paddock-to-plate dining.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame sweeping Hinterland views while the menu champions local produce, from roast duck with spiced carrot purée to fire-grilled vegetables and Wagyu rump cap. Cooking over an open flame, the dishes are rustic yet refined, the kind that make a long drive feel completely worth it.
If you’re chasing fresh air, great food and a true Hinterland vibe, The Paddock delivers in spades.
Where: 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont
Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons
Everything old is new again at this picturesque Murwillumbah dining destination.
Every once in a while, you stumble across a bona fide triple threat.
We’re talking phenomenal food, an impeccably styled space, a truly unparalleled location, and old-world hospitality. Wait, that’s 4 things, which means this place is so off-the-charts spesh, that it actually qualifies as a quadruple threat! Ladies and gentlemen, please take a bow for the majestic Tweed River House.
From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist.
Restaurant owner / interior designer Gregory Lording has impeccably styled every inch of this space. From the patterned pressed metal ceilings in the main dining room, to the magnificent chandelier in the 10-seater private dining room, all the way to the wall art and décor choices. It’s also impossible to not mention the tranquility of the Tweed River, and panoramic views of the lush cane fields and mountain ranges. Bundle this all together and you get a truly unforgettable trip to Tweed River House.
Now let’s get to the food because let’s be honest, it’s kinda (really really) important to get this part right in making this a showstopping location. And folks, we are proud to report they nail it.
They offer mouth-watering French-style cuisine so delicious that they’ve been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide. Their curated menu is hand-selected by Head Chef Joseph McGrattan showcasing only the best of each season’s produce; from the region’s fertile farmlands, riverways and ocean. Now you’re talking!
Once you’ve sampled their signature cocktail the Le Bleu, with ink gin, violet liqueur, orange syrup, lemon and whites (drooling over here), it’s time to peruse the menu.
You’re spoilt for choice between their two, three or five-course menus. Or perhaps you should up the ante with their degustation menu served exclusively in the chandelier private dining room.
If you prefer your choice of meals, we suggest to start the Jake Hill Rabbit Terrine, with confit rabbit and fair game chorizo terrine, leek, citrus rhubarb, hazelnuts, bush tomato gel and tarragon mayo. Then, move your way into the Bouillabaisse with Australian bay prawn, scallop, local octopus, chargrilled fish, mussels, cuttlefish, vegetables, house bread and rouille. Or, perhaps the McAuley’s Road Beef is more to your liking, with pink rump, with smoked mash, daube croquette, sautéed urliup mushrooms, bordelaise and pickled carrot.
And it’s safe to say dining out just isn’t complete without the icing on the cake – dessert. So, we suggest you treat yourself to the Native Citrus, with native citrus lemon aspen and honey cake, aspen ice cream, rum and finger lime cream cheese mousse and gingerbread crumble. Talk about finishing things off on a sweet note! We are sooo here for this.
For a relaxed yet contemporary culinary experience in a setting that captures the stuff dreams are made of, you know where to go.
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah NSW
When: Lunch – Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm. Dinner – Friday & Saturday, 5.30pm to 8pm.
Words by Bianca Trathen
