Making midday eats great again.
Making midday eats great again.
Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.
And we don’t know what it is but for some reason a cheap feed just tastes better… Maybe it’s the cost of living talking or maybe, we’re just a sucker for a bargain. Whether you’ve given up the will to meal prep (guilty) or you’re looking for a boozy long lunch to kick the weekend off (Friday counts as the weekend, right?) we’ve discovered that the Gold Coast is not afraid of a sweet deal – thanks a lunch for that!
The thing is, long lunches and us go together like cheese and pizza so we’ve done the hard – and hungry – work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!
BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar
If you have already checked out one of the Oracle’s newest kids on the block then let us give you a reason to. Blowfish has launched their new midday dining experience with two delicious courses for $69. Get your pick of an entrée and main, or main and dessert if you’re guilty of being a sweet tooth like us. You’ll find a bunch of Blowfish faves like fresh oysters, Moreton Bay Bug rolls and Whole Black Sole gracing the menu from the sea, and for the land lovers the steak tasting board has your name written all over it.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
El Ranchero
El Ranchero has the perfect offering to ring in the weekend. And yes, lunchtime Friday is the start of the weekend as far as we’re concerned, because all emails received on a Friday afternoon, are absolutely next week’s problem. The aptly named Frothy Friday’s include $5 beers and $1 wings specials from midday, with a DJ spinning tunes from 5pm so you can get that good times rolling. El Ranchero has welcomed brand spanking new truck ‘Let’s Get Toasted’ by experienced local foodie Marc Nickalls. This fun little van is full of delicious one handed bites, perfect for kicking off the weekend.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
Kin
Spice up the ol’ sushi lunch date with a Pan-Asian moment at Kin, giving you a fresh twist of classic Japanese cuisine. Get the chargrilled salmon, bug bao, salmon sashimi or some other goodies for $25pp, along with a complimentary glass of beer, wine, bubbles or a Grey Goose Spritzer and at this point you’re just losing money not going. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they’ve got happy hour for not just one hour, but five, with specials running from 12-5pm. We’ll cheers to that.
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Mozza Mozza
Experts agree the Weekend Bottomless Disco Brunch at Mozza Mozza is one surefire way to bring that weekend vibes (it’s us, we’re the experts). $75 gets you a tasting-style menu with the best Italian bites like Focaccia, Warmed Olives, Arancini Balls, Margherita Pizza and Calamari Fritti, perfectly paired with bottomless Mimosas and Spritz selections. And let the good times really Aperol with a $15pp upgrade to bottomless Boozy Slushies #bottomyesplease.
Where: Cnr Olsen Ave &, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
Okay so the weekend has arrived but the indulgent (read: boozy) long lunches are just getting started. Touted as a long, leisurely lunch for weekends, when it’s time to get your graze and goss on the only way is up – go the Island’s rooftop of course. We have two words for you: cocktail. carafes. For $79 pp you’ll get a decadent share style feed from flatbreads to pork belly bao and fried halloumi, sip back on the 2 hour bottomless cocktail package with fresh flavours in the form of a spritz and of course, wines and beer on tap.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Hail Mary
A list of the GC’s finest midday offerings would not be complete without a taco ‘bout the holy grail lunch deal that awaits at Hail Mary. $19 gets you two tacos + your choice of beer, wine, spirit or soft drink – all for less than a lobster. The $5 upgrade to a classic marg also feels like a no-brainer – albeit sadly there’s no currency slang equivalent for a $24 lunch bargain. If a Sunday session is more your vibe then you’re in luck because Sangria Sunday is serving up jugs of our favourite nectar for just $20. Let’s just say lunch and a cocktail for halfa pineapple is a pretty sweet deal.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Osteria Del Mare
Fridays were made for long lunching and avoiding the rest of your work responsibilities and apparently, Osteria Del Mare understood the assignment when they decided to bring out the big guns for a $45 lunch deal. Fill up with two courses of authentic Italian fare (there’s even oysters on the menu) and of course a wine, the hardest decision will be whether to get the Tiramisu or Italian Donuts with Nutella.
Where: 2/1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Maggie Choo
She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and, of course, bulk good vibes. Grab the girls and head in on Friday to Sunday from 12pm – 3pm to enjoy the Express Lunch. Just $38pp gets you an XO Prawn Spring Roll, Wonton Soup, Satay Chicken, Vietnamese Salad and Sorbet. Colour us impressed!
If you’re feeling more than a little peckish then Let’s Yum Cha is for you. $65 for an empress feast banquet of seven share plates and a lychee martini!
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
La Calabrese at Ocean
We’re starting to see a theme here – the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to a bottomless brunch and quite frankly, lucky us. And clearly La Calabrese at Ocean heard that Paradise was calling and they needed a bottomless lunch – stat! With ocean views, a three-course lunch and a two-hour beverage pack from $89pp, it’s officially not just a Surfers Paradise – it’s a foodie’s paradise, too.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Zephyr Kitchen & Bar
We want to fly away into this Zephyr – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, thanks. With a schmick new look, the dreamy pink hues have our name written all over it – bonus points for the top notch people watching while you stuff yourself silly on the delicious eats. From $99 you can get your pick from two set menus with a mix of Mediterranean and Italian inspired dishes, plus two hours of unlimited margaritas because sometimes (always) more is more.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Tavern
They’re one of the best loved pubs on the Gold Coast, so it’s no wonder they know the way to our hearts is through a good feed. To ward off the mid-week scaries Mermaid Tavern have been brewing up a selection of $18 lunch specials that’ll make the week more beerable. Our pick is the Crispy Skin Salmon Bowl or of course you can’t go past the classic Beer Batter Snapper and Chips combo, it’s o-fish-ially one of the best deals we’ve found.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
TGI Friday
The legends at TGI Fridays are making it feel like Friday every day with lunch specials fit for a king, take your pick from their burger, chicken and salad (if you’re #fitspo) or go all out with a half rack of pork ribs – slow cooked and with your name all over it, we hear. All that eating’s got to be thirsty work, so wash it down with your choice of a soft drink, beer or wine – prices start from $19.90 and walking home with change from a twenty sounds like a money win if you ask us.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina & Level 1 Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tropic Vice
There’s something about a rooftop and a bottomless lunch that just makes our heart skip a beat. Luckily for us, Tropic Vice has one of the most epic offers with two hours of Bottomless Bliss dishing up a five-course set menu with their best bites, plus two hours of all-you-can-drink margs, beer and wine for $99 per person. On your marg, get set, go!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Gold Coast Tavern
Sometimes you just need a cheeky mid-weeky to get you going and no one knows that better than Gold Coast Tavern. Their weekday lunch menu gives your favourite pub feeds their time to shine, with everything from salt and pepper squid to your classic schnitty just $18. Lunch with enough left over to sneak a schooner? You had us at schnitty.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Congratulations, you’ve survived Monday, and that calls for a celebratory feed! But keep those dollars in check so you don’t blow your weekend budget – that’d be more tragic than dropping your last fry.
Here’s our list of cheap and cheerful Tuesday nosh-up spots for maximum taste with minimum damage to your bank account.
Words by Bianca Trathen
Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup-drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our taste buds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.
Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails, and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosas).
From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!
Suppose you consider yourself a brunch connoisseur. In that case, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow, is a must-try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business. After all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Breathtaking views and bottomless vino? Of course. La Calabrese’s Dine & Sip Italiano brunch serves up a three-course Italian feast alongside two hours of drinks with two dreamy packages to choose from. The $79 Wine Lover Pack offers self-serve bubbles, wine, and Peroni, while the $99 Cocktail Lover Pack brings the fun with Margs, Mimosas and Aperol Spritz. Menu-wise, it’s all about calamari, burrata, bolognese, woodfired pizza and sweet scoops of gelati. We really don’t know what to say except, bellissimo!
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
COAST’s rooftop terrace is home to one of the most stylish weekend sessions in town. Their $99pp Long Lunch runs Friday to Sunday from 12–3pm and brings together chilled cocktails (think spritz, daiquiris, Coast lager and rosé) and share plates like Pork Tostadas and Chicken Satay. Classy, yet an absolute vibe- just how we like it.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean, and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm, tuck into an all-out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Up for a rooftop rendezvous? Lulu Rooftop in Surfers is doing Sunday justice with their Bottomless Brunch package. For $79pp, indulge in a spread of colourful share plates (Popcorn Chicken Tacos, anyone?) and 2 hours of drinks- we’re talking spritz, wine and ever-changing froze flavours. Yes, you heard right- there’s a whole section dedicated to Bottomless Froze. We’ll be there from 1pm, and not a minute later.
Where: Level 2, 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing, and good times. Who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Woodfired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so grab the gang, rock up from 10am and purchase any dish to partake in sixty whole minutes of mimosa action! And nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical mimosa varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach
Kick off your weekend with a bang (and a bellini) at Luna’s in Broadbeach, where the bottomless brunch vibes are flowing just as freely as the drinks. Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am, this chic Italian spot at The Oasis dishes up a 2-hour bottomless package with free-flowing cocktails, beer and wine, plus delicious brunch bites to match. From spicy scrambled eggs to buttery almond croissants, Luna’s brings la dolce vita to your morning plans, all served with a side of Broadbeach buzz and espresso perfection.
Where: Shop G0.71b The Oasis, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
They call it ‘Spritz Saturdays’ at Nineteen, and it’s every bit as glam as you’d expect. From 4–7pm, sip fancy spritzes (Strawberry, Elderflower & Mint, Aperol) while slurping oysters and nibbling on cheese plates, charcuterie and garlic fries on the luxe rooftop terrace. At $89pp, this high-end soiree is a must for anyone who likes their brunch with a side of skyline views. Minimum two people, bookings essential.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
You haven’t really done a bougie brunch until you’ve bottomless’d at Cora. Their $89pp Saturday sessions are a three-course Mediterranean-style share lunch served with 2 hours of cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine– not to mention a live DJ spinning as you sip. The kicker? Every week brings a new signature cocktail lineup: Malfy Gin, Aperol and Chandon Garden Spritz, Absolut Vodka, Olmeca Altos Tequila… it’s a rotating roster of boozy fun. Enjoy the people’s favourite, Peach Burrata, Gold Band Snapper and Wild King Prawns! Bookings for two or more required.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Bottomless mimosas by the beach- say less! Sunnyboy’s breezy Mermaid Beach location means you can roll straight from the sand to your seat, where $49 scores you a meal of your choice plus one gloriously boozy hour of bottomless mimosas. No bookings are needed- just arrive between 10am and 1pm, round up the gang (because we know that more is merrier), and tuck into a seasonally rotating menu of brunchy faves. Chorizo Truffle Scramble? Yes, please. Fig & Mascarpone Hotcakes? Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Formerly Ally Chow and still every bit as iconic, Monsieur Chow dishes up Asian fusion done right, and their two brunch options do not disappoint. For $89 per person, the Bottomless Chow Out features the Chef’s choice banquet with two hours of bottomless Thai basil caprioskas, prosecco and Noosa lager on tap. Or, go for the Bottomless Margarita Lunch Banquet, and yes, this has us written all over it. For $109, enjoy the same offerings mentioned above; only substitute bottomless caprioskas for bottomless margis!
Where: 3/2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats but also a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu. Think Fig and Persian Feta, Steamed Barramundi, Puffed Spiced Bread, Mixed Berry Panna Cotta and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rosé and Bellini Cocktail packages are available from $59 per person (ya kidding). Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Latin flair meets bottomless bubbles at Las Palmas’ $79pp weekend brunch. Every Saturday and Sunday, dive into 2 hours of sangria, rosé, tap beer and more, or upgrade for $20 and make it Margarita Time with Tommy’s Margs. Food-wise, expect chips and guac, crispy squid, tacos and more, with the option to elevate with grilled corn and slow-cooked beef short rib. Pro tip: upgrade it all. Life’s short. Live large.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbins light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck into your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as the Turkish Style Poached Eggs or Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question), with a non-alc option also available. For just $62 pp, we’ll say bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Pan Asian coastal dining, bottomless rosé and Sunday banquets? Say less. Billy Chow brings you Bottomless Blush Sundays- a curated chef’s banquet accompanied by free-flowing Maison AIX Rosé and sparkling rosé in the dreamy beachside setting of Kirra. This is the kind of Sunday sesh worth putting pants on for. $125 per person.
Where: 76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta
Boozy brunch, but make it a random Tuesday. Kefi Café is dishing up 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas – classic, pineapple or sunrise – for $60pp every day (like, Monday-Sunday) from 10am. Pair your fizz with a main like the lemon-curd loaded Hotcake or their beet-hummus-and-harissa-nut topped Avo Toast, and soak up all the feel-good Gold Coast vibes. Bottomless brunch before noon? We approve.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Is there anything that makes you happier than cheap drinks? Neither. Because summer is the best time for beverage consuming, we’ve found the top 10 spots to make the most of your hard earned cash (and beat that absolutely unnecessary heat).
You’re welcome.
Apres Surf Kitchen & Bar
Happy hour comes around daily at your favourite surf shack. Pop in from 5pm to 6pm for $5 house drinks and $10 selected cocktails. They’ve also got tasty food deals most nights so your shiny coins will stretch far.
Where: 2376 Gold Coast Highway Mermaid Beach
Bine Bar & Dining
It’s a beer bonanza at Bine with $5 craft beer daily daily from 4pm to 6pm. Why not grab some 50c wings to go with it. On Thursdays head in for a $15 parmi and paddle where you get to taste five beers and down your fave dinner option.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobbys Beach
Stingray Lounge
Keep it classy at Stingray Lounge on Taco Tuesdays from 5pm to 10pm. There are $3 tacos and $10 cocktail specials (margaritas please). Tequila Thursdays are a good time with tequila from $15 and additional $10 quesadillas.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
On Sundays at Steampunk you can indulge in a double dose of goodness with drink specials (changes weekly) and live music. Oh and Espresso Martinis are a measly $10 all day, every day so there’s no excuse not to spend all your time there.
Where: Level 1, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Nightjar
Unsurprisingly, Burleigh’s home of the never ending good times has epic happy hour deals. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s from 4pm to 6pm there’s $5 basics (including Sailor Jerry, dry and lime HELLO). It’s guaranteed fun and frivolity.
Where: Justin Laneway, Burleigh Heads
Mecca Bah
Not only do these guys do a delicious feast they also have $5 selected drinks from 3pm to 6pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. Make a night of it and stay for dinner once you’ve slayed a few beverages.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
BiN 12
BiN 12 in beautiful Burleigh graces you with a happy hour every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm – perfect for after works knock offs. In other exciting news, they also offer a Taco Tuesday deal with some of the most delicious tacos on the Coast for just $6. Race ya.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar
Make a date with Harry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm until 5pm with drink and food specials that’ll absolutely make your weekend. It’s called Harry’s Hour and we like the way he thinks. Everything there is exceptional so do yourself a favour.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Elephant Rock Café
Keen for a frosty cold beverage and one of the best views in town? Same. Head down to Elephant Rock Café in Currumbin overlooking the ocean and with $5 wine and beers and $10 nibbles on Friday’s from 4 to 6pm. Happy days.
Where: 776 Pacific Pde, Currumbin
Words by Kirra Smith
