Terraces Restaurant is dishing out luxe eats, free-flowing bubbles and serious savings.
Terraces Restaurant is dishing out luxe eats, free-flowing bubbles and serious savings.
Winter? Never heard of her. Except when she’s an excuse to eat like royalty and sip bottomless mimosas by the beach. And thanks to Terraces Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, that’s exactly what’s on the table (literally).
This iconic beachfront beauty is dishing up the goods with limited-time offers on their Seafood Buffet and Free-Flowing Weekend Brunch, and when we say good, we mean Balmain Bugs, fresh oysters, Pork Belly Bao kind of good. It’s all happening until 31st August, so you’ll want to fire up the group chat and lock in a feast, stat.
Let’s start with the Seafood Buffet, available every Thursday night with a generous 20% off. This is no ordinary spread. We’re talking a market-fresh seafood selection worthy of Poseidon himself, Oysters, Balmain Bugs, Ocean King Prawns, Tiger Prawns and Snow Crabs, to name a few. Add hot dishes like Seared Barramundi with Salsa Verde and Baked Chicken with Olives, Lemon and Thyme, plus a live carving station for the traditionalists, and you’ve got the kind of dinner that lingers in your memory long after dessert.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Cheese and Charcuterie Station is stacked with local faves like Nimbin Valley Dairy, and the dessert lineup? Just try saying no to crème brûlée, pavlova and tiramisu. We tried. We failed. No regrets.
If your ideal winter weekend leans more toward long lunches and sparkling sips, then the Free-Flowing Weekend Brunch Buffet is calling your name. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, this coastal brunch experience is yours for $99 per person, including free-flowing mimosas, wines, selected beers and the kind of brunch spread that would make your Insta feed cry happy tears.
Alongside the same stunning seafood, Executive Chef Christopher Dodds showcases regional produce through elevated brunch favourites like Chicken and Waffles, Pork Belly Bao, and a silky Pumpkin and Pine Nut Quiche. It’s the kind of menu that makes you want to stay all afternoon, especially when complimentary self-parking is included.
And then there’s the setting. Terraces is a true Gold Coast gem, with a sun-drenched dining room overlooking the resort’s sparkling lagoons. The vibe is all coastal sophistication, with just the right amount of relaxed glamour to make you feel like you’re on holiday, whether you’re a visitor or popping in from around the Coast
And FYI, if you’re a Gold Coast local, flash that proof of residency at the door for even more perks. Because who doesn’t love a cheeky locals-only discount? With bookings filling fast, consider this your sign to lock it in early.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a breakup, or just the fact that it’s Thursday and you made it through another workday, Terraces is where you want to be. Great food, free-flowing drinks, and a front-row seat to coastal heaven.
Bookings can be made here. Bring your appetite, and we’ll see you at the oyster station.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Until 31 August 2025
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT, GOLD COAST
The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Buffet is open daily for breakfast, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet, which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast daily, with Seafood buffet dinner on Saturday nights.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Saturday and Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above. SkyPoint’s breakfast buffet is served every day between 7:30am – 10:30am.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet. Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
From brekkie platters piled high with tropical fruit to eggs cooked exactly how you like them (#PoachGoals), voco Gold Coast has your morning sorted. Sip on a fresh espresso and mix it up with healthy bites or hearty classics – or both, it’s a buffet, live a little! And if seafood is your love language, come back for the seafood buffet dinner. We’re talking whole prawns, rock oysters on the shell, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean faves, and seasonal dishes to keep things exciting. Oh – and did we mention the epic kid-friendly dessert bar? Breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am – 10am, while the seafood buffet rolls out Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm – 9pm.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. They are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks, it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski
Paging all outbound foodies: conditions are clear with a high chance of Margs, Espresso Martini’s and pre-flight feasting at the Gold Coast Airport’s lush new all-day eats and sips spot, The Sand Bar.
The latest in a long line of mouth-watering new venues as a part of GCA’s ongoing $500m overhaul, the chic new addition means we can say good riddance to sog-town cafeteria sandos and hello to bookending our journey with decadent bites such as truffle-oil drizzled Tortuto pizzas, perfectly spiced Shakshuka and crafted cocktails.
Though don’t be thinking The Sand Bar will be your usual, departure lounge dwelling watering hole. The inventive, signature selection of Gold Coast inspired cocktails speaks for itself – with fanciful libations like the Barbie Blush created as an ode to the GC golden girl herself, Margot Robbie.
An extremely sip-able concoction made with raspberry liqueur, elderflower liqueur and cranberry juice and naturally, Papa Salt Gin – we don’t know about you guys, but it looks like holiday mode is kicking in a little early for our next trip… Holiday Barbie, come at us! (Honourable mention business travellers, ‘cuz dining on the bosses dime is a close second)
Continuing the local theme, punters can get a taste of the GC’s burgeoning craft brew scene with ice cold, Burleigh-brewed Black Hops straight from the tap; while the entire eats menu showcases the ‘best of locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks’.
Serving up the ultimate selection of anytime eats daily from 5am; passengers can opt for quick bites like B&E Rolls or Super Smoothies from the Liquid Breakfast menu or linger for long lunches with share plates of Coconut Crumbed Prawns and Lamb Kofta (and the wine list, should you feel so led).
With yet another home-grown nod, the GC’s own culinary maestro Matt Jefferson (of Social Eating House & Orzo’s fame) has also imparted his Midas touch onto a selection of signature dishes collaboration with the new venue. Heck, we’re ready to book a spontaneous flight just to get a taste of contributions like the sourdough Brûlée French Crumpet, served with double cream and berries alone.
Looking decidedly more put-together than our typical, athleisure-clad airport lewk, the chic fit out offers a modern yet welcoming ambience to suit the mouth-watering morsel curation. Completed by Cottee Parker Architects and Burleigh’s AC Fitouts, the space has taken its direction from coastal influences, with golden tones and lush, flowing lines for days.
While the soothing, softly lit palette is all about the vibes, The Sandbar’s thoughtfully designed space also includes practical perks like a plentiful mix of seating and departure screens fitted throughout… for those of us partial to getting a little… *ahem* carried away after a Barbie Blush or two.
Entirely unrelated, but… is anyone else feeling the sudden and overwhelming urge to finally heed the advice of Dads everywhere and arrive at the airport several hours early for our next flight?!
So sky-farers, swing by The Sand Bar before you next take off – because this oasis-vibing sip spot might just be your new favourite pre-flight ritual.
Where: Gold Coast Airport, 1 Terminal Dr, Bilinga
When: 5am to last departing flight, daily.
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby
STORY SPONSORED BY GOLD COAST AIRPORT
There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.
Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.
The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.
Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Words by Kellie Leader
