From microbreweries to award winning restaurants, the beachside city of the GC is leading the way in changing the face of the longtime party town. Think more fine dining, than a big night at shooters.
El Camino Cantina – 2 Cavill Ave
With a $40 million makeover hitting the glitter strip, El Camino Cantina is front and centre, opening a brand new location in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Known for their colourful sombreros and dangerous frozen margs, the mexicana fiesta has plenty on offer with pulled pork fajitas, loaded nachos and buffalo wings filling the menu.
With world taco day right around the corner on October 4th, El Camino is offering $1 tacos all day long. Add in a couple of watermelon margs and you’ll be wishing it’s world taco day every day.
Bobs Beers – 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue
A microbrewery isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think about Surfers Paradise. But with Bobs Beers, it’s no wonder the brewery and restaurant is such a hit.
Being an acronym (Best of Beers), the brewery has countless on offer, which are brewed on site, including a black tie chai stout, a pinata mango sour and their award winning Surfers XPA. To match the beers, Bob’s believes in local produce with a seasonal menu of wild kingfish, house made gnocchi, and a steak menu of Australian beef.
Hyde Paradiso – Level 2/8 Esplanade
With 7 locations around the world, Hyde has finally come to Surfers Paradise. The cocktail and tapas bar, known for its lively nightlife experiences, has settled in the esplanade becoming a quick favourite among locals.
With an extensive menu of crispy skinned barramundi, moreton bay bug rolls and chilli oil fries, the cocktails will draw you in even further with standouts including a passionfruit pavlova and a salted coconut margarita. We’re drooling as we write. Don’t forget their beachside brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Mediterranean tapas and drink packages included.
T’ang Court – The Langham
With the opening of The Langham hotel, Surfers Paradise has reached a new high in fine dining, thanks to T’ang Court. The cantonese restaurant, located on level 3, has earned a Michelin star for their refined take on China’s golden age.
With three set menus on offer including two chef menus and a dry aged duck menu, T’ang Court specialises in traditional flavours with Yangzhou fried rice, classic sweet and sour pork and dim sum all on offer. You can’t go wrong with Chinese food.
Palette – Home of The Arts
Home of The Arts, also known as HOTA, is an iconic Surfers Paradise destination, showcasing art, entertainment and culture. And with Palette, it’s only getting better.
As one of the Gold Coast’s highest rated restaurants, and recipient of two chefs hats from the Australian Good Food Guide, Palette is led by executive chef Dayan Hartill-Law, who has created a modern Australian menu using fresh local produce. With lobster BLT’s, Hervey Bay cuttlefish and Borrowdale pork belly filling the seasonal menu, Palette is certainly leading the way of fine dining in Surfers Paradise.
Yamagen – 7 Staghorn Avenue
Now for something a little more casual. Yamagen is a funky izakaya dining experience bringing a new take on Japanese cuisine to Surfers.
With executive chef Adam Lane bringing experience from Nobu and Tetsuya’s, Yamagen is qualified in serving authentic Japanese flavours to excite and challenge the palette. With 4 Omakase set menus on offer as well as a la carte, there is something for everyone with the Hokkaido scallops with orange and ponzu, and the truffle wagyu tartare being our top picks.
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen – Level 1, Ocean by Meriton
If a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Surfers Paradise beach or a 2000 bottle wine cellar is something that takes your fancy, then Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen is the spot for you.
Situated on Level 1 of the new Ocean by Meriton building, Coast Beach brings a relaxed but refined dining experience featuring fresh local produce on their seasonal menu. King Salmon tartar, local prawns in XO butter and wagyu rump from the Darling Downs is all on offer, and don’t get us started on the drinks. We have our eye on that Lamington cocktail.
