BAR ITALIA
Superbly located in Chevron Renaissance for people watching and basking in the sunshine and atmosphere, Baritalia is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - a taste of Europe; chic kerbside dining in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
This local landmark has undergone a complete transformation, tweaking the menu to encompass seasonal favourites and bringing on board the best European influences. The menu incorporates modern, seasonal produce with vegetarian and gluten free options.
Menu options change to suit what's in season, but the staples remain – antipasti, pasta and pizza – all home-made by expert chefs. The desserts are to die for and the breakfasts are second to none!
"For the ideal way to start the weekday or lazy weekend, the breakfasts are hearty with plenty of choices from the Breakfast Pizza, Vegetarian Stack over potato rosti with home-made hollandaise or Baked Neapolitan Eggs.
"All year round, Baritalia is the ideal spot to savour great food, buzzing ambience and excellent service." One of our favourite breakfast hangouts as the coffee is rather decent too.
BAZAAR RESTAURANT QT
Bazaar makes a concerted effort to raise the bar on the hotel buffet. It turns its back on the whole bain-marie caper. It also eschews the scenario of towers of crustaceans circling around swans of sculpted ice. Instead, Bazaar carefully translates all the contemporary panache of the hotel's super-designer foyer into a colourful cornucopia of dishes that feels, well, rather like being in a very hygienic and ordered bazaar. The artful arrangement of pots of food makes for an explosion of colour underneath great carcasses of cured meat that are suspended about like a bygone scene in Les Halles. The set-up is touted as interactive. That means the small army of chefs behind the pots and burners can whip up something to your fancy (within limits) when asked. The tasting menu is designed with this in mind, and the chefs obviously enjoy coming out from the kitchen and talking to their end users. The winner is the stall of slow-cooked food. Executive chef George Francisco is a slow-food aficionado whose skills have been honed in US establishments of note before gigs at Sydney's Jonah's and Dish. The menu changes daily, but on our visit the paella with chicken and mussels is pleasing. A rabbit casserole in white wine and cream sauce also is a favourite, and the lamb shanks have the meat falling away from the bone at just the right time. Scents from tagines bring to mind Moroccan souks, and the potato and leek soup is packed with roasted garlic. On other nights osso buco or slow-cooked beef cheeks might play the starring roles. None of the dishes has formed a tell-tale skin from long sojourns on deck, and the chefs patiently answer the diners' repetitive questions about their content. The wine list shows discretion. The Mt Michael pinot noir from Central Otago is sublime. Dessert beckons in the form of multi-coloured petits fours. The colour palette is reminiscent of those old gelati bars around the corner in Cavill Ave, still dishing it up to the Goldies after all these years.
CHANGMAI THAI
Chiangmai Thai is a popular restaurant offering authentic Thai cuisine in a themed atmosphere with waterfalls, ponds and elephant carved chairs. Enjoy traditional Thai food as well as Asian food with an Australian twist. Chiangmai Thai is an institution on the Gold Coast and is my vote for the best Thai on the Gold Coast. This is a beautiful restaurant for a relaxed dinner or romantic, intimate setting and you can sit inside or outside amongst the Pools. Service is always quick and professional as they have plenty of wait staff on. The food is always beautifully presented and reasonably priced. Mains are around $16 for meat dishes and in the low $20 range for seafood.
ABSYNTHE BAR AND RESTAURANT
Owned and run by Two Michelin Star Chef Meyjitte Boughenout, Absynthe is a five star Dining Experience serving Modern French Cuisine. The impressive Restaurant and Bar has also been voted Queensland's Best Restaurant 5 years in a row by Gourmet Traveller.
Located within the Q1 building with access to the sky deck and boasting an exclusive and extensive art gallery, Absynthe will surely capture your guests' attention and awe. From the moment you walk into the restaurant you are seduced by its intimate lighting, and uniquely modern and elegant interior.
The high end restaurant is the perfect fusion of modern French and Australian cuisine, where the freshest and most unique ingredients are delicately prepared to seduce the taste buds. A likened to many cosy and boutique restaurants in Sydney, Absynthe is a trendy space with creatively styled lighting and décor, exuding culture and flavour.
The decadent bar holds over 1500 different labels, including rare vintages from the 1970s to 1990s. With a compilation from almost every wine region in the world, the cellar is a connoisseurs dream. The Bar also serves a list of boutique cocktails, all using the freshest ingredients..
If you looking for a lively, interactive dining experience, then head to Kamikaze Teppanyaki at Circle on Cavill where skilled chefs will present true cooking mastery right before your eyes. A must for any Japanese Cuisine fan.The brand Kamikaze became famous on the Gold Coast region of Queensland hosting several modern style Japanese Teppanyaki restaurants.
Kamikaze operates several medium-size restaurants serving healthy and contemporary style Asian food.
All dishes are prepared using a rigorous selection of the freshest seafood and finest meats all of which are expertly prepared and brilliantly presented by famous Teppan chef Macky Law.
KAMIKAZE TEPANYAKI
HARD ROCK CAFE
The Hard Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise may be known for live shows and classic music memorabilia, but you cannot go past the food! The Hard Rock Cafe serves millions of people worldwide, and the quality is as outstanding here in Surfers as it is in New York City, Barcelona, and Dubai. Our Hard Rock is famous for its Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings; a spicy and delicious snack before you move on to a legendary burger or steak for your main meal, and a range of refreshing cocktails and beers on tap. You can sample these wonderful wings from 4pm to 6pm every day of the week, for only 50 cents each. Music is what Hard Rock Cafe is all about and you'll get it with music videos played throughout the cafe and live music and entertainment frequently at the Cafe. Recently playing host to The Killers, Corey Hart, Vanilla Ice and The Screaming Jets, why not party where the stars do? Come and see the show. Bookings are required for parties over 5 people.
SEADUCTION
BE SEDUCED AT SEA TEMPLE
Five-star flavours are circulating at the city’s freshest new dining sensation, Seaduction Restaurant and bar. Hosted within Sea Temple resort at the Soul development on the famous Surfers Paradise beach front the restaurant is bringing a new style of sophistication to the precinct. Executive chef Steve Szabo is captivating diners with uniquely crafted menus – a showcase of contemporary, Australian cuisine influenced by an abundance of local, seasonal produce. The menu also bursts with Asian and Pacific Rim flavours. “We have tried to create something for every dining experience – from a power breakfast, to a strategy lunch and grand celebration dinner – the options are sure to please even the most world-weary palettes,” says Szabo, former executive chef at Palazzo Versace. The food is first-class and has the Szabo signature quality. Seared diver scallops served with braised pork cheek, sweet corn custard and mushroom foam is simply delicious as an entrée, and we also sample the tortellini of goat’s cheese with baby beetroot gel crushed walnuts, mandarin and burnt butter. Mains include line-caught snapper with red pepper crumbs and tempura of baby leeks, turnips and mung bean, and poached chicken breast served with sautéed wild mushrooms, cauliflower puree and Champagne sabayon. But it’s the Wagyu 6 score sirloin that truly tantalises, served with three mustards and a red wine jus and matched with a Gemtree Uncut McLaren Vale shiraz. For dessert you can indulge in the double layered chocolate pave, ebony & ivory mousse on an almond base served with candied apple and sheep’s milk yoghurt, or perhaps the passionfruit marshmallow with watermelon sorbet and crushed pistachios is more to your liking. While the menu has been carefully crafted by one of the best chefs in the business, the ambience at Seaduction is equally gob smacking. Facing east, there are breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, enhancing the dining experience. “With its sweeping ocean outlook and iconic location, I believe it will be the most stunning restaurant in all of Queensland. It is a pleasure to match the food and wine to such a precinct,” says Szabo.
For a more casual dining experience head to La Rustica Italian & Turkish Restaurant, (2 Italian's & a Turkish In-Law). They welcome everyone from around the world, to enjoy their fresh home cooked dinners. Retaining it's original, rustic character & beautiful charm, since Aunty Anna & Uncle Nicola La Penna opened in 1982. In 2006 Stephan with sister Barbara & her partner Huseyin from Turkey, are the new generation taking over with passion. La Rustica is still serving some of the best Mediterranean cuisine on the Gold Coast, to family & friends from around the world. Fantastic Pasta, World Famous Pizza, Steak & Seafood & Now introducing Meze, Shish, Fresh
LA RUSTICA ITALIAN AND TURKISH RESTAURANT
Fish & Vegetarian options. They also cater for Gluten Free, Halal & Kosher. The Authentic Turkish Delight as you leave is always enjoyed after the generous & delicious culinary experience you will undoubtedly have at this welcoming friendly family run restaurant. Enjoy La Rustica a friendly cosy home style restaurant with family & friends any night of the week. Have a sing along with karaoke or wiggle & shake with one of our entertaining belly dancers. Ambience; Buzzy, Relaxed, Child-friendly, Romantic, Suitable for business, Traditional.
Modern Australian
Fine Dining
Hotel Restaurants
Absynthe Bar and Restaurant
QI Bazar
Be Seduced at Sea Temple
Citrique Restaurant
Deja view Restaurant
Hanlans Bar and Restaurant
Billy Baxters
Central Lounge Bar and Dining
Charlies Restaurant
Chelles @ Chevron
Edge Cafe
Flames
Hogs Breath Cafe
Sardinios
The Groove Train
Pancakes in Paradise
Swinging Safari
Italian
Bar Italia
La Rustica
Niccolinis Italian Restaurant
Costa D'oro Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
La Porchetta
Alfresco
New York Slice
Crust Gourmet Pizza
Amalfi Bistro & Wine Bar
Mickys Restaurant and Bar
Dominos Pizza
Pronte Pizza Pasta and Ribs
Vapiano
Santinos
Toscanis Cafe Bar and Restaurant
Sand Cafe
Coast Stak and Sea Food
Buffet Dining
Fables SeaFood Buffet
Four Winds Revolving Restaurant
Surfers Sandbar
Waves Restaurant
Food Fantasy at Jupitors Hotel and Casino
Billys Beach House
Clock Hotel
Hard Rock Cafe
Helm Bar and Bistro
Fiddlers Green
Kitty O'Shea's
Landsdown
Melbas on the Park
O'Malleys on The Beach
The Avenue
Vegas In Paradise
Waxy's Irish Pub
Pub Restaurants
Koo Koo Tepanyaki
Hanazono Tepanyaki
Benihana Japanese Steakhouse
You Japanese Restaurant
Yamagen Japanese Restaurant
Uchouten Japanese Restaurant
Mikado Japanese Restaurant
Kamikaze Tepanyaki
Yunga Japanese Restaurant
Yamusakura
Wa-Ssam Japanese Dining & Bar
Amimoto
Bistro Lamp
Teepan in Paradise
Grand Palace
Shark Fin and Chinese Seafood Restaurant
China House
Golden Taste Chinese Cusine
Jasmine BYO Chinese Restaurant
Harbin Chinese Restaurant
Golden Fortune Chinese Restaurant
Springfield Chinese Restaurant
Golden Hua Chinese Restaurant
Asian
Chinese
Indian
Tandoori Place
Delhi Darbar
Classic India
Taj Palace
Sher-e-Punjab
India Gate
Santoshi India House
Buddha Indian and Australian
Govindas VegoRama
Thai
Bangkok Thai
Chaopraya Thai Restaurant
Chang Mai Thai
Wasdee Surfers Thai Restaurant
New Saigon Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese Cusine
Korean
Seoul BBQ Korean Restaurant
Kimchi House
Maylasian
Maylasian Seafood Restaurant
Golden Legends Malaysian Restaurant
Japanese
Halal
Surf Paradise Resort
Nandos
Maharani Malaysian Restaurant
Moorings On Cavil
Sher-E-Punjab
Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar
Taj Palace
Tandoori Place
La Rustica
Golden Legends Malaysian Seafood
Other
South American
Aztec Bar
Stingray
Pastel Surf
A Carne
Montezumas
Turkish/Persian
Arabesque Bazar
Shiraz
La Rustica
Western
Surf Clubs & RSL
Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club
Surfers Paradise RSL
Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club
Southport Surf Life Saving Club
Cafes
Thyme on Cavil
Black Coffe Lyrics
Captains Cafe
Beach Cafe
Bumbles Cafe and Catering
Think Expresso
Stairwell Coffee
The Surfers Paradise Beach Cafe
Zarrafa's Coffee
Bens Fish and Chips
European
Matador Tapas Bar
La Paella
Bavarian Haus
Prague Restaurant European
With so much variety on offer, you could eat at a different restaurant every day of the year!
Surfers Paradise is host to a tasty array of beach front cafes, upmarket five-star restaurants and holiday classics such as fish ‘n’ chip shops and ice creameries. The precinct’s culinary diversity makes it a dining attraction for Gold Coast families and foodies, holidaymakers and seaside strollers.
My choice of reviews is literally just the tip of the ice-berg. Detailed below are Surfers Paradise restaurants by category just to give you an idea of sheer choice that awaits you, and remember staying at Anchorage Waters gives you the benefit of easily walking to and from any of these establishments.
RIVERS DINNER CRUISE
SEAFOOD BUFFET CRUISE
Relax with a sensational seafood buffet on a luxurious air conditioned vessel. Add to that beautiful Gold Coast scenery, a live dance floor and high class entertainment, and you have the perfect night out. Departing from Marina Mirage, your River Dinner Cruise heads out for the first of many perfect photo opportunities of the Surfers Paradise skyline. Turning north, cruise past Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, waterfront restaurants and the Versace Hotel
Continue past Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Sea World, the Gold Coast Seaway, and up to Runaway Bay. A sure scenery highlight is the Sovereign Islands – home to the largest and most expensive waterfront properties on the Gold Coast. Then continue at a leisurely pace back towards Marina Mirage.
Seafood Buffet Menu Selection
Entrée;
Homemade dips served with the freshly baked Turkish bread (GF *)
Cold Selection
A variety of sushi rolls and smoked salmon with chili soy sauce (GF,DF, NF)
Smoked salmon sashimi with lime wedge and sweet chili sauce (GF, DF, NF)
Cold meat platter of sliced ham, mortadella, salami & pastrami (GF, DF, NF)
Seafood Fantasy of cooked prawns, Spanner crab and fresh oysters (GF, DF, NF)
Antipasto platter of char grilled vegetables, sundried tomato & trio of relishes (GF, DF, NF)
Hot Selection
Creamy garlic prawns with penne pasta (NF,DF)
Rivers' mixed meat pie with earthy vegetables and crispy top
Satay chicken skewers with peanut sauce (GF)
Oysters with your choice of Kilpatrick sauce or oysters mornay (NF)
Spanish style bean rice (NF, GF)
Oven baked potato and vegetable stack in white cheese sauce (NF)
Roast of the day: Honey Glazed, Double Smoked Roast Ham with apple cider gravy carved by Chef (GF, DF, NF)
Salads
Thai Inspired summer salad with pickled ginger and lime chili dressing (GF, DF, NF)
Caesar salad with cheese croutons and crispy bacon (DF, NF)
Green leaf salad with Roma tomato and cucumber (GF, DF, NF)
Potato mayo salad with onion, cherry tomatoes and dill (GF, DF, NF)
Dessert
Vanilla cheesecake & chocolate mousse with mixed berry chocolate sauce served in a Rivers' flashing cocktail glass
(GF) - Gluten Free
(GF*) - Gluten Free on request
(DF) - Dairy Free
(NF) - Nut Free
Menu subject to seasonal change without notice.
If you like the idea of dining and cruising but seafood is not your thing then the alternative option of the Yum Cha lunch cruise could be a great choice instead.
YUM CHA LUNCH CRUISE
Every Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Enjoy a traditional Yum Cha lunch with a difference every Sunday. Why sit in a traditional restaurant when you can come on board their floating restaurant and cruise the beautiful waterways of the Gold Coast.
Sample popular Asian delicacies including delicious dumplings, BBQ pork buns, prawn fried rice, salt & pepper calamari, honey glazed chicken, Seafood San Choy Bow and more! The floating yum cha lunch cruise includes Yum Cha, live entertainment and even Chinese checkers!
HELM BAR BISTRO SURFERS
Offering fresh, modern, contemporary dining. You will delight at this waterfront location. Popular with locals this is a great spot to catch the sunset over the Nerang river. Helm’s easy-eating menu appeals to all tastes with a range of popular pub-style dishes and signature favourites. Their famous platters, freshly made pizzas and bar snacks are perfect for sharing with friends while sampling from our tempting cocktail and drinks list. Or tuck into a heartier meal with a selection of expertly prepared pasta, salads, steaks, fresh seafood and burgers. Reflecting the stunning waterfront location, the menu is packed with an impressive selection of succulent seafood. Linger over a decadent seafood stand for two with a crisp white wine, or share a bucket of fresh prawns with friends. The spacious bistro area offers a range of high and low tables that are easily adapted to fit any group. With an impressive communal table can seat up to 16 – perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner with family and friends, a great location to choose when staying at Anchorage Waters.
Helm Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, making it the ideal place to stop by for a relaxed bite at anytime.
One of the Gold Coast’s true icons, Melbas has been synonymous in providing quality entertainment and nightlife since 1981.
NIGHTLIFE
A total entertainment venue, Melbas provides a range of experiences and facilities including contemporary dining and entertainment in the Restaurant & Bar, the extensive Cocktail & Gaming Lounge and the famous, newly refurbished Melbas – Ultra Lounge & Club. Also priding themselves on
MELBAS ON THE PARK
providing patrons with the best in music with resident DJs accompanied by a calendar of guest DJs and live bands across the weekend. Cocktail and Gaming Lounge is open daily from 10pm - 3am. Melbas Ultra Lounge and Club is open Thursday to Saturday nights 9pm - 5am.
RESTAURANT
Melbas prides itself on offering great food at reasonable prices. With the option of a full a la carte menu or a simpler bar snacks menu, they are a perfect option if you are looking to grab an evening bite or something to eat with friends before you hit the nightclubs. Whatever the occasion you’ll find the best in Gold Coast entertainment at Melbas, in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Restaurant and bar is open from 12pm - late.
Surfers Paradise Dining Options
Restaurateurs and talented chefs provide a colourful arena of stylish restaurants that are gaining national recognition. Dining Options are endless with Surfers attracting lots of families you will find most restaurants are family friendly, particularly if you dine early. Diverse enough for every taste and budget, there really is something for everyone whether it be the freshest seafood at the beach, a cup of freshly ground coffee on the waterfront, tea and scones in the hinterland, a night at the Theatre, an a la carte menu with silver service or an affordable family restaurant, dine-in or take-away. Dress up if you like, or wander into a cafe straight from the beach in laid back Gold Coast style.
All of these restaurants are a short stroll away from Anchorage Waters. Due to the sheer number of choices I have reviewed a few of our favourite restaurants as a guide to various menus and budgets.