Famed for its golden sandy beaches, surfing spots, waterways and theme parks, the Gold Coast has long been one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations.
A balmy Winter and endless days of sunshine mean Aussies flock in droves to the GC every year, but did you know this is also home to many top restaurants and cafes? From Chef Hat winners to Readers’ Choice, Gold Coasters love their food and aren’t afraid to show it!
Continuing on our delicious drive around Australia of 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants, we have five GC locations that will satisfy any hunger growl:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – American:
Feast and frolic to fill your heart at Hickory on the corner of Main Street and Main Western Road on Tamborine Mountain. This fun and vibrant restaurant dishes up American BBQ fare in cool and trendy surrounds created from recycled timber, neon lighting, stunning bronze sculptures and moody lighting.
It’s time to get messy with a menu designed to share with cheeseburger spring rolls and Big Mac mayo to start, before devouring 14-hour hickory-smoked briskest with seeded mustard, loaded fries, onion rings and BBQ corn.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Indian:
For flavoursome Indian cuisine after a day of bargain hunting at Gold Coast’s Harbourtown outlet, head up Oxley Drive to Indian Empire restaurant. Relax by a large glass window and enjoy a feast of flavours in this charming, hassle-free family restaurant while attentive waiters cater to individual needs.
Devour sumptuous traditional curries like Bombay beef with potatoes and authentic spices, or Goan prawn curry with vegetables and coconut milk, best enjoyed with sides of steamed rice and garlic and cheese naan.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Mexican:
Celebrate all things taco and tequila at Lime Mexican Gold Coast on Surfers Paradise Boulevard. This fun and funky venue sits in the heart of the vibrant dining precinct just minutes from the iconic sands of Surfers Paradise Beach, making it a favourite destination for a stroll, shopping, or spicing up your life with some Mexican and Margaritas.
Don your sombrero and settle in to share plates like spicy chipotle steak tacos with caramelised onion jam and mayo or pulled pork and pineapple salsa; marinated achiote chicken nachos always entice, with beans, sour cream and guacamole.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Italian:
Gold Coast community-focused eatery Oscar Italia on Varsity Parade is the place to head in Varsity Lakes for pizza, pasta and family-friendly dining. With a nod to owner Leisa’s favourite poet Oscar Wilde, this casual eatery offers mezzanine dining alfresco, while indoors, cosy velvet couches are ideal for overdue catch-ups or chill-out in the hanging cane chairs with a drink of choice.
From a ‘people pleasing’ menu, perhaps start with garlic prawns, cherry tomato, basil, olives, capers, chilli, garlic and a white wine butter sauce, followed by pasta plates like carbonara, smoked pancetta, Parmesan, black pepper and cream sauce.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Greek:
Transporting visitors to the Mediterranean from the familiarity of Coolangatta is Xenia Grill, a Greek-inspired restaurant well-suited to the tropical, laidback setting on the corner of McLean Street and Marine Parade. Aqua tones and vibrant paintings set the scene, while a breezy alfresco setting brings the iconic Gold Coast ambience inside, with locals cruising up from the beach for lunch.
Local char-grilled octopus, fava and toursi are the ideal start to your meal, then share Sovereign lamb shoulder, red wine reduction, tzatziki and sides of lemon potatoes, green beans and asparagus with sea salt and almond flakes.
