A great steakhouse goes beyond just serving exceptional cuts; it creates a full sensory experience. From dim lighting and warm decor to carefully selected music, these elements combine to enhance the flavours of each steak, making every bite more immersive. By engaging sight, sound and taste, these venues transform a meal into a memorable feast for the senses.
The Glenelg Public House – Mermaid Beach, Qld
Embracing a simple yet inviting concept of food, drink and community, The Glenelg Public House in Mermaid Beach is a must-visit destination for steak lovers on the Gold Coast. This trendy venue combines industrial chic decor with a relaxed vibe that suits the coastal lifestyle. Polished concrete floors, worn brick walls and the warm glow of pendant lighting create an atmosphere that’s stylish yet cosy, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy their meal.
At the heart of the menu is a dedication to high-quality beef sourced from Australia's best farms. A standout choice is the whole flat iron 500 g Angus Black Onyx steak, perfectly basted and served with chilli, garlic, parsley and lemon, alongside a crisp salad and rustic fries. This steak, sourced from Glen Innes, NSW, is grain-fed for 200 days, resulting in rich flavours and tender texture. For those with lighter appetites, options like pan-roasted gnocchi with truffled cream and Southern fried chicken wings add variety. The Glenelg Public House seamlessly blends delicious fare with a welcoming setting, offering a steakhouse experience that’s as memorable as it is satisfying.
Emerge Dining stands as one of Geelong’s finest steakhouses, offering an atmosphere that balances warmth with sophistication. Established by a local husband-and-wife team, Emerge combines a welcoming vibe with moody, intimate decor, featuring matte grey walls adorned with vibrant artwork and cosy, candlelit tables. For those dining on a warm evening, streetside seating provides a perfect vantage point to enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and people-watch while soaking in the ambience.
The menu at Emerge focuses on steak, with selections that include Wagyu cross, full-blood Wagyu and grass-fed beef, each cooked to perfection. One of the highlights is the beef Wellington, made with eye fillet, prosciutto, mushrooms and spinach wrapped in puff pastry and served with a rich jus. Known for the in-house dry-aged cuts, Emerge prides itself on showcasing top-quality meat with bold, authentic flavours. Although Emerge is renowned for steak, the restaurant also offers seafood and vegetarian options, ensuring every guest finds something to savour. This dedication to flavour, paired with an immersive dining atmosphere, makes Emerge Dining a true gem in the Geelong food scene.
Birdcage Dining Room & Bar – Main Beach, Qld
With its fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavours, Birdcage Dining Room & Bar is a visual and culinary feast. The vibrant decor – featuring rich red, orange and blue tones, filigree panels and plush velvet banquette seating – sets the stage for a dining experience that feels both exotic and luxurious. The eclectic design transports guests on a journey of flavours, where every element, from the decor to the menu, is carefully curated.
A highlight of the steak offerings here is the 250 g Spinalis steak, a rib cap known for its exceptional flavour and tenderness. This exquisite cut is paired with lime slaw, Crying Tiger dipping salsa and sous vide mash, creating a dish that’s as bold and vibrant as the ambience itself. A carefully prepared dish that showcases Birdcage’s commitment to quality ingredients and unique flavour combinations. Guests are encouraged to start with innovative appetisers like pan-fried prawns with lemon-infused olive oil, before diving into the main event. Birdcage Dining Room & Bar offers a unique steakhouse experience that combines bold flavours with a rich, immersive setting, making every meal a memorable adventure.
Local Burleigh – Burleigh Heads, Qld
In the heart of Burleigh Heads, Local Burleigh is where casual dining meets sophisticated flavours, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. This sun-filled venue offers a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, including a lively beer garden and a front terrace perfect for people-watching. Inside, large tables and communal seating areas create a friendly, social atmosphere that complements the relaxed coastal vibe of Burleigh Heads.
At Local Burleigh, the 350 g Scotch Fillet Black Angus, sourced from the Riverina with a marble score of 3+, is a must-try for steak enthusiasts. This prime cut is served with a simple leaf salad and shoestring fries, allowing the quality of the meat to shine. The venue’s inviting ambience and laid-back decor make it easy for guests to kick back and enjoy their meal in a setting that feels authentically Australian. With its combination of high-quality steaks, craft cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere, Local Burleigh offers an ideal spot to savour a delicious steak while soaking in the Gold Coast lifestyle.
540 on Barkly – Footscray, Vic
A beloved local spot in Footscray, 540 on Barkly brings together rustic charm and hearty meals in a welcoming setting. Known for its pub classics, this venue boasts a leafy beer garden perfect for relaxing on warm days, while the indoor area features exposed brick walls, black table settings and Edison bulb lighting that give the space a cosy, nostalgic feel. This casual, down-to-earth environment makes 540 on Barkly a go-to choice for those seeking a relaxed dining experience with no shortage of comfort.
For steak lovers, the rib eye served with chips, salad and a rich red wine jus is a popular choice, offering a satisfying meal that delivers on flavour and portion size. The menu also includes options like chicken wings with buffalo sauce and lemon pepper calamari, making it ideal for group gatherings. With its focus on comfort and quality, 540 on Barkly provides a satisfying steakhouse experience that’s as enjoyable for its ambience as it is for its food.
