Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Gold Coast

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Gold Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Green Fields Bar + Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (574)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Robina

About the restaurant

Experience Robina's only rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields. Alongside experienced industry professionals and hospitality workers, TAFE Queensland students have the opportunity to complete work experience in a live venue, giving them hands-on training and the essential skills necessary to excel in their future careers.

Located on the fourth floor of the TAFE Queensland Robina campus, our dining menu is crafted to support local businesses who align with our commitment to sustainable practises. Equally, our beverage menu features certified brewers, distilleries and features Australian wines.

Green Fields Bar + Restaurant is committed to minimising our footprint wherever possible.

Top review

Wai

Dined 1 day ago

Really enjoyed our time at Green Fields Restaurant and bar. Food and service was great and will definitely be back again soon.

Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop

4.6

4.6 (472)

$40 and under

Italian

Southport

About the restaurant

A multi level pizzeria, wine bar and rooftop space. We specialise in gourmet pizza, deli meats & cheese plus delicious cocktail jugs and drinks in the sunshine.

Top review

Kelly

Dined 4 days ago

We had a lovely family get together. The waitstaff were so wonderful and personable. The vibe, the outdoor atmosphere and the food was amazing. Will definitely be back!

Lucia

4.5

4.5 (281)

$40 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Tugun

About the restaurant

Lucia exists to take you on a journey. Step onto our sundeck and you’ll immediately be transported to Iberia. Lucia means light, and that’s exactly what you’ll encounter. The backdrop of warm inviting colours, plethora of greenery, and atmosphere that beckons “uno más, por favor” (one more please) might make this your new favourite escape.

Lounge with old friends or make new ones with delicious cocktails, delectable food and great times that are even better when shared. Inside the venue is another beast altogether.

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped off the beaches of Portugal and into a packed Valencian hole-in-the-wall eatery. Loaded with the vibrancy, sounds, smells and tastes typical of that “best kept secret” restaurant you found in your holidays. This is sure to leave a mark.

Top review

Ian

Dined 6 days ago

We've been to Lucia's a number of times over the years, and it's been consistently excellent. The food is always great quality, the service is lovely, friendly and efficient. We've always sat in the court yard out the back, which now has an awning in case it rains. Great happy hour drinks and live music adds to the experience.

Cafe Catalina - Gold Coast

4.4

4.4 (514)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Southport

About the restaurant

Located on the water’s edge in Southport’s Broadwater Parklands, and nestled against the Aquatic Centre, lies Café Catalina Restaurant and Bar.

Offering indoor/outdoor casual dining with a fresh modern Australian menu, the kitchen serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, and dinner Wednesday to Saturday.

With legendary waterfront Sunset Sessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Catalina is the perfect place to wind down after a busy week in an idyllic Gold Coast setting.

Top review

Sam

Dined 7 days ago

We had two dogs and three guests! The staff were very friendly and accomodating for our fluffy friends! The food was great would absolutely recommend

Robina Pavilion - The Brasserie

4.3

4.3 (686)

$40 and under

Modern Australian

Robina

About the restaurant

There's something for everyone at The Brasserie. Light filled, welcoming and with greenery accents, diners can expect a range of delicious options from a brand new menu that includes traditional classics such as the Chicken Parmigiana, a wide variety of mouth-watering steaks and many other delightful dishes guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Sweet tooths will rejoice with a selection of decadent desserts and barista made coffee. For those seeking something a little spicer, the 360 degree bar serves a range of beer, wine, spirits, and eye-pleasing cocktails. Overlooking the sun-kissed Sunny's deck, and close to the Marco Polo Adventure Zone, The Brasserie invites diners to relax and explore the menu in a casual, family-friendly environment.

Top review

Natasha

Dined 1 day ago

Meals very well sized and service was quick despite large numbers of people. Too noisy for us to have good conversations (despite asking for a quiet table). Good for a relaxed social chat but not for a more intimate/deep conversation.

Pablito's Sanctuary Cove

4.3

4.3 (289)

$40 and under

Mexican

Hope Island

About the restaurant

Pablito’s Mexican Tequilaria in Sanctuary Cove brings the fiesta with vibrant Mexican flavours, colourful décor, and a lively atmosphere. Known for crowd favourites like their crispy fish tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and zesty ceviche, Pablito’s pairs each dish with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

The outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun, while the upbeat ambience makes every meal feel like a celebration.

Entertainment at Pablito’s includes live music and themed nights, adding to the festive vibe. With taco Tuesdays, tequila tastings, and plenty of margaritas to go around, it’s the go-to spot for locals and visitors craving authentic Mexican cuisine with a fun twist.
Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back dinner or a lively night out with friends, Pablito’s is the place to be.

Top review

Maddie

Dined 6 days ago

They do a mean coconut margarita, service was amazing from the staff

Tarte Beach House

4.2

4.2 (146)

$40 and under

Australian

Currumbin

About the restaurant

Two venues side-by-side & right on the water in Currumbin. Enjoy exclusive views of the creek while dining in our cafe downstairs, or takeaway and on sit on the shore. We are predominately walk-in only with reservations available only for upstairs. Groups of 12 pax or more please email hello@tarte.com.au for package options.

PLEASE NOTE // Limited afternoon menu is available from 2-3pm Mon to Fri and 3-5pm Sat & Sun

Top review

Mandi

Dined 3 days ago

Love the location and atmosphere. Food is great, but overpriced. Staff are really lovely but after a long wait we had to ask a couple of times to get our order taken.

HOTA Cafe

4.1

4.1 (87)

$40 and under

Café

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

The perfect venue to have a meal, coffee or glass of wine before a film or performance.

Whether you’re meeting friends for a long lazy lunch, enjoying an early coffee and cake after a walk through the HOTA Gallery or relaxing over sunset drinks, HOTA Café is the perfect place to unwind and connect with old friends and new.

Top review

Catherine

Dined on Sep 9, 2024

A very enjoyable experience, with delicious food, prompt, efficient and pleasant staff. Noisy though on covered deck and a bit chilly. We loved our margarita cocktails and would come back for those.

Historic Rivermill

4.1

4.1 (62)

$41 to $100

Australian

Mt Nathan

About the restaurant

At Historic Rivermill, dining transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of flavors in a picturesque setting. Our restaurant, amidst the verdant beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland, presents a culinary journey that celebrates the local harvest and seasonal delights. As you savor each dish, crafted with care and creativity, the rustic elegance of our surroundings and the tranquil backdrop of the Coomera River create an ambiance of peaceful indulgence, making every meal a memorable part of your experience at our family-owned ranch.

Top review

Karen

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

With 11 elderly residents (some with wheelchairs) from my facility, southern side of Brisbane, the ease with getting around The Mill, food, service ambience and all round value for money was outstanding. Being from the Gold Coast myself, l frequent The Mill often and am never disappointed. THANKYOU for also making one older man very happy. Being a horseman all his life, his whole being lit up to get an opportunity to pat a beautiful animal that seemed loved and cared for. And a friendly chat with the caretaker. We will be back, for sure.

Vapiano - Soul Boardwalk

3.9

3.9 (166)

$40 and under

Italian

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

There are few cuisines more comforting than Italian food and with everything going on in the world right now, we sure need as much comfort as we can get!

As always, at Vapiano, we’re continuing to bring traditional Italian recipes to life with a dash of Aussie spice and the best Australian produce (sourced from within 150 kilometres of each restaurant where possible).

With favourites like our Carbonara or Bolognese pasta, and Margherita or Barbeque Pollo pizza, you won't be disappointed! Dine with us today and experience a slice of Italy in Surfers Paradise.

Top review

Tonika

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

Vapianos never disappoints. The pizza was delicious, the cocktails were perfect and delivered quickly and the music made the atmosphere. Perfect evening!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Gold Coast

Explore more Diners' Choice lists

Modern Australian