Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Gold Coast

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Burly Bar

5.0

5 (28)

$41 to $100

Australian

Currumbin

About the restaurant

Introducing Burly Bar in Currumbin, Queensland—an exciting new destination for gin lovers and foodies alike. Our contemporary bar and cellar door celebrate the vibrant spirit of the coast, blending fresh coastal flavours with the innovative essence of modern Australian cuisine. Visitors can savor our artisanal gin alongside a curated tapas-style menu, offering small bites inspired by the local surroundings, perfect for those who appreciate fresh, bold, and authentic bites. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or someone looking for a new dining experience, Burly Bar promises an unforgettable journey of flavour and craft.

Top review

Izzy

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Amazing! 10/10 would recommend getting the set menu to try everything. The cocktails were so creative and blended so well, you even turned my partner from hating gin to loving it!

Etsu Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (2136)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Mermaid Beach

About the restaurant

Etsu is a Japanese izakaya which focuses on local amazing produce in our dishes which are designed to be shared amongst friends. We have one of the largest Japanese whisky collections on our back bar which we recommend served over hand cut ice or try one of our sakes or Japanese tap beers. Our sashimi is the freshest around and our fave place to sit is at the dining bar. Kanpaii!!

Top review

Matt

Dined 3 days ago

Some of the best food we have ever had and our bartender Carol was great, we will definitely return.

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4.8

4.8 (32)

$40 and under

Brewery

Miami

About the restaurant

Roji Cat Beer Bar and Brewery brings the vibrant essence of Japan’s neon-lit streets home to Miami, Gold Coast. We bring the energy of Tokyo's hidden alleyways with a sleek, narrow layout, featuring neon lighting, electric dart boards, eclectic artworks, and a private karaoke room.

At Roji Cat we offer 12 house-made beers on tap, including a standout Japanese rice lager, along with a rotating lineup of seasonal brews. The drinks menu also includes signature Japanese-inspired cocktails and an extensive sake selection. On the culinary side, the menu offers elevated Japanese street food, with highlights like karaage with house made sauces, and fresh tempura Moreton Bay bug burgers. Roji Cat is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique, Tokyo-inspired night out.

Top review

Dianne

Dined on May 24, 2025

We had a great afternoon with the family - 1 hour of karaoke was great room clean and very comfortable! Cocktails delish thank you team. It’s our 5th visit and just love the feel of the place

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Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop

4.7

4.7 (504)

$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

David

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Had my partners birthday here last night. All the staff especially the lady serving us were very helpful and friendly. Food and experience was amazing. Thank you :)

Aviary Rooftop Bar - Gold Coast

4.6

4.6 (205)

$40 and under

Pizza Bar

Southport

About the restaurant

Aviary Rooftop Bar is an over 18's experience!

Picture you and your friends sipping on decadent cocktails, enjoying handmade, Italian pizzas and sharing tapas-style dishes at a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline in one direction and the Gold Coast Hinterland the other.

Revel in the Rooftop Experience open Wednesday through to Sunday! The bar is an enclosed rooftop space with large windows offering an open-air experience. For those seeking a truly open-air experience, we have The Nest, a green space on the rooftop, where you can soak up the sun and stars.

Top review

Maria

Dined 3 days ago

Super friendly staff, yummy food, and such a chill vibe.

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Experience

HALF PRICE WEDNESDAYS!

Experience

AVIARY APRÈS

Hideaway Kitchen & Bar Broadbeach

4.5

4.5 (2210)

$40 and under

Asian

Broadbeach

About the restaurant

Hospitality Heavyweight Scott Imlach has teamed up with Head Chef Sam Sheehan to bring a modern take on classic Asian street food to the Gold Coast. A staple in the local dining scene since early 2016, the laid back alfresco eatery has proven its timeless flavours to locals and guests alike.

Centrally located on the outskirts of vibrant Broadbeach, with cocktails that delight, and a menu that will take you straight to a side street of Vietnam, it is a must when it comes to Asian dining on the coast.

Top review

Samantha

Dined 3 days ago

Always a great experience dining at Hideaway. So many menu options catering to all tastes and at affordable prices. Food is tasty and fresh. Great atmosphere and relaxed friendly service. Can be a little noisy at times but depends how busy the restaurant is.

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Experience

Margarita Boozy Brunch

The Exhibitionist Bar

4.4

4.4 (389)

$40 and under

Dining Bar

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

Be seduced by the sweeping views across the Gold Coast with speciality cocktails and bar food designed to share Sitting high on the striking HOTA Gallery, The Exhibitionist Bar brings together great flavours, an enviable champagne list, and an explosion of flavours you won’t forget in a hurry. Whether you want a light lunch with friends, a cocktail at sundown or a nightcap, The Exhibitionist Bar is the perfect choice.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Very happy with my experience, will definitely come back

Oi Izakaya

4.3

4.3 (692)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Burleigh Heads

About the restaurant

Oi Izakaya is a quirky, modern Japanese izakaya located in Burleigh Heads, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese dining with a laid-back Aussie vibe.

Known for its share-style menu featuring izakaya classics like gyoza and sushi, as well as signature dishes like okonomiyaki, it's the perfect spot for a casual meal paired with Japanese whisky, sake, or creative cocktails.

With a dash of Aussie cheek and plenty of charm, Oi Izakaya is all about great food, fun, and good company.

Top review

Natalia

Dined 4 days ago

The food was just incredible!!! The service was superb. We will definitely be back.

Steampunk - Surfers Paradise

4.3

4.3 (612)

$40 and under

Modern Australian

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

If you’re looking for a venue with delectable food, one-of-a-kind drinks and live entertainment, you’ve found the right place. Offering a wide range of local and imported beverages, Steampunk Surfers Paradise offers a vibrant atmosphere for a mid-week pick-me-up or a weekend finale.

Lunch & Dinner 7 days from 12 PM.

Top review

loretta

Dined 6 days ago

Coffee machine not working. Otherwise good food and staff and service.

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Frenzy's - Southport Sharks

4.1

4.1 (1202)

$40 and under

Modern Australian

Southport

About the restaurant

Lunch:
Southport Sharks are proud to offer Value Lunches to all our Members & Guests, meaning you can enjoy your favourites for LESS! Meals start from as little as $15, making it more affordable than ever to get a good quality meal.

Dinner:
The complete all-you-can-eat buffet at Frenzy’s has now returned to being on offer 7 nights a week! From Monday to Thursday enjoy our full range of incredible dishes, then from Friday to Sunday enjoy even more with the addition of prawns, mussels & other delicious seafood dishes.

Top review

Tanya

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful place for all ages and abilities, highly recommended.

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Experience

Ala Carte Menu

Experience

Sunday All You Can Eat Buffet Dinner

Experience

Weekday Buffet Breakfast

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