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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Gold Coast

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

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!


A photo of Mr Kojima restaurant
4.9
4.9 (30)
$40 and under
Japanese
Surfers Paradise
About the restaurant
Contemporary Japanese Izakaya & Saké bar!

Izakaya (居酒屋), made up of three Kanji symbols translates as stay, drink, place. It represents an informal bar where friends & family meet, a comfortable setting where you can really settle in and enjoy food & drinks in a casual style. Izakaya style, unlike a traditional restaurant is fun, vibrant & relaxed, dishes come to your table as they are ready, they are meant to be shared.

Using traditional Japanese methods & the freshest seasonal ingredients we serve small dishes, pairing perfectly with our speciality drinks, especially Saké & our imported Japanese craft beer selection.

Come join us, kick back and relax, our bartenders will prepare our signature cocktails for you and talk you through our extensive Saké list, whilst our talented chef’s prepare your dishes with passion using both locally sourced produce & speciality ingredients imported from Japan.

We are on the main street of Chevron Island, a short distance from Surfers Paradise.

Top review
Rex
Dined 7 days ago
always a great meal here. lots of atmosphere and a good range of Saki. mr Kojima beer is also very good and goes with the food.
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A photo of EDDY + WOLFF restaurant
4.9
4.9 (151)
$41 to $100
Asian
Robina
About the restaurant
Eddy + Wolff, a hidden gem in Gold Coast, is an Asian bar and restaurant tucked away in Robina.

Our cosy 24-seat venue strikes the perfect balance between an intimate and lively atmosphere. Adored by locals, it's a destination you don't want to miss. This unique dining experience transports you to another time, immersing you in authentic, heartful flavours of modern Asian cuisine.

Through the music we play and the vibrant dishes we serve, you'll find yourself reminiscing about old school days or travels across Asia, all while feeling a profound sense of belonging and connection to where we all came from.

Top review
Kate
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
Fantastic service and outstanding food. Really good ambience and very cool playlist. We have been a few times now and every time thoroughly enjoy the experience.
A photo of Etsu Izakaya restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1988)
$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
Jordan
Dined 2 days ago
Wow! Friendly service and superb food. We were most impressed with the handling of our gluten free dietary requirement. Can’t wait to go back!
A photo of Steampunk - Surfers Paradise restaurant
4.6
4.6 (588)
$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
Zee
Dined on Oct 14, 2024
Incredibly friendly staff, food was scrumptious, definitely recommended, definitely will dine again. 🌈💋😋😊🎶💜✨️
A photo of Las Palmas restaurant
4.5
4.5 (482)
$41 to $100
Latin American
Palm Beach
About the restaurant
Las Palmas Bar & Restaurant brings you flavours from across Latin America, finding roots in Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and beyond. The menu is designed to be shared with friends and family giving you a chance to try a wide variety of dishes. Las Palmas brings an innovative and fresh approach to the cocktail menu whilst always keeping customer enjoyment as the paramount priority. The venue overlooking beautiful Palm Beach is open and airy letting summer and ocean breezes roll in. Las Palmas is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the most important parts of life.
Top review
Jennah
Dined 4 days ago
Abbey and the staff at Las Palmas are absolute legends!! My bday lunch was amazing, the bottomless brunch was great value, food was delicious and the drinks were so good!! Service was 10/10, will definitely be back!!
A photo of Pablito's Sanctuary Cove restaurant
4.3
4.3 (296)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
Food was just ok. Chicken fajitas meat was a bit bland and queso was not the best. Not enough food for the prices. Service was good but I wouldn’t go back.
A photo of House of Brews restaurant
4.2
4.2 (561)
$41 to $100
American
Surfers Paradise
About the restaurant
House of Brews salutes big BBQ, beers, cocktails and rock! Featuring an impressive 32 Australian craft beer taps, this busy American-inspired tap house is energising the heart of Surfers Paradise. Combining that with ‘wow’ factor cocktails, big portions, live music and top-notch service, it makes us a must visit venue. Our kitchen at House of Brews embraces any and all dietary requirements, with gluten friendly and vegan options. Additionally, we offer a special menu for kids that is the perfect size for their growing appetites! There is a reason House of Brews has won multiple awards! ‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for the latest foodie, cocktail and music updates including giveaways, updates and upcoming events!
Top review
Ian
Dined on Oct 2, 2024
Wednesday $1 makes the experience affordable and the wings were good. But where oh where are the drumsticks. It seems these have been left out or left off.
A photo of Hound and Stag Brewing Co restaurant
4.2
4.2 (29)
$40 and under
Brewery
Biggera Waters
About the restaurant
Welcome to Hound and Stag Brewing Co, the Northern Gold Coast's largest taproom and live music precinct. Nestled in an old Aussie farmhouse setting, our venue offers an unparalleled experience. Step into the ambiance of Hound & Stag, where award-winning beer, incredible food, and live music combine. Our menu is a testament to our passion for flavours and good food! Experience the joy of sharing with our Large Stack of Wings or our popular Korean Chicken Burger. At Hound & Stag, we cater to diverse tastes, honouring both the carnivorous spirit and the love for plant-based delights and dairy requirements. We are more than just a brewery with award-winning beer; we offer signature cocktails, locally sourced wines, and your favourite spirits! H&S are all about offering an adventure on the Northern Gold Coast, come and check us out for yourself!
Top review
Terry
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
Great way to celebrate with friends. Good food, great range of beers plus other beverages & fantastic live music.
A photo of Vapiano - Soul Boardwalk restaurant
4.1
4.1 (171)
$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
Jason
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
Amazing service and food was outstanding Best Italian on the coast. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Will return again
A photo of YOT DECK restaurant
3.9
3.9 (136)
$41 to $100
Modern Australian
Main Beach
About the restaurant
YOT Deck has a focus on sit down dining, entertainment and cocktails in a super relaxed
setting with space for private events and Christmas parties. YOT Deck will be open for trade
seven days a week from August through to summer, offering lunch and dinner service.
For those seeking an unforgettable hospitality experience paired with picturesque waterfront
views, YOT Deck is the ultimate destination. Whether you're looking to celebrate a special
occasion, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or combine a drink before embarking on your YOT Club
cruise, YOT Deck will provide the best of both hospitality worlds.

Top review
Alisha
Dined 3 days ago
The place is beautiful...Food delicious, staff are perfect polite and outstanding service...They are the main reason for doing this review...The place is very very hot...I think more fans and more aircon is needed...
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