Surfers Paradise is one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant dining hubs, with everything from casual eats to high-end fine dining. It’s one of the reasons why it’s worth visiting Surfers Paradise! With so many options, choosing the right restaurant in Surfers Paradise can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, modern Australian cuisine, or a unique dining experience, here are some key tips to help you decide.
1. Look at tasting menus for a curated experience
For a fine dining experience, both Akoya at the Langham* and Palette offer exceptional tasting menus that showcase creativity and high-quality ingredients.
Akoya impressed us with bold yet well-balanced flavours, with dishes like their ceviche enhanced by finger limes standing out as one of the best I’ve ever had. The portions were generous, and we even needed a takeaway box for the sides.
Palette, on the other hand, delivers a tasting experience that feels like a true culinary journey. Each dish is beautifully plated, with artistic flair and innovative flavour combinations. The menu is designed to surprise and delight, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate fine dining with a creative edge.
2. Check if the restaurant caters to your preferences
If you have dietary restrictions or specific food preferences, it’s worth checking the menu online before booking. Many Surfers Paradise restaurants offer great vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, but some are more accommodating than others and will have more choices. For example, while we loved our dining experience there, I wouldn’t recommend Akoya to my vegetarian friends.
3. Look for dining deals – but check they’re on!
Many restaurants in Surfers Paradise offer great midweek dining deals. This is a great way to save money when going out or trying something that may usually be above your budget. However, be mindful that some of these deals may not be available during peak seasons (such as school holidays) despite still being advertised on their menu! Always double-check ahead to confirm if a deal is available on the night you plan to go; you don’t want a bad surprise once you’re already seated.
Need some inspiration? On Mondays, there’s an all-you-can-eat pizza at Salt Meats Cheese. Every Tuesday, Stingray has you covered with $5 tacos or $30 unlimited tacos. On Wednesday, you’ll find $1 chicken wings at Finn McCool’s or $7 taco night at COAST (at the Meriton*). On Thursdays, it’s $6 tacos at the Isla Cantina. And that’s just a random selection (with a lot of tacos indeed)!
4. Decide if you want a waterfront or city setting
Surfers Paradise has some fantastic beachfront dining options. We liked our lunch at Nahm Talay, where we enjoyed ocean views while sipping on beautiful cocktails and indulging in delicious “modern fusion” Thai-inspired food.
However, keep in mind that having a waterfront seat for dinner in Queensland outside of summer can be disappointing, as the sun sets quite early. But a restaurant close to the beachfront can allow for a lovely, romantic digestive walk.
5. Explore restaurants with a special atmosphere
If you want to feel like you’ve travelled somewhere special, we found that La Jordania was a fantastic option. The vibrant decor, warm hospitality, and authentic Middle Eastern flavours make it a great choice for a fun, immersive dining experience.
For something completely different but just as memorable, a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant can be a great option. The skilled chefs put on an entertaining show as they cook your food right in front of you before it lands (sometimes literally) onto your plate (or into your mouth). We chose KooKoo Teppanyaki as it was close to our accommodation on a rainy night and still serving after 9 pm. The food was delicious, and the lively atmosphere made it an enjoyable experience.
6. Consider the many options for Persian cuisine
Surfers Paradise has a surprisingly strong selection of Persian restaurants: La Jordania (our favourite atmosphere), Shiraz (our favourite food), and Baba Joon (best value) were all delicious. Each of these restaurants offers authentic Persian dishes bursting with flavour, from tender kebabs to rich stews and delicious soups and dips.
7. If you’re after Italian food, try La Calabrese
For Italian cuisine, La Calabrese at the Meriton* has been our favourite in Surfers Paradise so far, both for the quality of the food and the service. From homemade pasta to delicious woodfired pizzas, this spot delivers an authentic Italian dining experience that feels both refined and welcoming.
8. Seafood lovers: manage your expectations with buffets
The seafood buffet at Citrique at the Marriott* was a mixed experience. While we particularly liked the mussels, there was nothing too special about most of the products on offer. We always prefer quality – and special touches – over quantity. While the quality of the ingredients was there, the dishes on offer didn’t feel refined. If you’re after an all-you-can-eat seafood experience, it’s still a solid option, but it won’t look as exceptional as their a-la-carte dishes or some of the other seafood-focused restaurants in the area.
9. Read reviews, but don’t rely on them completely
Online reviews can be helpful, but personal experiences vary. Some of the best meals come from places you least expect, so if a restaurant appeals to you, give it a try – even if it doesn’t have a perfect rating. I’m glad I didn’t check the ratings for Akoya before going there, as it may not have been my top choice. When I saw them after our meal, I was surprised, so I looked more into why they didn’t have a higher grade, and many people were actually commenting on the buffet – which wasn’t at all why we went there.
On the other hand, we had the opposite experience with Citrique. It had an excellent rating and many glowing reviews, which made us expect something exceptional. While we didn’t have a bad experience, we didn’t find the buffet particularly special for the price, which made it a little underwhelming compared to the hype.
10. Consider whether you need a reservation
Many of the more popular restaurants in Surfers Paradise, especially fine dining spots or those with sea views, book out in advance in peak season and during weekends. If you have your heart set on a particular place, booking ahead is a good idea, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.
How did you choose a restaurant in Surfers Paradise? Share your experience in the comments below!
