Top 9 restaurants with a view on the Gold Coast for a scenic dining experience
Don’t get me wrong, having brunch at your usual eatery or preparing supper at home is great in its own way. And I think it’s because there’s comfort in the familiar, like the waitress who’s been there for decades or the family praise when your cooking hits just right.
But sometimes, between spoonfuls of pork chop and garlic fried rice or bites of my mom’s homemade carrot cake, I long to see something different out there—something beyond the flower pots on the window sill or the television across our dining area.
Lucky for me (and maybe for you, too), the best restaurants with a view on the Gold Coast give just that. In these spots, we can feast on whatever tickles our taste buds or simply linger over a long, lazy lunch by the river, the sea, or even the mountains.
1. Rick Shores
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Website: https://www.rickshores.com.au/
Address: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Contact details: +61 7 5630 6611
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM – 8 PM
Rick Shores Burleigh serves up beachfront dining with bold Asian flavors. You can book a table indoors and enjoy your meal with sea views through the open windows, or dine outside under the shade of big umbrellas—sandy toes and all.
The Moreton Bay Bug Roll, Rick Shores’ signature dish, is always a good idea. It’s part of both the $90 and $135 set menus, and pairs well with the Bug Mayonnaise, Sriracha, and brioche bun it comes in.
As you sit and eat with the sound of waves crashing, it’s easy to imagine getting married there—or hosting a special event. Good thing Rick Shores is available for private hire for groups of 41 to 150, with the same views, talented kitchen team, and exclusive cocktails!
Pro tips:
- Rick Shore’s set and à la carte menus change with the seasons and what’s locally available. Groups of seven or more adults are required to dine from the set menu, while smaller parties can choose between the two.
- The chefs are happy to accommodate allergies and dietary requirements—just let the staff know in advance. Indoor tables can be reserved on this page, and outdoor seating is generally for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. The Tropic
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Website: https://thetropic.com.au/
Address: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Contact Details: +61 7 5661 9050
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM – 10 PM
- Friday – 12 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM – 10 PM
Sitting at the northern end of Burleigh Pavilion, The Tropic brings the ocean to your table—literally. Fresh seafood and delicious sunset cocktails line their Mediterranean-inspired, modern Australian menu.
The King Prawn Pasta stands out, though, which is made with garlic, chili, shallots, and sundried tomatoes tossed in a light sauce. To complement the spice of this flavorful dish, pair it with the citrusy pop and light bubbles of the Mojo Tivo Blood Orange Spritz cocktail.
You’ll be dining in a stylish deck with oceanfront views stretching to Surfers Paradise, and people love it so much that they accept reservations up to three months in advance. Surrounded by sun and sea spray, you can also savor the moment with lemon meringue sorbet for dessert.
Pro tips:
The Tropic’s menu is divided into food, drinks, set meals, brunch, dessert, vegan options, and kids’ meals. Be sure to check them all out so you’re ready with your order when you arrive—and we recommend trying the following:
- Beachside brunch (last Saturday of every month) – This $75 per person food package includes exclusive terrace seating and a live DJ. Premium beverage options are also available, such as Veuve Clicquot for $92 and Bellini Cocktails for $59.
- Group bookings (year-round) – Celebrate your next birthday or special occasion with The Tropic’s feasting menu and beverage packages. Catering for groups of 9 to 45, prepare for lunch or dinner at their indoor a la carte restaurant.
- Terrace seating for sunset views (around 5:00 PM) – Book a terrace seat around this time to catch the sunset. If you’re joining the Beachside Brunch, terrace access is already included in the package.
3. Tommy’s Italian
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Website: https://tommysitalian.com.au/
Address: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Contact details: +61 7 5647 6180
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Open for lunch and dinner, you’ll encounter some familiar favorites of the Italian culinary world at Tommy’s Italian. With every pasta plate, pizza bite, and wine sip, don’t be surprised if you walk away feeling just a little bit Italian!
What’s more is that Currumbin Beach sets the scene. As your pepperoni pizza arrives—along with a glass of red to balance its spice and saltiness—the blue afternoon sky, shimmering seawater, and golden east coast sunset complete the casual beachfront dining feel.
Tommy’s Italian also hosts all kinds of celebrations, with their airy and bright mezzanine level accommodating 26 to 50 wedding, birthday, or corporate function guests. You can book the entire place, too, if you invited 70 to 120 people—view event packages here!
Pro tip:
Download the menu for food, drinks, and set meals to familiarize yourself with their dishes before you visit. Tommy’s Italian is best experienced with a group, and while they welcome walk-ins, booking in advance here is the way to avoid disappointment.
In addition, pets aren’t allowed inside. So if you’re planning to bring a furry friend along, you’ll need to enjoy your meal at an outdoor table.
4. Surfers Pavilion
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Website: https://www.surferspav.com.au/
Address: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5620 1012
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM – 1 AM
The energy at Surfers Pavilion carries through from light breakfast and heavy lunch catch-ups to dinner parties and after-work drinks. You can take a seat inside the glass-enclosed area or out on the deck overlooking the Nerang River.
Among the waffles and pancakes at breakfast and the share plates and platters served later in the day, the Bug and Prawn Linguine really hits the spot. And it goes down easy with your choice of Surfers’ wines and cocktails, or a pick from their signature margarita list.
Meanwhile, kids can order anything from their section of the menu here, before the family digs in with uninterrupted river views. Your dog(s) can also join you, munching on Doggy-Chinos and sausage and eggs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
Pro tip:
To know more about the dishes offered at the Surfers Pavilion (and their prices), check the following pages on food, drinks, and Doggy Menu. Plus, here are some of their special offers you shouldn’t miss out on:
- DJ’s (Mondays from 7:30 PM, Fridays from 5:30 PM, Saturdays from 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 2:00 PM) – A live DJ fills the river air with music on these days and times. Swing by then to make your night out with friends even more fun.
- Oyster hour (Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) – During this time, you get oysters for half their original price. Choose from Kilpatrick, Tempura Wakame with Wasabi Mayo, and Mignonette.
5. La Luna Dining
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Website: https://gennarigroup.com.au/la-luna-dining-marina-mirage
Address: 74 Seaworld Dr, Marina Mirage, Main Beach
Contact details: +61 7 5606 7593
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 5 PM – 10 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM – 10 PM
Long lunches, sunset cocktails, and intimate dinners with panoramic views of the Broadwater await you at La Luna Dining. The luxurious, chic style and Bohemian charm of this place will pull you in to try their modern Mediterranean cuisine.
You’ll find their signature dish, the Kingfish Ceviche, under the Cold Bar section of their à la carte. You can only dine indoors, but it’s enough of a front-row seat to upscale marina views of yachts and boats gently cruising by with the gentle sound of the harbor.
Let’s not forget La Luna’s signature cocktails crafted to complement servings of their baked scallops entrée or wagyu beef ragu pasta. You can go for the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, Signature Bloody Mary, Paprika Spiced Pineapple Margarita, and more from here.
Pro Tip:
Book a table here around 5:00 PM to soak up vibrant sunsets over the marina as you dine. It’s also worth noting that La Luna’s light, holiday-like atmosphere makes for a great escape from the everyday grind.
6. Quarterdeck Kitchen + Bar
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Website: https://quarterdeckkitchen.com.au/
Address: 76/84 Waterway Dr, Coomera
Contact details: +61 7 5529 7127
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 7 AM – 3 PM
- Thursday – 7 AM – 3 PM; 5 PM – 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 7 AM – 10 PM
Quarterdeck Kitchen + Bar’s seasonal menu showcases yet another Mediterranean-inspired waterfront dining. Crafted only from the finest local ingredients, it’s no wonder their Local Trawler Prawns have become a crowd favorite.
Here, you can take your breakfast, lunch, and dinner with breathtaking views of the Coomera River and Hope Island. Bringing it all together are expertly mixed cocktails made with premium Australian distilleries, alongside a curated selection of local beers and wines.
To find them, you need to enter the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard before making your way directly to the back of the site. It can be confusing, so they created this handy guide for you to download or print.
Pro tips:
Check their breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drink menus here—plus a dedicated section for kids. Once you’ve made up your mind, you can secure a reservation in advance through this page.
Quarterdeck also offers some great deals. Plan your budget and visit around the following to make the most of your experience:
- Happy hour (Friday and Saturday, 3 PM to 5 PM) – Toast to the weekend with their curated selection of beers and wines for $7 or a cocktail for $15. Half-priced oysters and a delicious snack menu are also part of the deal.
- Loyalty rewards system – Earn one point for every dollar you spend. Once you collect 50 points, you’ll receive a $5 discount—sign up here!
7. Horizon Sky Dining
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Website: https://crowneplazasurfersparadise.com.au/eat-and-drink/horizon-sky-dining/
Address: 2807 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5592 9900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – closed
- Thursday and Friday – 12 PM – 2:30 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM – 1:30 PM
The all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at Horizon Sky Dining consists of the freshest oysters, sushi, and grilled fish. Don’t be caught off guard, though, as the restaurant slowly rotates to give you 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline.
Natural finishes and a coastal color palette make up its luxurious interior, creating an atmosphere that’s both elegant and relaxed. People usually consider this revolving restaurant either to celebrate a special occasion or simply for a memorable family outing.
Starting at $110 per person for adults, you can take advantage of Horizon’s curated cocktails and extensive wine list. As for children aged 3 to 12, it’s $65 per head, which varies depending on the day and time of dining.
Pro tips:
- Book your table around 5:00 PM to witness the 360-degree views as they shift from golden hour to nighttime city lights. The combination of a slowly revolving setting and the changing hues of the sky makes for an amazing backdrop for your meal.
- Due to the restaurant’s revolving nature, accommodating long tables can be tricky. If you’re dining with a group, make arrangements in advance so the staff can set up adjacent tables and keep everyone together.
8. Cooly Breeze
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Website: https://www.coolybreezerooftop.com.au/
Address: Level 13/122 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Contact details: +61 434 107 559
Operating hours:
- Monday and Thursday – 5 PM – 9 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – closed
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 8 PM
If you’re craving some savory rooftop dining in the heart of Coolangatta, Cooly Breeze’s authentic Mediterranean flavors are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From their full menu, the seared scallops steal the show.
You can order from their extensive range of cocktails to go with the scallops, or you can drink to the afternoon sunsets over Coolangatta Beach. As a seafood restaurant and rooftop bar, your time here truly feels like the best of both worlds.
Pro tip:
Cooly Breeze is a small venue with limited seating, so they’ve set the following dining times to accommodate as many guests as possible:
- 1 to 3 people – 2 hours
- 4 to 5 people – 2.5 hours
- 6 to 8 people – 3 hours
- Over 10 people – 3.5 hours
Note that all bookings must adhere to these time limits. And be sure to arrive on time, as the staff can’t extend your reservation if you’re running late.
9. The Paddock Restaurant
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Website: https://beechmontestate.com.au/the-paddock-restaurant/
Address: 422 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont
Contact details: +61 7 5602 9710
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Imagine eating all three meals surrounded by the sounds of nature and the rolling hills of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Or curling up by the fireplace with a good book and ever-flowing champagne—these are just a glimpse of what The Paddock Restaurant has to offer.
Part of the Beechmont Estate, it puts a wholesome spin on fine dining. You can expect your breakfast, lunch, and dinner to be made from quality local produce—the roasted pumpkin with whipped yogurt shines the most on the menu.
The Paddock has seen weddings happen, kangaroos pass by, and guests with bicycles touring the green estate. Perhaps you will, too, from the Beechmont Cabins or Luxury Pavilions, if ever you decide to stay the night.
Pro tip:
Book a table here around golden hour (4:30 PM to 5:30 PM) to watch the sunset over the hinterland, especially for window or terrace seating. And if you’re staying overnight, ask for a Pavilion with a fireplace for the full cozy-country escape.