Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Central Gold Coast

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Central Gold Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mr Kojima

4.9

4.9 (31)

$A40 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

Trish

Dined on 21 Nov 2024

Fun place. Great atmosphere , service was friendly but professional. Food was absolutely delicious. We really enjoyed ourselves and will return to work our way through the menu!

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Experience

Omakase

EDDY + WOLFF

4.9

4.9 (154)

$A41 to $A100

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

Tiana

Dined 3 days ago

The food was spectacular. The dishes were unique twists on classics. The flavor, texture, and presentation spot on. The service and staff were incredibly friendly and made sure you had a great experience. Checked in after each course to see if you were ready for the next. Will be back soon :)

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Experience

Dine Like The Wolff

Etsu Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (1994)

$A41 to $A100

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

Claire

Dined 4 days ago

Once again great food, great atmosphere and great service. AAA+

Masu Izakaya

4.7

4.7 (37)

$A40 and under

Japanese

Burleigh Heads

About the restaurant

MASU IZAKAYA- is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in an izakaya setting with sushi bar. It focuses on using local and Japanese ingredients but using Japanese techniques, flavours and presentation. The restaurant celebrates shared dining experience from sushi, sashimi, to your favourite grilled dishes, tempura and with a wide selection of Japanese drinks such as sake, shochu, beers and whiskies. Japanese inspired cocktails and some local and Japanese craft beers are also showcased.

Top review

Kylie

Dined on 19 Nov 2024

Incredible service, unbelievable food so fresh and tasty we will definitely be back 🙏

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Experience

Omakase

Steampunk - Surfers Paradise

4.6

4.6 (588)

$A40 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 14 Oct 2024

Incredibly friendly staff, food was scrumptious, definitely recommended, definitely will dine again. 🌈💋😋😊🎶💜✨️

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4.6

4.6 (52)

$A41 to $A100

Seafood

Broadbeach

About the restaurant

A World Class, Mediterranean inspired Seafood Dining and Entertainment establishment situated in Broadbeach.

Top review

Susan

Dined on 10 Nov 2024

Great afternoon! Lots of fun and delicious food. Great music . Always a great vibe.

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Experience

Vida Time

Hideaway Kitchen & Bar Broadbeach

4.5

4.5 (2153)

$A40 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

Kaleb

Dined on 22 Nov 2024

If you’re looking for a comforting yet elevated dining experience, The Hideaway Kitchen and Bar is worth a visit, especially for their fried rice and dumplings. The fried rice is a standout—perfectly cooked with a balance of smoky, savory flavors that hit just the right note. Each grain of rice is infused with rich seasoning, complemented by tender vegetables and a subtle hint of umami. The dish isn’t overly greasy, which often happens with fried rice, but instead feels light yet satisfying. The addition of protein—whether it’s shrimp, chicken, or pork—only elevates the flavor profile without overpowering the dish. It’s clear that attention to detail goes into every spoonful. The dumplings are equally impressive. With a delicate, yet sturdy, wrapper, they strike the perfect balance between chewy and tender. The filling inside is a delicious mix of finely seasoned meat (or vegetables, depending on your choice), and each bite bursts with flavor. The dipping sauce, a tangy blend with just the right amount of heat, brings the entire dish together. Whether steamed or fried, these dumplings are a must-try and pair wonderfully with the fried rice. Overall, The Hideaway Kitchen and Bar has mastered the art of creating simple yet flavorful dishes that keep you coming back for more. The fried rice and dumplings are a perfect example of how comfort food can be both familiar and exciting with a little creativity and care.

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Experience

Margarita Boozy Brunch

House of Brews

4.2

4.2 (561)

$A41 to $A100

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

Daniel

Dined on 22 Nov 2024

Good food, large portions, friendly staff. Food is nothing fancy, it is what it is advertised as, but is tasty!

Vapiano - Soul Boardwalk

4.1

4.1 (171)

$A40 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 25 Oct 2024

Amazing service and food was outstanding Best Italian on the coast. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Will return again

YOT DECK

4.0

4 (143)

$A41 to $A100

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

Garry

Dined on 24 Nov 2024

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