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Gold Coast lunch venues with a water view
Charntel Cleveland | March 18, 2022
Hungry for lunch with a sparkling backdrop?
The Gold Coast is brimming with quality dining destinations sporting stunning water views of the ocean, Broadwater, creeks, canals and rivers.
Here are some of our perennial favourites.
The Tropic, Burleigh Heads
Water view: Beach
Cuisine: Mediterranean and modern Australian
Decor: Tropical boho
Take in the sights and sounds of waves crashing ashore at The Tropic, Burleigh Pavilion, where you can dine on the absolute beachfront and enjoy delicious Mediterranean and modern Australian cuisine in a five-star setting. There’s also a brunch, dessert and vegan menu, plus a wicked wine list and dreamy cocktails to round out your seaside spread.
Siblings, Kirra
Water view: Beach
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Décor: Mid-century modern
Overlooking beautiful Kirra beach, Siblings restaurant sits within the heritage-listed Kirra Pavilion. Whether you’re fangin’ for a feed after hanging ten, or meeting friends and family for a more formal affair, Siblings has you covered. Here you can enjoy classic fish and chips and craft beers, as well as deli-style share plates, coveted cocktails and a modern Mediterranean-style lunch menu.
Ladybird Restaurant, Main Beach
Water view: Broadwater
Cuisine: South–East Asian and Mediterranean
Décor: Modern industrial
Housed within Palazzo Versace’s exclusive five-star resort, Ladybird Restaurant lays the claim to the Gold Coast’s best oysters, cocktails, steak and seafood. An eclectic yet appetising fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, Ladybird also offers a range of share plates, wok-tossed dishes and desserts. There’s also generous vegan and kids’ menus, plus a wine list as long as your arm.
Burleigh beachside at The Tropic.
Siblings overlooking beautiful Kirra Beach.
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads
Water view: Beach
Cuisine: Asian
Décor: Modern industrial
Offering a pan-Asian menu, Rick Shores is a multi-award-winning restaurant by the ocean’s edge at Burleigh Heads. Enjoy locally sourced produce in the form of a la carte share plates, larger dishes, curries, skewers, dumplings and dim sum, or a mouth-watering set menu for parties of six or more. There’s also a carefully curated drinks menu to complement your meal.
Omero’s Bros, Main Beach
Water view: Broadwater
Cuisine: Seafood
Décor: Modern
One of the Gold Coast’s most iconic seafood restaurants, Omero’s Bros at Marina Mirage offers stunning Broadwater views. Choose from a $55 set menu, which includes a selection of entrées, mains and desserts, or dig into range of a la carte options. A well-rounded wine list and decadent desserts ensure lunch will be an affair to remember.
Edgewater Dining, Isle of Capri
Water view: Canal
Cuisine: Italian-inspired modern Australian
Décor: Modern
Perfectly positioned beside calm canal waters that reflect the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline, Edgewater Dining at Via Roma serves up modern Australian fare with an Italian twist. There’s also an epic 30-page Liquid Journey menu overflowing with wines, cocktails, spirits, beers and ciders, as well as a healthy selection of non-alcoholic offerings.
Bug risotto at Edgewater Dining.
Views at Edgewater Dining (the name says it all).
Hyde Paradiso, Surfers Paradise
Water view: Beach
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Décor: Beachside riviera chic
Feeling fancy? Hyde Paradiso is, according to its website, THE place to see and be seen by the sea. On the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise, Hyde Paradiso boasts unobstructed ocean views, tapas to die for and signature cocktails, not to mention chilled DJ-spun beats and a super-chic fit-out. The only Hyde property in Australia, Paradiso’s counterparts can be found all over the world, including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Dubai and the Bahamas.
Robina Pavilion
Water view: Lake
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Décor: Modern riviera
Voted the number one pub on the Gold Coast, Robina Pavilion offers casual yet classy lunches overlooking the lake. Select from the comprehensive bar menu as you gather at picnic-style tables or casual shared seating, or fully kick back at the day beds or cabanas. Enjoy tapas, share plates or woodfire pizzas, or tuck into mains spanning burgers, salads, steak, chicken and seafood. There are also vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a kids’ menu.
La Luna Beach Club, Main Beach
Water view: Broadwater
Cuisine: Greek
Décor: Bohemian chic
Lunch in the lap of luxury at La Luna Beach club, where you can take in panoramic views of the Broadwater while feasting on gorgeously plated Greek-inspired fare. Choose from a menu featuring mezze share plates, steak, seafood, pasta and desserts, or the vegan menu offering cruelty-free alternatives. Those looking to complement their meal with a tipple or two will be thrilled with the comprehensive drinks list.
Harrigan’s Calypso Bay, Jacobs Well
Waterview: Broadwater and bay
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Décor: Modern
With three vantage points to take in illustrious Broadwater views, Harrigan’s Calypso Bay provides an idyllic setting for a waterside lunch. Choose from either the Pontoon Garden at the water’s edge, the Beer Garden with marina and garden views, or take full cover from the sun on the Cabana with scenic vistas of Moreton Bay. Indulge in bistro favourites such as burgers, pizza, steaks, salads and seafood, or—if you’re planning something extra special—contact the Harrigan’s team to organise a luxury picnic.
Currumbin RSL
Water view: Currumbin Creek
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Décor: Modern
It’s exciting when a much-loved destination gets even better. That’s exactly what’s going on at Currumbin RSL, which has been recently renovated for your dining pleasure. Dubbed ‘the best little club in the world’, Currumbin RSL offers classic bistro-style meals with generous views of Currumbin Creek. With kids’ meals, a spirited bar menu, plus vegan, vegetarian and gluten-friendly options, Currumbin RSL ticks all the boxes.
Red Steakhouse & Bar, Sanctuary Cove
Water view: Marina
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Décor: Modern
Is your inner carnivore calling? Sink your teeth into something substantial at Red Steakhouse & Bar on the Sanctuary Cove waterfront. Surrounded by million-dollar yachts, dine on a range of grass-fed, grain-fed and wagyu steak, freshly prepared sides and an extensive selection of specially selected wines to match your meal. Those with a sweet tooth can also indulge in classic, yet elevated, diet-busting desserts including sticky date pudding, apple and pear crumble and crème brulee.
Surf clubs
Water view: Beach
Cuisine: Varies, but mostly modern Australian
Décor: Relaxed modern
When it comes to down-to-earth dining with sweeping beach views, it’s hard to surpass lunch at one of the Gold Coast’s surf clubs. There’s a club at almost every suburb along our superb stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline, all with diverse menus and drink selections. Check out the restaurants and cafes at any of the following surf clubs:
• Southport Surf Life Saving Club
• BMD Northcliffe Surf Club, Surfers Paradise
• Kurrawa Surf Club, Broadbeach
• Mermaid Beach Surf Club
• North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Supporters Club
• Tallebudgera Surf Club
• Palm Beach Surf Club
• Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Lifesaving Club
• Kirra Beach Surf Club
• Greenmount Beach Surf Club
• Coolangatta Surf Club
• Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Southport Yacht Club
Water view: Marina
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Décor: Modern
If you’re looking for family-friendly venue, Southport Yacht Club has something for everyone. Settle in for a long, lazy lunch surrounded by super yachts and sparkling water views of the marina. Select from a seasonal modern Australian menu starring seafood, or keep the little tackers happy with a special kids’ menu. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins during your lunch.
Surfers Pavilion
Water view: River
Cuisine: Seafood
Décor: Modern industrial riviera
While it’s hard to beat Surfers Pavilion’s uninterrupted river views, the Froze Bar is the jewel in the crown of this popular waterside restaurant. There’s also a wide selection of cocktails, margaritas, spritzers and wines. When it comes to cuisine, the focus is on fresh seafood, but there’s also a variety of share plates, mains, burgers and salads to choose from, plus a kids’ menu for those under 12.
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