Best Outdoor Restaurants on the Gold Coast
With a sublime subtropical climate and thriving food scene, it’s no surprise that Gold Coast outdoor dining is some of the best in the country. A stunning setting and some golden sunshine makes the perfect pairing with any dish.
Choose from beachside cafes steps from the sand, Hinterland hotels with million dollar views or vibrant venues where you sip cocktails at sunset and dine beneath the stars. Discover some of the Gold Coast’s best alfresco dining experiences.
Stanley’s Barn Restaurant & Bar
Situated in a semi-rural setting alongside the Gold Coast Car Museum, this restaurant is somewhat of a hidden gem. Set in a rustic building with shabby-chic character, Stanley’s Barn has a wide verandah that opens up onto a lush green lawn and views across the Coomera Valley and bushland beyond.
The food matches the view and is first class, making this location an ideal long lunch destination.Kids will enjoy some free range play and the resident alpacas are popular with little people too.
Location: 107 Kriedeman Road, Upper Coomera
Currumbin RSL
If creekside dining beside one of Gold Coast’s prettiest waterways sounds good, book a table on The Deck at Currumbin RSL.
The sparkling Currumbin Creek makes a scenic backdrop to casual dining during the day, and it’s a beautiful spot to spend warm summer evenings (although it’s protected from the weather and heaters keep it cosy in winter). Enjoy live tunes in the open air on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays too.
On the menu, from classic mains, burgers, starters, salads, daily specials or perfectly crispy woodfired pizzas. Sip on something from the bar while you gaze out at the water at one of southern Gold Coast’s favourite outdoor dining venues. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Location: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club
Dining at a sun drenched pool club surrounded by super yachts sounds very Mediterranean and that’s exactly the vibe at MĀRE Restaurant at Marina Mirage. The aesthetics and ambiance conjure images of Mykonos – the catwalk down the centre of the pool only adding an extravagant atmosphere.
Dine on mouth watering mezze plates, fresh fish and seafood, sipping on cocktails, fancy champagne or a glass of quality vino. Relax and enjoy the good life on sun loungers, daybeds and cabanas as you soak up million dollar views of the Broadwater. Alfresco dining at its best for long lunches and sunset dinners.
Location: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Kirra Beach House
Located on the southern shores of the Gold Coast, Kirra Beach House is a chic rooftop venue oozes laidback luxe and boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Cabanas and lounge areas are spread across a sprawling open air terrace where you can kick back with a cocktail, soak up the sunshine and watch the waves roll in, often to the sounds of acoustic music or live DJs.
Feast on a Med-style grazing menu featuring oysters, seafood, barrata, woodfired flatbread, mouthwatering morsels and mains, which are served with an impressive range of Australian and international wines, signature cocktails and crafted spritzes.
Location: 4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Best Outdoor Cafes on the Gold Coast
The Paddock Bakery
Take a seat in the shady courtyard of this iconic Gold Coast bakery and treat yourself to a decadent breakfast or lunch in the fresh air and sunshine. Inside the beautiful old Queenslander, they bake heavenly woodfired sourdough along with perfectly flaky pastries, decadent donuts and supremely good coffee. There are plenty of fresh baked reasons Paddock is a local favourite when it comes to Gold Coast dining experiences. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Location: 20 Hibiscus Haven
Stone’s Throw Cafe
Tucked away in Currumbin, this cute coffee spot is unassuming from the front, but walk through the cafe and it opens out into an expansive deck and shady garden with lush lawn out the back.Make the most of the Gold Coast weather and take a seat outside in the dappled shade, and take your pick from a menu you can’t go wrong with – everything is delicious.
The garden setting at Stone’s Throw makes for a delightful dining experience plus it’s fully fenced, with plenty of space to play with a little sandpit and caravan cubby house – the perfect morning tea date for parents with little people in tow. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Location: 4/9 Station St, Currumbin
Pasture & Co
Currumbin Valley is a stunning part of the world where you’ll be inspired to spend time in nature and at Pasture & Co, you can do so while enjoying breakfast, lunch or anything in between.
Nourishing dishes, pastries, cakes and delicious sweet treats are made with local, fresh, organic produce and the gorgeous outlook and laid back atmosphere make it a popular local meeting spot. There’s indoor seating at this cafe but it spills outside onto a sprawling lawn where tables and stools are scattered, or you can sit on the grass under the shade of an ancient fig tree. With all the space and nature, it’s a very family-friendly venue where kids can go free-range and run around..
Visit the organic grocer’s and beautifully curated gift shop while you’re there, or combine with a visit to Ground Bathhouse, which is just next door.
Location: 639 Currumbin Creek Rd (Inside the Eco Village)
Dune Cafe
Overlooking beachside parklands and the calm water lagoon of Currumbin Estuary, Dune Cafe offers a lovely outlook, a sea breeze and casual alfresco dining.
The generous selection of lunch and breakky options includes all day breakfast, burgers, bowls, wraps and every kind of beverage from fabulous coffee to cold pressed juices and smoothies. There’s takeaway options too which is hand for parents heading over to the nearby Pirate Park.
And since it’s the closest caffeine stop to one of the Gold Coast’s most popular dog beaches, there’ll be plenty of cute canines hanging around too.
Location: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Best Outdoor Pubs on the Gold Coast
Burleigh Town Tavern
A local fixture for many decades, the Burleigh Town Hotel is enjoying a new lease on life after a major renovation and refurb. A spacious outdoor beer garden wraps around the venue encompassing a bistro, two bars and a playground and to cater the the family friendly crowd. Claim one of the picnic tables and tuck in to the perfect pub meal in the bright bistro. The atmosphere here is a prime example of Gold Coast’s casual outdoor dining scene – perfect.
Location: Tsipura Dr, Burleigh Heads
St Bernard’s Hotel
The Gold Coast Hinterland is famous for incredible views and the deck of this hotel is a stunning vantage point to admire them from. Perched on the edge of an ancient volcanic escarpment, St Bernard’s Hotel overlooks rugged mountain ranges in the distance. The leafy garden is another lovely outside spot to dine and drink in the outdoors..
Enjoy warm hospitality and country dining – in winter, an fireplace will keep you cosy.. And in case you were wondering, the name is not just for fun. There are some big, beautiful St Bernard dogs who are always very popular with guests.
Location: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain
Garden Kitchen & Bar
As its name suggests, Garden Kitchen & Bar is a sanctuary of greenery and an amazing alfresco venue. With a greenhouse-style setting inside and an expansive palm-lined deck and expanse of lawn, this hotspot is as lush and leafy as they come.
Enter the casino and entertainment precinct of The Star Gold Coast to find this secret garden and settle in for a fabulous afternoon or evening in the spacious, light filled venue – feast on fresh, vibrant dishes or order a round of drinks and nibbles. Perfect for a date night, family dinner or celebration with friends.
Location: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
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