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Staying on top of the Gold Coast’s latest restaurant openings is a full-time job – and one we take very, very seriously. We’ve hunted down, sipped and sampled the newest offerings and served them up right here, for you. Happy dining!

Bar Ricci, Main Beach

Tedder Avenue just got a major upgrade. Bar Ricci opened earlier this year to plenty of buzz – and it’s easy to see why. It feels like ages since this Main Beach dining strip has welcomed a fresh face, and Bar Ricci is a very pretty one at that. Equal parts stylish wine bar and relaxed neighbourhood restaurant, it’s the kind of place you could stop by for a quick aperitivo and easily end up lingering over dinner.

www.barricci.com.au

Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse, Surfers Paradise

Live music, honky tonk energy and the promise of a seriously good steak – Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse is bringing a slice of Nashville to Surfers Paradise. Step off the Soul Boardwalk and into a lively Western-inspired venue complete with a bucking bull, line dancing on Tuesday nights and a menu built around big, hearty flavours. It’s loud, a little cheeky and exactly the kind of place you go when dinner needs to be more than just dinner.

www.instagram.com

Lovi Lounge, Robina

It’s rare to find a café and restaurant that genuinely nails both serving windows – but Lovi Lounge manages to do just that. By day, it leans into its polished café setting with brunch favourites done well; by night, the menu shifts toward bistro-style dishes that feel a little more indulgent. The result is a versatile neighbourhood spot that brings something fresh to an otherwise quiet pocket of Robina.

www.lovirestauarant.com

The Salty Chook, Coolangatta

Sometimes the best new openings are the simplest ones. The Salty Chook has brought the classic neighbourhood chicken-and-chip shop back to Rainbow Bay – and locals are already lining up. Expect golden roast chooks, crispy chips and all the nostalgic sides you’d hope for, making it an easy choice for post-surf lunches, beach picnics or a lazy midweek dinner.

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House of Halsa, Mermaid Beach

Part health hub, part café, House of Halsa is one of the more intriguing new arrivals on the Gold Coast dining scene. Inside, you’ll find delicate, Instagram-worthy Mont Blanc pastries, grab-and-go snacks and smoothies that have already generated plenty of chatter online (IYKYK). Whether you’re stopping in for a quick wellness boost or settling in with something sweet, it’s a space designed to feel as good as it tastes.

www.instagram.com

There’s something about the tail end of summer that makes dining out feel a little more golden – the days are still stretching out, the water is warm, and the urge for a spontaneous day trip is strong. Luckily, our little corner of the world – from the Sunshine Coast to the Northern Rivers – does summer dining particularly well. Here are the best waterfront restaurants to visit before the cool weather sets in.

Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant, Noosa

Tucked along the Noosa River, away from the bustle of Hastings Street, Ricky’s feels like an escape. It’s practically made for sunny, unhurried lunches that drift into afternoon drinks. The menu reflects its waterfront setting and the best of the wider Sunshine Coast region – fresh seafood, seasonal produce and modern Australian flavours. For the full experience, arrive by ferry and step straight onto the restaurant’s private jetty. It sets the tone before you’ve even ordered your first glass of wine.

www.rickys.com.au

Manly Boathouse, Manly

Housed in a former sailing clubhouse, Manly Boathouse is single-handedly transforming Brisbane’s bayside dining scene. The panoramic views across Moreton Bay are reason enough to visit, but the menu more than holds its own. Expect fresh, comforting dishes that reflect both land and sea – seafood done simply (and oh so well) is served alongside produce-driven plates. Pair it with a stroll along the esplanade and you’ve got an easy end-of-summer ritual sorted.

www.manlyboathouse.com.au

Mr Percival’s, Brisbane City

Most of the venues at Brisbane’s now-iconic Howard Smith Wharves offer river glimpses, but Mr Percival’s gets you right to the edge. Suspended over the Brisbane River, it’s better known for late nights – but don’t overlook it as a lunch or dinner destination. The menu leans into elevated share plates, from small seafood dishes to generous mains and pizzas that are ideal for a group. Time it for sunset and watch the Story Bridge light up as you settle in for another round (or two).

www.mrpercivals.com.au

MĀRE by La Luna, Main Beach

Overlooking the Gold Coast’s Broadwater, MĀRE by La Luna delivers poolside glamour with a Mediterranean edge. It’s easy to forget you’re minutes from home when you’re sipping something citrusy and grazing on seafood designed for sharing. The menu draws on Mediterranean flavours – think fresh fish, vibrant salads and generous plates that feel made for long, balmy evenings. Book in for late afternoon and let the Broadwater do the rest.

www.gennarigroup.com.au

Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads

What is there to say about Rick Shores that hasn’t already been said? Sitting directly on Burleigh’s shoreline, Rick Shores is as close to the ocean as it gets. Yes, the bug rolls are iconic – but there’s far more to explore here. Fresh seafood and local produce meet Asian flavours in dishes that are punchy, polished and perfect for sharing. With waves almost at your feet and the Glitter Strip sparkling in the background, it’s an unmissable Gold Coast dining experience – especially as summer starts to soften.

www.rickshores.com.au

Paper Daisy, Cabarita

Located within Halcyon House, Paper Daisy offers a literal taste of luxury, without the overnight stay. Just steps from Cabarita Beach, it offers a double dose of luxury and relaxation – ideal for a Northern Rivers mini-break or an indulgent day trip. Sip from the cocktail list, settle in with refined bar snacks or commit to a full lunch or dinner (trust us, you won’t need much convincing). It’s easy to see why Paper Daisy has earned its hat.

www.halcyonhouse.com.au

Tweed River House, Murwillumbah

Waterfront doesn’t have to mean oceanfront. At Tweed River House, the river, cane fields and surrounding mountains provide a different – but equally captivating – backdrop. Set within a beautifully restored heritage home, the restaurant celebrates local ingredients with refined, seasonal dishes. It’s the perfect excuse for a scenic drive south, with a long lunch that stretches well into the afternoon.

www.tweedriverhouse.com.au

Beach, Byron Bay

In a town packed with good food, Beach stands out. Overlooking Clarkes Beach, its vantage point alone is worth the drive – but the menu seals the deal. Chef Barret Jones crafts dishes that change with the seasons – from Yellowfin tuna with bright citrus accents to freshly shucked oysters and bright pasta dishes, it’s the very best of the Northern Rivers. Book an early dinner, wander the sand beforehand and let the last light of summer do what it does best.

www.beachbyronbay.com.au

These long days won’t last forever. Consider this your sign to follow the water – north or south – and turn one more sunny afternoon into a meal worth remembering.

There are two kinds of Gold Coasters – those who like their seafood straight off the grill, and those who prefer it tucked into something carb-heavy and handheld. This one’s for the latter. From cult-status bug rolls to lobster-loaded bagels, here’s where to find six of the Gold Coast’s best seafood sandwiches right now (plus a super-exclusive bonus seventh option).

Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads

This bug roll is arguably the most famous single menu item on the Gold Coast, and for good reason. Fresh Moreton Bay Bug, mayonnaise, sriracha and a soft brioche bun – simple ingredients, perfectly proportioned. Of course, the beachfront setting certainly adds to the experience, but the roll itself is what keeps people coming back.

www.rickshores.com.au

Joe’s Deli, Broadbeach

We’ve got good news – Joe’s lobby roll is officially here to stay. Lobster and crab are combined with Kewpie mayo, shredded iceberg, chives, black caviar and lemon for something that feels indulgent without being overcomplicated. And if you lean more traditional, the beer battered flathead fish sanga with tartare is a classic done well.

www.joesdeliofficial.com

Black Dingo, Coolangatta

Seafood always tastes better with an ocean view, and Black Dingo has one of the best on the Coast. One of the few breakfast options on this list, their bug bagel layers Moreton Bay bug with baby cos and sriracha mayo on a chewy bagel – fresh, balanced and exactly what you want after a morning by the water.

www.blackdingocafe.com.au

Scott’s Luncheonette, Palm Beach

Much like a seafood sandwich, Scott’s Luncheonette hits the sweet spot between casual and classy. So, it’s only fitting that their Fish Sanga – golden fried fish, rocket, spicy coleslaw, pickles and onion on toasted bread – feels nostalgic, but still elevated. It’s comforting without being heavy, and reliably good at any time of day.

www.foodiemate.com.au

Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach

We’ll be happy to debate the official definition of a seafood sandwich, but for the purpose of this guide, we’re saying it’s any kind of seafood wrapped in a carby-bun. And therefore, Etsu’s Bay lobster bao makes the cut. Featuring asahi battered lobster with pickled cucumber and carrots, finished with spicy tartare sauce and tucked into soft bao, it’s lighter than a brioche roll, but still satisfying – a welcome change of pace.

www.etsu.com.au

Tarte Beach House, Currumbin

Everyone knows that Tarte takes carbs seriously, which makes their lobster roll – on the menu at creekside Tarte Beach House – especially worth ordering. Australian southern rock lobster in hot butter, celery, chives and lettuce is served in a toasted house-made brioche bun – rich, but balanced. Honourable mention to the twice smoked salmon bagel if you’re after something brilliantly brine-y.

www.tarte.com.au