With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is the time to make dinner plans. Luckily, we have many, many top-notch date night restaurants on the Gold Coast. Here are just a few of them, as recommended by our readers.
Lars Bar and Grill, Nobby’s
“We believe in showcasing the finest hyper-local produce without any unnecessary embellishments,” says Lars Kollrepp, owner and head chef at Lars Bar and Grill. Clearly, locals agree. Lars has become the talk of the town, even in Nobby’s competitive Oxley 1823 precinct.
Bar Monte, Miami
Neighbourhood Italian, with a stylish twist. The new kid on the Miami block (replacing the Domino’s in Miami) Bar Monte is proving you don’t need to fly to Italy to enjoy authentic Italian dishes. Making your way through the sommelier-crafted wine list sounds like the perfect date night activity to us.
Cadillac Supper Club, Palm Beach
If you love Bar Evelyn (the cosy ‘if you know you know’ eatery in Coolangatta) but haven’t yet tried its Palmy counterpart, your next date night is the perfect excuse to. Taking the place of the beloved Scottish Prince bar meant it had big shoes to fill, but its curated menu of hearty, homestyle dishes has proven it’s up to the task. Trust us: get the dip.
Sofia’s, Broadbeach
There’s just something about date night – we instantly think Italian. If you’re in Broadbeach this Valentine’s Day and hungry for a hearty feed, head to Sofia’s. Their menu blends Australian and Italian flavours to create a unique (and delicious) dining experience, but it’s their drinks menu that really seals the deal.
Oi Izakaya, Burleigh
There are so many date-night-approved restaurants to choose from in Burleigh, but Oi Izakaya is certainly one of the best. The wide menu features Japanese classics like yaki and sashimi alongside a few unexpected twists (hello, sushi tacos). The food menu is rivalled only by their extensive list of Japanese wines, beers and sake.
Gemellini, Nobby’s
Date night doesn’t need to be fancy – sometimes, nothing beats some comfort food in a cosy setting with a good bottle of wine (or two). At Gemellini, that’s exactly what you get. This Nobby’s institution dishes up authentic Italian cuisine and a wholesome, family business feel (perhaps because it’s the ‘little brother’ of Broadbeach fave, Gemelli?).
Balboa Italian, Palm Beach
The vibe? Cool, yet cosy – industrial exposed brick glowing in the light of crystal chandeliers, with elements of raw wood adding to the ambience. The menu is no different, with family favourites like woodfired pizza and hearty pastas alongside hype-worthy burrata and seafood starters.
Bonita Bonita, Mermaid Beach
Love Mexican? You’ll love Bonita Bonita, a dimly lit, uber-funky Mexican restaurant hidden in Mermaid Beach. Needless to say, their cocktail selection is unparalleled (try the tom-yum margarita – trust us). But their menu of modern Mexican dishes is not to be scoffed at – it features all of your old favourites, plus a couple of new ones.
Bar Evelyn, Coolangatta
If it’s intimate you’re looking for, Bar Evelyn delivers in spades. As the name suggests, it’s a bar first and foremost – but their impressive menu of sourdough pizza, fresh made pasta and seasonal antipasti is far beyond bar food. Naturally, their drinks are just as impressive; the House Spritz is a must try.
Love these date night restaurants on the Gold Coast? Check out our Eat + Drink section.
