Can you believe it’s time to start thinking about the Silly Season? We can’t. But while we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Gold Coast group dining, you should definitely get in early (read: now) if you want to book your festivities without issue. From north to south, here are the bars and restaurants we love…
Ms Margot’s, Surfers Paradise
Perfect for: A staycation.
Set inside the Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s bar is the perfect location for a few nibbles and a lot of cocktails. It’s perfect – you get to enjoy a getaway or stay-cay, and you don’t even need to leave the hotel to have a great afternoon/evening out. Wash down the delicious share plates from their all-day dining menu with specialty cocktails, craft beers and ciders on tap.
www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au/ms-margots
Cucina Vivo, Broadbeach
Perfect for: A prosecco-fuelled long lunch, then the casino.
Indulge in delicious Italian eats at Cucina Vivo in The Star. While you can dine a lá carte, we suggest trying their Prosecco long lunch – it’s the perfect way to get your nearest and dearest together for great food and even better wine, with no fuss. After lunch, head to The Star Casino then rooftop drinks at Nineteen at The Star.
Mexicali, Nobby’s
Perfect for: Drinks and dancing
You can enjoy a long, hearty lunch at Mexicali (just look at their banquet options) but we recommend timing your reservation for later in the day. Not only do they have a great range of small dishes like jalapeño poppers, chilli salt squid and street corn, but they also turn their balcony into a dancefloor on select days in the late afternoon.
The Tropic, Burleigh Heads
Perfect for: Big groups that are keen to kick on.
Whether it’s a family get-together or a celebration with a big group of friends, you really can’t go past The Tropic. Not only is the food insane (you need to order the bread and burrata) but you can kick on at the Burleigh Pavilion next door, then head into Burleigh for a bar crawl between Justin Lane, the Pink Monkey and Nightjar.
Frida Sol, Palm Beach
Perfect for: Margaritas. Need we say more?
Mexican food is made for celebrating, and Frida Sol is one of the best Mexican restaurants for Gold Coast group dining. It’s super fresh, really diverse (just look at how many taco options they offer) and served up alongside one of the best cocktail menus we’ve ever seen – they have a quadrant chart, for crying out loud.
The Collective, Palm Beach
Perfect for: A group with diverse tastes.
Everyone will find something they love on The Collective’s menus. Yes, you read that right – menus. Offering five restaurants in one venue, The Collective is ideal for big gatherings or groups with unique tastes. Choose from Mexican, Greek, Asian, American or Italian, or sample something from each. That’s not limited to food, either; each restaurant offers its own drinks list, too (plus a cocktail tower!).
www.thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au
Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin
Perfect for: An aesthetic Christmas lunch with the girls.
If you know Currumbin, you’ll know that Pacific Parade offers some of the best beach views but has limited dining options. Enter: Tommy’s Italian. Dishing up the tastiest Italian food (obviously) and a great drinks menu, with beautiful décor for a great Instagram backdrop, Tommy’s is perfect for a long girls’ lunch.
Baskk, Coolangatta
Perfect for: An intimate get-together.
The Silly Season can be exhausting – sometimes, you want nothing more than an intimate lunch or dinner with your closest friends or family members, paired with amazing food and signature cocktails. For those moments, head to Baskk Italian. Their food is fresh and hearty, and their staff are super attentive. We love it there.
Joy & Joy Catering
If you’re hosting a Christmas celebration but don’t want to stress about the food, try Joy & Joy! They’re based in Southport but service the whole Gold Coast (and even Brisbane), and their founder and chef Angela has more than 20 years of experience under her belt. Just make sure you request the king prawn rolls.
Looking for more places to eat and drink on the Gold Coast? Head here…