Gold Coast - Recommended Eats?

SBOB on 17/08/2025 - 16:03
Last edited 17/08/2025 - 19:29 by 1 other user

Have an upcoming family trip to GC in a couple of weeks (staying Sea World, visiting theme parks, thanks to one of the regular deals that popped up previously)

Wondering if any locals have some recommended dinner locations for family friendly (kids in the 10-15yr age)/OzBargainer friendly in the area (doesn't have to be that close, driving around not an issue). Seaworld rooms aren't known for being particularly 'spacious' so unlikely to want to eat in, and don't intend on eating at the couple of options on site every night.

Any tips welcome, either 'bargain' friendly, or just really good/unmissable places that might be worth putting on the list.

Thanks

Travel Dining Gold Coast Queensland

Comments

  • MS Paint on 17/08/2025 - 16:11
    +3

    Wondering if any locals have some recommended

    @brendanm - I assume your recommendation is to not even go the The Goldie in the first place?

    • SBOB on 17/08/2025 - 16:43
      +3

      oh I'm not going to disagree with such sentiments.
      Perhaps asking for 'lesser of the evils' recommendations instead :)

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/08/2025 - 19:17
        +1

        Maybe I’m just too working class to know better but kfc at surfers just hit different

        • MS Paint on 17/08/2025 - 19:29
          +3

          Eshays with machete's definitely hit different

          • Goonda on 19/08/2025 - 15:35

            @MS Paint: Now your confused with shithole Melbourne.

    • brendanm on 18/08/2025 - 08:31
      +3

      The recommendation is always to stay as far away from surfers as physically possible. I feel dirty just driving through.

  • QF99 on 17/08/2025 - 16:51
    +1

    Pizza Cittadella is closeby, my favourite pizza takeout in Gold Coast. Bring your pizza to Marine Parade, and you can have a nice dinner, and have the kids play in the park near Charis Seafoods. There are tables near Baskin Robins and Ian Dipple Lagoon.

    • QF99 on 17/08/2025 - 16:54

      For Thai, Changmai is pretty decent, Paddock Bakery is nice too, but pricy and touristy

  • Mr BoMBAStiG on 17/08/2025 - 17:54
    +1

    Was about to recommend Burleigh Pavilion as had a nice experience there for lunch a few years ago but the latest reviews in Google makes me think they've got a few issues they are dealing with.

    Try Local Burleigh or Burleigh Heads Hotel if you want a nice pub meal and walk on the beach and a playground nearby.

  • Edsanwong on 17/08/2025 - 18:53

    Hakataya Ramen

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/08/2025 - 19:22
    +1

    Been some years since I been to Gold Coast for non work purposes, but I used to quite like Amimoto. Can recommend if you like bento box/sashimi in a humble establishment that’s been there since year dot. I used to go to Donto Sapporo too if you want a little classier in setting for Japanese food.

  • sonicentropy on 17/08/2025 - 19:51
    +1

    JFX for japanese BBQ on marine parade at southport. The Glenelg Public House best steak and great atmosphere. Titanic for thai -its a local secret shhhh!.

  • Muppet Detector on 17/08/2025 - 20:31
    +2

    Moo Moos.

    Citrique has won a bunch of chef hats for a few years in a row.

    A lot of the surf clubs provide good bang for buck.

    Steampunk

    George's

    Check Trip advisor => too many varieties, dining experiences and price points to single out just a few.

  • jv on 17/08/2025 - 21:12
    -2

    Gold Coast - Recommended Eats?

    Maccas

  • jv on 17/08/2025 - 21:30

    Any tips welcome, either 'bargain' friendly

    https://benefits.mynrma.com.au/en/listing/food-and-dining?la…

  • samcro on 17/08/2025 - 22:06

    Marios at Broadbeach. Couldn't finish the food I had, it was delicious but TOO MUCH. Also Sandbar at Surfers is pretty good.

  • QF1 on 18/08/2025 - 00:19
    +3

    peter' fishmarket serves fresh and really nice fish and chips..its on seaworld drive.

    https://www.petersfish.com.au/

    • brendanm on 18/08/2025 - 08:34

      Peter is a dick though 😂

    • LFO on 18/08/2025 - 12:57

      really nice fish and chips.

      Not any more IMHO and unfortunately it used to be THE place before.

      Lost in suburban Mermaid Waters is Two Wise Fish (Mermaid Waterways) serving a far better seafood meal for about the same price.
      IMHO, again.

  • brendanm on 18/08/2025 - 08:33
    +1

    My go to was always matsuzakas tepinyaki, however it has been sold, it's still better than the other options, but the old owner made it something special. La croquette on tamborine is nice if you want a drive, nicer up there anyway, do a rainforest/waterfall walk while up there. Something quick and easy, the sushi shop at Hope Island marketplace is great and a bargain, get the egg sushi thing.

    For a drink that's basically a meal, the gelato place in brickworks in Southport makes awesome thickshakes.

  • Mythreesons on 18/08/2025 - 13:09
    +1

    Groupon have some great deals for eating on the GC, teppanyaki can be a little expensive but it’s very entertaining and you get a lot of food, Brazilian bbq is the same (they trick you into filling up on their awesome mashed potato), pancakes in paradise is surprising good food (my husband is a steak expert in his own mind and loves it). Not on Groupon but really good is the surf club, it’s just up from Cavill ave. Love Italy in Cavill ave is also really good. There’s a burger place called Chaddies Patties at Runaway bay, best burgers I have ever eaten, we stop there every time we go to Gold Coast, even the breakfast menu is delicious. Also there is a little sports bar/ pub it’s on Cavill ave (it’s a small white shop front with stairs leading up to it, not many stairs), once inside it’s got heaps of sports memorabilia but the food is absolutely amazing and not expensive (have tried looking it up on a map but can’t find its name, it across the road from where that big orb ride is). Hope you have a ball.

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