The Gold Coast's Most Irresistible Al Fresco Dining Spots That Are Worth Travelling For
From Burleigh's beachfront heavy-hitters to rooftop cocktails and hidden gems, these Gold Coast spots are alfresco dining at its best.
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With ocean views and weather that practically begs you to eat outdoors year-round, the Gold Coast is where long lunches often roll into sunset drinks, and reservations are planned around golden hour. Whether you're plotting a food-focused escape or simply want to see how good dining with a sea breeze can really be, Get Up and Gold Coast to these al fresco dining spots that deliver on atmosphere, flavour and location in equal measure.
The Tropic, Burleigh Heads
Set right on beautiful Burleigh Beach, The Tropic is the type of venue your mind wanders to when you think of the Gold Coast. White umbrellas, breezy interiors and uninterrupted ocean views set the tone, while a Mediterranean-leaning menu keeps things fresh and coastal. You can expect plenty of seafood (the cold seafood platter features the best in Moreton Bay bugs, tiger prawns, freshly shucked oysters, and more), and refined cocktails, including signatures like the Mojo Tivo Blood Orange spritz and the Basil Maybe, which features gin, mango, basil, and bitters served straight up for a refreshing sip. If you're looking for an al fresco long lunch destination that ends in sunset spritzes overlooking the beach, The Tropic is your go-to.
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores is the type of Gold Coast restaurant that interstate foodies plan their trips around, and for good reason. Also located on Burleigh, the modern Asian restaurant pairs bold flavours with a stellar view. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck, the beach is the backdrop for signature dishes like Moreton Bay bug rolls, cured Ora King salmon sashimi, and freshly shucked oysters with Thai vinaigrette. The al fresco experience is polished yet relaxed, making it one of the Gold Coast's most memorable dining experiences.
Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta
Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta
If you find yourself in the southern Gold Coast, be sure to drop by Kirra Beach House in Coolangatta. Despite being a multi-level, elevated beachfront venue, Kirra Beach still has a laidback atmosphere. Lounge in the terrace cabanas, sink into booth seating in the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and enjoy the sunset terrace for cocktail catchups and casual lunches. When it comes to food, expect seafood-led pasta, fish and steak fillets, as well as salad bowls for something lighter. With an extensive wine list and signature crowd-pleasing cocktails, it's easy to spend the whole day relaxing al fresco-style.
Sueño, Mermaid Beach
Sueño, Mermaid Beach
If you're looking for a rooftop bar that's as design-driven as it is delicious, head to Sueño. The Mermaid Beach rooftop is located above the Latin American restaurant Norté and features a variety of shareable plates. Think: ceviche, skewers, handmade tortillas and guacamole. Sueño's signature cocktail menu is extensive and inspired by the Americas (be sure to try the Beso Picante featuring gin, Aperol, and spicy agave). The rooftop also offers a bottomless brunch on weekends, featuring an eight-dish shared-style brunch menu paired with bottomless selected cocktails, house beer, and wine for $149 per person. Whether you're here for a rooftop afternoon aperitif or a long evening under the stars, Sueño is all about fresh flavours and al fresco dining – Latin American-style.
Surfers Pavilion
Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise
If you're looking for a Gold Coast dining experience that's a bit more casual (without compromising on its view), Surfers Pavilion in Surfers Paradise does the trick. The restaurant is located on the Nerang River, providing a different type of waterfront al fresco dining experience. It offers a relaxed, social atmosphere that suits large groups and after-work revellers, and its deck is ideal for grazing, cocktail parties and casual catch-ups. The menu is a crowd-pleaser serving everything from burgers to fish and chips and share plates at affordable prices. Enjoy a cold beer in the Queensland afternoon with a river view to match.
Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion is a Gold Coast institution. Sitting right on the headland, the large restaurant overlooks Burleigh Beach and features sprawling spaces to socialise alfresco-style. Grab a spot on the deck beneath the umbrellas for the best views of Burleigh, and enjoy the menu, which features share plates for groups and pub-style classics, including battered local snapper, burgers, steak, and woodfire pizzas. Aperol Spritzes are the unofficial cocktail of Burleigh Pavilion, making it the perfect Sunday session location when on the Gold Coast.
Palette, HOTA
Palette, Surfers Paradise
Located inside HOTA, Home of the Arts, Palette is one of the Gold Coast's hidden dining gems. The refined restaurant offers a calm, cultural dining experience with a seasonal menu inspired by the gallery's exhibitions. Palette is the Gold Coast's only three-hatted restaurant, offering fine dining alongside the fresh, local produce the destination is known for. If you're looking for an alfresco bar post-gallery hopping, head to The Exhibitionist Bar, which features breathtaking views across the city and toward the hinterland from HOTA's rooftop.
From beachside views to rooftop escapes, the Gold Coast's al fresco dining scene is reason enough to plan a getaway. Come for the sunshine, stay for the long lunches, and don't be surprised if your afternoon plans roll on into the evening.
Image Credit: Supplied
Lead Image Credit: The Tropic
