Are you searching for a restaurant on the Gold Coast for a first date? Given my love affair with anything delicious, I recently looked into the best restaurants on the Gold Coast, QLD, with the vibe and food that fits perfectly for first dates. The Gold Coast isn’t only popular for its beautiful beaches but also its favoured attraction and dining scene. Thanks to that, it will be easy to choose the one that suits you most.
What are the most romantic restaurants on the Gold Coast for a first date? Light Years, The Tropic Restaurant, Miss Moneypenny’s, Rick Shores, etc., are among the best restaurants on the Gold Coast for a first date. If your date prefers Italian food, Orzo, The Collective, and Bassk Italian are your best options. To get the best Japanese food on your first date, try Kiyomi.
Gold Coast offers a wide range of dining options for your first date, such as the best restaurants I will tackle in this list. This coastal city is home to some seriously fabulous dining options, and you might also be surprised to find some celebrity chef-owned restaurants on the list.
Top Rated Restaurants on the Gold Coast With Romantic Ambience
Light Years
Light Years is another restaurant at Burleigh Heads that serves good Asian food and has fun vibes. If you want to get to know a person by having a cozy meal and intimate conversation, this is the perfect place to do so.
Light Years is open from Monday to Thursday, 4:45 pm to 10 pm, and Fridays to Sundays at 12 noon to 10 pm. Aside from their branch at Burleigh Heads, Light Years Asian Bar & Diner has other branches, including Byron, Newcastle, and Noosa. For groups of four or more, there are two options to choose from: the Chefs Selection, which costs $65, and the Primo Selection, which costs $85. Go through their website for their updated menu.
The North Room
No two nights at The North Room are the same. The dishes are based on the fresh produce that comes into the kitchen, sourced from local farmers. This restaurant is located at Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach. If you can’t decide which to eat on your date, you can have a tasting-style menu for only $105pp.. Their current trading hours are Thursday 5 pm – till late, Friday 1230pm – 3 pm and 5 pm till late, and Saturday 1230pm – 3 pm and 5 pm till late.
The Tropic Restaurant
The Tropic Restaurant is among the first date restaurants Gold Coast that will make your first date perfect. That is, if you and your date love Australian dishes. This restaurant serves fresh Modern Australian or Mediterranean dishes and has a romantic ambience.
The Tropic is a full-service restaurant at the north end of Burleigh Pavilion that boasts stunning coastline views. You can find this place at 43 Goodwin, Terrace, Burleigh Heads, and it is open from Monday to Thursday, noon till late, and Friday to Sunday, 11 am till late. So, if you’re planning a date night at a Gold Coast Restaurant, this place is a good option. Take note that booking online is the best way to secure a table at The Tropic Restaurant.
Miss Moneypenny’s
Miss Moneypenny’s has a dreamy interior perfect for first dates. It is also the best place to set back from the hustle and bustle of the picturesque coastal city. Miss Moneypenny’s restaurant almost feels like home, making your first date less awkward.
Impress your date with delicious food as Miss Moneypenny’s was awarded AGFG 2021 Chef Hat. Their drinks will definitely hit the spot, too, given that they are awarded Australia’s Wine List of The Year Awards 2021. Try the famous Miss Moneypenny’s Bottomless Lunch on your first date, which you can upgrade to a Chef’s signature seven-dish selection for only $115.
This restaurant is open every day, from 12 noon to 11 pm and is located at 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach. It also has a branch at Noosa, so go through their website at https://www.missmoneypennys.com/ today and plan your most awaited date.
Rick Shores
Taste some of the best Pan-Asian Flavours at Rick Shores on your first date, and you’ll never regret it. You can find Rick Shores at the iconic location of Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast. Burleigh Heads offers a relaxing atmosphere and picturesque views that tourists and locals love.
After exploring the best tourist spots in the area on your date, dine at Rick Shores. This restaurant offers the best dishes made of the freshest, locally-sourced produce. If your date pursues a healthy lifestyle, they will appreciate Rick Shores on your first date.
Rick Shores also offers a unique venue for your special events such as weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, and more. Rick Shores can host up to 200 people. Learn more about their services at https://www.rickshores.com.au/.
Restaurant Labart
Restaurant Labart is a modern Australian restaurant offering a unique menu featuring the freshest local produce of Burleigh Heads. At only $125 per person, you can experience the fabulous Restaurant Labart set menu on your first date. This restaurant has a carefully curated wine selection, seasonal cocktails, and Australian craft beers. You can find this restaurant at 8 West Street Burleigh Heads which is open Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm.
A gift voucher from Labart is also excellent for the person you love. These vouchers are valid for 3 years, and they will arrive at the receiver by email, post, or pick up at the restaurant.
Maman (Best For Mediterranean Cuisine Among Gold Coast’s Top Restaurants)
If you want a taste of Mediterranean to Middle-Eastern food on your first date on the Gold Coast, Maman is the place to go. Maman Bar and Kitchen has two locations: Burleigh and Port Douglas.
The Burleigh branch is open on Wednesday & Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday from noon to 10 pm. Their Mum’s Tasters Menu includes 5 Courses for only $75 per person, and their 3 Courses meal for only $49.50. Isn’t that a heck of a deal for a delicious course meal?
Maman has a 10% surcharge on Sundays and 15% during public holidays. So, take note. On the other hand, Maman Port Douglas is located at 6 Grant St, Port Douglas and is open from 5 pm to 10 pm on Tuesday to Thursday and from 12 noon to 11 pm every Friday to Saturday. Don’t forget to check out this restaurant when you next visit North Queensland.
Jimmy Wah’s (Best Vietnamese Cusine Among Gold Coast’s Top Restaurants)
Jimmy Wah’s is among the hatted restaurants on the Gold Coast for its dainty Vietnamese cuisine with an Australian touch. It is among the best restaurants at Burleigh Heads, QLD and is open daily for lunch and dinner with two sittings.
I have always wanted to try their Vietnamese pancakes. So, it amazes me that Jimmy Wah’s has vegetarian and gluten-free options for this dish. Make sure to ask your date about their dietary preferences to plan ahead. But no worries, Jimmy Wah’s has something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
If you’re planning to dine here, reservations are highly recommended between 9 am and 7 pm. Here’s a tip, before your date, visit Jimmy Wah’s ahead and try their “Feed Me” to see which to order on your first date. It is a sample 7-course share-style meal that only costs $75 for each person.
Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
Another Gold Coast restaurant that received multiple chef hats is the Mamasan Kitchen + Bar. It is also among the nice date restaurants Gold Coast has to offer. It is located at 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach and is open daily from lunch to dinner. Mamasan Bar serves drinks influenced by Asian culture and a selection of premium local and international wines, spirits, and beer.
The price of their mains ranges from $20 to $40. Mamasan Bar also offers pre and post-dinner drinks that will make your date even more special.
Little Truffle
Little Truffle is a gem hidden in Mermaid Beach. It is an award-winning restaurant with an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place for romantic dates on the Gold Coast. Little Truffle serves Australian, French, and European cuisines, and it is open from Monday to Thursday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5:30 pm to 11 pm.
Italian Restaurants on the Gold Coast for First Date
Orzo
Would you like to try a new place to dine on the Gold Coast? Orzo is a relatively new Gold Coast business that expertly combines international influence with traditional Italian techniques. You can find it at 12 Charles Avenue Broadbeach, which is open from noon till late from Mondays to Sundays.
For only $10 to $40, you can taste some of their best Italian and Mediterranean dishes. It is ideal for those who want a formal feast with easy access to casual dining.
The Collective
If your crew is buggered from searching for a good restaurant on the Gold Coast, why not wander a little bit more and stop by The Collective? This restaurant is located at 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach.
One day, you can travel worldwide with Italian, Mexican, Pan- Asian, Modern Australian, and juicy burgers. Their trading hours are noon on weekdays and 11 am on weekends.
Bassk Italian
Kirra has a lot of delightful secrets, including local favourite Bassk Italian. It is a great place to enjoy your favourite pasta, seafood, pizza dishes, and everything from primi to dolci.
What’s cool about this restaurant is that its only steps from the beach. Bassk Italian is open from Wednesday to Sunday for Lunch and Dinner, located at 52 Marine Parade, Shop 2, Beach House Plaza, Coolangatta, Gold Coast.
Taste the Best Japanese Cuisine on Your First Date
Kiyomi
If you want to play casino at the Star Casino after your date, don’t miss the chance to visit this Kiyomi. It is a Japanese restaurant tucked away in the casino’s lobby.
Kiyomi serves a modern and unique Japanese menu made by a renowned Executive Head Chef, Chase Kojima. The restaurant offers a set menu for two that costs $120 per person. This Japanese eatery is open every day to serve dinner.
Feast on Mexican Food
Bonita Bonita
Bonita Bonita is the best restaurant to have a date for people who like Mexican food, and it is open every day from 5 pm till late. Its new take on Mexican food makes it stand out from the crowd. Food for special diets is also available, and you can have a seven-course meal for only $40.
They serve extraordinary Mexican dishes rich in flavours and have the best produce. Bonita Bonita is located at 2460 Gold Coast Highway in beautiful Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast.
Which Restaurant Is the Most Ideal First Date Spot on the Gold Coast for You?
Planning can make your first date on the Gold Coast memorable. The best restaurants on the Gold Coast, like The Tropic Restaurant, Miss Moneypenny’s, Rick Shores, and more, can make your most awaited date special with their unique charm, romantic ambience, and heartwarming food. This list aims to make planning easier for you to focus on the most important things. Now that you’ve narrowed down your options, never miss the chance to taste the Gold Coast’s flavours with the one you love.
Also read:
The Gold Standard: Exploring the Best-Rated Restaurants on the Gold Coast