What could be a more perfect setting for an extended lunch than the Gold Coast? With its plethora of stunning views, acclaimed restaurants, top-tier chefs, and irresistible cocktail selections, deciding on the ideal spot might be the most challenging aspect of the plan. To simplify your decision-making, we’ve compiled a list of our preferred destinations for a leisurely long lunch on the Gold Coast.
La Luna Dining & Beach Club
Have you ever experienced a floating beach club? La Luna at Main Beach Marina is the go-to spot for the Gold Coast glam squad, cocktail enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a leisurely long lunch—offering various options for group gatherings, such as VIP service in a luxe poolside cabana, mezze dining, and drinks for up to 22 people.
Indulge in a lavish feast at MĀRE, the poolside restaurant featuring an Italian and Mediterranean-style menu by world-class chefs. For a sophisticated waterfront experience, check out La Luna Dining restaurant on dry land. Undoubtedly, it is one of the top spots on the Gold Coast, with multiple dining locations for a long lunch.
Location: 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Akoya
Akoya, the iconic beachfront dining destination at The Langham, combines panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with exquisite coastal cuisine. A top contender for your favourite long lunch spot on the Gold Coast, a delicious seafood buffet is served at Akoya on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring the freshest catches prepared by award-winning chefs, including Executive Chef Matthew Woolford. The daily a la carte and shared lunch menus, with direct ocean views, showcase a modern Australian menu catering to various dietary preferences.
Location: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
Siblings
Siblings, an award-winning venue with breathtaking Kirra views, is ideal for a long, lazy lunch. The modern Australian menu offers a variety of delectable dishes, from chimichurri steak tacos to prawn and bug meat risotto. The menu is perfect for sharing among a crowd, with options like manchego croquettes and a warm roast cauliflower salad. Siblings Kirra is a must-visit, especially with its dedicated vegan menu.
Location: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Tarte Beach House
Tarte Beach House, a coastal Hamptons-esque bakery and restaurant, boasts a stunning location with direct creekfront views of Currumbin Creek. With a two-storey layout, this venue provides a perfect setting for a long, boozy lunch. This food spot offers private event and function packages, including a share-style luncheon with popular dishes and lunch-only specials. Priced at just $85 per person, it’s a savvy lunch deal for a delightful experience.
Location: 1/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Social Eating House
For a flavorful experience, Social Eating House in Broadbeach is a popular choice among Gold Coast foodies. Known for its exquisite menu crafted by head chef Matthew Jefferson, the restaurant offers a variety of delightful dishes meant for sharing. Favourites include the XO arancini with spring onion mayo, BBQ sugarloaf cabbage, and the 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Booking in advance is recommended for this immensely popular eatery.
Location: 3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach
Rick Shores
Perched on Burleigh’s beachfront, Rick Shores is an iconic Gold Coast staple with floor-to-ceiling windows providing dreamy coastal views. Open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday, the setting is perfect for enjoying a long lunch with surfers in the background and ocean breezes. The menu features signature items like bug rolls, creating an unmatched experience for long, boozy lunches on the Gold Coast.
Location: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Tommy’s Italian
Find this restaurant on Currumbin Beach. Moreover, experience the breezy southern hangout at Tommy’s Italian with coastal Amalfi charm. The bright, airy venue features an upstairs balcony with prime ocean views, making it an ideal spot for a long lunch. The menu embraces the perfect Italian food philosophy, focusing on simple, well-executed dishes with high-quality ingredients, including antipasti, grilled items, classic pizzas, and pasta selections.
Location: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Also read: Top Picks for Venue Hires on the Gold Coast
Labart
Elevating the Gold Coast’s foodie portfolio, Labart in Burleigh Heads is an intimate 40-seat bistro established by Gold Coast-raised husband and Sydney chef Alex Munoz Labart and his wife Karla. Open for lunch only on Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant offers a shared set menu for groups of five or more, featuring rotating delights like quail with apple and turnips, quince ice cream and cacio e pepe tortellini with anise cake. The open-plan kitchen allows diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand.
Location: 8 West St, Burleigh Heads
The Collective
A foodie’s paradise, The Collective in Palm Beach houses five restaurants under one roof, offering Mexican, Greek, Asian, American, and Italian dishes. With a bright, buzzy dining area and a rooftop bar providing uninterrupted hinterland views, it’s the perfect venue for sharing entrees and diving into a diverse culinary scene.
Location: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Local
Meet Local, the new hangout in Burleigh serves up coffee in the morning, froths during the day, and cocktails by night. It’s an excellent spot for a long lunch with a mega beer garden catering to medium to large groups or intimate catch-ups. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere shaded by trees, and savour a modern pub-style menu featuring prawn buns, chicken ribs, and a pumpkin party. Top it off with a frosty margarita or three for the ultimate long lunch experience.
Location: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Glass Dining
For special occasions, Glass Dining is the elegant waterfront gem perfect for extra-special long lunches and celebrations. Overlooking the marina, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring scallop ceviche, buttermilk calamari, pork collar, Portuguese stew, char-grilled premium beef, a separate vegan menu, and an extensive wine list.
Location: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Tropic
The Tropic at Burleigh Pavilion offers a beachfront dining experience with modern Australian fare and a Mediterranean twist. Enjoy delicious dishes like buffalo curd with honey, chicken with brown butter and capers and crab linguine, while inhaling the sea air and listening to the waves. The separate vegan menu adds to the variety, and an impressive cocktail list complements the overall experience.
Location: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Robina Pavilion
Robina Pavilion’s waterside day beds are unbeatable for unparalleled comfort during long lunches. Whether you prefer daybeds, indoor seating, or picnic tables in the park, this lakeside venue offers tasty pizzas, fresh seafood, generous curries, salads, and burgers, making it one of the Gold Coast’s top long lunch spots.
Location: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Surfers Pavilion
Surfers Pavilion boasts glittering river views, modern industrial vibes, and a tempting menu for an exciting long lunch. Indulge in options like poke bowls, chilli mussels, generous burgers, and loaded seafood platters. The extensive cocktail list includes favourites like peanut butter espresso lychee and rose martini, making it one of the Gold Coast’s best long lunch destinations.
Location: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Edgewater Dining
Edgewater Dining embraces Gold Coast canals’ beauty, situated on the Isle of Capri, with a sprawling deck offering stunning views. Moreover, it’s open seven days a week for lengthy, drunken meals. The venue features a menu with oysters, lemon pepper calamari, specialty burgers, risotto, and juicy lamb rump. This ensures satisfaction for you and your group.
Location: Shop 3 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise
The North Room
With a philosophy of ‘eat with your eyes,’ The North Room in Mermaid Beach accommodates only 20 guests, creating an intimate dining experience. Booking in advance is recommended for their four- or five-course Friday and Saturday lunches. Enjoy creative meals, bar seating at the custom-made marble bar, and a cozy atmosphere with luxe blue velvet lounge seating.
Location: 2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Orzo
A sister restaurant to Social Eating House + Bar, Orzo is the modern Italian restaurant of foodie dreams in Broadbeach. Offering handmade pasta, incredible desserts, and Italian-inspired cocktails, the menu blends simplicity, freshness, and local ingredients. With a touch of Asian and native Australian elements, Orzo stands out in the bustling Oracle Boulevard dining precinct.
Location: 3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach
Southport Yacht Club
Southport Yacht Club is the perfect choice for a family-friendly long lunch on the glittering waters of the marina. Whether in the Waterfront Restaurant, 4shore Bar, or Waterscape Pontoon Bar, enjoy dishes like creamy seafood chowder, spiced butternut pumpkin salad, tasty tapas, sticky pork ribs and sous vide lamb rump. A special kids’ menu is also available, allowing you to make lunch an extra-long and enjoyable experience.
Location: 1 Marina Crescent, Hollywell
Unforgettable Experiences at Gold Coast’s Finest Long Lunch Spots
In conclusion, the Gold Coast offers a tapestry of unparalleled long lunch experiences, weaving together breathtaking views, award-winning culinary talents, and an array of delectable menu options. From beachfront elegance to charming creekside locales, each dining destination encapsulates the essence of leisure and indulgence. Whether revelling in the coastal ambience or savouring the culinary masterpieces, these exquisite long lunch spots on the Gold Coast promise an unforgettable journey for the discerning diner.
Also read: Exploring the Trendsetting Restaurants of the Gold Coast in 2024