Three of the best places to eat on the Gold Coast in 2026

There are a lot of things to love about the Gold Coast: the weather, those ridiculous beaches, the constant hum of things happening. What sometimes gets overlooked is just how good the food scene has become. New restaurants keep popping up, older favourites keep sharpening their edges, and the whole coastline quietly competes with major capital-city dining.

Recently, I spent a day on the coast checking out a few places I hadn’t tried before. Each venue brought something totally different to the table, but all three had one thing in common… really, really good food. A big shoutout to the team at OpenTable for giving me the excuse to spend a “workday” eating my way through the coast. It was the kind of day that made you question every career choice other than eating professionally. Here are my picks for three of the very best places to eat on the Gold Coast.

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Palette

Palette surprised me in the best way. Sitting inside HOTA (Home of the Arts) at Surfers Paradise, it’s one of the most creative and polished dining experiences on the coast right now. It holds three Chef Hats from the Good Food Guide, which tells you everything you need to know about the level of cooking happening here. It feels like a restaurant you’d normally have to travel to a major city for, but with a Gold Coast personality that keeps things relaxed rather than stuffy.

The dining room is striking without trying too hard, and the service is excellent. What really sets Palette apart is how the kitchen takes its cues from the gallery itself. Chef Dayan and his team draw inspiration from artworks on display and major exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blend. Think seasonal produce, native ingredients and beautiful plating that looks like it belongs a few metres away in the gallery upstairs.

If you’re after a refined lunch or dinner that still feels warm and welcoming, this is the one. Perfect for a celebration, a date, or just spoiling yourself because you can. Book a table at Palette here.

Rick Shores

Iconic Gold Coast dining doesn’t get more iconic than Rick Shores. If views could incriminate you, this place would require legal counsel. The restaurant sits right on the sand at Burleigh Heads with a front-row seat to the ocean and the headland.

Inside, the atmosphere is lively without being chaotic, buzzing conversations, clinking glasses and the rhythmic crash of waves sneaking through the windows. The whole place has a confidence to it, like it knows it’s the star of the show and doesn’t mind you tagging along.

Seafood lovers will be in heaven. Think kingfish sashimi, prawn curry, perfectly shucked oysters and the famous Moreton Bay bug roll, which deserves every bit of hype it gets. The outdoor patio seats right on the water’s edge are walk-in only, so if you want a guaranteed table, book direct via the Rick Shores website.

It’s one of those meals you remember: the good food, the ocean breeze, the colours of the afternoon stretching into evening. A perfect pick for a long lunch or sunset dinner.

MARE at La Luna Beach Club

For something a little more laid-back but still polished, MARE by La Luna Beach Club sits at Marina Mirage in Main Beach, offering Mediterranean fusion with panoramic views over the Broadwater. The whole experience is relaxed and breezy but also genuinely impressive. It’s the kind of place you walk into and instantly feel like you’re on holiday, even if you only drove 20 minutes to get there.

The menu is built around seafood bites like freshly-shucked oysters, kingfish crudo and Moreton Bay bug rolls, with larger plates including whole oven-baked fish and grilled lobster with garlic and lemon butter. It’s the kind of menu that makes lingering over lunch feel like the only sensible option.

Midweek, the vibe is peaceful and unhurried; on weekends, the venue shifts into something a little more high-energy with music and cocktails setting the tone. Whether it’s afternoon drinks rolling into dinner, a low-key date or catching up with friends, MARE feels effortlessly cool and perfectly coastal. Book a table at MARE here.

What the hell is OpenTable?

OpenTable didn’t ask me to explain who they are or what they do. They just sent me out to eat, take photos and share the experience. I booked Palette and MARE through them and it made life easier. Rick Shores handles its own bookings directly through its website, which is just as straightforward.

As someone who prefers avoiding unnecessary phone calls, being able to see availability, choose a time and lock in a table online without speaking to anyone felt like a win. It’s basically Booking.com but for food — straightforward, convenient and fast. The reviews were helpful too, especially for places I hadn’t visited before.

Because OpenTable works globally, it’s something I’ll use when travelling as well. When you’re overseas and your phone isn’t working properly, online booking is a lifesaver. No calling restaurants, no language barriers, no awkward “do you have a table?” moments while standing at the entrance like a lost emoji. So yes — OpenTable accidentally improved my dining game. Not mad about it.

FAQs about eating on the Gold Coast

What are the best places to eat on the Gold Coast in 2026?
Rick Shores, Palette and MARE by La Luna Beach Club are three standout options offering a mix of fine dining, coastal views and relaxed Mediterranean-inspired plates. Each one delivers a strong combination of flavour, atmosphere and location.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance on the Gold Coast?
Most popular restaurants do book out—especially on weekends, holidays and during events. Using OpenTable makes securing a table quick and painless, and you can check availability without calling.

What time of day is best to visit Rick Shores?
Sunset dinners are the showstopper thanks to the ocean views, but long lunches are just as good if you want a more relaxed, beachy vibe.

Is Palette suitable for a special occasion?
Definitely. Palette runs special services for public occasions, including Mother’s Day and New Year’s Eve events, so it’s well set up for celebrations. The creative dishes, polished service and location inside HOTA make it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries or a more elevated dining experience..

What kind of food does Mare serve?
Mare focuses on modern Mediterranean-style dishes built around fresh seafood, vibrant salads and handmade pastas. It’s casual but refined, perfect for long lunches or easy dinners by the water.

Are these restaurants good for travellers visiting the Gold Coast?
Yes. Each venue gives you a different slice of the Gold Coast—beachfront views, creative modern dining or waterfront relaxation. They’re ideal if you want to experience the coast beyond the usual tourist spots.

Is parking easy near these restaurants?
Rick Shores and Justin Lane (if you ever add it back someday) can be tricky during peak hours. Palette and Mare have easier parking options thanks to their locations within larger precincts. Ride-share is often the easiest choice during busy times.

Are there vegetarian options at these restaurants?
Most Gold Coast restaurants now offer strong vegetarian dishes, including Palette and Mare. Rick Shores also features veg-friendly plates, though seafood is the main attraction.

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