Top Restaurants in Surfers Paradise: Where Locals Eat

With its dazzling stretch of coastline, seaside streets dotted with shops, eateries and epic experiences, a visit to Surfers Paradise is a non-negotiable on any Gold Coast itinerary. One of its biggest drawcards? The neighbourhood’s ever-growing dining scene, where local produce and ocean views are always on the menu. Wondering where the locals eat? We’ve done the hard yards (aka the taste-testing) and rounded up 10 of the best Surfers Paradise restaurants loved by locals.

Why Locals Love Dining in Surfers Paradise

This iconic pocket of the Gold Coast is always buzzing with excitement. It’s the kind of place where every day feels like a holiday, whether you're a local or just visiting. Here, the Gold Coast dining scene truly shines. Think fine dining restaurants with uninterrupted ocean views and fresh-from-the-trawler seafood, alongside casual joints slinging international eats that transport you straight to the hawker stalls of Asia. It’s this delicious melting pot of global flavours that makes Surfers Paradise a local favourite for foodies.

Top 10 Restaurants Locals Recommend

1. Yamagen

Set within the stunning grounds of the QT Hotel, step inside this vibing izakaya and you’ll be transported straight to the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo. Slip into a sleek booth and tuck into market fresh sashimi, intricate sushi rolls, or skewer some melt-in-your-mouth kushiyaki straight from the grill. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the Yamagen menu, locals can’t get enough of Chef Adam Lane’s innovative sashimi tacos filled with salmon and wasabi salsa or tuna with mustard soy and zingy yuzu avocado.
Location: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

2. The Exhibitionist Bar

Perched atop the HOTA gallery, this lofty spot serves up breathtaking views of the lush Gold Coast Hinterland out to the sparkling city skyline. Open for lunch and dinner, you’ll find locals heading to The Exhibitionist around dusk to take in the stunning sunset from the open-air deck, while sipping cocktails inspired by HOTA’s latest exhibition. Hungry? Munch on lobster pizza drizzled with green ant hot sauce, Korean fried duck leg, and spiced calamari salad.
Location: Level 5/135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

3. Shiraz Persian

Tucked on the ground floor of Mantra Wings in Surfers Paradise, Shiraz Persian Restaurant is hard to miss—just follow the irresistible aroma of saffron and pomegranate. With over 200 seats spread across its spacious indoor and outdoor areas, it’s the perfect spot to bask in that signature Gold Coast sunshine. Local tip: come hungry. The menu is packed with mouthwatering, authentic Persian fare. Don’t skip the fesenjan - a rich sweet-and-sour stew of chicken, pomegranate, walnut and honey on saffron rice or the traditional lamb kabobs, guaranteed to make you do a happy dance. Want it all? Do as the locals do and order the $79 banquet and prepare to roll out satisfied.
Location: 2892 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

4. Citrique

Located at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Citrique is loved by locals and visitors alike for its award-winning seafood buffet where you can devour fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails in a bright and modern setting, best paired with an expertly shaken cocktail or a wine from their extensive list. Perfect for special occasions (read: birthdays to anniversaries) or just a tasty weekend feast, it has been awarded a Good Food Guide Chef Hat for the last three years, so if you’re looking for one the best places to eat in Surfers Paradise, this is it! (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Location: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

5. Edgewater Dining & Lounge Bar

Ask any Gold Coast local for one of the best romantic dinner spots in Surfers Paradise and they’ll send you straight to Edgewater. Perched on the sparkling Nerang River with undercover deck seating, the views are pure magic - and the food doesn’t disappoint either. Think: modern Australia eats with a twist, using the best local produce. We’re talking pan-seared local barramundi with lemon crumble and a 1.3kg tomahawk smothered in café de Paris butter. If you really want to impress that special someone, there's even a caviar bar where you can order bumps topped with popcorn ice cream. The curated drinks menu -brimming with champagne, sake, spritzes, and signature cocktails - is reason enough to make a beeline for this top Surfers Paradise spot.
Location: Capri On Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

6. BMD Northcliffe Surf Club

A Gold Coast dining rite of passage, surf clubs are a local fave for their fresh, affordable eats, unbeatable beach views, and laid-back, family-friendly vibes. One of the best? BMD Northcliffe Surf Club. Just steps from the sparkling ocean, this light-filled spot dishes up hearty meals from breakfast through to dinner. Think: big brekkies, chicken parmigiana, fresh-off-the-trawler seafood, and towering burgers washed down with barista-made coffee, craft beers, or cocktails. It’s the ultimate family-friendly restaurant on the Gold Coast. Local tip: snag a seat on the deck for a sun-drenched, oceanfront feast.
Location: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

7. Bumbles Café

A hidden gem for visitors but a beloved institution for locals, Bumbles is a cosy café tucked away on the quiet banks of Budds Beach, just minutes from the buzz of central Surfers Paradise. It’s a dreamy escape with kitsch, eclectic rooms lit by warm pendant lights and shelves adorned with antique plates and vintage knick-knacks. Known (and loved) for its decadent homemade sweet treats and high teas - think Biscoff Basque cheesecake, banoffee pie, and fig torte - it’s also one of the best spots for brunch in Surfers Paradise.
Location: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

8. Horizon Sky Dining

If you like your meals all-you-can-eat with a side of jaw-dropping views, then book a table at Horizon Sky Dining. One of the best seafood restaurants in Surfers Paradise, the revolving eatery is perched atop the Crowne Plaza and offers stunning vistas with every bite. From the coastline, to the Hinterland, there’s no tastier way to take in the beauty of the Gold Coast.

But it’s not just the scenery that keeps locals coming back, it’s the indulgent seafood buffet that truly seals the deal. Feast your way through oysters, spanner crab, bugs, salmon and prawns, before tucking into slow-baked leg of lamb, crispy pork belly and baked barramundi. Local tip: upgrade your beverage package for just $49 to sip premium cocktails.
Location: 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

9. Surfers Pavilion

A Gold Coast favourite, Surfers Pavilion is all about good vibes and waterfront fun. Whether you’re shimmying to live music inside or relaxing under an umbrella with river views, there’s always something happening here. You can even ride your jet ski straight up to the jetty.

Swing by Monday to Friday for half-price oysters during Oyster Hour (4–6pm) or catch live DJs spinning tunes from Friday through Monday. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers, from waffles and pancakes for breakfast to loaded seafood platters and a tasty kids’ menu, making it a hit with the whole fam. (Image and main image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Location: 30 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

10. Chiang Mai Thai

If you want to know where locals eat on the Gold Coast when they’re craving a flavour-packed and affordable Asian feast, this is it. The family-run restaurant has been serving up delicious, authentic Thai dishes for over two decades. Set within the Mantra Crown Towers Resort, Chiang Mai Tai offers up indoor and outdoor seating perfect for families and large groups. The expansive menu includes curries, seafood and loads of vegetarian options, but if you’re having trouble deciding, opt for their banquet menu for just $49 per person.
Location: 5/19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Plan Your Trip to Surfers Paradise

Is your stomach already rumbling just reading this? Grab a Go Explore Gold Coast card (which gives you unlimited one-day travel on Translink buses and trams) and start feasting your way through Surfers Paradise. Then, walk off the food coma with some of the epic experiences this beachside haven has to offer. Learn to surf the waves, snap up a keepsake at the iconic beachfront markets, or ride the Aquaduck straight into the sea. And if you’re tempted to stay longer (you will be, trust us), you’ll find everything from romantic boutique stays to family-friendly resorts with epic waterparks right on your doorstep.