Where to Eat in Southport: Best Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

Whether you're chasing coastal calm or city buzz, Southport strikes the perfect balance. Southport (or So-Po as its known to locals) is the official CBD of the Gold Coast, where business and pleasure come together in the best possible way. 

When it comes to food, Southport is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Business lunches are well catered for, quick bites are on every corner and date-night restaurants are never far away. From luxe rooftop bars to slurp-worthy noodle spots, Southport is a delicious destination worth exploring. Here are some of the suburb’s best places to eat, drink and dine.

Best Southport Restaurants

From waterfront fine dining to woodfired feasts and decadent buffets, these Southport restaurants offer a fantastic dining experience.

Fire Baby & Ember

Ignited by locals Dr Michael and Donna Read, Fire Baby & Ember is a two-in-one dining destination that delivers double the flavour. Upstairs at Fire Baby, it’s all about wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients and perfectly blistered bases. Downstairs at Ember, things get a little more dramatic, with flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood stealing the show.
Location: 8-10 Welch Street, Southport

River House

If long lunches by the water are what you’re looking for, River House is calling your name. Sitting pretty on the Nerang River, this three-level venue is made for afternoons that drift into sunset cocktails and starry-night feasts. With acclaimed chef Grant Madgwick at the helm, you can expect seasonal Australian produce with European and Asian influences.
Location: 2 Barney Street, Southport

Southport Yacht Club  

An award-winning waterfront spot, Southport Yacht Club might just lay claim to the sports club with the best view on the coast. The Main Beach Clubhouse features an open-air, north-facing restaurant and bar overlooking the stunning 300-berth marina, making it a perfect spot for long lunches, celebrations or special events.
Location: 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach

Southport Sharks

One of Queensland’s largest footy clubs, Southport Sharks, is a family-friendly entertainment hub that’s about so much more than the game. With multiple dining venues, there’s something for every craving. From buffet-style feasts at Frenzy Food Court to Mexican sips and snacks at Kaktus Bar, everyone’s a winner at Southport Sharks.
Location: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport

Best Bars in Southport

Hit up these Southport bars for a freshly shaken cocktail, a cold beer and a good time.

Aviary Rooftop

Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar serves up cocktails as as impressive as the view. With 180-degree views stretching across the Surfers Paradise skyline and out to the ocean, it’s the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a Sunday afternoon session with friends. 
Location: Mantra Southport Sharks, 5 Melia Ct, Southport 

Mr. P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop

Mr. P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop is a multi-level pizzeria, deli and rooftop bar located right in the heart of Southport’s CBD. Specialising in gourmet pizzas, pasta, deli meats and cheese, it’s basically a one-way ticket to Italy without the jetlag. With live music on weekends and a lively rooftop atmosphere, it’s easy to settle in for the afternoon and stay well into the night.
Location: 43 Nerang St, Southport 

Vinnies Dive Bar

Every suburb needs a good dive bar, and Vinnies Dive proudly fills that role in Southport. Known for supporting the local music scene, the venue regularly hosts indie acts, plus karaoke nights and themed tribute events. It’s loud, it’s gritty, and it’s exactly what a dive bar should be. 
Location: 44A Nerang Street, Southport

Southport Cafés 

Start your day the right way at one of Southport's fave cafes, with a steaming cup of coffee, hearty breakfast fare and flaky pastries. 

Cafe Catalina 

Overlooking the Broadwater and a lineup of very fancy yachts, Cafe Catalina lets you live out your millionaire dreams without actually needing the bank account. Come for the waterfront views, stay for excellent coffee and tasty brunch bites. Better yet, bring your furry companion because puppychinos are definitely on the menu!
Location: Broadwater Parklands, Southport

Day Off 

When the Gold Coast humidity hits, only something seriously chilled will do, and Day Off absolutely delivers. The viral -86°C sips turn your coffee or matcha into an almost-dessert that’s indulgent and refreshing in equal measure. Enjoy with a loaded sourdough slab like the Bacon and Egg and you’ll feel like you’re having a day off, even if you’re not!
Location: 2 Short Street, Southport

5B2F Ciabatta

5B2F Ciabatta is the Southport outpost from the fan-favourite Chirn Park bakehouse. This Euro-style bakery serves up flaky croissants, fruit-crowned danishes and fresh ciabatta sandwiches to go. Planning a celebration? Show-stopping cakes are baked fresh and available daily. 
Location: 9 Davenport Street, Southport

Yellow & Butter  

Tucked inside Cloud 9 Car Wash in Southport is Yellow & Butter, a cheeky cafe with the most creamy cheesecakes. Owned by chef Hayley Namgung, you can demolish rich Basque cheesecakes (all gluten free!), buttery brioche buns and adorable cloud-inspired drinks all while your car gets cleaned! 
Location: 9 Davenport Street, Southport

Milestone Cafe 

Led by Korean-born owner Selena Mun, the Milestone Cafe & Kitchen blends Korean flavours with Aussie brunch favourites, turning everyday into a celebration. Expect croissant waffles (croffles!), creamy matcha and silky lattes where every sip and bite is a party for your tastebuds.
Location: 56 Scarborough Street, Southport

Chinatown

From spicy noodle soups and handmade dumplings to bubble tea and late-night desserts, Southport’s Chinatown is a must-visit for food lovers. The streets are lined with restaurants serving authentic dishes from across Asia, making it one of the most vibrant dining precincts on the Gold Coast. Treat your tastebuds at Yi Dynasty Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Itaewon Korean Restaurant, Danosi Kitchen and Noodle Mee. If you visit during Chinese Lunar New Year, the streets come alive with lion and dragon dancing, bustling market stalls, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display to finish the night.
Location: Davenport St & Young Street, Southport

From sweet treats to dim sum, rooftop cocktails to waterfront dining, Southport’s food scene is as diverse as the people who visit here every day. Whether you’re heading straight from the office, dressing up for date night, or bringing the whole family out for a feast, there’s something for everyone in Southport and plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.

Keen to explore more of our local food scene? Check out the best healthy cafes around the Gold Coast.