The Scottish Prince
For a bite and a dram, you can’t go past nautical-inspired whisky bar The Scottish Prince, the sibling of The Cambus Wallace in Nobby Beach. It’s a little hard to spot (tip – it’s right beneath Mexican Frida Sol, more on that below) but once you’re inside, you’ll find cosy seating nooks, around 200-plus whiskies, a killer cocktail list and a delicious share-style menu. Start with Scotch eggs and blue-cheese-stuffed crumbed olives, then tuck into the grass-fed scotch filled with truffled gherkins with some roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.

The Collective
If you’re with a group and can’t decide on what cuisine you want, The Collective will be your saviour. The unique bar and dining concept features five different kitchens – Asian, modern Australian, Italian, Mexican and American-style burgers. Order off the iPad and kick back with a cocktail in hand.

Hachi
This longstanding Japanese eatery is wildly popular with locals. Enjoy fresh sashimi, made-to-order sushi, piping-hot gyoza, and mains like teriyaki beef, yakisoba noodles and katsu curry. The Hachi Hot Pot is a must-try – it’s served bubbling with seafood, a choice of beef, pork or chicken, and either rice or noodles.

Burgster
Hunting for a top-notch burger with all of the trimmings? Burgster will complete you. Start with the crispy chicken skins and the BFC (fried chicken breast pieces), grab yourself a beer and decide on what burger to order. Think burgs with smoked brisket, deep-fried bug tails, buttermilk chicken and grass-fed Angus beef. Our fave? The double beef with extra pickles and a side of beer-battered onion rings with blue-cheese mayo.

Pepe Italia Deli
This is the second venue from the Pepé team (the original restaurant is in Burleigh Heads) and features the added element of a grab-and-go deli. You can settle in for antipasto platters, bowls of handmade pasta, traditional woodfired pizzas and a drop of Italian wine. If you’re on the run, grab a salami sandwich, a coffee and a cannoli to go. The deli also shaves and slices cured meats and cheeses to order, and you can also grab tubs of fresh handmade pasta and sauces to take home.

Frida Sol
Tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, nachos and margaritas – there’s all of that (and more) on the menu at Frida Sol. The food here mirrors that of its Mermaid Beach sibling Bonita Bonita, with tacos standing tall as the hero. You’ll also find a raft of tequilas and mezcals to sip, plus margis, carafes of sangria, local tap beers and a selection of wines.

Cafoo Izakaya
This is one of the latest additions to Palm Beach and is becoming a popular spot for locals looking to get their fix of authentic Japanese fare. The casual eating space dishes up refined share-style Japanese eats, balancing traditional styles and flavours with creativity and modern techniques. You’ll find fresh sashimi platters, Osaka-style okonomiyaki, handmade gyozas, char-grilled sumiyaki skewers and more alongside Japanese whiskies, gins, umeshu, sake and Japanese-style cocktails like housemade ‘sakegria’ served by the jug.

Balboa
Craving pizza and pasta? This double-storey dining spot slings an extensive menu of Italian eats, from tasty antipasti dishes to handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas and Italian salads. There’s also a substantial wine list and plenty of cocktails to work your way through.

AVVIA
This welcoming neighbourhood dining spot, nestled on the beach side of the Gold Coast Highway, operates from breakfast right through until dinner. Of an evening, AVVIA serves a contemporary menu with smaller plates like handmade prawn dumplings in a brandy-lobster bisque, and mains like slow-roasted lamb shoulder with roasted potato gratin and curry tomato sauce.

Goodness Gracias
If you’re chasing a quick and healthy bite, this Mexican nook will curb your cravings. The menu is entirely plant based, with tasty eats like burritos, tacos, nachos and salads, all lovingly stuffed with all-vegan produce. There’s also sweet treats, cold drinks and take-home pantry items like salsas and sauces. While it’s popular by day, Goodness Gracias slings eats until 8:30 pm.

Looking to discover more spots in and around Palm Beach? Explore our Stumble Guide.