The round-up: feast your eyes – where to eat and drink with a view
It won’t come as a surprise to you when we tell you that we love eating and drinking. But, you know what makes this delicious ritual even better? A darn good view. It’s like battling for the window seat on a plane flight – everyone wants a piece of the action. From the blue of the ocean to the green of the hinterland, we’ve put together a handy must-visit list of restaurants and bars where you can eat and drink with a stellar view.
Rick Shores: Sitting at Rick Shores sipping cocktails and eating bug rolls watching the waves roll onto the rocks of Burleigh Point is an absolute dream. If you like to eat and drink with uninterrupted ocean views, then this is where you want to pull up stumps – best enjoyed with a Negroni Flip in hand.
Eagle Heights Hotel: Okay, if you’re after a beer with a view of the (entire) Gold Coast, this is the place. This open-air beer garden, perched atop Tamborine Mountain, is the perfect elevated spot to enjoy a burger and a cold one in the sunshine with panoramic views from the hinterland out to the coastline. This hidden gem is pretty popular with locals and our Brisbane friends visiting for a day trip.
The Boatshed: Overlooking the glistening Currumbin Creek with a glass of bubbles in one hand while you’re other hand is immersed in a fresh seafood platter – not even joking. Go for a quick SUP first, then swing in here (sandy feet allowed) for a lazy breakfast or long lunch and beers with the crew.
The Sandbar: The newly refurbished Surfers Paradise icon boasts a prime position on The Esplanade, with direct views over Surfers Paradise beach. The new alfresco area is the perfect spot for an afternoon of scallops, sauvignon blanc and cool tunes in the sea breeze.
Pier Marina Mirage: This is the ideal waterfront space for lazy long lunches and afternoon cocktails and eventually roll into dinner. The Marina Mirage marina and broadwater views here are unbeatable – so grab a pizza, get an espresso martini in your hand and enjoy the sunset over the water.
The Fish House: Fancy some caviar with a beach view on the side? If you can book a prime spot near the window at The Fish House, the you’re in for a real treat. The Fish House is renowned for its fine seafood fare, with produce flown in fresh daily – and trust us, the view makes it taste even better.
BiN 72: If you want beach views without being exposed to the elements, then Bin 79 in Coolangatta gives you the best of both worlds. The floor-to-ceiling glass opens up Daniel Ridgeway’s popular southern eatery and bar, boasting 180-degree views over the Coolangatta and Greenmount beaches.
Seascape Restaurant + Bar: Overlooking Surfers Paradise beach, this multi-level venue offers everything from a casual bistro-style bite and a beverage to a fine-dining experience on the top level. The new rooftop bar recently opened – perfect for a glass of bubbles and a nibble overlooking a glorious expanse of ocean.
Cafe D’bar: As the name suggests, this gem overlooks Duranbah Beach (opposite the Point Danger lookout), with 180-degree views over the ocean. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or stroll through the adjoining D’Bah House and check out the art and wares. It’s also the best spot for whale watching in winter with a latte in hand. Ps. the owners are also due to open a new venue this May called Baskk in Kirra.
Lester & Earl: Nab a spot on the Lester & Earl balcony for ribs, rumps and rad views. Pull up a stool at a wine barrel on the balcony, get yourself a wine slushie and soak up the sunshine. You’ll work up quite the appetite, so soak it all up with tasty nosh from American barbecue-inspired menu – a slab of slow-smoked brisket will do just fine.
Skypoint Q1: This is elevated dining like no other. If you’re not great with heights, maybe have a quick beer at the top to calm your nerves. Located on the observation deck is Seventy7 Cafe + Bar, which serves everything from a buffet breakfast to a hearty lunch, plus burgers, share food and a full-service bar to boot. Beers with 360-degree views? We’re in.
Four Winds Revolving Restaurant: Located on the 26th floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Four Winds Revolving Restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in the whole of Queensland, with a 360-degree view of the Gold Coast beaches and hinterland. It takes just over an hour for the rotating restaurant to complete a full revolution, so you’ll do the full loop at least once during your meal.
Honourable mentions: Enjoy the sunshine and Currumbin Beach views at Elephant Rock Cafe or sip champagne as your overlook the Marina Mirage at Glass Restaurant & Lounge Bar. The Southport Broadwater views are best seen from a seat at Cafe Catalina or from a rug with a feed from The Fish Shak. It goes without saying – all of the Gold Coast’s surf clubs pretty much take the cake when it comes to beach views, from Main Beach down to Coolangatta and everywhere in between.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
