Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Gold Coast

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Gold Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Kamikaze Teppanyaki - Coomera

4.8

4.8 (348)

$41 to $100

Japanese (Teppanyaki)

Coomera

About the restaurant

Dear Diners, Dining time for each section is 1hr 15mins only. Please be aware that hotplate tables are not able to be booked due to popularity (Only walk-in available). Thank you for your understanding. Feel free to call us 0451 368 389.

With restaurant expertise of over ten years, Kamikaze Teppanyaki & Bar is offering some of the most mouth-watering meat and seafood in town. That’s not all you’ll find at Kamikaze Teppanyaki Coomera, as there is everything from sashimi and tempura options, through to yakitori and bento boxes in this funky restaurant on Foxwell Road on the Gold Coast. The menu is regularly updated with modern Japanese cuisine and drink selections and you’ll always get the best flavours possible. Being funky and friendly, we are not the usual traditional teppanyaki restaurants. The guests can experience and taste more of what we have in the house. Book a table at Kamikaze Teppanyaki Coomera and experience it!

Top review

Christine

Dined 5 days ago

The food was fresh, well cooked and full of flavour. We will come again

Etsu Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (2015)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Mermaid Beach

About the restaurant

Etsu is a Japanese izakaya which focuses on local amazing produce in our dishes which are designed to be shared amongst friends. We have one of the largest Japanese whisky collections on our back bar which we recommend served over hand cut ice or try one of our sakes or Japanese tap beers. Our sashimi is the freshest around and our fave place to sit is at the dining bar. Kanpaii!!

Top review

Bronwen

Dined 5 days ago

We were on the Gold Coast on holidays and looking for a special place for a family birthday celebration. We had a rough day and this really picked us all up. A lovely experience and both teenage boys said it was the best restaurant we had been to. Would definitely go back.

Roji Cat Beer Bar

4.8

4.8 (19)

$40 and under

Brewery

Miami

About the restaurant

Roji Cat Beer Bar and Brewery brings the vibrant essence of Japan’s neon-lit streets home to Miami, Gold Coast. We bring the energy of Tokyo's hidden alleyways with a sleek, narrow layout, featuring neon lighting, electric dart boards, eclectic artworks, and a private karaoke room.

At Roji Cat we offer 12 house-made beers on tap, including a standout Japanese rice lager, along with a rotating lineup of seasonal brews. The drinks menu also includes signature Japanese-inspired cocktails and an extensive sake selection. On the culinary side, the menu offers elevated Japanese street food, with highlights like karaage with house made sauces, and fresh tempura Moreton Bay bug burgers. Roji Cat is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique, Tokyo-inspired night out.

Top review

Valentina

Dined on 19 Dec 2024

The bar is amazing and the staff is lovely. Great place to go to have some beers and play darts.

Oi Izakaya

4.6

4.6 (673)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Burleigh Heads

About the restaurant

Oi Izakaya is a quirky, modern Japanese izakaya located in Burleigh Heads, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese dining with a laid-back Aussie vibe.

Known for its share-style menu featuring izakaya classics like gyoza and sushi, as well as signature dishes like okonomiyaki, it's the perfect spot for a casual meal paired with Japanese whisky, sake, or creative cocktails.

With a dash of Aussie cheek and plenty of charm, Oi Izakaya is all about great food, fun, and good company.

Top review

Liz

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

Mixed shared plates with many options. An interesting collection of dishes. They didn't disappoint but didn't bowl me over with that I must return feeling. The wagyu sando was tasty but not attended to in the meticulous Japanese way.

Steampunk - Surfers Paradise

4.5

4.5 (594)

$40 and under

Modern Australian

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

If you’re looking for a venue with delectable food, one-of-a-kind drinks and live entertainment, you’ve found the right place. Offering a wide range of local and imported beverages, Steampunk Surfers Paradise offers a vibrant atmosphere for a mid-week pick-me-up or a weekend finale.

Lunch & Dinner 7 days from 12 PM.

Top review

Billie

Dined on 21 Dec 2024

Such a great place! Service was amazing ! Staff were all lovely and friendly! Food was absolutely incredible we had an array of things to try, garlic cheese pizza, oysters, steak, wings, san choy bow & tiger prawns all were super fresh flavours were great! Good vibes!!! Music was great!

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Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar

4.4

4.4 (382)

$41 to $100

Persian

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

Recently awarded by tripadvisor as “The Best of The Best” in 2020 & 2021. "Traveller's Choice" in 2022.
"Iran is a country with a diverse geography and ethnic population. It sits at the centre of the former Kingdom of Persia, one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilisations. Iran forms a bridge between the Middle East and the Far East in the centre of the ancient Silk Road, a major trading route which goes back tens of thousands of years.

Persian cuisine has influenced many world cuisines, and has absorbed elements from other cuisines as well. It's no surprise that Persian ingredients such as saffron, pomegranate have made their way into other cuisines! As ancient traders took their wares to the corners of the world, they traded goods, bringing back the eating habits and ingredients from Greece, Rome, Turkey, Russia and India. Today's Persian cuisine traces its roots to ancient Persian ingredients and recipes, and is enriched by the great tastes imported from the rest of

Top review

Sonja

Dined 6 days ago

Food was delicious, staff very friendly, fast service. Our whole experience was outstanding and we can’t wait to come back.

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Experience

$25 Lunch Special (food + drink)

Experience

BYO Monday's

Experience

Tight Tuesday! Free Mezze Platter valued at $33.5

Las Palmas

4.4

4.4 (490)

$41 to $100

Latin American

Palm Beach

About the restaurant

Las Palmas Bar & Restaurant brings you flavours from across Latin America, finding roots in Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and beyond. The menu is designed to be shared with friends and family giving you a chance to try a wide variety of dishes. Las Palmas brings an innovative and fresh approach to the cocktail menu whilst always keeping customer enjoyment as the paramount priority. The venue overlooking beautiful Palm Beach is open and airy letting summer and ocean breezes roll in. Las Palmas is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the most important parts of life.

Top review

Sharon

Dined on 22 Dec 2024

Loved our long lazy Sunday lunch at Las Palmas! Service … tick. Food … tick. Ambience … tick. Margaritas … tick. Entertainment … tick. View … tick. Will definitely be returning.

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Experience

LP's Bottomless Brunch!

Experience

Taco Thursdays

Vapiano - Soul Boardwalk

4.1

4.1 (175)

$40 and under

Italian

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

There are few cuisines more comforting than Italian food and with everything going on in the world right now, we sure need as much comfort as we can get!

As always, at Vapiano, we’re continuing to bring traditional Italian recipes to life with a dash of Aussie spice and the best Australian produce (sourced from within 150 kilometres of each restaurant where possible).

With favourites like our Carbonara or Bolognese pasta, and Margherita or Barbeque Pollo pizza, you won't be disappointed! Dine with us today and experience a slice of Italy in Surfers Paradise.

Top review

Marina

Dined on 25 Dec 2024

Everything was perfect! Easy booking, great food and staff and easy going atmosphere.

YOT DECK

4.0

4 (150)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Main Beach

About the restaurant

YOT Deck has a focus on sit down dining, entertainment and cocktails in a super relaxed
setting with space for private events and Christmas parties. YOT Deck will be open for trade
seven days a week from August through to summer, offering lunch and dinner service.
For those seeking an unforgettable hospitality experience paired with picturesque waterfront
views, YOT Deck is the ultimate destination. Whether you're looking to celebrate a special
occasion, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or combine a drink before embarking on your YOT Club
cruise, YOT Deck will provide the best of both hospitality worlds.

Top review

Renae

Dined 4 days ago

Great spot, excellent service highly recommend for casual dining

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