Gold Coast's Ultimate Alfresco Dining Guide: Beachfront Restaurants, Garden Cafes & Hinterland Pubs

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Gold Coast's Ultimate Alfresco Dining Guide: Where to Eat Outdoors

Best Outdoor Restaurants on the Gold Coast

With its sublime subtropical climate and buzzing culinary scene, the Gold Coast is home to some of Australia's finest outdoor dining. Golden sunshine and stunning scenery are the perfect accompaniments to any meal. Whether you're after a beachside cafe metres from the sand, a Hinterland pub with million-dollar mountain views, or a vibrant venue for sunset cocktails under the stars, here's where to find the coast's best alfresco experiences.

Stanley's Barn Restaurant & Bar

Currumbin RSL

For creekside dining along one of the Gold Coast's loveliest waterways, secure a table on The Deck at Currumbin RSL. Overlooking sparkling Currumbin Creek, it's a picture-perfect spot for casual daytime meals and balmy summer evenings alike — though it's sheltered from the elements and heated in winter for year-round comfort. Live music fills the air on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The kitchen turns out classic mains, burgers, starters, salads, daily specials and perfectly crisp woodfired pizzas. Grab a drink from the bar and soak up the view at one of the southern Gold Coast's best-loved outdoor venues. Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Kirra Beach House

Perched on the southern Gold Coast shoreline, Kirra Beach House is a chic rooftop destination radiating effortless luxury, with sweeping panoramas of the Pacific. Cabanas and lounge nooks dot the sprawling open-air terrace — the perfect setup for kicking back with a cocktail, soaking up rays and watching the surf roll in, often to a soundtrack of acoustic sets or live DJs.

The menu is a Mediterranean-inspired grazing affair: oysters, seafood, burrata, woodfired flatbreads, tempting small plates and generous mains, paired with an impressive list of Australian and international wines, signature cocktails and artisan spritzes. Where: 4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Best Outdoor Cafes on the Gold Coast

The Paddock Bakery

Claim a spot in the shady courtyard of this legendary Gold Coast bakery and settle in for an indulgent breakfast or lunch under the open sky. Housed in a beautiful heritage Queenslander, the bakery turns out sublime woodfired sourdough, impossibly flaky pastries, decadent doughnuts and first-rate coffee. It's no wonder Paddock has earned its place as a local institution. Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven

Stone's Throw Cafe

Unassuming from the street, this Currumbin gem reveals its magic once you step inside: a sprawling rear deck and a lush, shady garden with a rolling lawn. Make the most of that Gold Coast climate and grab a seat in the dappled sunlight — honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The fully-fenced garden, complete with a sandpit and cubby house, makes it a dream morning outing for parents with little ones. Where: 4/9 Station Street, Currumbin

Pasture & Co

Nestled in the stunning Currumbin Valley, Pasture & Co pairs nature immersion with seriously good food. Nourishing dishes, pastries, cakes and sweet treats are crafted from local, organic produce, and the serene outlook draws a loyal local crowd. While there's indoor seating, the real magic spills outside onto a broad lawn dotted with tables and stools — or simply sit beneath the shade of a towering old fig tree. It's gloriously family-friendly, with plenty of space for kids to roam. Browse the organic grocer and thoughtfully curated gift shop while you're there, or pair your visit with neighbouring Ground Bathhouse. Where: 639 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley (Eco Village)

Best Outdoor Pubs on the Gold Coast

Burleigh Town Tavern

A neighbourhood staple for decades, the Burleigh Town Hotel has been given a fresh new chapter thanks to a major renovation. The sprawling outdoor beer garden wraps around the venue, encompassing a bright bistro, two bars and a playground — making it a magnet for families. Grab a picnic table, order from the classic pub menu and soak in the quintessential Gold Coast outdoor dining vibe. Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

St Bernard's Hotel

The Gold Coast Hinterland is celebrated for its jaw-dropping views, and the deck at St Bernard's Hotel is one of the finest vantage points around. Sitting on the edge of an ancient volcanic escarpment, the hotel gazes out across rugged mountain ranges. The leafy garden is another delightful spot for alfresco drinks and country-style dining — in winter, a crackling fireplace keeps things cosy. And yes, the name is for real: the resident St Bernard dogs are always a hit with guests. Where: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain

Garden Kitchen & Bar

True to its name, Garden Kitchen & Bar is a lush sanctuary and one of the coast's most stunning alfresco venues. Step past the greenhouse-style interior onto an expansive palm-fringed deck and sprawling lawn — this hotspot is as green and leafy as it gets. Tucked inside The Star Gold Coast's entertainment precinct, it's the perfect setting for a long afternoon or elegant evening, whether you're feasting on vibrant, seasonal dishes or working through a round of cocktails and share plates. Ideal for date night, family dinner or celebrating with friends. Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach