2026 Gold Coast Restaurant Round-Up: 33 New Openings to Add to Your Hit List (With Addresses)

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2026 Gold Coast Restaurant Round-Up: 33 New Openings to Add to Your Hit List (With Addresses)

Fresh faces, who dis?

If the Gold Coast does one thing well, it's good food, and 2026 is shaping up beautifully. From polished new dining rooms to relaxed eateries turning out seriously good plates, the local restaurant scene has welcomed a wave of newcomers we can't get enough of. Whether you're plotting your next date night, a long lunch or a spur-of-the-moment midweek outing, here's every restaurant we've covered so far this year.

JULY

Twins

The early bird catches the burger at Palmy's new double smash joint. Twins is the passion project of Chilean mates Nicolas and Felipe, serving fine-casual burgers just a stone's throw from the sand. Dig into double smash patties, crispy beef-tallow fries and a dangerously moreish Oreo dessert, all built on quality produce and seriously cool vibes. Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

TORI

Stretchy pants at the ready! Broadbeach's TORI is rewriting the all-you-can-eat rulebook with more than 50 made-to-order Japanese dishes for just $48.80. No sad buffet trays here — think fresh sushi, smoky yakitori, steaming ramen, crunchy tempura and desserts, all cooked to order. With 90 minutes to work through the menu, your only real job is deciding what deserves a second (or third) round. Where: Shop 3/2643 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Pasta Lovers

Home Cafe Currumbin is having a Cinderella moment, transforming into Pasta Lovers every Thursday to Saturday night for a cosy Italian feast. Chef Tino hand-makes every strand of pasta, pairing comforting classics with authentic family recipes and a few signature twists. Throw in BYO wine, tiramisu and candlelit neighbourhood charm, and you've got a date night that's pure amore. Where: Unit 4/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

Lim Nahm Thai

Robina's dining scene just got a spicy glow-up. From the team behind Valyn Thai and LimLay, Lim Nahm Thai serves elevated Thai flavours in a lush, resort-style setting. Expect duck curry, pineapple fried rice served in an actual pineapple, jumbo Tom Yum hot pots and cocktails as colourful as the menu itself. Date night, family feast or a catch-up with the crew — this one guarantees a good Thai-m. Where: Shop 1006, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Johnny Omeros

Who needs a passport when paradise is on the doorstep? Johnny Omeros has brought a taste of the Med to Isle of Capri, dishing up seafood feasts, Greek-inspired plates and cocktails made for waterfront sipping. Soak up the sparkling marina views and plenty of fresh seafood, and winter suddenly feels very far away. Rally the group chat and enjoy your own little slice of Euro summer. Where: 15-21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise

Franc Jrs Palm Beach

Palmy's pizza game just hit peak status. Cult favourite Franc Jrs has fired up the ovens at its new old-school Italian-American digs, bringing Detroit-style squares, giant pies and frozen Margies to the south. Expect moody booths, caramelised crispy crusts and enough cheese to keep your cardiologist on speed dial. Team Beesting or Team Orange Stripe — franc-ly, you can't go wrong. Where: 27/1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Munchies Sushi

Two culinary heavyweights become one at Broadbeach's newest sushi spot. Munchies Sushi lands with a playful Brazilian-Japanese fusion menu piled with sushi, crispy tempura hot rolls, bao buns, poke bowls and even Nutella spring rolls for dessert. Chase it all with a zesty caipirinha for one seriously un-roll-gettable feed. Where: 3/2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach 4218 (Upstairs)

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JUNE

Valentina

Surfers Paradise has a new home for long lunches. Taking over the former Hyde Paradiso site, Valentina Restaurant + Bar pairs Mediterranean feasts with sweeping ocean views and a cocktail program crafted with the team behind Maybe Sammy. Share plates, fresh seafood, handmade pasta and standout spritzes arrive in a breezy coastal room inspired by Barcelona and the Amalfi Coast — you may just cancel those Euro summer plans. Where: Level 2, Peppers Soul, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Cooly Breeze Rooftop

After a four-month Mediterranean makeover, Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has reopened with elevated coastal style and a refined new menu from owner and Executive Chef Marcondes Almeida Neto — the mind behind Cooly heavyweights Black Dingo and La Stradina. Sunset spritzes, long lunches or sweeping ocean views, this refreshed favourite is back and better than ever. Where: Beachcomber International Resort, Level 13/122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Hicksville Smokehouse & Backyard Bar

Part of the new hospitality precinct on Hicks Street, Hicksville's Smokehouse & Backyard Bar brings serious smokehouse energy to Southport, with 16-hour brisket, sticky ribs, smoked chorizo and stacked BBQ buns. Low-and-slow meats, share plates like the Pitmaster's Plate, and a drinks list stacked with bourbon, whiskey and local brews make it ideal for post-work knock-offs or weekend feasts. Where: 11 Hicks Street, Southport

MAY

La Vie

Nobby Beach just scored a slice of Europe with La Vie, the cosy wine bar and cafe from three French friends missing the rituals of home. Bringing South of France energy to Chairlift Avenue, the intimate space serves crepes, loaded charcuterie boards, European wines and cocktails built for long, lingering afternoons. Where: Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach

SHOTO

Burleigh nights just got a little moodier with SHOTO, the new Japanese bar from Etsu founder Nathan Horwood. Taking over the former Kin space, the dark, buzzing venue pairs yakitori, handrolls and robata skewers with smoky cocktails and serious Tokyo backstreet energy. Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

JAFA

Southport's beloved Italian has had a glow-up with the return of JAFA, serving a refreshed slice of La Dolce Vita. Reopened under owner Roshan with chef Manoj, the space blends cosy neighbourhood warmth with polished timber tones, and a new menu built on vodka rigatoni, twelve-hour beef ragu and hot honey pepperoni pizza. Suddenly a Southport weeknight feels a lot more like an Italian holiday. Where: Shop7, 253 Ferry Road Southport

Fig N Fox

A proper British pub has landed in the heart of Surfers, with Artesian Hospitality swinging open the doors of Fig 'n' Fox. Across two levels, expect every pub classic — fish and chips, bangers and mash and hearty Sunday roasts — with warm timber finishes, cosy booths and plenty of indoor and outdoor space for long lunches and after-work pints.

Downstairs, Timmy's Tea Room leans grungier, with live music, pool tables, electronic darts, a dance floor and a cheeky basement-bar energy already earning a loyal following. Where: 2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Italia Moto Garden

Helensvale's cult favourite Italia Moto has officially levelled up, trading takeaway-only queues for a full dine-in Italian garden experience. The new space feels like a rustic European escape, with olive trees, citrus groves and fairy-lit tables setting the scene for long lunches and easy dinners. Beyond the signature woodfired pizzas and gelato, the menu now features burrata, gnocchi al ragu, calamari fritti and a seafood-packed frutti di mare. Where: 104 Helensvale Road, Helensvale

The Laneway Burleigh

Hidden down a Burleigh laneway and already humming with locals, The Laneway delivers cosy wine bar energy, carb-loaded comfort food and cocktails worth cancelling plans for. Taking over the old JFK Woodfired Kitchen & Bar space, this new spot from the team behind The Arc serves truffle arancini, creamy pastas, loaded pizzas and show-stealing crispy pork belly. Where: 37a Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads

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APRIL

Jin Izakaya

Modern Japanese meets traditional technique at this family-run izakaya, with Aya Amemiya leading the kitchen and daughter Dianna up front. Head chef Dai Nakata draws on Kyoto roots and years across Osaka and Tokyo to shape a share-style menu — think shiso prawn toast, sushi pizza and slow-braised kakuni pork, plus standout vegetarian dishes. The space is warm and intimate, with cocktails like the matcha martini keeping things lively. Where: Shop 12, 2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Spaghetto

Chefs Rodrigo Abranches and Stefano Mondonico bring Italian classics into a fast-food format at this takeaway pasta bar. Pick your handmade pasta, build your bowl with Napoli, pesto or creamy rose sauce, then finish with toppings from veg to prawns or slow-cooked beef. House favourites like Bolognese and chilli prawn are on hand if decision fatigue hits. Just 15 seats, quick and quality, with gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options for all. Where: Shop 3/1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

YOMG Elanora

The Melbourne-born burger and froyo brand lands at The Pines with a bright, social space made for casual hangs. The menu spans premium Angus beef burgers, plant-based options and loaded fries, plus thick shakes and rotating specials. The real draw is the self-serve frozen yoghurt bar, with changing flavours and a generous toppings station. From post-beach refuels to family dinners, it's a community-focused spot all about fun, flexibility and crowd-pleasing combos. Where: The Pines Shopping Centre, Shop 69, Corner Guineas Creek Road, K P McGrath Dr, Elanora

Southern Smokehouse

Texas-style barbecue gets a takeaway twist at this Southport newcomer, where brisket is smoked low and slow for 14 hours before landing in grab-and-go meals. Run by father-son duo Ivan and Edward Nunez, the menu centres on smoked brisket, pulled pork and flame-grilled chicken, with waffle fries, mac and cheese and jalapeno bites on the side. Build your meal as a bowl or a loaded plate, with house-made sauces bringing the full Southern hit. Where: Shop 1c/82 Marine Parade, Southport

Jade Room Chinese

From hospitality veterans Jackie and May Cheng, Jade Room brings a design-led take on Chinese dining to Robina. The moody, mid-century-inspired space sets the tone for a menu blending traditional Cantonese flavours with modern yum cha — truffle dumplings, beef ho fun and a signature Peking duck carved tableside. Larger plates like mud crab and XO pipi are made for sharing, and a dedicated cocktail list (lychee martini included) rounds out the night in style. Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Rumi

Broadbeach favourite Rumi expands into Surfers with a larger, more dramatic space that reflects its Persian roots. The menu leans into sharing dishes, from saffron chicken and kebabs to slow-cooked lamb shank and beef ribs, with group banquets a key feature alongside fresh salads, dips and house-baked bread. Bold colours and ambient lighting set the mood, while kunefe and the 1001 Nights cocktail lift the experience further. Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

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MARCH

Bar Bruto

Sunset sips just got an upgrade at Bar Bruto in Casuarina. This Euro-style wine bar is built for date night, girls' night or any night that starts with one glass and ends with a bottle. The menu celebrates Spanish tapas and Euro-inspired small plates made for sharing, while the small-but-mighty wine list focuses on natural drops. Late-night Barcelona vibes, just over the border. Where: Shop 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

Sicily by Fratello

Carb lovers, rejoice! Sicily by Fratello serves pasta, pizza and all the Italian comfort your stretchy pants can handle — fresh handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Aperol spritzes and a Nutella gnocchi that should probably be illegal. Warm and welcoming, it's made for long lunches that roll straight into dinner. Arrive hungry, order too much, and waddle out happily planning the next visit. Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba

Attaboy Pizza

Hidden in Byron Bay's industrial estate, Attaboy Pizza is all about seriously good pizza without fighting the town-centre crowds. The brainchild of the crew behind Ciao Mate! and You Beauty, this casual takeaway slings New York slices for lunch and full 13-inch rounds or Detroit deep dish for dinner, with three-day fermented dough and no-nonsense toppings like Byron Hawaiian and Spicy Pepperoni. Pizza night, done right. Where: 4/20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

La Stradina

If Euro summer isn't on your calendar this year, don't stress — La Stradina has you covered. Tucked down a Cooly laneway, candlelit tables and spinning vinyl set the tone. Mediterranean morsels like Moreton Bay bug skewers, blue-fin tuna rice cakes and homemade rigatoni are just the start of a moreish menu. Settle in with a signature cocktail and you'll be saying "Euro, who?" Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta

FEBRUARY

Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse

Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse is raising the steaks — and the roof — in Surfers Paradise. Think smoky brisket, a show-stopping 1kg Tomahawk, and wings that deserve their own fan club. There's a mechanical bull daring you to hold on, a d-floor for line dancing and a stage for live country straight outta Nashville. Boot-scooting, bucking-bull fun for family gatherings and full-throttle nights out alike. Saddle up! Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Salty Chook

Chicken tonight? Don't mind if we do! The Salty Chook is spinning golden birds in Rainbow Bay and serving pure post-surf satisfaction — free-range rotisserie chook with crackly skin, Nashville hot burgers that bring the heat, and chippies dusted in extra chicken salt (obviously). Nostalgic and no-fuss, where sandy feet and salt-of-the-earth souls are always welcome. Where: 13 Ward Street Coolangatta

Bar Ricci

Tedder Avenue's newest Italian stallion is here to wow. Bar Ricci in Main Beach serves coastal Italian glamour — limoncello-buttered barramundi, blue swimmer crab pasta and arancini that'll steal your heart. Aperol Spritz like Amalfi, Michelin-worthy mains and a world-class wine list, all with breezy terraces, private rooms and service as stylish as the interiors. Perfect for long lunches, intimate dinners or Italian family feasts. Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach

JANUARY

SABA Kitchen

Spice up your life at SABA Kitchen in Surfers Paradise! Tucked inside Hotel Jardin, this pan-Asian hotspot serves bold, flavour-packed dishes made for sharing (or not, if the game-farm duck breast steals your heart — and it will). Yuzu-kissed sashimi, smoky robata-grilled skewers and Mooloolaba prawns in XO coconut sauce, all washed down with cocktails that sparkle as much as the food. Sleek, intimate and unpretentious, SABA is where long lunches turn into late-night feasts. Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Red Hot Cod

Fish and chips, anyone? Red Hot Cod in Burleigh Heads has levelled up with tropical alfresco dining, a breezy bar and a full Bali-inspired makeover. Tuck into the famous golden crispy fish, snapper poke bowls and new satay sticks that pair perfectly with coconut margaritas or Red Hot Cod Lager. Run by locals Simon, Buffie and daughter Mila, it's where post-surf feeds become long lunches and holiday mode kicks in — even on a lunch break. Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Mad Over Italian

Look at MOI now! Mad Over Italian has opened its second venue, bringing its much-loved Italian comfort food to Emerald Lakes. After winning fans in Hope Island, this family-friendly favourite serves woodfired pizzas, classic pastas and vino-fuelled good times in a dreamy "Little Europe" setting. Long lunches by the water, date nights ending in tiramisu — casual, cosy and completely irresistible. Where: 3030 The Boulevard, Carrara

Seoul Garden

Seoul food incoming! Pacific Fair has gone all out with Seoul Garden's all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot experience — sizzling grills, endless meats, bubbling broths and neon-lit vibes made for group hangs. Sizzle and slurp your way through premium cuts, banchan galore and comfort classics. Come hungry, leave very happy. Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters