Right between the Coral Sea and the Nerang River in Queensland, Australia, the name Surfers Paradise pretty much sums up this stellar town because it is truly a paradise, especially for surfers and other water lovers. The waves are many and the climate is subtropical so surfers can enjoy them all year long.
The city is also popular for its attractions like Adrenaline Park, Time Zone, and Ripley’s. But what sets them apart from other beach hotspots is the cuisine. From witchetty grubs to emu burgers and lamingtons to fairy bread, they have unique tastes. Drop your bags at a Surfers Paradise bag storage site and go eat!
Dining in Style
- Citrique at the Marriott
At the JW Marriot, Citrique has amazing food from breakfast through dinner. The ambiance is classy, and you will feel spoiled and pampered the whole visit. Some of their featured items include South Australian black mussels, razor clams, blue swimmer crab, Moreton Bay bug, and Mooloolaba King prawns.
- Seascape Restaurant
The décor is delightful, and the food is succulent no matter what you order at Seascape Restaurant. The pan-fried Moreton bay bugs with Malaysian red curry glaze and snow peas are a local favorite. They also feature lobster, snapper, prawns, clams, mussels, and salmon. Or get the fettuccine with prawns and calamari.
- Clifford’s Grill & Lounge at Voco Hotel
You are in for a delightful surprise at Clifford’s, with signature sharing platters like the slow-cooked lamb shoulder and charred whole free-range chicken. Or you can try the ribeye, pumpkin & pesto gnocchi, or grilled white snapper. For dessert, they offer Bombe Alaska, Clifford’s Brulee, or a seasonal cheeseboard.
- Black Angus
If you are looking for a mouthwatering steak, Black Angus is where you need to go. They boast a black onyx tomahawk, black tyde eye fillet, or a wagyu eye fillet as well as rib eyes and sirloins. If you are in the mood for something different, try their confit duck, potato gnocchi, crispy salmon fillet, or rack of lamb.
Eating on the Go
- Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Company
For fast burgers done right, Betty’s has the experience and the reviews. The locals eat at Betty’s, so you know it has to be good. Choose from 12 burgers, such as the Noosa Classic Surf with Angus beef and prawns or the Brunch Burger with eggs and bacon. They even have a kids’ menu. And don’t miss the concretes.
- Salt Meats Cheese
How about a pizza or some pasta? Salt Meats Cheese is a unique spot that has 14 pizza specialties like the Polpette with Fior di latte, meatballs, and parmigiana or the vegetarian Quattro Formaggi with four cheeses and spinach. The lasagna and spaghetti are also divine, and they have a fantastic tiramisu.
- Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar
Longboards lives up to its name because the casual and friendly vibe is fantastic. If you are really hungry and brave, try the burger eating challenge. You win a $150 bar tab if you eat an entire burger that has 600g of beef, pulled pork, onion rings, layers of bacon, and cheddar cheese with all the fixings.
- Chickery Chick
For chicken lovers, Chickery Chick specializes in chicken dishes from chicken and veggies to Schnitzel Parmigiana & Chips. But they also have a variety of other options including fillet of fish, pasta salad, calamari, prawn cutlets, pork, and lamb. Oh, and check out the 14 kinds of burger specialties they offer.
Something Special
- Zambrero
If you are looking for some Mexican cuisine, Zambrero has you covered. You can get tacos, burritos, dos capas, nachos, quesadillas, or a bowl with rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, and meat. They even have a power bowl or power burrito with 50% more protein. For dessert, try one of their scrumptious blondies.
- Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant
Middle Eastern food may be hard to find in most Australian cities but in Surfers Paradise they have Shiraz. Start out with homemade hummus or torshi, then move on to the main dish. You can get a platter of kabobs including the Meatetarian with lamb and beef or the Soltan with fish, lamb, and chicken.
- Yamagen
Sushi lovers will be happy as clams at Yamagen because they have a variety of awesome flavors at the sushi bar. The authentic décor will put you in the mood and the sake will relax you while you pick from 11 sushi flavors such as scallop, snapper, kingfish, scampi, tuna, and cuttlefish. Or try one of the sashimi platters.
- Brazilian Flame Bar and Grill
How about some BBQ? Brazilian Flame will grill you up some of the finest food in the country. The rump cap Picanha is cooked however you like with chips, rice, and beans. Or try the pork ribs with coleslaw. They do burgers too with caramelized onion and cheese. They also have a nice kids’ meal if you have the tots along.
Divine Desserts
- Tella Balls Dessert Bar
If you want something sweet and different, Tella Balls Dessert Bar is full of awesomeness. The waffle burger has two scoops of gelato between two waffles coated in Nutella and sliced fruit. Or try a Tella cone, which is a donut cone with gelato. They even have sliders like the Kit Kat, Berry Jam, or Oreo.
- Doughnut Boss
Donuts are not just for breakfast anymore. Especially at Donut Boss. They have such a variety of flavors; you will have to get a few boxes of assorted to try them all. Try the Oreo, Picnic, the Kit Kat, or the Tim Tam. They also have more creative flavors like salted caramel apple and a cinnamon donut filled with Nutella.
- Bubbo Dessert
Bubble cones are a different kind of treat too and they are all the rage at Bubbo Dessert. They wrap a variety of ice creams, candy, and fruits in a bubble waffle and top it with just about anything you can think of. Try the tropical with pineapples on top, the super Oreo, or the caramel banana.
- San Churro Chocolateria
If you have never had churros, you have to try the ones at San Churro Chocolateria because they are mouthwatering. From churro fries to churro towers and unicorn churros to chocolate churros, you should try them all. They also have ice cream desserts like the Cookie Monster, Flamingo, Carnival, and Chocoholic.
Make sure you hit the beach while you are in Surfers Paradise even if you are not a surfer. You can enjoy a swim, rent a kayak or canoe, or even drop a line in the water to catch some fish. Or you can build a sandcastle, sit on the beach, or take some fun selfies.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g255072-Surfers_Paradise_Gold_Coast_Queensland.html
https://www.thefork.com/restaurants/surfers-paradise-qld-c533139
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/australian-food/index.html
