It feels almost criminal that I haven’t written this sooner. I’ve spent more nights than I can count eating my way through Surfers Paradise, yet somehow, I’ve never shared my go-to spots.

Maybe I was just being greedy, keeping them all to myself — but it’s about time I let you in on them.

Sure, Surfers Paradise is famous for its beaches and buzzing nightlife, but the food here deserves its own spotlight.

Whether it’s grabbing a bite after a salty swim or settling in for a long, slow dinner with mates, there are some great restaurants that make Surfers Paradise a joy to eat your way through.

This isn’t a list pulled from glossy magazines or critic-approved rankings. These are the restaurants I’ve gone back to again and again — the ones that make me crave another visit.

So, here are my 7 best restaurants in Surfers Paradise.

Best Restaurants in Surfers Paradise

1- Baba Joon Persian Grill Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Baba Joon Persian Grill located at 3106 Surfers Paradise Blvd, brings authentic Persian flavors to the Gold Coast.

Starters include freshly baked Persian bread, hummus, eggplant dip, and dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves). The main menu highlights kebabs—chicken marinated in saffron, lamb skewers with herbs, and koobideh made with seasoned ground beef.

Sides like saffron rice with barberries and salads made with pomegranate dressing enhance the meal. Drinks include Persian tea, yogurt-based doogh, and fresh juices.

For dessert, options such as baklava and Persian ice cream flavored with rosewater and pistachios delight diners. The flavors stand out because of traditional spices like sumac, turmeric, and saffron, used with care to balance taste and aroma.

The restaurant features warm décor with patterned tiles, rustic wooden tables, and soft lighting, creating a welcoming family-friendly space. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Persian cuisine with generous portions and heartfelt hospitality.

2- SURA Thai Restaurant and Bar

Google Rating: 4.9

SURA Thai Restaurant and Bar at T11/3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, offers a lively setting with vibrant interiors, colorful décor, and upbeat music.

The menu begins with starters like satay skewers, spring rolls, and crispy chicken wings served with tangy dipping sauces.

Mains include signature dishes such as pad Thai, green curry with coconut milk, and massaman beef slow-cooked with peanuts and potatoes. Seafood options like chili basil prawns and whole fried fish add bold flavors.

Thai iced tea, cocktails infused with tropical fruits, and local beers complement the food. Desserts include sticky rice with mango, fried banana drizzled with honey, and coconut ice cream.

The recipes rely on fresh herbs such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, and Thai basil, giving each dish its signature fragrance.

Guests appreciate the mix of casual comfort and flavorful food. It’s a great choice for group dinners, late-night bites, or anyone craving authentic Thai spice in Surfers Paradise.

Also Read: Best Restaurants in Sunshine Coast

3- El Camino Cantina

Google Rating: 4.7

El Camino Cantina at 2 Cavill Avenue is known for its energetic atmosphere, Tex-Mex menu, and colorful interior full of neon lights and bold murals.

Starters include tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, and queso dip, as well as spicy chicken wings. For mains, diners enjoy loaded tacos, sizzling fajitas, and giant burritos filled with rice, beans, cheese, and meats like pulled pork or grilled chicken.

Signature margaritas are the highlight of the drink menu, offered in various fruity flavors, alongside beers and tequila shots. Desserts such as churros with chocolate dipping sauce and caramel flan round off the experience.

What makes El Camino stand out is the combination of hearty food, big flavors, and playful presentation. The space feels festive, with upbeat music and a party vibe, making it perfect for groups.

It’s an exciting place to enjoy bold Tex-Mex flavors while soaking up Surfers Paradise’s nightlife energy.

4- Alfresco Italian Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.7

Alfresco Italian Restaurant on 3/3018 Surfers Paradise Blvd, is a favorite for its warm, family-style dining and traditional Italian recipes.

The starters include garlic bread, bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes and basil, and calamari rings lightly fried for a crisp bite.

Their mains cover everything from hand-stretched pizzas loaded with mozzarella to pasta like fettuccine carbonara and lasagna layered with slow-cooked beef ragu. Seafood lovers can enjoy marinara pasta with prawns, mussels, and clams in a tomato-garlic sauce.

Dessert highlights include tiramisu made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy panna cotta. The drinks list offers Italian wines, local beers, and classic cocktails.

What makes this place special is the authentic flavors and fresh ingredients that remind you of a true Italian kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed, with cozy seating and friendly service, making it ideal for families and groups looking for hearty Italian dining.

Also Explore: Things to Do in Surfers Paradise

5- La Calabrese Italian Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.6

La Calabrese Italian Restaurant at 86 Esplanade, offers a dining experience that blends rustic charm with modern Italian flavors.

For starters, diners enjoy antipasto platters with cured meats, olives, and cheeses, along with arancini stuffed with cheese and herbs.

The main course options highlight wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes like gnocchi with rich gorgonzola sauce, and meat selections such as veal scallopini or slow-braised lamb shank. Seafood is also well represented, with grilled barramundi or spaghetti vongole.

Desserts include cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, classic tiramisu, and gelato. The drinks menu is carefully curated, featuring Italian wines, spritz cocktails, and digestifs like limoncello.

Each dish is made with imported and fresh local produce, ensuring quality in every bite. The restaurant’s interior combines dark wood accents with a modern edge, creating a stylish yet welcoming space. It’s a must-visit for those who love hearty meals paired with great service.

6- Madam Fu Modern Asian

Google Rating: 4.7

Madam Fu Modern Asian located at 5/21 Via Roma, offers a chic, vibrant setting with décor inspired by traditional Asian motifs mixed with contemporary style.

The menu is extensive, starting with dim sum, spring rolls, and sashimi platters. Mains include Peking duck with pancakes, crispy pork belly with five-spice seasoning, and stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables and seafood.

They also serve curries like Thai green curry and Malaysian rendang, delivering bold flavors. For dessert, choices range from mango sticky rice to green tea ice cream and black sesame panna cotta.

Drinks include sake, Asian-inspired cocktails, and a wide tea selection. The restaurant is known for its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, achieved through fresh herbs, chili, soy, and sesame-based sauces.

The lively ambiance, attentive service, and stylish interior make it perfect for both casual nights and special occasions, giving diners an immersive Asian food experience.

Also Read: Best Restaurants in Blue Mountains

7- KooKoo Teppanyaki and Lounge Bar

Google Rating: 4.6

KooKoo Teppanyaki and Lounge Bar at 3120 Surfers Paradise Blvd, is a dining destination built around live cooking and entertainment.

The experience starts with miso soup and edamame, leading into fresh sushi rolls and tempura prawns. The highlight is the teppanyaki, where chefs cook in front of guests, tossing food with flair.

Diners can choose from premium meats like wagyu beef, chicken teriyaki, or seafood including lobster, scallops, and salmon, all grilled to perfection with soy and garlic butter.

Noodle and rice sides complete the mains, while desserts include Japanese cheesecake, mochi ice cream, and tempura banana drizzled with honey.

Drinks range from sake and plum wine to inventive cocktails. The excitement of watching skilled chefs perform while cooking makes this restaurant unique.

Its interior blends modern lounge elements with traditional Japanese seating, offering both energy and intimacy. For groups or couples, it’s an unforgettable dining adventure.