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Date Night: Gold Coast’s Most Romantic Restaurants
Written by Sarah Julian
Exquisite seafood or handmade pasta? Whatever your mood, romance is on the menu with the best Gold Coast date night restaurants.
If the way to your loved one’s heart is through their stomach, then make their heart flutter with a lavish dining affair to remember. Spend your days taking long walks on the beach, hand-in-hand, then toast to your special someone as the sun sets on the horizon. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special night or simply spend some quality time together, delve into the Gold Coast’s array of eateries worth lusting after. From rustic relaxed Italian meals to crisp seafood straight from the crashing waves before you, love is in the air at these restaurants that have it all.
Scroll on to discover the Gold Coast’s most romantic restaurants.
Gemelli Italian, Broadbeach
Rustic dining beneath timber arches and couples getting cosy as they twirl their handmade pasta – this is what awaits you at Fortitude Valley’s Gemelli Italian. Drawing on a rich tapestry of regional cuisines, Gemelli’s menu keeps it simple with few ingredients; just as Nonno would make it. Don’t miss handmade pasta favourites including spaghetti alla marinara, eight-hour slow-cooked oxtail, pork shin rigatoni ragu, and enjoy your own ‘bella notte’ moment a la Lady and the Tramp. If there are two things that Italians are famous for, it’s passion and creativity – essential ingredients for romance.
Nineteen at The Star, Broadbeach
Located atop The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, this restaurant takes romance to dizzying heights with views of Broadbeach to impress. If there’s one place to see and be seen, it’s high above Gold Coast during golden hour with a tantalising cocktail in hand. Whether you want a quick drink or a long afternoon session, Nineteen at The Star boasts an exquisite menu and cocktail list with prime aperitivo hour classics. If you want the romance to continue, the rooms of The Star Residences Gold Coast are only one elevator ride away.
MexiCali, Nobby Beach
Make a hot Gold Coast date with spicy margaritas and shared taco plates at MexiCali in Nobby Beach. Wander up a narrow staircase decorated with vibrant Talavera tiles and arrive at this colourful bar where you can expect a warm welcome as you’re slung with a cold drink. Sit with your special someone under the glow of neon lights and tuck into platefuls of flavoursome tacos including Baja-style fish, al pastor and slow-cooked pulled pork carnitas.
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads
Sit anywhere at Rick Shores and the sea will follow your gaze – the quintessential Burleigh Heads dining experience. Pan-Asian fare is served in laid-back, coastal living vibes, contrasted only by the immaculate and exquisitely presented dishes. How you take your food journey is up to you, but we suggest starting with fresh kingfish sashimi and the must-have Rick Shores ‘bug roll’. Wash it down with a citrusy concoction from the bar while the sunset lends the perfect backdrop for you to photograph your plus one. When you’re done, bury your feet in the warm sand, only steps away from the dining room.
Social Eating House + Bar, Broadbeach
Is it an old wives’ tale, or are oysters really the ‘food of love’? We encourage you to do your own research by slurping down a few at Social Eating House + Bar, set on Oracle Avenue, a lively strip in Broadbeach. Clear your afternoon for a flavourful jaunt through their lovingly crafted menu of modern Australian tastes. Graze on bar snacks like seared scallops or puffed sesame rice cracker with fish tartare, then back it up with the delectably tender 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder or fried quail. Spend some quality time wining and dining your date, then check into the nearby Imperial Hotel Gold Coast.
The Tropic, Burleigh Head Pavilion
The Tropic at Burleigh Head Pavilion boasts jaw-dropping views of the coastline, an ambience that allows for intimate conversation and pure piscine perfection. Surrounded by sun and sea spray, nab one of the balcony seats as you sip on a cocktail (or two) as the sky lights up in colourful sunset hues. With a dreamy locale hovering over the edge of the ocean, a stage is set for savouring fresh seafood and relaxed modern Australian small plates. Take a seat in the open-air dining room and order ocean king prawns, Goldband snapper or market fish while gazing longingly between the ocean and your amore.
Roosevelt Lounge, Broadbeach
For lavish libations with a side of mystery, head to the 1920s-themed Roosevelt Lounge for after-dinner tipples. Seek out a secluded spot on the velvet couches that feels almost like a private lair, decorated with prohibition knick-knacks from the decadent era. Quench your thirst with signature cocktails including the bright and fresh ‘first lady’ or the deep and elegant ‘stardust’, featuring Starward Two Folds Whisky and white chocolate. You and yours are invited to lose yourself in elegance and sophistication as you get groovy together listening to live saxophone and modern jazz tunes.
Feature image: Roosevelt Lounge, Broadbeach.
Discover Gold Coast
Looking for more inspiration? Read on for the most Romantic Things to Do on the Gold Coast: A Couple’s Guide.
