With its sun-soaked beaches, endless amusement parks and fantastic nature activities, the Gold Coast is unsurprisingly one of Australia’s most family-friendly holiday destinations.

And with so much to see and do, it’s easy to work up a big appetite! Here, we round up five of the Gold Coast’s best family-friendly restaurants, that will be sure to satisfy rumbling tummies.

Sandbar, Surfers Paradise

Image credit: Sandbar, Facebook

You know you’ve come to the right place when the kids’ menu is printed on colouring-in paper to keep the little ones entertained! The food selection for children isn’t bad either, serving Baby Cakes (mini pancakes with ice cream and syrup), chicken nuggets, toasties, feel-good fruit bowls and much more. For adults, there are delicious smoothie bowls, gourmet burgers and fresh Hawaiian poke.

Ideal for: Brunch by the beach before a big day out at the theme parks.

Miami Marketta, Miami

Image credit: Destination Gold Coast

When one person wants a burger, another fancies sushi and the other is craving Mexican, it can be tough to keep everyone happy. At Miami Marketta food market, you’ll find all these and so much more under one roof. The communal tables in the centre of the Marketta make it easy for families to congregate with various dishes from all corners of the market and share in delicious flavours together. Meanwhile, enjoy lively bands up on the main stage keeping the good vibes going while you satisfy cravings. For a little more ‘oomph’ to your evening, or perhaps just to unwind from an exciting day of visiting theme parks and exploring the city, there are two bars off to each side to wet your whistle.

Ideal for: Offering a dish for every palate with music and vibes to finish off another perfect day out.

Image credit: Bam Bam Bakehouse

Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach

Expect plenty of locals at this popular cafe and bakery that serves up flaky croissants and pastries. It takes three days to create the perfect croissant at Bam Bam, so it’s no surprise that this hotspot is the talk-of-the-town with MasterChef judge, Matt Preston, recently stopping by to pick up some fresh-out-the-oven treats. Besides their famous croissants, Bam Bam also dishes up tasty brekkie dishes like acai bowls and sweetcorn fritters, as well as milkshakes and delicious burgers and sandwiches.

Ideal for: When your kids are craving tasty treats

Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co., Surfers Paradise

Image credit: The Weekend Edition

A fast-food favourite across Australia, and a favourite pick for families visiting the Gold Coast, you can’t go wrong with a burger at Betty’s. From the juicy Angus beef in the Betty’s Classic to the southern-fried crispy chicken and vegetarian-friendly shroom burger – there’s something to suit all tastes. The Concrete shakes (thick vanilla custard ice cream with your favourite sweet treats mixed in) are to die for. Feed them to kids at your own risk: sugar high guaranteed!

Ideal for: A quick refuel after a long day at the beach.

De Vito Waterfront, Southport

Image credit: De Vito Waterfront, Facebook

If your family prefer their meals with a side of entertainment, you’ll love De Vito. Run by singing chef David De Vito, every night here is different, with delicious Italian dishes served up alongside a rotation of live musical acts. Adults will appreciate the Bloody Mary oysters, while kids will be appeased by the fantastic housemade spaghetti with ‘mama’s meatballs’.

Ideal for: Good old-fashioned family fun over dinner.

Zanette’s Gelati, Surfers Paradise

Image credit: Zanette’s, Facebook

Ok, so this isn’t technically a restaurant but we do guarantee you’ll leave Zanette’s feeling satisfied! With over 40 flavours of fresh, all-natural gelato, everything from fruity pineapple, strawberry and watermelon to creamy choc chip, Ferrero Rocher, Tiramisu and Rocky Road is on offer. Tempt the kids with one of these and we promise they’ll behave all day (maybe).

Ideal for: Cooling down after a day in the sunshine.