Currumbin and neighbouring Tugun are picturesque coastal gems on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, where stunning beaches and vibrant culinary delights come together beautifully. Whether you're a Gold Coast local or just passing through, both Currumbin and Tugun boast dining scenes that are as diverse as they are delicious.
From fresh seafood by the beach to casual comfort food and exquisite fine dining, there's something here for every palate. The Urban List team has curated 13 of the best Currumbin and Tugun restaurants, each offering standout dishes you simply can't miss. Get amongst it.
Tommy's Italian
818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tommy's Italian | Instagram
Delicious, handmade Italian fare right on pristine Currumbin Beach? Now that’s amore. Tommy's Italian is your go-to for familiar favourites of the Italian culinary world, prepared with passion, and delivered with sharp and approachable service.
Their pappardelle with melt-in-the-mouth lamb and red wine ragu is an absolute must-try, and Tommy’s original tiramisu will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.
Balter Brewing
14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Image Credit: Balter Brewing | Supplied
Balter is the sense of enjoyment you get from doing something you love, just for the thrill of it. And it’s the perfect name for this friendly southern hub. Known for its award-winning craft beers and cheerful, vibrant atmosphere, Balter Brewing is a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
We recommend pairing one of the many tasty craft brews on offer with the team’s famous beer-battered fish and chips, where the fish is fresh, the batter is light and crispy, and the chips are hot and perfectly seasoned. Simple perfection.
Little Vine Room
Shop 3D/31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Little Vine Room offers a cosy, intimate dining experience with a focus on fresh, local produce. Dine in stunning surroundings on a unique menu that features design-your-own charcuterie boards, toasties and small bites, complemented by one of the best cocktail menus the Gold Coast has to offer.
Their charcuterie boards are legendary, featuring a selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, olives, and house-made preserves, perfect for sharing over a glass or two of fabulous Australian wine with friends, but personally, we can’t go past the The Drunken Fun-gi toastie, a mixed mushroom extravaganza sauteed in Champagne with cheesy bechamel.
Tommy’s Taco Bar
140 Duringan St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tommy's Taco Bar | Clayten Fowler Photography
Tommy’s Taco Bar is the vibrant, tequila-wielding little brother of Tommy’s Italian that took over the creekside spot formerly home to Little Tommy’s. This pop-up taqueria and bar is all about ‘spicing things up’—literally and figuratively—by bringing affordable and authentic Mexican to Currumbin.
You’ll be hard-pressed to choose between the loaded nachos, the classic tacos—with flavours such as slow-cooked pork and slow-cooked short ribs and oxtail—and the much-loved quesabirrias with braised beef consommé dipping sauce. We’d be remiss not to mention the drinks as they’re so good, they’re almost the highlight. Naturally, margaritas take centre stage on the cocktail menu and our personal favourite is the 3 Chillies margarita—with just the right amount of spice.
Burly Bar
3/60 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Image Credit: Burly Bar | Clayten Fowler Photography
The moment you step into Burly Bar, it’s clear why it’s been the talk of the town since it opened in December 2024. With its sultry 70’s-inspired design and a meticulously curated gin-focused cocktail menu, it’s a masterclass in mixology.
Every detail, from the ambience to the menu, is thoughtfully crafted and flawlessly executed. The food offerings are equally impressive, with a focus on share plates like anchovies with egg butter on house-made toasted focaccia and nectarines topped with creamy mozzarella and basil.
For those seeking something heartier, the ever-changing mains, such as the black Angus sirloin with sauce entrecôte, willl keep you coming back time and time again.
You Might Also Like:
Dust Temple
54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
While perhaps not technically a restaurant, Dust Temple is a haven for art lovers and foodies alike that combines an array of creative spaces with a delightful café, fascinating art and plenty of room to lounge and chill out.
Indulge in their mouth-watering cabinet display of fresh and tasty pastries with your cappucino, or if you’re feeling extra peckish, we recommend their brunch favourite—truffled mushrooms with pea puree, toast with hummus and two eggs, your way.
Tarte Beach House
Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tarte Beach House | Jade Quinlivan Photography
Beach vibes and the most sublime pastries await you at Currumbin Creek's cafe-meets-restaurant Tarte Beach House. This iconic Burleigh favourite expanded down to Currumbin after the resounding success of their first venue, with their house-made croissants, cruellers and delightful brunch offerings in near-constant demand from hungry Gold Coast foodies.
The five cheese and truffle toastie with freshly shaved free range smoked ham is the perfect winter indulgence on a frosty morning. But really, who is going to say no to a chocolate filled croissant made with heavenly buttery, chocolate dough? Not us, that’s for sure.
Bridges MD
136 Duringan St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Gold Coast’s first and only dedicated Belgian restaurant and bar, Bridges MD serves up a slice of Belgium’s unique culture, history, and tradition with an incredible selection of 40+ Belgian beers and authentic cuisine.
This is more than just a dining experience; it’s an authentic Belgian escape crafted with heart, heritage, and a lot of love by owners Martin and Delphine Rehak. From the moment you step in, you'll be transported to a cosy Belgian brasserie, where each dish feels like it’s straight from a family recipe book (and in some cases, it is). Expect to find classics like the rich and aromatic Moules Marinière—plump mussels steamed in white wine, golden shallots, garlic, and a bouquet of fresh herbs.
Sticky Rice
443 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
Image Credit: Sticky Rice | Instagram
Centrally located in Tugun’s village-like strip, Sticky Rice is the true definition of a hidden gem and has made a name for itself as a prime gluten-free dining spot on the Southern Gold Coast. Serving authentic Thai food and epic cocktails, their leafy upstairs dining room and outdoor dining space delivers refined dining meets cool tropical vibes.
Our favourite picks? The coconut-crusted fried tofu and egpplant with house chilli jam is seriously incredible and you really can't go wrong with any of Sticky Rice's flavour-packed curries. The twelve-hour slow-cooked beef cheek massaman curry with roasted peanuts is *chefs kiss*. The vast majority of the menu can be made gluten-free and there's also plenty of vegetarian options.
Lucia Tapas
445 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
Image Credit: Lucia Tapas | Instagram
Perched in the heart of Tugun, Lucia's stunning fit-out is inspired by classic Spanish architecture and oozes European-chic vibes. Venture out the back to the terracotta-coloured sun garden and you’re greeted with a vibrant outdoor space inviting you to spend many an evening chatting with friends, a glass of vino in hand.
The Spanish share-style menu is as authentic as they come—dig into papas bravas, croquetas de jamon and grilled prawn and octopus skewers before feasting on Lucia's famous paella, which also has a vegetarian alternative. Lucia hosts a popular Happy Hour every Wednesday to Friday (4pm-6pm) and Saturday and Sunday (3pm-5pm) with $10 tapas and $15 margs and is a prime event space.
Zipang
10/27-31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
For a taste of Japan in the heart of Currumbin, Zipang is your destination. The menu features a range of tapas share style plates along with rice and meal bowls that will suit a range of tastes and dietary requirements.
If you are in a rush, they have grab n’ go options such as sushi, salads and bento boxes freshly-made and ready to eat. While everything on the menu is pretty top shelf, their karaage chicken is a crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent pieces of marinated chicken, deep-fried to golden perfection, and served with a side of tangy dipping sauce.
The Deck Creekside
165 Duringan St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Overlooking the tranquil Currumbin Creek, The Deck Creekside at Currumbin RSL offers one of the most picturesque and relaxing dining experiences on the Gold Coast. Their hefty menu of tasty and generous meals makes choosing a bit of an issue, but luckily, you’ll be so chilled that you’ll be happy to take your time.
Their creamy coconut and garlic prawns are a bit of a highlight, served with jasmine rice, lime and warm roti bread, and if you’re after something a little heartier in the cold weather, you’d be hard pressed to pick from the 18 hour slow cooked beef brisket or the lamb shanks with lentil ragu.
Currumbin Beach Vikings
741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Speaking of views, Currumbin Beach Vikings offers arguably the Gold Coast’s most stunning ocean view alongside their tasty menu.
Sit by the floor to ceiling glass walls atop Elephant Rock and gaze out over the glittering Pacific as you dive right into some of the heartiest class pub grub around. For seafood lovers, the seafood platter is a must, featuring a selection of fresh prawns, oysters, calamari, and fish, perfect for sharing with friends while enjoying the sea breeze.
Looking for more Gold Coast restaurants? Check out:
Main image credit: Tommy's Italian | Instagram
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.