Main Beach’s culinary revival has flourished over recent years, deeming this locale an absolute go-to for waterfront dining on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region.
With its beachside strolls, laid back vibe and front row seat to super yachts, your next visit to Main Beach must surely include a spot of feasting. From hidden gem haunts to lavish alfresco eateries on the water’s edge, here are 12 of the best restaurants in Main Beach according to Urban List.
La Luna Dining
Shop 26/74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: La Luna | Supplied
Step inside La Luna Dining’s linen-draped, ultra-luxe space for breathtaking views and Mykonos-inspired interiors. Raise your glass to the finer things in life, like spanner crab risoni, tossed in garlic, white wine, butter and herbs, or indulge in 60-day aged 250g wagyu striploin sourced from the Northern Tablelands. Oh, if you must.
La Luna also offers an impressive vegan menu, plus an extensive drinks list featuring an entire page dedicated to Champagne worth toasting at your next seriously exciting celebration. Hands down, one of the best restaurants in Main Beach, if not the Gold Coast.
Xenia Main Beach
30 Peak Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Xenia Greek | Instagram
The sister locale to Coolangatta’s addition, Xenia is Main Beach’s answer to authentic Greek food bursting with flavour. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, transport yourself to the cliff’s edge of Santorini—except without the crowds or ‘sunset tax’. Choose from a smattering of meze plates perfect for sharing, or head straight to whole table banquets with gluten-free and dairy-free options up for grabs, too.
For first timers, we recommend an order of the saganaki cheese flamed with ouzo, as well as the Psari, or grilled barramundi served with fragrant spinach rice and bisque. Rumour has it, no one’s ever regretted ordering this combo.
Shuck
20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Shuck | Instagram
Seafood fanatics, this is your sign to head directly to Shuck. With a classic menu of premium sourced oysters from around Australia and seafood celebrating dishes, there’s no question that this is the best restaurant on Main Beach's Tedder Avenue for the sea’s finest delicacies.
Try the crab lasagne with creamy tomato and abalone sauce, or perhaps the Shuck’s Surf and Turf served with a 230g eye fillet, local mornay bug, king prawns and a mouthwatering garlic cream sauce.
YOT Deck
60 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: YOT Deck | Instagram
It’s not every day that you get to board a deck and nibble on fired kissed Mooloolaba tuna with fermented mandarin sauce, volcanic salt and yuzu kosho. But then again, it could be if you head over to YOT Deck daily.
Having taken over the iconic Fishermans Wharf Tavern’s locale throughout the summer, Yot Deck is perched above the water in Mariners Cove and is your ultimate locale for sun-soaked sundowners.
Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Omero Bros | Instagram
Founded by restaurateurs and brothers Angelo and Nick Omeros, the duo have a staggering 40+ years experience running multi-award-winning establishments in Australia. Not to mention their renowned Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant restaurant located right here in Main Beach.
Think: starlit nights beside the twinkles of nearby yachts, and sun-kissed days on the deck. Taste your way around the oyster bar, delivered daily or opt for a selection of melt in your mouth seafood destined to dazzle.
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Glass Dining Lounge & Bar
74 Seaworld Drive & Marina Mirage Waterfront, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Glass Dining | Instagram
If Main Beach is Surfers Paradise’s grown up sister, then Glass Dining & Lounge is the epitome of a Main Beach restaurant with all the trimmings. From million dollar views, to award-winning fare, this harbourside locale is one to pop a bottle at for your next celebration. The kitchen is headed up by former 2 Michelin star Executive Chef Meyjitte Boughenout, so you can be assured every dish is exceptional.
Taste your way around share-style plates like kingfish ceviche with sesame yuzu dressing, jalapeno and cucumber salsa, or indulge in vongole clams and sole in a decadent lemon butter sauce. With kids menus, lunch specials and even fully vegan options, you’ll soon see why Glass’ reputation is star-studded.
MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club
74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: La Luna Beach Club | Supplied
This adults-only beach club offers the ultimate dining setting with a backdrop of some of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious super yachts. No, seriously, you’ve got to see it to believe. Whether you’re in the mood for a long boozy lunch or a laze on your own hired daybed, MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club has options for all.
This next-level restaurant offers stunning views and exclusive poolside sun lounges with minimum spend, or table service areas to dine a la carte. Menu items range from surprisingly affordable to indulgent, making this one of the best Main Beach restaurants for groups. And we don’t say this lightly—they pour the best virgin margaritas on the entire Gold Coast.
Il Barocco Restaurant
Imperial Hotel; 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Is any round up of Main Beach truly complete without mention of its lineup of lavish hotels? We think not. The Imperial Hotel’s own Il Barocco Restaurant is set in a classic dining room. To reach it, wander beneath the enormous chandelier, past marble stairs and the grand piano.
Boasting a range of dining options, this Main Beach restaurant offers buffet breakfasts, lunch and dinner from the a la carte menus, seafood buffets and even buffets for kids 4 to 12 years old. We highly recommend booking dinner on Friday or Saturday night for the lavish seafood buffet.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Sheraton Grand Mirage | Instagram
Whether it's poolside views, a moodily-lit bar, or casual dining on the deck, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is home to the best restaurants in Main Beach for varied experiences under one roof. Of particular note is Terraces Restaurant, which has garnered interest from locals and travellers alike. Set indoors and wrapped by a glistening azure pool, modern Australian cuisine and some of the finest local seafood grace their extensive menu.
And while it may not be a restaurant, Pearl’s Bar is the perfect moody haunt to frequent for an afternoon beverage or cheeky nightcap to wrap up your visit to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. .
Birdcage Dining Room & Bar
Shop 9/26-30 Tedder Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Birdcage | Instagram
Described as “from the Orient, with European touches”, Birdcage Dining Room and Bar delivers a culinary journey that impresses the senses with a seemingly effortless perfection. With its moody interiors and warm staff, this inviting Main Beach restaurant offers a range of dining, clinking and entertaining menus, including beverage packages.
Taste your way around double-fried crispy boneless karaage chicken, served with garlic, ginger and sake, or the too good to be missed seared scallops served in shell, with a potato cream, caper butter and Parmesan crumb. Though to be honest, this menu is brimming with 10/10s.
The Winey Cow
5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: The Winey Cow | Instagram
While technically not a restaurant, if you’re looking for the best boozy brunch in Main Beach, The Winey Cow is your go-to. The younger sister to Victoria’s Mornington location, expect greenery-lined walls, bright interiors and a laid back feel. Available for bookings seven days, stop by for all day breakfast or make it a boozy brunch, with one main meal and endless mimosas for an hour for just $55, offered every day from 10am.
Not your average brunch spot, The Winey Cow offers as many beverages as they do meals. Dishes cater to all kinds of dietary requirements including nut free, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian. If you’re heading to Main Beach and seafood isn’t on your radar, this sweet bunch spot could be for you.
Southport Yacht Club
1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach QLD 4217
If you’re having a casual lunch with the fam, go no further than Southport Yacht Club. This family-friendly venue is perfect for a laid-back dining experience right on the glittering waters of the marina.
Pick out your dream yacht from the boats in the marina as you sip on creamy seafood chowder and spiced butternut pumpkin salad in the Waterfront Restaurant, a range of tasty tapas in the 4shore Bar, or sous vide lamb rump and sticky pork ribs in the Waterscape Pontoon Bar, with a special kids’ menu for the littlies. Make lunch an extra long one and stay for the epic north-facing sunset.
Looking for more top restaurants? Check out:
- The Gold Coast's Best Restaurants
- Tamborine Mountain's Best Restaurants
- Coolangatta's Best Restaurants
Main image credit: La Luna Dining | Instagram
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