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Best Restaurants in Gold Coast for Families & Foodies

by | Jul 1, 2025 | Accommodation

The smell of freshly baked bread drifts through the air. Garlic butter crackles as it melts over grilled prawns. Families chat over lunch at shaded tables. This is what dining feels like around Southport Broadwater. The area offers a relaxed mix of flavours and local favourites. 

Guests at Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments have easy access to it all. You’ll hear waves nearby, see children playing in the park, and catch the scent of lunch coming from a nearby café. It feels easy, welcoming, and full of flavour. This is where you’ll find some of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.

Where to Find the Best Restaurants on the Gold Coast

Southport Broadwater is home to an inviting mix of casual dining spots and scenic meals by the water. Just around the corner, you’ll discover some of the best restaurants in the Gold Coast, all offering something worth sitting down for.

Harbour Town Eats

Local tip: Outdoor seating is popular in winter when the sun is out. Bring a reusable water bottle and a sun hat for comfort, especially if you’re planning to stay a while. Free parking is available, and fit guests can enjoy the short walk from Bayview.

Harbour Town Eats brings together global flavours, family-friendly favourites, and laid-back open-air seating in one convenient location.

  • 8 Street: An Asian hawker-style market where sizzling dumplings and stir-fried noodles draw a steady crowd. The aromas alone invite you in.
  • Crafty’s Sports Bar: Energetic and welcoming, it’s a local go-to for hearty pub meals, refreshing drinks, and a social atmosphere the whole family can enjoy.
  • Grill’d Harbour Town: A fresh take on burgers using wholesome ingredients and fast, friendly service. It’s a great option after a day of browsing the outlets or exploring the Broadwater.

Southport Yacht Club Waterfront Restaurant

Why include: Panoramic Broadwater views with upscale casual dining

Menu highlights: Grilled barramundi, seafood platters, seasonal specials
Booking tip: Reserve ahead for weekend evenings to secure a waterside table

Set along the Southport Broadwater, this waterfront venue pairs impressive views with a relaxed yet refined dining atmosphere. 

It stands out among the top Gold Coast restaurants for those seeking a memorable evening, whether it’s a quiet dinner for two or a family celebration. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. Grilled barramundi and generous seafood platters are consistent favourites.

Local Favourites That Keep Families Coming Back

These nearby dining spots offer more than a good meal. They create relaxed experiences that work well for families. Each one is close by, easy to enjoy, and consistently well-loved by locals.

Nonna’s at Harbour Town

Why include: Classic Italian, loved by families

Local tip: Book early for dinner during school holidays, as tables fill quickly.
Budget range: Mains $20–$30

A short distance from Biggera Waters and the Broadwater foreshore, Nonna’s at Harbour Town serves familiar Italian favourites in a relaxed setting. Their wood-fired pizzas arrive hot with a crisp base, and the creamy pastas are served in generous portions. 

It’s a comfortable spot for a family dinner after a beach stroll or an afternoon browsing the outlets. The kids’ menu is well considered and reliable, earning Nonna’s its place among the best family restaurants Gold Coast visitors return to.

Hyderabad Flavours – Biggera Waters

Why include: Authentic, family-run Indian eatery that’s highly rated and walkable

Food tip: Try their butter chicken and garlic naan combo.
Budget range: $18–$28 per person
Transport: 5-minute walk from Bayview Beach

Just a short walk from Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments, Hyderabad Flavours offers a warm, flavour-packed dining experience that locals love. 

This spot in Biggera Waters serves traditional Indian meals with rich spices and generous portions, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner close to home. The menu includes vegetarian dishes and options for kids, all prepared with care in a casual, welcoming setting.

Yum Cha Cuisine – Southport

Why include: Ideal group dining with traditional flavours and generous variety

Menu highlights: Traditional dim sum, BBQ pork buns, crispy spring rolls
Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid lunchtime queues and enjoy a quieter atmosphere
Budget range: $20–$35 per person
Transport: 10-minute drive

A short 10-minute drive from Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments brings you to Yum Cha Cuisine in Southport. It’s a well-known spot for relaxed group meals and family brunches. 

The restaurant offers ample seating and efficient service, making it easy to enjoy a casual meal without delay. The menu features a wide selection of traditional dishes, including BBQ pork buns, steamed dumplings and crispy spring rolls—all prepared fresh and served quickly.

Scenic Brunch Spots Near Southport Broadwater Parklands

Mornings feel slower around Southport Broadwater. The light softens over the water. Families wander through the parklands. Cyclists roll by at a steady pace. It’s the kind of morning that calls for coffee and something fresh to eat.

Cafes in Southport, Broadwater Parklands

Why include: Scenic coffee stops during a morning stroll with kids

Editor’s choice: Cafe Catalina (beachfront, modern brunch)
Budget range: $15–$25 breakfast/lunch
Packing tip: Bring picnic mats and enjoy coffee with a view

The waterfront cafés at Southport Broadwater Parklands offer a peaceful place to take a break during a morning walk. With open green space and calming water views, it’s an easy stop for families looking to enjoy a simple breakfast or a fresh coffee while the kids have room to play.

Other Local Cafés

Smaller cafés nearby serve breakfasts that are simple and satisfying. Toasted sandwiches, takeaway coffee, fresh juice, and light meals are easy to find. Many guests collect something and head for a quiet bench or picnic spot near the water. 

These venues might not feature among the best dinner Gold Coast reviews, but they do what a holiday brunch should.

You won’t need to plan much for brunch here. Just walk, pause, and pick a spot that looks welcoming. And if you’re staying at Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments, that first coffee is never far away.

Staying Close to the Flavour 

A relaxed holiday starts with the right location. At Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments, everything you need is close by. Many of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast are just a short walk or a quick drive from your door. You can begin the day at the beach, spend the afternoon shopping at Harbour Town, then head out for dinner without needing to go far or make detailed plans.

Being near great food makes a difference. It means you can follow your appetite, not a schedule. Local cafés, family-friendly restaurants, and waterside dining are all within easy reach, so you’re never far from your next meal.

It’s a simple way to enjoy the coast, with everything falling into place.

Image Credit: Southport Yacht Club