Where to eat near the northern Commonwealth Games venues

Sport watching is a hungry time, particularly when there are 10 events happening in one day and you managed to score tickets to all of them.

So you can make the most of your spectating time (and not starve in the process) we’ve found some of the best restaurants near the major northern Commonwealth games venues.

Coomera Indoor Sports Centre
(gymnastics and netball)

The Boathouse Tavern
A family-friendly bar and grill with all your favourites including burgers, salads, pizza and of course, seafood platters five minutes walk from the sports centre.
Where: 101 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

The Galley
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and with a beautiful deck overlooking the marina, The Galley is the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sunshine and escape the crowds.
Where: 200 Beattie Road, Coomera

Manhattan on Hope
Something a little bit fancy about 10 minutes drive away, Manhattan on Hope is a fine dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Treat yourself to something special while enjoying views of the Hope Island marina.
Where: Shop 18, 10 Santa Barbara Rd, Hope Island

NightQuarter
A short ten-minute drive down the motorway is the Coast’s beloved night market and entertainment venue, NightQuarter. Throughout the Games a ten day festival will showcase street food style restaurants and live music.
Where: 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale

Optus Aquatic Centre and Southport Broadwater Parklands
(swimming, diving)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A relative newbie on the Southport scene, Mr PP’s offers all the delicious eats, sweet cocktails (and cocktail jugs) and view over the city of SoPo. There’s also a deli downstairs for takeaway goodies and a café next door for exceptional coffee.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Randy Wallhole
Bagels, coffee and good vibes are what you’ll find in the heart of Southport at Randy Wallhole. Grab yourself something to eat on the go or head in for breakfast pre-hectic day of cheering on the Aussies.
Where: 4/21 Nind Street, Southport

SoPo Dining Room
Open for lunch and dinner SoPo Dining Room, in Australia Fair, is the perfect central place to stop in for a healthy meal or tasty share plate. They’ve also got frosty cold beer and wine and a fun cocktail menu, if it’s come to that point in the day.
Where: Young St, Australia Fair, Southport

42fifteen
A breakfast and lunch goodie to ensure you’ve got strength to power through the day. From bagels to pork belly, anything you could possibly want can be found at 42fifteen along with exceptional coffee. Back to the bagels, there are nine varieties and we highly recommend every single one.
Where: 9 Davenport St, Southport

Meraki Wholefood Kitchen
Healthy, nourishing foods are always a good idea but particularly when you’ve got a million things to do and need all the energy you can get. Meraki offer exactly that for breakfast and lunch with gluten and dairy free options and vegan goodies. There’s even tasty takeaway raw treats. Get on this one.
Where: 55 Brooke Ave, Southport

Carrara Stadium and Cararra Sports and Leisure Centre
(opening ceremony, closing ceremony, athletics)

RACV Royal Pines Resort
Just around the corner is Royal Pines with a range of restaurants to choose from. For five star eats and stunning views head to Videre, for family friendly Italian fare go with Trattoria Amici, Kalinda is an incredible international buffet and Arakawa is traditional Japanese style eats. No need to go anywhere else really.
Where: Ross Street, Benowa

Emerald Lakes Golf Club
Just across the (extremely busy) road are all the dining choices you could possibly need after a big day of sport watching. They’ve got all the best golf club style eats including salads, steaks and pastas.
Where: Alabaster Drive, Carrara

Althenia Restaurant Bar
Greek dining at it’s finest just a five minute drive from Carrara Stadium. This place is highly recommended for groups (because you can order more) and OMG how good is Greek food (HALLOUMI).
Where: 80/3030 The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes 

LakeFront Bistro
All the European goodies are on offer here for both lunch and dinner with plenty of seafood options. The desserts are out of this world and if we could eat Rhubarb Crumble every single day forever, we would.
Where: Shop 78, 3030 The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes

Words and photos by Kirra Smith