The Gold Coast’s got the goods when it comes to ocean eats.
The Gold Coast’s got the goods when it comes to ocean eats.
Everyone loves a bit of oceany goodness on their plates, do they not? Well, at least we know you do, or we’re afraid you may have clicked on the wrong article!
If you ARE in the market for a seafood extravaganza, here are 11 exceptional Gold Coast venues to hit up ASAP.
George’s Paragon
Those who know seafood know George’s Paragon is where it’s at when it comes to seafood on the Gold Coast. Their huge seafood platters are legendary for a reason with fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed oysters, barbequed bugs and prawns three ways – barbequed, battered and smothered in garlic. Yum! The extensive Greek-inspired menu is perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s perfectly positioned location overlooking the marina at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 46 The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island
The Lazy Lobster
If you’re seeking a seafood platter that doubles as an eating competition, look no further than The Lazy Lobster. Not only do they have four epic (and we mean epic) seafood platters to choose from, but also whole and half mornay or thermidor lobster, oysters served four ways, and an extensive entree and main menu. They also go from surf to turf with a selection of succulent grass-fed Angus steaks.
Where: Shop 2/300 Marine Parade, Labrador
Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
A stunning space overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Omeros Bros have been serving up the highest quality seafood for as long we can remember. If you’re a fan of all the ocean eats, grab yourself a platter and let the good times (and full bellies) roll. Next-level indeed.
Where: Shop 55/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Glass Dining Lounge
For lovers of elegant dining and waterfront views, Glass Dining Lounge is an award-winning restaurant that has it all, with truly delectable seafood. Glass does everything with absolute finesse, from kingfish tartare and Moreton Bay bugs to prawn risotto to seafood linguine. Enjoy it all with luxury yachts in the marina as your view.
Where: 27/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Holy Ship
Let’s not do things in halves; why not hop aboard a real-life fishing trawler (cleaned and manicured) for your next seafood dining experience? Don’t be scared, think of a gorgeous little restaurant on the water. Tuck into fresh prawns, oysters and charcuterie board feast, and wash it down with a fine glass of Moet. Come between 3-5pm daily for Holy Hour (we agree) and half prices oysters!
Where: Berth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).
Shuck Restaurant
If all things opulence are on your scene, make Shuck your next reservation. Shuck is another fine dining gem that’s a must for all with a deep appreciation for seafood. Let the caviar-tasting plate set the tone for what is to come. Live music, lush settings and sumptuous seafood dishes await!
Where: 20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Galaxy
It’s the busiest seafood restaurant in Southport for a reason. Thankfully, it’s also the largest. The menu doesn’t take a laser focus on just seafood (but executes what they do, to perfection), which makes it perfect for the whole family with plenty of food options. Another point for Galaxy is that whilst they never compromise on taste and quality, their price point is a little nicer for our wallets!
Where: 6/50 Marine Parade, Southport
Seascape Restaurant + Bar
It’s time to pop on those fancy pants and get up to Seascape Restaurant + Bar. Perched above the Surfers Paradise oceanfront, you’ll experience some of the most incredible seafood of your life- it’s locally sourced and downright mouth-watering. The whole lot of it! You’ll also experience some of the most incredible views of your life with wall-to-ceiling glass windows that also open for that gorgeous ocean air.
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Soul, Surfers Paradise
Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar
If absolute world-class dining and seafood is what you want, then consider it done at Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around exquisite seafood, with salt-kissed caviar bumps and tempura Moreton Bay bugs on milk buns to show for it. The grandiose continues with architecturally sculpted ceilings and a world-class wine list. Need we say more?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
Eska
If your idea of the perfect afternoon is a glass of champagne and sashimi, then say hello to Eska! They’re a sashimi and oyster bar located in Nobby’s at The Oxley where relaxed indulgence is the vibe. The entire scene just begs to be snapped and storied on Instagram.
Treat yourself to cocktails and caviar or something with a little higher sustenance like a plate of impeccable nigiri or some cute AF finger sandwiches.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
Pipi’s
When this spectacular venue opened it immediately had us in its clutches. Pipi’s Restaurant is one of Coolangatta’s latest additions and is a Mediterranean dining darling. The absolute oceanfront position is one thing, the decor is another, but the faultless array of elevated seafood dishes had us speechless. Did we mention they have a dedicated oyster bar?
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
Takeaway
Got a hankering for some good old fish and chips, to be enjoyed at home or on the beach? Hit up our list of killer Gold Coast fish + chip shops.
Buffets
Want a supersized helping of seafood? Buffets, baby! Hit up our list of the Gold Coast’s best buffets.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
After spending the better part of two decades winning the hearts of carnivores near and far, the owners of highly acclaimed steakery Moo Moo, have set their sights on the sea – sinking a cool $3m on their quest to bring a ‘world-class’ seafood venue to our shores.
There’s little doubt that BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar – the newest venture from Steven & Autumn Adams – has some dauntingly big shoes to fill. Though as you might have gleaned from both the eye-watering project cost and its culinary lineage, this little sib newcomer is a just little bit extra. The lofty, double-story venue which formerly housed The Bavarian, is wooing up to 150 diners at one time – complete with a lush 24 seat private dining room up on the upper floor.
The BLOWFISH ethos revolves around exquisite seafood, bringing glistening, salt-kissed Caviar Bumps, Moreton Bay bug stuffed Milk Buns, and signature Seafood Towers to Broadbeach’s surging premier dining scene.
The jaw-dropping new space lies merely a stone’s throw from Moo Moo, and some familiar faves from its iconic grill make a cameo on the menu (huzzah, now we can drag those seafood-dodging downers of ours along without complaint).
Steven and Autumn spent several months looking all over the Gold Coast for the right location and they believe they’ve got the perfect venue in Broadbeach. The mind-blowing fit-out was brought to us by local design gurus Space Cubed – with a brief we can only assume went something along the lines of ‘exquisite space for exquisite seafood’.
The materials and details have all been selected to convey a coastal inspired sense of grandeur – with luxury details like architecturally sculpted ceilings that blend seamlessly into an expansive, feature lit void, along with chic, seafoam-green wraparound booths as far as the eye can ‘sea’ (sorry, we’ll sea ourselves out).
When it comes to the kitchen, Steven and Autumn have gone ‘against the grain’, opting instead for the twice as nice approach – jointly appointing Bradley Davis and Lee Huckstep as Head Chefs. Adding “both Brad and Leigh have a strong history with us… Together these guys have the talent to bring our unique menu to life.”
And if dishes such as Western Australian Rock Lobster w. Congac + Gruyere’ are anything to go by, we’d say this dynamic duo is has already come out ‘swimming’. As you’d expect, the seafood-centric menu is a total knockout – with a curated selection of premium steaks and sides such as Blowfish Signature Banana Blossom Salad + Noc Chum featured alongside Iceberg Caesar and Charred Sugar Loaf, Pistachio + Sesame in Wagyu Fat that further elevate their selection of ocean specialties.
The BLOWFISH seafood showcase is mainly split between a delectable mix of hot, such as the spectacular Black Lip Mussels w. Rega Rogue Rose, alongside cold delicacies like Sashimi and Nigiri and a pearler of a range of Oysters – all backed up by some very delightful creations from beyond the bar.
Our pick? The Blowfish Bubble, made with Ketel one Vodka Infused with Chamomile, Fresh Pear, Orgeat, Thyme, Orange, Chamomile Tinson, Yuzu Pearls + Citrus Smoke…
We’re fairly sure diners will be blown away at first sip, lick, slurp and nibble of each and every delectable morsel BLOWFISH is sending our way.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
When: Monday – Sunday 11.30am – 10.00pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Set your GPS to The Oxley and discover Eska, the newest jewel in Nobby Beach’s culinary crown. Part oyster bar, part sashimi bar, Eska delivers a taste of luxury without making your wallet sink to the ocean floor. Whether you’re a seasoned sashimi lover or just oyster curious, this place is primed and ready to elevate your dining game.
Brought to life by the dream team behind Okazu and Rafiki – Rosalind Pinto and Tobias Diamandopoulo – along with their equally charming co-owners Risa North and Gary Balaid, Eska is where seafood meets style and everyone leaves shell-shocked (in the best possible way).
If ever a venue was custom made for the The Oxley, this is it. Picture a sleek interior with marble, wood accents, just the right splash of greenery, suspended shelves, and ceramic dishes that are practically Instagram influencers in their own right. Once the lights turn down, the space turns into a mood-lit wonderland with warm orange and red hues that make every bite feel like a Michelin star experience – without the Michelin star price tag.
Eska’s menu is an eleven outta ten in the shade, with selections that change depending on what’s available. Crafted with the expertise of Sydney hospitality pro Alex Wong (Martinez and Lana Dining), Eska brings top-notch quality to the table. Expect a showcase of the finest seasonal seafood sourced daily from local fishermen, including stunning Seafood Towers alongside a delightful array of oysters, sashimi, ceviche, and prawns.
With a little magic from Pete Rogers of Burleigh’s Flor Wine & Grocer, the beverage selection perfectly complements the seafood spread. You’ll find natural champagnes, refreshing rosés, and crisp whites, with a few creative cocktails added in to spice things up. Prepare for the Yuzu Margarita to steal the spotlight thanks to its bold mix of tequila, yuzu sake, lime, chili, agave, and tajin that packs one heck of a punch. And for something smoother, the Miso Sweet blends bourbon, miso caramel, and walnut bitters for a deliciously unique twist.
Now, let’s talk about the real flex here; Eska’s ultimate community hub design. You can roll up in your thongs, dog by your side, for a casual bite. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, go all out with a dressed-up dinner that’ll impress even the snobbiest sashimi connoisseur. Eska doesn’t discriminate – it’s welcoming, laid-back, stylish as hell, serving up some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted (whether you’re in boardies or black tie).
So, whether you’re planning a date night, a mate night, or just in the mood for something fresh, all roads lead to Eska. Dive in, slurp some oysters, and sea what all the fuss is about. P.S. We hear their takeaway game is as strong as their dine-in experience so even if you’re more Netflix-and-sashimi inclined, Eska’s got you covered.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday – Sunday from 10am
Website: www.eskaseafood.com
Instagram: @eska.seafood
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY ESKA
Avast, me hearties! Feast your eyes on the newest dining destination set to make waves here on the Gold Coast – Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant. A treasure trove for both locals and visitors, Holy Ship invites you aboard their seas-oned trawlers, the ‘FV Havana’ and ‘Austral Eagle,’ for a spectacular dining experience that’ll have you in a chokehold, hook, line, and sinker.
Not to be confused with your average whiffy trawlers, these authentic timber beauties have been refurbished to perfection, inspired by the traditional charm of timber vessels, but with a striking modern twist. Perfect for your next event, there’s indoor covered dining for 56 people on custom timber furniture, with outdoor seating on the upper deck on both vessels (up to 36 people on FV Havana and 12 people on Austral Eagle).
We’re talking front-row seats to the stunning Broadwater and a dining/sipping experience set to become a GC lega-sea.
So what’s on the menu? Plenty of seafood for a start and duh, no ship Sherlock. Austral Eagle’s full commercial kitchen serves up fresh trawler seafood and an array of small plates.
Why not start with some Oysters, natural, mignonette, Kilpatrick or even Thai style? Then, tuck into their signature dish, the ‘Holy Ship I’ll Have It All’ seafood platter, with oysters, prawns, bugs, salmon and sashimi a-plenty. If land dwelling fare is more your thing, how about some Saucy BBQ Ribs or a ship-shape Charcuterie Board with all-the-things?
If you’re anything like us, we want to know all-a-boat the bevs and yes, these tidy trawlers pack a punch with their oar-some drinks selection. Get shipfaced at the bar on FV Havana (but don’t really) with its 10-tap system serving up beer, wine, ready-to-drink spirits and cocktails. Speaking of, it would be remiss of us not to single out their signature sips – the Frozen Margarita and Cosmopolitan – which folks, are a shore thing.
Who masterminded this maritime marvel, you ask? None other than Kane and Yvette McCarthy, the legends behind the iconic Tonic on Chirn Park and ELV 525 on Mt Tamborine, along with co-owner Jake Ruttley. With their extensive expertise and passion for hospitality, it’s o-fish-al – we’re ready to dock and roll.
Kane and Yvette’s journey to bring Holy Ship to life has been nothing short of epic. It started with finding the illustrious Austral Eagle in Harvey Bay, a famous shark fishing trawler that worked actively out of her Adeliade port.Her sister from another mista, FV Havana, is a local girl, who was still fishing prawns in Tweed Heads until she was brought down and lifted out.
Both old girls were renovated on the hard stand at Coomera for 18 months, stripped back to their bare hulls and rebuilt to their former glory.
Sea you there!
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).
When: Launching Wednesday 27th March
Website: holyship.restaurant
Instagram: @holyship.restaurant
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
