If there’s a food truck involved, you know it’s an event worth going to. In fact, we’re rather partial to frequenting a market/festival/wedding/birthday/anything really purely because our fave food trucks will be on-site serving up their drooly awesome goodness.

We’re unpacking 9 of the best local food trucks, so grab a pen #OldSchoolLike and start scrawling your to-eat list now!

The Weiner Haus
The Wiener Haus is a GC-based food truck (and diner!) dishin’ up gourmet hot doggies and good vibes with a side of tongue in cheek…and das ist wunderbar! Offering authentic German Kranskies loaded with a variety of gourmet toppings, the Coast’s original food truck opened in 2013 and quickly became an institution. I mean, who doesn’t dig a German sausage?
Our pick: MAGNUM P.I. – Hawaiian Style with pineapple, bacon, sour cream & tasty cheese
Where to find them: At markets and festivals from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Diner located at Stockland Burleigh Heads, 149 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters

Notorious E.A.T. Foodtruck
With a tagline “sicker than yo average catering” yeah, they kinda have our attention. Started in 2017 by Chef Jemma Wickham and now joined by fellow Chef Dan Fox, NOTORIOUS E.A.T. serves up mouth-watering burgers and other gourmet street food with THE COOLEST 90s rap inspired names. You’ll always find Jem or Dan on deck (or on the decks…) and nothing beats a hands-on team!
Our pick: Straight Outta Chooklyn Burger
Where to find them: Black Hops II, Nobby Beach Holiday Park, Candana Brewing, Brendale Brewing, Bardown Bowls, Glow Church

Hungarian Food Factory
For an authentic Hungarian street food experience including the ultimate langos creations, Hungarian Food Factor has been delivering a multicultural experience for seven mouth-watering years. Committed to sourcing the highest quality local ingredients, keep your eyes peeled for the red, white and green Hungarian flag at your next festival or market.
Our pick: Avocado Lovers Langos.
Where to find them: Various markets and events across the Gold Coast, check their instagram for the latest.

BUBBO dessert
The first Hong Kong-style bubble waffle/eggette brand in Australia, BUBBO’s yummos look as spectacular as they taste! The ultimate comfort food with a crispy outside and chewy inside, BUBBO cooks up combinations of flavoured waffle bases and assorted ice creams, sprinkled with various fruits and toppings…filled with all kinds of tasty and textured surprises!
Our pick: The Classic Original Waffle
Where to find them: Moonlight Night Markets at Dreamworld

House of Poffertjes
If mini-Dutch pancakes are your love language, then same – and let’s live happily ever after… No, but really, House of Poffertjes dishes out pure lurve in the form of the fluffiest, batter-iest, Dutch-iest treats ever served. They’re fresh, flavoursome, SO worth the calories, and always served with a smile.
Our pick: Traditional with butter icing sugar and syrup
Find them at: Moonlight Night Market at Dreamworld

Burger Lane Co
No prizes for guessing what this local fave food truck’s (not so) secret weapon is! With unbelievably tasty high-quality burgers, unfaultable service and owners who are totes down to earth and keen to interact with their customers, what’s not to love?! If you see it, do your tastebuds a favour and indulge!
Our pick: Southern Fried Chicken. If you know, you KNOW!
Where to find them: White Oat Distillery, Black Hops & Black Hops II and Balter Brewery. Opening soon in Paradise Point!

Vagabond Foods Truck
If there’s one thing we know, it’s always Bao-O-Clock. You win some, you dim sum, and the legends at Vagabond Foods Truck know a trend when they see it (or cook it). There’s no such thing as a flat bao here, with cloud-like dough and the tastiest fillings providing the ultimate texture mash-up. What more can we say other than we’re crazy ‘bao this food truck?
Our pick: Crabbin Out Bao
Where to find then: Moonlight Night Market at Dreamworld

OMG Decadent Donuts
The name kinda says it all with no further spruiking required. OMG not only caters to food allergies and intolerances, but also addresses cultural and religious considerations having certifications from Vegan Australia, Kosher Australia and the Halal Authority of Australia. Australian-owned with 100% natural and locally sourced products, what’s left to say other than OMG?!
Our pick: Berry Sinful Donut
Where to find them: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, Burleigh Farmers Market, Gold Coast Vegan Market & Currumbin Community Market

Micasa Burger Truck
Just look for the epic Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace Pulp Fiction-esk truck and you’ve found the iconic Mi Casa! The owner, an international chef and catering guru, creates mesmerising American street food items at the speed of light, with Micasa holding the title as the first food truck in Australia to enable customers to order – and not wait around for their nosh. Hallelujah!
Our pick: Jules Burger
Where to find them: Moonlight Night Market at Dreamworld

Words by Bianca Trathen.

We’ve never met a burger we didn’t like. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but we’ve never met a burger from this list that we didn’t love. The humble burger has reached new heights thanks to these Gold Coast hospo legends putting new twists of the classic favourite. And what’s not to love? They’re reliable, damn tasty and the ultimate all-rounder.

Think you’re not a burger lover? Well, we challenge you not to be after eating your way through this epicness. Already converted? Thank us later because your tastebuds will never be the same after these bad boys. To us, every day is burger day – so we’ve pulled together a list of the 13 best burger joints for you to eat your way through. So cheers to the GOAT dish and one of our favourite menu items and prepare to loosen those belts people!

Paloma Wine Bar
It’s one of Burleigh’s favourite local haunts for their huge wine range, next-level cocktails and steak frites, but have you tried the Paloma Cheeseburger? The burger itself is pretty large and in charge for a humble cheeseburger, plus it’s paired with their signature fries – name a more iconic duo. They’re available exclusively on Wednesdays to help you wine-down on hump day and for $14, you’d be losing money not treating yourself #girlmath.
Where: 1/12 James St, Burleigh Heads

Two Yolks
Burgers and Burleigh apparently go hand in hand! Two Yolks are home to potentially one of the broadest burger ranges, you can literally treat yourself to a toasty bun for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Triple B is a solid (literally) starter to your day with Bangalow free range bacon, pork sausage plus a heap more with… wait for it… tater tots as a sneaky side. Feeling like something a little more classic? Well the options are (almost) endless with spicy fried chicken all the way through to a Mexican moment.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads

Betty’s Burgers
We don’t make this claim lightly, but there is quite literally a burger for everyone here. Vegan? No problem. Don’t make friends with gluten? Say less. These guys clearly take their burgers seriously because Betty’s have a huge 15 different burgers to choose from, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down to just one. The best problem to have if we do say so ourselves. Need some inspo? We can’t go past the Betty’s Deluxe or Shroom Burger. Perfect for refuelling post retail therapy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Robina Town Centre and Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

Burgster
With a name like Burgster, it’s only natural they deliver the goods in the burger department. It’s absolutely one of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast so it’s well worth returning to eat your way through each and every options. Now, while you might’ve come for the burgers you seriously need to stay for the tempura oyster, brie bites and margs. A match made in burger heaven.
Where: Shop 2 & 3, 4-10 Philippine Parade, Palm Beach

Wahlburgers
Our favourite movie star Mark Wahlburg and his brothers certainly know what’s up when it comes down to a burger of great proportions. Wahlburgers first Queensland store located at the beach end of the newly renovated Paradise Centre always deliver on big burgers with big flavour. Rock up with the crew after some time on the beach and tuck into a BBQ Bacon Burger (which is brother Donnie’s choice) with a beef patty, tasty cheese, bacon, fresh jalapenos, BBQ sauce and avo spread – the perfect combo with all of your favourites on one delicious burger.  Pro tip: level it up with the famous Fried Pickles to start with and thank us later.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Ze Pickle
This Burleigh Heads corner spot is the very essence of lazy, street-side eating. Swing in when you clock off on Friday, grab one of their 12 craft beers on tap — and relax. Next, seize a menu and struggle to decide which of the next-level burgers you’re set on. The imagination that goes into their selection of burgers is top-notch, with examples like the Baja Fish Taco Burger and Southern Hick Chicken Burger; you’ll not just be wowed with flavour but the menu names also!
Where: 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Palm Springs
You’ve seen it all over your ‘gram, so if you haven’t been to Palm Springs then where have you been? It’s one of our fav spots to sit back and soak up the Gold Coast vibes, pat all of the pups and of course, tuck into a delish burger. They’ve got four mouth-watering options all served on a classic milk bun, from your classic Bacon & Egg or Fried Hot Chicken Burger choices or if you’re a bit fancy, the Truffle Burger is an all-round favourite.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

TGI Fridays
Looking for a place where it’s always Friday and if this isn’t a rhetorical question…?! Add all American juicy handcrafted burgers, plenty of beer on tap and drinks that are always a’flowin and you’ve just described TGI FRIDAYS!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina and Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Apres Surf
It’s become an institution for a reason. They’ve got sweet deals on the menu pretty much every day, but there’s pretty much no better way to finish your Monday with a cheesy b – am I right? The crew at Apres Surf are serving up their iconic cheeseburgers each and every Monday for just $6.50, so you can afford to treat yourself to more than one or a cheeky beer if you’re in the mood. The definition of cheap AND cheerful.
Where: Shop 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Eddie’s Grub House
This rock and roll infused dive bar delivers teenage kicks and appealing burger action unapologetically to Coolangatta. As far south as you can go before stepping over the street and into New South Wales, the venue is a ‘pull up a stool and sink a few bevvies’ kind of hangout. Ideal if you find yourself needing a refreshment between happenings at Cooly Rocks On. In the realm of burgers, these guys bring out revolving weekly specials with all the best music genre names you can think of. Delicious and always a good time. We strongly suggest you swing by Eddie’s and let your hair down!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta 

Luckie’s Diner – The Collective
It’s always cheat day at Luckie’s Diner, one of The Collective’s fave eats offerings! Their American-style menu with an edge never disappoints and their Royale with Cheese Burger featuring beef, cheese, special sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles served with fries and ketchup will have you coming back for more. We love that there’s an Aussie Aussie Aussie Burger with grilled pineapple, beetroot and egg, because we don’t see this on menus enough these days. Also an honourable mention to the Pork Belly Nuggets served with maple dipping sauce too, a real winner at this local’s haunt.
Where: The Collective, 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If you happen to bring your very best hunger game with you to Longboards, you won’t be disappointed. Seventeen handcrafted burgers on offer, including Beach Cheeseburger, the Vegetarian G-Banger, and the Mona Lisa, which arrives towering with wagyu beef patty, crispy bacon, melted brie cheese, garlic-butter mushrooms, caramelised onion, lettuce, tomato, and truffle aioli. Over the top? Maybe just a bit – but we aren’t judging! One of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast? Absolutely!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue &, Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise

The northern end of the GC is a tight-knit crew, fiercely proud of their patch and ready to prove they’re just as cool as any other part of town. Paradise Point, in particular, is jam-packed with options whether you’re after a fun family day, a caffeine fix, a date night dining experience, or a cheeky liquid lunch (or a regular lunch, but let’s be real, we know which one we’d choose).

Here’s why locals can’t get enough of The Point!

Alvin’s Wine Bar
Bringing a touch of refined elegance to The Point is Alvin’s. Famous for its epic vino selection, cheese plate and delish tapas, it has everything you could ever want from your neighbourhood wine and snack bar. Note to self; order the Burrata with freshly sliced Jamon, house pesto, ripe tomato and Italian EVVO served with Burleigh Baker sourdoughs, topped off with a stunning glass of French Piot Blach. Oh and BYO pooch!
Where: 12 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point

Tommy’s Bar and Grill
Nestled on the waterfront at the northern end of Paradise Point, Tommy’s Bar and Grill was a VERY welcome addition to the northern GC. Surrounded by beautiful boats and breathtaking sunsets, this relaxed venue serves up a delicious array of food alongside live music, trivia, and music bingo nights. With over 40 fine wines, 55 cocktails, and 14 beers on tap, there’s a perfect sip for everyone to enjoy while marinating in the uber vibrant atmosphere.
Where: 4 Marina Promenade, Salacia Waters, Paradise Point

Bridges
Promising the best night in town, the gang at Bridges never disappoints. This funky little pizza and tapas bar is always packed with bums on seats and is the first port of call for locals craving a cocktail and hand-made pizza. You simply can’t pop in for a quiet beverage because if you’re a northerner, you can betcha bottom dollar you’ll run into at least five people you know. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s basically a rite of passage for locals.
Where: 36 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Parklands
Undeniably one of the GC’s most breathtaking park areas, it’s an absolute must-see. Overlooking the beautiful Broadwater, pack a picnic, throw a snag on the barbie and let the kids entertain themselves for hours in the large playground areas. There are open grassed spaces perfect for a game of cricket, and the walking trail will get your heart-rate up while you take in the multi-million-dollar views.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Burleigh Baker
Craving freshly baked perfection? Paradise Point’s answer to the OG Burleigh Bakery in, you guessed it, Burleigh, is just as drool-worthy as its sibling. Bringing all the buttery, flaky goodness you could dream of, cure those carb cravings with everything from golden croissants to artisanal sourdough. Grab a coffee, snag a pastry (or two), and enjoy a slice of heaven right by the water. It’s an institution amongst the Paradise Point set.
Where: Shop 7/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Serengeti Café
With a vibe as warm as its African inspired dishes, this joint takes dining to the next level. Starting as a little coffee shop and only serving caffeine, cakes and sangas, these days Serengeti whips up breakfast lunch and dinner, serving both Aussie classics and exotic fare. The friendly staff treat you like family, ensuring every meal is a safari for your taste buds. So, grab a drink, unwind in the outdoor space, and soak up the vibing African atmosphere.
Where: 14 Bruce Avenue, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Bowls Club
I mean, who doesn’t love a spot of barefoot bowls! You’ll get all the trimmings you’d expect from a bowls club here; live entertainment, hearty eats, and wallet-friendly drinks (don’t even get us started on their frozen daiquiris and frozen margaritas). Step up your weekend game with their famous Sunday Sessions on the first and third Sunday of every month. For just $10, you get 2 hours of barefoot bowls and a green-side host to assist with your brews and bites orders.
Where: 22 Thrush Ave, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Sushi and Robata Bar
Another one right on the beautiful Esplanade, Paradise Point Sushi and Robata Bar is where Japanese dining meets Broadwater vibes. Serving up a mouth-watering selection of share-worthy dishes, this spot offers a fresh, seasonal menu that’s always evolving. From sushi rolls that are on point to sizzling robata skewers, every bite is a taste of Japan’s finest. It’s hands down some of the best Japanese fare you’ll find on the Coast!
Where: 32 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Jonez on Ephraim
If you’re after a waterfront dining experience with a serious flair, look no further than Jonez on Ephraim.  This spot dishes up delicious modern Australian cuisine with a French twist—perfect for those who love to indulge in a bit of the finer things (without being too fancy). Whether you’re dropping in for a relaxed lunch or treating yourself to a romantic dinner, the views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the service? Absolutely top-notch.
Where: 2 Ephraim Island Bridge, Paradise Point

Sweet Bambino
This hole-in-the-wall coffee, breakfast and brunch spot is a cult fave on the northern GC. With a fit-out that screams modern chic (think polished concrete floors, rustic grey walls, foliage for a pop of greenery and moody lighting for days), her it-girl vibes are only rivalled by the off-the-charts coffee and delish counter food selection.
Where: 1/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Mano’s Italian
A long-standing local haunt along The Esplanade, Mano’s is eternally a sure thing. Think fresh, hearty Italian fare that’s *chef’s kiss all the way, with top-notch service and a warm, welcoming vibe to match. Menu highlights include the impressive range of pastas, steak and seafood dishes, not to mention their delish specials. They’re fully licenced because what even is pasta without wine?
Where: 40 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Buoy oh Buoy
This nautical-themed northern gem is equal parts cute and cool, with super smiley service to boot. We’re ordering a Scram-Bowl every day of the week with scrambled eggs, charred cherry tomatoes, avocado, rocket, pesto dressing and sourdough. And adding haloumi coz, haloumi! To finish, are you treating yo-self to a freshly baked pastry for the road? Oh Buoy you are!
Where: Shop 8/27 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point

Jabiru Island Park
Everything you need is right here including stunning water views, electric barbecues, sheltered picnic tables, large shade trees, fishing platform, sheltered swimming closure, boat ramp and toilet facilities. Take the walkway under the bridge to Phil Hill Environmental Park, or stroll along the boardwalks for a look at the natural habitat from stunning viewing vantage points. Yes please!
Where: Jabiru Island Park, Oxley Dr, Paradise Point

Words by Bianca Trathen