Locals love Mudgeeraba and clearly, we do too. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of our iconic coastline, but when was the last time you popped into this hinterland haven? No seriously, it’s a little over 15 minutes from Burleigh (we don’t want to hear you say it’s too far) so you can escape the hustle of the beachside burbs and take our word for it when we say it’s got some of the best eats the Gold Coast has to offer. Big claim, we know, but we stand by it.

We’ve taken the task of finding the best feeds in Mudgeeraba very seriously so you can just pop in and live like a local for the day. So, book a table and pretend you’ve gone bush for a little while, it’s the next best thing to an actual holiday.

Anekawa Japanese
This has got to be one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets, nestled in the heart of Mudgeeraba’s Village, Anekawa shines a whole new light on traditional Japanese food. Created by chef Koki Anekawa (ex Rick Shores), the menu is a glorious celebration of ethically sourced Australian produce and traditional Japanese fair that we don’t so often see, set to the backdrop of one of the most intimate restaurant spaces we’ve dined in. The menu is ever changing based on the seasonality of produce and availability of specialty seafood, so you know that what they’re dishing up is fresh AF.
Where: Corner of Swan Lane & Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Wine Barrel
An institution among locals, there’s good reason why The Wine Barrel has stood the test of time, serving up some of the best tapas and wine (obviously) going around. The menu is loaded with an epic variety of food from Asian-inspired dishes to classic tacos. Our must-try’s? We can’t go past the pork belly, chilli caramel, coriander and mint to start, followed with the organic black mussels with Napoli, cream and nudja for a serious flavour bomb.
Where: 59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar
We know it might not be fair, but we low key judge a suburb’s foodie scene by their best Indian restaurant, so it’s fair to say Mudgeeraba is serving up the goods. Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar is not only one of our favourite Indian spots in the hinterland, but the whole of the Gold Coast. Think of the aromatic spices and bold flavours that come with authentic Indian food, they’ve got everything covered from hearty curries and succulent tandoori specialities that will keep you coming back.
Where: 3/59 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Bon Appetea
Tucked away in the most beautiful old Queenslander, Bon Appetea brings that English whimsy charm to Mudgeeraba – made even better with the beautiful hinterland back drop. You can pop in for your favourite high tea whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or lunch with luxe options too if you’re feeling a little bit fancy. In case you needed more mo-tea-vation to book in high tea with your favourites, the iconic basque cheesecake is one of our favourite sweet treats on the menu. Heading there in winter? You’ll want to snag a spot fireside while you get cosy, sit and sip on your hot beverage of choice.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Lenny Pizzeria
By now you’ve surely heard all the buzz about Lenny Pizzeria, the woodfired pizza hotspot has been buzzing since their iconic entrance to the Mudgeeraba dining scene. Think next level flavour combinations – we’re looking at you, Chill Kale and Fancy 4 Cheese – you’ll definitely want a pizza this. Perch up under the stars with your nearest and dearest and treat yourself to your favourite drop while you carb load.
Where: Shop 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba 

Mudjira Village Eatery
Now it would be plain old rude of us to miss out on Mudgeeraba’s best breakfast spot. Embrace the laidback vibes of the hinterland at Mudjira Village Eatery, it’s got the country charm you expect from one of the town’s best eats and a full menu of epic eats. We’re all about the maple pecan French toast – try it and thank us later.
Where: 3 Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba

Junior’s Deli
For a taste of New York in the heart of Mudgeeraba you don’t need to look any further than Junior’s Deli. With classic deli sandwiches, toasties and burgers, plus barista coffee supplied by Therefore Coffee these guys have nailed the casual dining vibe. If you’re more about the grab and go life Junior’s have you sorted, you can even take home some of their signature house-made pickles to up your sandwich game and get a taste of the deli at home.
Where: 2/51 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

The Wallaby Hotel
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest pubs, The Wallaby has been serving up cold brews and great food since 1883. If you’re looking for the ultimate pint and parmy combo then you’ve come to the right place. They’ve got all the pub classics you know and love to kick those hunger pains, if you want to get a little adventurous then get around the Native Australian Wallaby Shanks – guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Where 43 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Whisky Lounge
Whisky aficionados will feel right at home at the Whisky Lounge, but don’t stress if you’re a newbie – the legends behind the bar will find you the perfect drop to start your whisky lover journey. It doesn’t matter if your palate prefers a smoky scotch or a smooth bourbon, they’ve got pretty much everything so you can pour, savour and enjoy the flavour. Not into dark spirits? Stress less and don’t whisk yourself away, there’s a delish cocktail menu to keep you busy all night long.
Where: Shop 2A/58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Sensory Boutique
In need of some retail therapy? The Sensory Boutique have the most aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies that have been perfectly curated so you can pick up home décor, scents, jewellery and more. If you’re looking for a fresh fit the team have hand selected pieces just for you. If buying brand-new is so last season for you, in the name of circular fashion, there’s a selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories (chic of course) that you can give a new life.
Where: Shop 24, Franklin Square, 60 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Panchos
Spice up your dining experience at Panchos, this Mexican spot knows what’s up when it comes to good food, good margs and good entertainment – the holy trinity of good vibes. The colourful fit out feels like you’ve stepped straight off the streets of Mexico into an authentic taqueria with the Latin American influence coming from all ends. Did we mention on Thursday’s you can snag a burrito and beer for $25 too? You’re losing money not getting amongst it #girlmath.
Where: 581 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Mudgeeraba

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

If you look anywhere hard enough on the Gold Coast, you can see remnants of yesteryear. In most cases, they’re hospitality venues that had their heyday way back in a decade even before you were born. And most of the time these places simply fade away with little or no rejection. They simply had their time in the sun.

However, this sentiment doesn’t quite sit right with one such young and loved-up couple, Lachlan and Maddie, who have just taken over the iconic Panchos Mexican restaurant in Mudgeeraba. The glory days of the 80s may well and truly be but a distant memory, but the course is set to bring Panchos roaring back in style.

The venue has undergone a makeover of the grandest proportions. Bright flashes of searing yellow, pastel blue, warm pinks and hot reds are used throughout. What you can say about the large size venue is that there is a space for every mood and occasion. A deck at the front is the place to enjoy a quiet beer, the main dining room will be the buzzing place to tuck into some great food, whilst a larger back deck area and garden (with its own bar), will be one of the sweetest places to spend a Sunday arvo on the Coast.

As multifaceted as they come, chowing down top-rated Mexican fare and sipping cerveza is only part of the deal. Live music will be a prominent feature at this removed ‘roadhouse’ style Mexican joint, with DJ sets lined up for Sundays afternoons and live bands on the horizon for weekend nights also.

A band room to the property’s exterior has been specially transformed with soundproofing, stage, and all the necessary bits for live acts to throw down in front of a sizeable crowd. Could this be a sweet little gig space in our very own hinterland? It appears so!

With an idyllic but slightly removed location, Panchos makes itself a great place to pop in for lunch post-hike or simply a weeknight escape to somewhere with a slice of tranquillity.

The menu is an array of delicious Mexi bites with a larger focus on tacos — you’ll have to try the Chicken Tinga or Garlic Prawns, both are utterly delectable — and are in burrito form. There’s also a collection of hearty mains such as a whole rack of pork ribs and a Mexican Steak, which will come to the table on a sizzling plate (never gets old!). Should you feel like something smaller, or even a prelude to the bigger stuff, starters like Pork Taquitos and Spicy Chicken Wings with Habenero sour cream should fit the bill nicely.

You’ll come across Burleigh Brewery’s leading beers on tap and a couple of tinnies to keep things interesting for those beer connoisseurs out there. At the same time, a thoughtfully curated wine offering features boutique new age style wines from across Australia alongside a handful of signature cocktails like the Born Sippy featuring gin, rhubarb, and yuzu.

Naturally, these guys are well versed in mixing up a margarita or two, so if you’re a fan of a salty rim and limey goodness, well, you’re in luck!

The owners are excited for the local community to come and enjoy the space and hope to see as many people from right across the Gold Coast as possible. The charm of the old days certainly hasn’t been lost, but the rumbling of a new found glory seems right around the corner.

Hours: Thursdays 4pm — late, Fridays – Sundays 11.30am — late
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba

Words by Alex Mitcheson.