“Twelve days of Christmas”
The Goldie dining scene is having a serious glow up & honestly I am loving every bite of it. Christmas catch ups are in full swing & everyone has suddenly decided eating out is the only option with all the end of year craziness.
New cafés, restaurants and rooftops are literally popping up each week.
Whether you are locking in long lunches, chasing sunset cocktails, or squeezing in just one more beer before Christmas, this list will have you covered.
Loosen the waistband, grab your fave foodie friend and let’s get into what is actually worth booking right now. On the 12th day of Christmas, the Goldie gave to you…12 new hotspots to add to your TO- DO List.
Cheek Café Southport
📍 Como Crescent Southport (Corner of Queen Street)
🕒 Open daily from 6 am to 2 pm
Cheek Café is one of those places you pop into once and then somehow keep ending up at again and again. The coffee is always on point, the service is genuinely lovely, and the almond croissant via the iconic Burleigh Baker should probably come with a warning label.
Perfect for Christmas shopping fuel, post-school run recovery or when you just need a delicious coffee and five minutes of peace during school holidays.
Sueno Rooftop Nobby Beach
📍 Gold Coast Highway Nobby Beach
🕒 Wednesday to Sunday from midday until late
Rooftop season is officially here and Sueno is bringing big summer energy, not brand new but worth a mention !
Think breezy coastal vibes spritzes at golden hour and views that instantly make every catch up feel a little more exciting. This is the place where you say just one drink and accidentally stay for dinner.
River House Southport
📍 Nerang Street Southport
🕒 Lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday
River House is polished without being precious which is exactly what you want for end of year lunches. It’s s the kind of spot you book when you want to impress but still feel relaxed. Perfect for work catch ups, celebrations, or a long lunch that quietly turns into an afternoon.
Costa Taco Burleigh Heads
📍 James Street Burleigh Heads
🕒 Open daily from 11 am
Burleigh has a new taco obsession and in my opinion it’s worth the hype.
Costa Taco is bright fresh and ridiculously tasty. Ideal for beach days casual hangs and holiday catch ups that somehow run way longer than planned.
Order the Baja fish taco and thank me later.
Mamasan Broadbeach
📍 Oracle Boulevard Broadbeach
🕒 Open daily from 5 pm until late
Mamasan is back and she is glowing after a fabulous new face lift.
The space feels moodier the menu is bold and the cocktails hit exactly how you want them to. This is a go to for festive dinners big flavour moments and nights that deserve a little drama.
Lunas Deli Coolangatta
📍 Griffith Street Coolangatta
🕒 Open daily from 7 am to 3 pm
If you have a sweet tooth this one is non negotiable.
Lunas Deli is all about dreamy pastries, silky gelato, and beachside charm.
The pistachio gelato is elite and turns any beach walk into an excellent idea.
Padre Brewing Co Miami
📍 Gold Coast Highway Miami
🕒 Wednesday to Sunday from midday until late
End of year chaos calls for cold beer and relaxed vibes and Padre Brewing Co delivers on both.
Easygoing local energy, great brews, and plenty of space to park yourself for the afternoon. This one already feels like a Miami favourite and they are a welcome new kid on the block.
Hello Kitty Café Pacific Fair
📍 The Boulevard Pacific Fair Broadbeach
🕒 Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm
School holidays are here and this place is a kiddie dream in café form.
Bright, colourful and completely adorable, Hello Kitty Café delivers waffles smiles and peak sugar energy. Be warned about the retail shop - it’s addictive.
Lito Mondrian Hotel Burleigh
📍 Mondrian Gold Coast Hotel Burleigh
🕒 Open nightly from 5 pm and weekends for lunch
Lito brings Mediterranean flair to one of GC’s most beautiful new hotels.
Perfect for date nights, celebration dinners or when you want somewhere that feels special without trying too hard. The lobster linguine is already a firm favourite.
Tarte Tea Garden Currumbin
📍 Tomewin Street Currumbin
🕒 Open daily from 6 am to 3 pm
Tarte’s Tea Garden expansion is absolute magic.
Leafy garden vibes, pretty plates, and pastries that deserve their own photoshoot. The space is made for long brunches, slow mornings, and pretending you are not booked solid for the rest of the month.
Ramen Kyo Mermaid Beach
📍 Chairlift Avenue Mermaid Beach
🕒 Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm
Some days just call for noodles and Ramen Kyo understands the assignment.
Warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying, this is the place you go when Christmas prep has taken it out of you. The tonkotsu ramen is rich cosy and hits every single time.
Bar RICCI Main Beach
📍 Tedder Avenue Main Beach
🕒 Opening late December- date TBA
Bar RICCI is about to get Tedder Ave back on the map.
Opening late December in the old Shuck site, this one comes with serious local nostalgia and a fresh new energy. New Melbourne operators are giving the space a chic European vibe with moody lighting, beautiful small plates, and a wine list made for long, festive afternoons that accidentally turn into nights.
Launching just in time for New Year's week, Bar RICCI is on my agenda- let’s hope their team can open before the year is out.
This time of year is made for eating well, and the Goldie is absolutely delivering. From Christmas catch ups to New Years warm ups there has never been a better time to book explore sip and snack your way across the Coast.
Enjoy xx
Fee
