We’re bringing you the best local secrets with some of the world’s top bloggers, influencers, and travel journalists in our new City Insider series. From where to find the perfect brew to that little-known bar that plays the best tunes, vintage record stores and green outdoor spaces, consider this your checklist for an amazing city break in the Gold Coast.Â
We’re diving into all the best spots in the Gold Coast, with a quick-fire interview with Kristen from food Instagram Gold Coast Eats, telling you her favourite places and expert tips.
Kristen was born and bred on the Gold Coast and she LOVES food! As the self-titled ‘Margarita Queen’, she thinks it’s suitable to have a marg at any time of day. Who can disagree with that? Kristen works full time as the Brand & Promotions Manager at Hit90.9, and burns off the (very worthwhile) calories playing netball for the Bond University Bull Sharks. She started @goldcoasteats on Instagram about 6 years ago to share her love of food and to spread the word about the amazing, ever-expanding foodie scene on the Gold Coast.
Best of The Gold Coast: Ultimate Insider’s Guide with Gold Coast Eats
1. Favourite Overall Restaurant?
Light Years Asian Diner – I can’t get enough of it!
2. Best Restaurant for Date Night?
3. Local Foodie Secret?
Kampung Malay – I’ve been going there for years with my family. They do the best Chinese/Malaysian food ever!
4. Best Burger?
The ‘mother clucker’ burger from Billie Dee’s Burgers.
5. Best Place for Coffee?
6. Best Pizza?
Justin Lane. All of their pizzas are amazing, but I highly recommend their zucchini pizza & their seafood pizza (and make sure you order a side of their eggplant chips!)
7. Best Place for Vegetarian/Vegan Food?
The Cardamom Pod in Southport has the most amazing (& very photogenic) vegan & vegetarian meals.
8. Best Place for Brunch?
Paddock Bakery in Miami.
9. Where to Get an Amazing Budget-Meal?
Mexicali’s taco Tuesday & happy hour specials are GREAT value for money!
10. Bar for Drinks with Friends?
Burleigh Pavilion, followed by a boogie at Justin Lane’s rooftop.
11. Best Cocktail Bar?
I can’t go past Cambus Wallace in Nobby’s Beach.
12. Bar/Club for a Big Night Out?
Retros in Surfers Paradise. They play 80’s & 90’s Music, so it’s always lots of fun.
13. Best Place for a Sweet Treat?
Bam Bam Bakehouse for one of their almond croissants – to die for!!
14. Unmissable Thing to Do in the City?
Have a long boozy lunch at Rick Shores, complete with some of their famous bug rolls!
15. Favourite Place for a Staycation?
QT Gold Coast – for a number of reasons, but mainly because of their amazing breakfast buffet!
16. How to get Around the City Like a Local?
Parking is a breeze on the GC, so I would definitely recommend hiring a car and driving from suburb to suburb.
17. Favourite Outdoor Space for Chilling Out?
Burleigh Hill on a Sunday arvo with BYO wine & cheese board.
18. Best Market in the City?
I love Miami Marketta!
19. Top Workout in the City?
20. Must-Visit Independent Store?
I can’t land on just one, but all of the boutique fashion stores on James Street in Burleigh are beautiful.
21. Best Things to do with Kids in the City?
A trip to the Aqua Park at the Broadwater Parklands – it’s a big inflatable playground on the water!
