Dine like a local: chef Rodolfo Malinverni’s guide to Australia’s Gold Coast

Located in Robina, 1919 Lanzhou Beef Noodle is one of the Coast's hidden gems. Watching the noodles being hand-pulled is part of the experience, but the real star is the broth itself, which is rich and aromatic. The broth, perfectly cooked noodles and generous portions make this a place I find myself frequently returning to. 

Hidden away in Mudgeeraba, Anekawa is my favourite Japanese restaurant on the Gold Coast. The cooking is refined and modern and the space is incredibly intimate – perfect for date night. Their signature dish is the house-made organic go dofu – a silken, delicate tofu prepared in the traditional Saga prefecture style. It’s so refined and highlights just how much attention to detail goes into every part of the experience. 

Located in Southport, Atto is my favourite Korean-inspired restaurant on the Gold Coast. Chef-owner Youngsul Lee brings an incredible level of skill and creativity to every dish, blending traditional Korean flavours with modern technique and presentation. Every plate feels carefully considered, packed with flavour and beautifully executed. A consistently memorable dining experience. 

Ciccio’s, located in Broadbeach, is a standout for anyone who appreciates proper pizza craft. The magic here is Emanuele [Malara’s] dough – slow-fermented, beautifully textured, and full of depth and flavour. It’s the kind of base that holds its structure while staying light and airy, with just the right chew. Every pizza feels simple, yet deeply considered. 

Lars in Nobby is all about exceptional steaks done right. The quality of the cuts is what stands out – consistently top-tier and beautifully cooked. Lars lets the produce speak for itself, delivering some of the best steakhouse-style dining on the Coast. 

Mike's Kitchen, in Merrimac, is a Gold Coast institution and has been a favourite for generations of local families. Their pork ribs are honestly the best I've ever eaten. Tender, flavour-packed and perfectly cooked every single time. What I love most about Mike's is the consistency. No matter how many times I visit, I'm never disappointed. It's one of those rare restaurants that just keeps delivering year after year. 

Located in Nobby Beach, More Thai consistently serves some of the most authentic and flavour-packed Thai food on the Coast. The aromas alone transport you straight to Thailand. Every dish strikes that perfect balance of freshness, spice and texture, and the atmosphere is vibrant – it always feels like a special occasion. 

For ramen lovers, Muso Ramen in Mermaid Beach is unbeatable. Their rich tonkotsu spicy miso ramen is my go-to order. The broth is deeply flavourful, comforting and incredibly satisfying. Most importantly, it's always consistent. Every bowl delivers exactly what you're hoping for. 

Tucked away in Labrador, One Eighty is a hidden gem for Japanese food lovers. The standout for me is the yakitori – absolutely phenomenal!  Perfectly grilled over charcoal, each skewer is packed with flavour, with just the right balance of smokiness and tenderness. Simple, authentic and consistently excellent food. 

Nestled in Burleigh Heads, Labart has quickly established itself as one of the Gold Coast's premier dining destinations. Owners Alex and Karla Munoz Labart and the team have created a restaurant that feels thoughtful, refined and incredibly well executed. Every detail feels intentional, from the service to the wine list to the beautifully crafted dishes coming out of the kitchen. It's the kind of place where classic techniques meet modern creativity, resulting in a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly welcoming. 

Rick Shores is famous for good reason. Perched right on the edge of Burleigh Beach, the ocean views are simply breathtaking. The location alone is worth the visit, but the food ensures you'll keep coming back. Their iconic dumplings are an absolute must-order. Enjoying them while watching waves roll in just metres away is one of the best dining experiences the Gold Coast has to offer. 

Located in Broadbeach, Social Eating House + Bar is a standout dining destination on the Gold Coast. Owner Matt Jefferson has built something truly special here, with a menu that’s creative, refined and consistently impressive. His specials alone are the reason I keep going back – they’re always so inventive. The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet relaxed; I enjoy it for both special occasions and casual nights out. Every visit feels like a celebration of great food, great wine and genuine hospitality. 

Temple of Spices in Mermaid Beach is my favourite Indian restaurant on the Gold Coast. I've tried plenty over the years, but I always find myself coming back here. The butter chicken is absolutely sensational – rich, creamy and packed with flavour – while the garlic naan is hands down the best I've ever had. Beyond the classics, the menu is full of standout curries, tandoori dishes and share plates that showcase beautiful spices and authentic flavours. It never disappoints. 

Tucked away in Mermaid Beach, The North Room is one of the Gold Coast's most intimate and sought-after dining experiences. Owners Tim and Shannon Stewart have created something truly special that feels both refined and deeply personal. The ever-evolving tasting menu showcases exceptional local produce, thoughtful technique and beautiful attention to detail. Every meal here feels like a special occasion. It's the kind of restaurant that reminds you why great hospitality and outstanding food leave such a lasting impression.