Hellenika is the GC’s go-to when it comes to fine dining Greek fare. The family-owned business sits in Nobby Beach and serves up hefty portions of Mediterranean cuisine; perhaps most famously is the venue’s lamb shoulder, saganaki and grilled octopus. Greek sweets and treats and a wine list that numbers around the 500 mark accompany. 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach, hellenika.com.

Innovative dishes that celebrate pan-Asian flavours are what have propelled this Burleigh restaurant to institution status. Settle beachside, the restaurant’s kitchen is led by head chef James Brady who focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce. While well worthy of stopping in for a drink alone thanks to its unrivalled view, it would be a crime to not nibble on at least one of Rick Shores’ famed Moreton Bay bug rolls. 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, rickshores.com.au.

Justin Lane sits at the casual end of the spectrum on the Gold Coast. The beachside Italian eatery nods to the laid-back vibes that lure visitors to take the plunge and make that sea change. The flip-flop friendly pizzeria is housed in a dinky arcade that transports diners straight back to the eighties. There’s even an open-air rooftop bar that celebrates the sun-drenched weather the Sunshine State is known for. selection of bar snacks to accompany its impressive array of cocktails. No 1708-1710, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, justinlane.com.au

You’re delulu if you think you can rock up to LaLuna without a booking. Arrive in your superyacht to Marina Mirage so you can see another side to the Gold Coast, which has more canals than Amsterdam and Venice. LaLuna is a sensation, with windows that frame waterfront sunsets and tables that survey the marina’s moorings (which are worth megabucks). The menu at LaLuna Restaurant, Main Beach, is grounded in greatest hits, ranging from a generously filled rendition of the now-ubiquitous bug roll to a handful of high-end beef cuts crossing the chargrill. The cocktails are classy and balanced, thanks to mixologists who have worked around the world and know their stuff. Shop 26/74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, lalunadining.com.au

The Star Gold Coast may be rolling out new restaurants to dazzle on the fit-out front, but a Kiyomi sashimi platter is still the fairest of them all. Pull up a stool at the lively raw bar to appreciate the chefs’ knife skills and precision plating. With a flavour profile that skips from sweet to sour to spicy, traditionally cured Hiramasa kingfish is a textural treat, thanks to a tangle of crispy potato. If funds allow, pepper platters with Oscietra caviar or Tasmanian rock lobster. Pair a parade of food with your preferred poison from a hefty refreshment list, which sprawls from international wines to flights of sake. Lobby Level The Star, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD. .star.com.au

You can tell a lot about a Vietnamese restaurant by the standard of the bánh mì it serves. In this instance, the iconic sandwich sees soft-shell crab served between a light, crispy roll punched up with zingy, well-seasoned slaw. It’s Jimmy Wah’s signature. Every jaunt to Jimmy’s should also include the must-order signature wok-tossed squid served in sour, spicy broth or the banh xeo stuffed with pork mince, prawns, pickled cucumber, bean sprouts and fresh herbs and wrapped in lettuce leaves. 1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads, jimmywahs.com.au

As close as it gets to a private chef experience without a wince-worthy price tag, The North Room’s tiny but talented team treats up to 20 guests at a time. Hiding behind a humble highway facade, the crisply dressed eatery is perfumed by baking pretzel bread to get the palate party started. Husband and wife, chef Tim and host Shannon Stewart, are in the driver’s seat as foodies are chauffeured through a nimble five-course tasting menu with a side ($89). Factor in bonus courses along the way as the kitchen crew show off their chops. For diners who take advantage of the paired drinks option, Shannon is equally adept behind the wheel of the interesting wine list. Book well ahead. 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD. thenorthroom.com.au

There are chefs who talk about letting the produce speak for itself, then there’s Alex Munoz Labart. At his modern European restaurant in Burleigh Heads, top-notch ingredients – many sourced locally and others representing the best from across Australia – are the undeniable stars of the plate. Each dish served in the cosy, elongated room is respectfully pared back to the basics, with precision technique employed to let each element shine. ust as thoughtfully refined is the wine list – a European and Australian melding of mostly popular varietals at approachable price points designed to complement the cuisine; alongside a hefty list of mainstream and boutique spirits and classic cocktails. This is a restaurant of refined elegance and commitment to produce. 2a/8 West St, Burleigh Heads QLD. restaurantlabart.com