Just a boogie board toss from the white sands of Broadbeach, Social Eating House combines chilled Gold Coast vibes with a sophisticated, worldly food offering.

Footpath dining allows guests to feel at home in their boardies and sandals, while the smart, raw interior with exposed brick, wooden details and lively open bar speak of something more special.

The crowd-pleasing share-style menu has remained remarkably unchanged for the past few years, the kitchen clearly upholding the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ philosophy. And why would you change a thing when Asahi-battered King George whiting with aioli, and jumbo Iluka kig prawns continue to fly out of the kitchen?

Unctuous pork belly, slow cooked into submission and partnered with tart apple cider jus and a viscous spiced plum puree is best enjoyed with local craft pale ale or a glass of Clare Valley Gewurztraminer from the varied list mixing recognisable and boutique labels from across Australia and Europe.

Forgo simple, safe large plates of whole roasted chicken and lamb shoulder, and focus on the more imaginative small dishes and frequently changing specials, including dessert. Salty, sweet, sticky and textural, the milk chocolate and peanut butter marquise with salted caramel and hazelnut soil is a sweet treat to savour and a dessert that certainly ain’t broke, so we hope it stays.

Must-eat dish: Milk chocolate and peanut butter marquise
Instagram: @social_eatinghouse