A match made in long lunching heaven, ocean-fresh catches and sunny days are simply better together. It’s a hard-and-fast fact the Gold Coast has run with for years, dressing its salty aired suburbs with some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. From sashimi and oysters slurped up by the sand to fine dining spectaculars dripping in delicacies, summer’s seafood stars are just a quick zip over the border.
WRITTEN BY KRISTIE LAU-ADAMS
ESKA
Extending the glamour of Mermaid Beach’s The Oxley 1823, a bustling dining precinct, is its latest eatery, Eska — a homage to the finer things in life. Dishing up sashimi, oysters and caviar alongside champagne and far-too-drinkable cocktails, the seafood bar whips top catches into works of art. The headliner is the two-tier seafood platter, crammed with oysters, bugs, scallops, prawns, tuna tartare and salmon sashimi, plus there’s a raw station to salivate over and fluffy fish “sandos” that hit the spot. Visitors often take their spoils to go but two-seater tables and an intimate bar overlooking the kitchen facilitate lengthier hang outs.
Eska, Mermaid Beach @eska.seafood
CITRIQUE
Prefer your seafood by the truckload? Citrique is famed for its high-quality seafood buffet. Located inside the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort, it offers an a la carte menu, but the superstar is that all-you-can-eat extravaganza, staged every weekend and serving oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, spanner crabs and more.
The seafood spread runs alongside international cuisines but it’s the fresh-caught delights that consistently hook crowds.
Citrique, Surfers Paradise | citriquerestaurant.com
MIAMI FISH MARKET
A hidden gem in hipster-cool central, Miami Fish Market is a haven for hard-to-source slippery suckers. It’s best known as a supplier for at-home dinner parties — think Western Australian brilliant blue marron, or yellowfish tuna from South West Rocks — but the secret is there’s an oyster and sashimi bar right on site.
The team even throw the odd cameo on the grill, such as pearl meat out of Western Australia’s Kimberly region and abalone skewers. No matter what the guest star is, the menu always impresses.
Miami Fish Market, Miami | miamifishmarket.com.au
RICK SHORES
A seafood stalwart, Rick Shores is renowned for fusing Asian flavours with fresh hauls right off the rocks at Burleigh. Home to lobster and prawn dumplings and expertly prepared whole fishes, the dramatic setting faces frothy waves that feel so close you can practically surf them. The menu moves with the seasons but expect peak ingredients no matter what’s cooking. Don’t neglect the raw selection too, dotted with crispy battered oysters, and silky soft sashimi.
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads | rickshores.com.au
KIYOMI
Backed by meticulous technique and next-level produce, Kiyomi nails seafood through Japanese artistry. Tackle its traditional nigiri and sashimi menu, featuring sea urchin, salmon roe, freshwater eel and more, before smashing the glorious Queensland sushi roll of spanner crab and spicy aioli. Miso glazed fishes and charred prawns also demand your attention, as does the ultra-refined dining room that will thoroughly charm you for as long as you can spare.
Kiyomi, Broadbeach | @kiyomi_gc
OMEROS BROS
Journey north for a seafood restaurant that’s spun its particular brand of magic for decades. Omeros Bros is an old school, white-tablecloth dining destination known for elegant feasts within Main Beach’s Marina Mirage boating precinct. Sea-bred classics including seafood chowder, baby octopus, lobster mornay, garlic prawns and spaghetti marinara are best indulged as the sun sets over the Broadwater.
Omeros Bros, Main Beach | omerosbros.com
GLASS DINING & LOUNGE BAR
Another jewel in Marina Mirage’s crown, Glass Dining & Lounge Bar teams seafood scene stealers with glistening water views. The oyster menu is unavoidable with Bloody Mary shooters and jalapeno and lime dressing, while South Australian mussels, whole fishes, and a lovely tiger prawn risotto require additional stomach space.
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar, Main Beach | glassrestaurant.com.au
BEST OF THE BUGS
Palm-sized and never enough, our favourite bug rolls are worthy of a day’s run up the coast.
1. Monsieur Chow’s Tempura Moreton Bay Bug Bao
Formerly Ally Chow at Nobby Beach, this new takeover (thankfully) retains the fluffy battered morsel of our dreams.
2. Rick Shores’ Moreton Bay Bug Roll
No visit is complete without the sriracha-laced showstopper melting in your gob.
3. Kōst’s Bay Lobster Roll
It’s one step more elevated than bug while a signature sauce dazzles.
4. MĀRE Restaurant’s Moreton Bay Bug Bun
Crispy tempura treatment and a sweet milk bun? You can’t say no.
5. Maman Bar & Kitchen’s Moreton Bay Bug Roll
Brioche softness and lime mayo delicately trick up everyone’s favourite treat.
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