Bon Appétit: 7 Must-Try Hatted Restaurants on the Gold Coast
Jaw-dropping views, Instagram-worthy settings, effortless table service, and of course, to-die-for food. This is the reality of hatted restaurants, and luckily for us, the Gold Coast is now home to over 20 different establishments that boast these top culinary honours.
If you’re on the hunt for a *chef’s kiss* fine dining experience, these seven 5-star restaurants on the Gold Coast will at once satisfy you and leave you craving so much more.
Oh, and the best part? Most are within walking distance of Dorsett Gold Coast, and all are under a 20-minute drive. Now that’s a next-level foodie getaway.
Inside This Blog
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Venue Name |
Location |
Distance from Dorsett Gold Coast |
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Level 19 at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach |
5-minute walk via direct connectivity between Dorsett Gold Coast and The Star Gold Coast |
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Lobby Level at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach |
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Ground Level at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach |
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50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach |
7-minute walk or 2-minute drive |
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137/3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach (at the Burleigh Pavilion) |
7-minute walk or 3-minute drive |
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3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads |
17-minute drive |
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1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads |
19-minute drive |
What Does it Mean for a Restaurant to Have a Hat?
Picturing a restaurant wearing a hat? While this would be an eye-catching decor addition to the glamorous Gold Coast strip, it's not quite what we mean.
In the context of restaurants, especially in Australia, being awarded a ‘hat’ is a prestigious recognition in the culinary world. Restaurants are awarded hats as a symbol of their excellence and are categorised based on the quality of their food, service, and overall dining experience.
Hats are awarded annually by the Good Food Guide, an influential Australian restaurant guide – and it’s a nationwide whirlwind of foodie excitement when each year’s awards roll around.
There are 3 hats on offer ranging from very good to the pinnacle of fine dining excellence. As you'd expect, it's pretty rare for a restaurant to have even a single hat, let alone 3!
So, what are some of the best chef hat restaurants on the Gold Coast? Take a seat and let us serve you a veritable feast of fine dining deliciousness.
Top Hatted Restaurants on the Gold Coast
Nineteen at the Star
Level 19 at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Credit: Nineteen at the Star
Dine above the clouds at Nineteen at The Star, aka The Star Gold Coast's crowning jewel. Drink in panoramic views of the Gold Coast skyline while you indulge in a gourmet feast featuring the finest local produce.
Sip on sublime cocktails or wines that perfectly complement Chef Michael Crosbie's divine dishes, available as a set menu or a la carte. Gaze out at stunning Broadbeach from the rooftop restaurant area or recline in the sun-soaked lounge bar for a spritz and snack (or, more accurately, a wine and caviar plate).
Care for a specialty wine pairing to elevate your dish? Nineteen at the Star’s expert sommeliers have you covered. Polish off your dinner with a dessert or cheese board featuring hand-picked locally sourced cheeses from some of the region’s best farmers and you’re in for a treat.
Even better, Nineteen at the Star is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can experience the best of fine dining at any hour of the day.
We recommend: Bay Lobster Raviolo or the Chef Showcase Signature Set Menu ($96pp)
Kiyomi
Lobby Level at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Modern Vietnamese that specialises in traditional flavours with a contemporary twist, Kiyomi is another hatted gem residing in The Star Gold Coast – which means, you guessed it, just a short stroll from within our hotel via direct connectivity.
Kiyomi’s shared plate dining style invites guests to unite over the joy of delectable dishes and great company. It’s the perfect place to visit with a group, but if you’re also looking for that secluded romantic dining experience, there are plenty of cosy corners to settle in.
Set against the backdrop of timeless tunes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Kiyomi complements the mouthwatering menu with a thoughtfully curated wine list that’s purposefully crafted to enhance the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
From sushi to sashimi, each dish will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into Vietnam (though even better, without the long-haul flight).
Our favourites are: Chilli Ponzu Oysters, King Prawns with Shellfish Butter, and Dry Aged Maremma Duck with Charred Witlof and Wasabi Jus
Uncle Su
Ground Level at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Come taste the freshest live seafood, indulge in handmade lunchtime yum cha, and relish a delightful fusion of Cantonese favourites alongside signature Beijing and Szechuan dishes at Uncle Su.
Yet another hatted restaurant at The Star Gold Coast, Uncle Su's is an absolute must-visit owing to Chef Song Yao Su's breathtaking culinary skills and vibrant menu.
His eclectic mix of Asian-fusion creations draws diners from far and wide, and with a waitlist longer than a coffee cart line-up at Broadbeach, it's best to reserve your table well in advance!
Whether you prefer a laid-back lounge bar experience, a cosy table gathering, or a front-row seat at the kitchen counter, prepare to be delighted by the culinary wonders that unfold.
Take a bite out of: Australian Green Lip Abalone, Crispy Fried Chicken with Golden Garlic, and Shanghai Mini Soup Dumplings
Miss Moneypenny’s
50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
Credit: Miss Moneypenny’s
One of our absolute favourite hatted restaurants on the Gold Coast, Miss Moneypenny's seamlessly fuses fine dining flair with quintessential relaxed Broadbeach vibes.
Less than a 10-minute walk from Dorsett Gold Coast, this dining haven combines chic interiors with a menu that mirrors its coastal charm.
Savour the creativity on your plate and soak in the stylish setting with spritzy cocktails, fresh seafood, house-made artisan sourdough, and some of the best share-menu smorgasbords and a la carte delights you’ve ever tasted.
The biggest chef’s kiss goes to: Alaskan King Crab Leg, Miss Moneypenny's Duck a L'Orange, and Yellowfin Tuna Tartare Cone
Social Eating House + Bar
137/3 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach (at the Burleigh Pavillion)
If you’re in the mood for a lively ambience and buzzing setting, Social Eating House + Bar is the place to be.
This hatted gem in beautiful Broadbeach encourages you to go wild with its menu, which boasts the finest fusions of modern Australian cuisine and fresh coastal flavours. The intimate yet vibrant setting within the fabulous Burleigh Pavillion sets the scene for a day or night of unmatched foodie heaven.
From bite-size bar snacks and Insta-worthy charcuterie boards to sophisticated small plates and moreish mains, this is one of the best places for fine dining Gold Coast-wide.
You have to try: Twice cooked Korean glazed wagyu intercostal and house made short pasta, hand-picked crab
Rick Shores
3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Credit: Destination Gold Coast
It’s beachside bliss with Asian flair and just a touch of celebrity spotting. Rick Shores is a true Australian staple, and with big names constantly flocking to this unparalleled Burleigh Beach establishment, it’s no wonder the Good Food Guide has awarded it a well-deserved chef hat.
The menu reflects a fusion of Asian flavours, and every dish is a love letter to fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a breathtaking ocean view as your backdrop. Bring a few friends to tap into Rick Shores’ focus on share-style eating or treat your special someone to a romantic meal by the water.
This is another restaurant to reserve in advance – up to 3 months in advance, in fact, which Rick Shores recommends! But we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
Don’t skimp on the: Freshly shucked oysters, wagyu pot sticker, fried Moreton Bay bug roll, and madras spiced lamb rump
Jimmy Wah’s
1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Jimmy Wah’s brings the vibrant flavours of Vietnam to the Gold Coast, earning its well-deserved hat. This hatted gem in Burleigh Heads infuses traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist.
Greeted by a radiant portrait of the restaurant's namesake (inspired by Good Morning Vietnam), you'll discover a space that encapsulates the warmth of a country where smiles abound.
In the spirit of Vietnam, a treasure trove of delectable flavours awaits on the menu. From lunch to dinner and pho to banh mi, Jimmy Wah's skillfully captures the essence of tastes with an authentic, respectful, and contemporary twist.
You’ll be in heaven with: Tempura soft shell crab banh mi, pork larb and prawn Vietnamese pancake, and Angus reserve scotch fillet with King Oyster mushroom jus
Dine and Stay in Style with Dorsett Gold Coast
Ready to treat your taste buds to a getaway? After exploring the Gold Coast's hatted restaurants, stroll or cruise back to Dorsett Gold Coast. We're not just a place to crash; we're your ticket to the best sips, snacks, and feasts in Broadbeach.
Plus, while you stay, stop by Jin Café & Bar for the best cocktails in Broadbeach. Our expert mixologists can whip up dazzling drinks with a touch of elegant flair to get you ready for a night out at your chosen restaurant.
Whether you're reaching for the skies at Nineteen, sipping at Kiyomi, or soaking up the beach vibes at Rick Shores, our central location means your next foodie adventure is just around the corner.
Book your stay at Dorsett Gold Coast, where every bite is a celebration and every sip is a toast to good times. Your culinary journey just got a whole lot more fun.
Cheers to unforgettable flavours and a stay that's as vibrant as Broadbeach itself!
Further reading: Hungry for a spot of breakfast during your stay? Discover the best 7 Broadbeach brekkie spots in our guide.