The sun is shining, the sky is a beautiful blue, and the wind has decided to stay away—what’s not to love about going out and enjoying some food and drink on a terrace? After all, al fresco dining has got to be popular for a reason or two.
To help you enjoy a day or night out on the town al fresco style, we’ve put together this little list of some of our favourite outdoor wining and dining venues.
1. Commune, Burleigh Heads
At Commune Cafe, they love their sunshine so to get around their busy Gold Coast Highway location and make the most of the good weather, they’ve gone and made an outdoor garden and filled it with seats and tables. Now, you can enjoy a damn-good coffee as well as a light, healthy lunch as your skin soaks up your required daily dose of vitamin D. A ping pong table has been seen out in past summers, so keep an eye out for it and maybe get ready for some competition.
📍 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
2. Alfred’s Diner, Mermaid Beach
Alfred’s Diner makes up one-third of Alfred’s Apartment, which is also a barber and menswear store owned and operated by three brothers who wanted to create a unique retail experience for men. Alfred’s Diner, though, is in no way restricted to men. However, it’s exposed brick, hand-painted signage, and mix of timber, steel and leather does give it a 60s feel with a dash of manliness about it. But then there’s the astroturf, which screams fun for everyone.
There’s good coffee as well as acai bowls, burritos and burgers to enjoy.
📍 2389 Gold Coast Highway
3. Paddock Bakery, Burleigh Heads
A house turned into a hom—no, a bakery, cafe, restaurant slinging some of the best wood-fired sourdoughs you can find anywhere. And doughnuts too. The doughnuts are to die for, then come back to life, and die again. They also make pies and sausage rolls, sandwiches and brekky rolls, vegan salads, and raw Snickers slices.
📍 20 Hibiscus Haven
4. Garden Kitchen and Bar, Broadbeach
If what you’re looking for is oodles of space, then your best bet is Garden Kitchen and Bar at The Star. It just also so happens to be serving up some of the freshest seasonal menus in the area so if you’re looking for good food too, then you’re pretty much going to be set. Currently, the Garden Kitchen has an appetizing set menu in place for a great price as well as an indulgent Australian seafood experience which is begging to be eaten outside in the sun. There’s a reason why this place won Australia’s best restaurant in a hotel in 2019.
The Deck Bar and Lawn are once again open on Friday and Saturday nights for more of an upbeat, uptempo vibe.
📍 1, Casino Level, The Star Gold Coast
5. Hideaway Kitchen and Bar, Broadbeach
Hideaway Kitchen and Bar isn’t so hidden that it is difficult to find. Nope. Rather, the expansive outdoor seating area is out the back hidden away behind sliding doors. However, the astroturfed outside area has its own bar and make it a popular venue in the summer months. Also, the hanging umbrellas make for pretty pictures under the lights. The food itself is Asian fusion, with a focus on street eats so expect a heap of delicious dumplings, spring rolls, skewers, baos and then your selection of rice and noodle dishes as well as larger plates to share.
📍 2657 Gold Coast Highway