12 Gold Coast Restaurants That Actually Work With Kids in Tow
Finding a restaurant where you can relax while the kids do too is half the battle on the Gold Coast. We've rounded up 12 venues across the city—from beachside clubs to casual spots in Broadbeach and Southport—where families genuinely seem welcome, the vibe is forgiving, and you won't feel rushed. Each spot brings something different to the table.
- 1Restaurants Currumbin
1. Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club
Currumbin's beachfront location and club atmosphere create a relaxed, family-focused environment. With live music on the calendar and both dining and bar facilities, parents can unwind while kids settle into the casual club vibe.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(3,336)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Restaurants Palm Beach2. Palm Beach Surf Club
A straightforward suburban dining option in Palm Beach that's geared toward diners of all ages. The club setting means a no-fuss approach to families eating together.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(2,521)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Hope Island3. Boardwalk Tavern
Hope Island's Boardwalk Tavern offers a tavern-style dining experience designed for mixed groups. It's the kind of place where a family table fits right in.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(2,569)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Currumbin4. Currumbin RSL
A dual-purpose venue with restaurant and bar areas plus live music events, the RSL in Currumbin is built around community dining. Kids are typically a normal part of the RSL crowd.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(3,590)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Palm Beach5. Tallebudgera Surf Club
Another Palm Beach-area surf club with a restaurant focus. Surf clubs tend to run a tight ship for families, with clear expectations and a community atmosphere that suits kids.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,858)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Miami6. North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club
Based in Miami, this supporters club operates a restaurant open to families. The club structure usually means good facilities and a predictable, family-friendly setting.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(2,407)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Mermaid Beach7. Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club
Mermaid Beach's surf club restaurant is another solid option for casual family dining. Beachside location and club management typically mean welcoming attitudes toward younger diners.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(780)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Broadbeach8. Cora Restaurant & Bar
Cora in Broadbeach offers a more contemporary dining style for families wanting something beyond the club-house feel, without sacrificing accessibility for kids.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(200)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Coolangatta9. Coolangatta Surf Club
At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta's surf club provides a beachside restaurant option with the same family-oriented club ethos.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,621)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Southport10. Fire Baby
Southport's Fire Baby offers a central city location for families who want restaurant dining without a club setting. It's convenient and approachable for mixed-age groups.
Open SundaysView venue4.6(353)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Burleigh Heads11. Crispy Italian Bar | Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads' Italian venue brings casual, family-friendly dining with a neighbourhood feel. Italian restaurants often accommodate children comfortably and the casual bar environment works for families.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(498)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Palm Beach12. Frida Sol
Also in Palm Beach, Frida Sol rounds out the list with another suburban option that accommodates families looking for a dining experience that doesn't require military-level planning.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(879)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club | 66/100 | 4.5(3,336) | $$ | Currumbin | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Palm Beach Surf Club | 64/100 | 4.4(2,521) | $$ | Palm Beach | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Boardwalk Tavern | 64/100 | 4.4(2,569) | $$ | Hope Island | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Currumbin RSL | 64/100 | 4.4(3,590) | $$ | Currumbin | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Tallebudgera Surf Club | 63/100 | 4.3(1,858) | $$ | Palm Beach | Open late (after 10pm) |
| North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club | 63/100 | 4.3(2,407) | $$ | Miami | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club | 63/100 | 4.5(780) | $$ | Mermaid Beach | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Cora Restaurant & Bar | 62/100 | 4.7(200) | — | Broadbeach | Open 7 days |
| Coolangatta Surf Club | 62/100 | 4.3(1,621) | $$ | Coolangatta | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Fire Baby | 62/100 | 4.6(353) | — | Southport | Open Sundays |
| Crispy Italian Bar | Burleigh Heads | 62/100 | 4.5(498) | — | Burleigh Heads | Open 7 days |
| Frida Sol | 62/100 | 4.4(879) | $$ | Palm Beach | Open 7 days |
Frequently asked questions
Do all of these venues have high chairs and kids' menus?+
We haven't confirmed specific facilities or menu offerings for each venue. It's worth calling ahead to check what each spot offers—high chairs, kids' meals, and change facilities vary by venue.
Are there outdoor areas suitable for kids at these restaurants?+
Several venues are beachside or have outdoor seating, but we'd recommend confirming the specific setup with each venue before you visit, especially if you're relying on outdoor space.
Which of these is best for babies and toddlers?+
Club venues tend to have quieter areas and are often more forgiving of young children, but each venue is different. A quick call to ask about noise levels, seating flexibility, and facilities will help you pick the right fit for your toddler's needs.
Do any of these have play areas for kids?+
We don't have confirmed information on play facilities across these venues. Many RSLs and clubs have outdoor spaces kids enjoy, but it varies. Best to ask when you book.
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