Gold Coast - Top 5 hottest bars & restaurants

Choosing from the many bars and restaurants available on the Gold Coast can be hard - so we've made picking easier by sharing the top 5 hottest bars and restaurants on the Gold Coast.

1. Stingray Lounge – QT Gold Coast

Discover Californian cool, in this classic timber bar sprinkled with designer furniture and the sounds of soul and Latin beats coming from all corners. There are plenty of delicious cocktails on the menu, wine, beer and over 50 in house tequilas. If you get peckish there is a delicious Mexican inspired bar menu. We suggest sipping on orange sherbet mojito while waiting for your angus beef slider to be cooked to perfection.

2. Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill - BroadbeachMoo Moo is no ordinary steakhouse, offering a choice of over 350 wines. The menu celebrates fresh seasonal flavours from family farms and steak from the best breeders in the country. The service here is definitely first class, ask your waiter for a recommendation of which wine to pair with your meal.

3. FIX Bar – Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Enjoy this fashionable bar that has been designed as a 1930s cocktail bar. With sophisticated vintage style interior and views of the glistening Surfers Paradise this is where you can find the in-crowd. You can sip on a vintage wine or sample a cocktail designed by the mixoligist Grant Collins and sway to the smooth grooves. 

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

4. Justin Lane Pizzeria & Bar – Burleigh Heads

Justin Lane is soaked in atmosphere, as the restaurant is split over a narrow arcade with the bar on the one side, kitchen on the other side and tables in-between. It has quickly become the hottest place to be from Wednesday to Sunday nights. With a simple, authentic Italian inspired menu the food is fresh and tasty. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar before your meal and enjoy the laid back surroundings.

5. Skypoint Bar – Q1 Towers Surfers Paradise

Skypoint Bar is located on level 77 of the world’s tallest residential tower - Q1 Towers. Visit of a Friday or Saturday night and you will get to experience the electric atmosphere as the locals arrive to enjoy the smooth beats and cocktails. If you prefer a quiet drink then visit on a weeknight and slowly take in the 360 degree views of the Gold Coast.

Q1 Resort & Spa

Brisbane's trendy small bars

Far from being the ‘big, small town’ it was known as in the 80s and 90s, Brisbane is now a thriving cosmopolitan city with a range of high-end restaurants, exciting nightlife district (The 'Valley') and trendy bars.

The last few years has seen a surge of micro-bars and cafes - small gems that offer stacks of atmosphere. Here’s a list of some of the top spots that now reside in Brisbane.

Burnett Lane is bustling with patrons on a Friday evening, pop your head into Brew at the bottom of the Laneway for a coffee in the morning then head back after work to SuperWhatnot. Think industry loft, Brooklyn NY vibe with exposed brick, black booths and wooden floors.  The bar resides in the abandoned storeroom of an old beauty school. What they’ve created is excitingly hip and fresh.

Image courtesy of SuperWhatNot

New to 400 George Street is Public. The restaurant’s softly lit, calm atmosphere is a welcome addition to the hustle and bustle of this popular food precinct. Dine on shared plates or individual main meals from a seasonally changing menu. 

If you enjoy humour with your beer then keep your eyes open for the upcoming ‘Our Place’ in Fortitude Valley. The homely atmosphere will hold cosy couches, cushioned milk crates and awkward family photos. No doubt hipsters will flock and laughs will abound.

The Hideway lives up to its name, providing a small getaway with lots of vintage vibe. It may be small, but it's big on taste with craft beers and fine wine. Step inside for a drink and you will hear a mix of soul, blues, jazz and rockabilly tunes streaming from the DJ’s old school vinyl.

Lady Lamington, on Brunswick Street, has created a lot of buzz with the 20 something set in Brisbane. The name derives from Lord Lamington, Queensland 8^th Governor. Don't let the name's orgin turn you off, it may have old roots, but the décor has a modern, resort-style vibe. Enjoy the most of Brisbane’s subtropical weather and head to the open top bar to enjoy an after work drink. 

Brisbane dining courtesy of Brisbane Marketing

Cabiria, located in the redeveloped Barracks precinct in Paddington (off Roma Street) is home to the some of the best oysters in town. There is a lot of attention given to finding great drinks in this Queensland bar, with over 300 bottles sources from across the world and some quirky, boutique beers available on the menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner you can enjoy gourmet sandwiches and home made pies in a brick enclosed, cellar style bar with gorgeous wooden floors. 

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Brisbane coffee scene courtesy of Brisbane Marketing

Perth - 5 Hot Bars

1. 1907 Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

Set in a trendy former factory in the heart of the city, you can enjoy great food while embracing the old-world charm of this 100 year old building. 

2. Andaluz Bar and Tapas

Tucked in the basement of the 104 year old Parker & Parker building on Howard Street is a cosy tapas bar full of Chesterfield couches and mood lighting. When the weather is great enjoy al fresco dining in the bar's elegent courtyard. 

3. Belgian Beer Cafe

Replicating the 1930s beer lounges, this cafe offers a range of Belgian beers and menu of hearty treats. 

4. The Cheeky Sparrow

Found on Murray Street this cafe offers a warm and friendly to share a coffee with friends or catch up with a loved one over shared plates. 

5. The Conservatory

If you want to enjoy panoramic views of the city then head to The Conservatory at 256 Murray Street. Here you will find Perth's original roof-top bar with cutting edge design and a retractable roof.

Click here to discover Perth hottest hotels.