It's understandable if you're a bit nervous about hanging out in retail and hospo venues at the moment. Dining outdoors is a great compromise if you're keen to head out for a meal but aren't so stoked about sitting inside. From north to south, here's a big ol' list of Gold Coast cafes and restaurants that you can enjoy al fresco:
Runaway Bay
Enjoy brekky or brunch in the sun at Runaway Bay gem Substance Espresso, open seven days a week until 2.30pm.
Coomera
Black Sheep Bistro pays homage to the underdog bringing thoughtful dining to Oxenford. Real food. Sustainable ingredients.
Helensvale
Bear Boy Espresso (below)is a light and breezy Helensvale cafe serving up specialty coffee and an all day breakfast/brunch menu.
Labrador
A mix of cuisines are available for your outdoor dining pleasure in Labrador, thanks to the traditional Italian stylings of Cara Mia Pizzeria and the tasty Thai offerings of Yum Siam on the waterfront.
Marina Mirage
Enjoy the finest, freshest seafood while gazing over the twinkling water at Marina Mirage, with Gods of the Sea and seasonal, daily changing menu (below).
Southport
You are spoilt for choice for outdoor dining in Southport, with delightful al fresco offerings and eclectic menu options dished up by Meraki SoulFood Kitchen, Daark Espresso, Cafe Catalina, Giri Kana and Blendlove.
Emerald Lakes
Each week, Cabukee features coffee roasters from around Australia. They are open for Breakfast and Lunch with an outdoor area for your four legged friends, too.
Nerang
Hudson & Rosie's Table is the newest and most exciting kid on the Nerang block - well, Highland Park to be exact. While Grazeway and Cadence have got your outdoor cafe needs covered, too.
Carrara
Handmade bao, served al fresco in the central Gold Coast? Don't mind if we do, thanks Kemuri.
Surfers Pardise
The opportunities for outdoor dining in Surfers are pretty endless, but while you're there, be sure to check out the noms at Baritalia, Sake Sisters and Costa D'Ora.
Broadbeach
Probably your best bet when it comes to just wandering around and finding something you fancy, Broadbeach tops the list with Alkemist, Elk Espresso (below), Mario's, Grand Dynasty, Harajuku Gyoza, Madison's, Sofia's, Spice Kitchen & Bar, Koi, Smokehouse Meat & Co, Rumi, Miss Moneypenny's, Moo Moos, Gemellini, Cardamom Pod, Cha Cha Japanese and No Name Lane.
Mudgeeraba
It's all about low and slow at Woodchoppers BBQ Smoke and Grill in Mudgeeraba. Be sure to bring your appetite, or enjoy some lighter fare at Mudjira Village Eatery.
Mermaid
Mermaid is also an abundance of riches for al fresco delights, featuring Som Tam Gai, Italian Kitchen Company, Glenelg Public House, Le Cafe Gourmand, The Journal Cafe, Lucky Bao (below), Easy House and Espresso Moto.
Miami
Heading to Miami? Be sure to check out The Henchman, Daymaker Espresso, Double Barrel and That's Amore, as well as Ally Chow just around the corner in Nobby's.
Burleigh
Renowned for its thriving foodie scene, Burleigh will delight outdoor diners via its fabulous venues, including Tarte Bakery, Two Yolks and Rustica Italia.
Robina
The promenade at Robina Town Centre is a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor dining options, but while you're in Robina you should also check out Milk Money Espresso, Thai on the Hill, and Double Zero.
Reedy Creek
Izakaya Midori is a plant-based paradise, offering up a fully vegan and utterly delicious Asian fusion menu just off the freeway in Reedy Creek. Pictured below.
Varsity
Rusty Barrel in Varisty is one of the premier tapas and share restaurants on the Gold Coast. They do live tunes, too.
Currumbin
Beautiful food, legendary coffee, a fully licenced bar and smiling faces are all promised at Currumbin's Stone's Throw Cafe.
Palm Beach
Funky little Palm Beach celebrates the great outdoors on the southern end with Cafoo Izakaya, Raijin and the ever-popular Barefoot Barista.
Kirra
Fear not, Kirra! The wonderfully creative Cafe All Sorts, adorable Kirramisu and the wholesome Haig St Restaurant and Cafe have got you covered.
Coolangatta
Holy Jala is the colourful Mexican-Mediterranean fusion you never knew you needed, while O-Sushi lets you dine O-utdoors.
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List compiled by Marj Osborne of Good Food Gold Coast. Words by Natalie O'Driscoll
