The Gold Coast has welcomed a trove of new residents lately, so it’s only fair we dish the deets on all the iconic spots feeding locals since the dawn of time. Get ready to go full #IYKYK mode with these 12 foodie faves.

1. Bug Roll — Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads @imrickshores

Imagine holding heaven in the palm of your hand. Not only does Rick Shores boast some of the most transcendent views on the Coast, but they back it up with an absolute ICON: The Bug Roll. A pillowy-soft glazed milk bun cuddling a crispy-on-the-outside but creamy-on-the-inside chunk of Moreton Bay Bug. Dripping in sriracha mayo and laid to rest on fresh gem lettuce; this iconic eat is an absolute dream.

2. Teriyaki Chicken — Fuku, Broadbeach @fuku_broadbeach

Now, this one is OG Gold Coast behaviour! Fuku Japanese has served up their famous Teriyaki Chicken consistently for the last 25+ years. Delivering the same plates, authentic service and signature taste since day dot. Just eleven dollars gets you a fluffy bed of Japanese rice, charred chicken, cooked on God’s grill and smothered in Teriyaki sauce, sitting by a salad of cabbage, tomato and silky dressing for balanced freshness.

3. Fish & Chips — Peter’s Fish Market, Main Beach @petersfishqld

You know you’re a Coast kid when you have fond (traumatic) memories of seagulls chasing you around Peter’s Fish Market. Birds and humans alike can all agree the fish here is straight off the boat fresh! Configured like a market, select your own cut of seafood from an array of locally caught hoki, prawns, scallops and lobster, just to name a few, and have it cooked to your liking. Also famous for their Meal Deals, perch the family up on an outside table and bask in the great outdoors, ocean air and neverending order numbers blasting over the loudspeaker. Pure bliss.

4. Fruit Juice — The Fruit Shop, Burleigh Heads @fruitshopburleigh

Arguably the most Instagrammed juice in the city, The Fruit Shop Burleigh has locals happily waiting up to 45 minutes for a cup of freshly squeezed sunshine come the weekend. With numerous combinations to pick from, you can tailor their drop to suit your daily mood. Fighting the flu? Go for number 11. Wanting a taste of summer? Number 2 is your boo. And that’s not even the best part. Each juice comes out with three pieces of fresh fruit sitting on the lid. The gift that keeps on giving. 

5. Meat Pie — Yatala Pies, Yatala @yatalapies

The unmissable ‘pie in the sky’ landmark at the top end of the M1 marks a pastry shop that is far from ordinary. Many flock from near and far to sink their chompers into these world-famous Yatala Pies. Why, you ask? They’re just the pinnacle of humble cooking and quality ingredients. Cooked in traditional ceramic pie ovens, they pump out close to 4,000 meat, bacon cheese, steak and mushroom and veggie variations of these bad boys daily. A slice of iconic Gold Coast heritage, available walk-in or drive-through for your convenience. 

6. Ramen — Muso Ramen and Gyoza Bar, Mermaid Beach @muso_ramen

With a motto of ‘No ramen…no life’, you know they mean serious slurpy business. For bowls the size of your head, and a depth of flavour that will blow it right off, don’t miss Muso when you have a hankering for noodz. Nestle in their cosy corners and take your pick of the menu, they all rank high on the slap-scale. If you can handle the heat, definitely opt for the Tonkatsu Spicy Miso. A generous serving of pork mince, noodles, seaweed and a soft-boiled egg, all swimming in a silky pork bone broth. Hai, onegaishimasu!

7. Dippy Eggs & Doughnuts — Paddock Bakery, Miami @paddockbakery

Slaying the internet game with their drool-inducing visuals, Paddock Bakery is a cult favourite that is iconically Gold Coast. Home to the most obnoxiously decadent pastries and high-quality brekky selections, if you’re an indecisive soul I wish you luck! A must-try is their humbly nostalgic dippy eggs, served in a recycled egg carton with rustic sourdough soldiers, bacon bits, parsley and fluffy Labna. Pair it with a Nutella-filled doughnut and you’ve started the day strong! Just remember to get the shot for the ‘Gram Fam before you tuck in.

8. Steamed Chicken w/ Curry Sauce — Noodle Broadbeach, Broadbeach @noodlebroadbeach

If you know, you know! This unassuming noodle shop on the outside contains one of the most talked about dishes along our golden coastline. The steamed chicken with curry sauce, rice and greens hits so hard, and yet, is so simple. It makes for the perfect heartwarming meal when you’re not in the mood to cook, but you want something with a homemade feel. Super affordable and full of flavour, if this one isn't on your weekly rotation, you know where to go. 

9. Ribs — Mike’s Kitchen, Merrimac @mikeskitchengoldcoast

Tear off a little slice of Texas while you indulge in the juiciest, meatiest and most mouth-melting pork ribs on the Coast. Mike’s iconic full rack gets you 1 kilo of straight saucy satisfaction, with perfectly cooked meat so tender it falls off the bone. The rustic, wooden atmosphere is complete with a fireplace and genuine family-style service that’s remained consistent since they opened in the 90s. Make sure you wear your stretchy pants because you’re going to need them!

10. Fish Tacos + Margis — Mexicali, Nobbys Beach @mexicaligc

Let’s taco bout it. A legendary spot for immaculate afternoon vibes and exquisite eats. Mexicali offers up their iconic Baja Style Fish Tacos that are as fresh and zesty as the DJ ripping up the decks come a Sunday afternoon. Lightly battered snapper fillets laying amongst a tropical pineapple chutney, simple red slaw with chipotle mayo with a squeeze of fresh lime; say less. Pair it with one of their signature margarita jugs and you have yourself a classic, locally loved, Gold Coast fiesta. O(s)lay!

11. Açaì Bowl — Goji Granola Bar and Cafe, Clear Island Waters @goji_granola_bar_and_cafe

The most OTT açaì bowl in the best way possible! Goji aren’t playing with their multi-flavoured mixes, fresh fruit, syrupy sauces, homemade granola and signature sky-high Coco Soft swirl. If we first eat with our eyes, consider ourselves stuffed before the first bite. Always playing with their flavours, on the menu rotates purple taro, blue vanilla sea salt and the ever-striking dragonfruit, acting as the foundation for the fun to come. Honestly, a true work of art and made with so much love making every mouthful taste like sunshine. 

12. Pizza — Justin Late, Burleigh Heads @justinlaneest

At absolute veteran status, it’s hard to come by a Gold Coast native that hasn't polished off an entire JL pizza to themselves. Their constant expansion over the years is a testament to their popularity, pumping out pizza after pizza to feed in-house diners and those taking away straight to Burleigh Hill for sunset. Perfectly cooked every time, the base is chewy with the perfect amount of bite. Covered with the freshest local ingredients, tender meats and juicy vegetables, you can’t go wrong with any option. Just don’t sleep on the zucchini and confit garlic pizza, that stuff is what dreams are made of. Ask for extra goat's cheese, and thank us later.