With its laid back, beachy vibe and phenomenal seaside views, Coolangatta is the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy a bite to eat. While in previous years it may have been considered as more of a drive-through town, it has now well and truly put itself on the map with an array of exciting food and drink venues. The main reason for this is the reputation it has gained for top quality, fresh seafood.
As you would hope from a town so close to the sea, the restaurants in Coolangatta maximise on the fantastic array of local seafood available just on the doorstep. The town has become famous for delicious lobster, prawns, and oysters, but you can assume that any seafood you have there is going to be straight off the boat and of top quality.
If seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll still be catered for in Coolangatta. There are just as many great spots for pizza, pasta, burgers, or even just an ice cream. With car rental in Coolangatta, you’re free to taste test them all! Here are a few highlights to check out during your travels.
George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant
![George Paragon Seafood Restaurant]()
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean at this laid back, busy seafood restaurant
Source: georgesparagon.com
With its blue and white décor, outdoor seating overlooking the water, and a Greek inspired seafood menu, this restaurant certainly wouldn’t look out of place on the Mediterranean coast! George’s Paragon offers consistently good value on fresh seafood in a laid back, casual setting. Strong favourites on the menu are the lobster, served in a variety of ways, or the fresh Atlantic salmon. Kids and vegetarians are also catered for, and there is a great selection of Greek style share plates and appetisers if you are after just a light snack and glass of wine.
Café Dbar
![Coolangatta Café Dbar]()
Local art, quality food, and great views are all part of the package at Café Dbar
Source: weekendnotes.com
If watching whales and surfers while tucking into brunch sounds like your cup of tea, then you will more than likely be a fan of Café Dbar. This café is located in a fantastic spot in Rainbow Bay with panoramic views of the ocean below. The menu offers a mix of healthy gourmet style dishes for both breakfast and lunch, including seafood platters, salads, and calamari. You can enjoy your meal outdoors to make the most of the view or relax upstairs in the comfortable lounge area. Once you’re done eating, you can browse the adjoining art gallery and shop before heading back down to the beach. Whether you fancy just a coffee and cake, full blown lunchtime feast, or just want to sip on some wine, this café will make sure you’re set.
Bellaki
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Enjoy a wide range of dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Bellaki
Source: restaurantsgoldcoast.com
This restaurant and café is another spot that really ticks all the boxes for any taste, occasion, or time of day. Open from 5:00 for the early bird breakfasters and cranking out dishes until late in the evening for dinner, you can find yourself seated next to anyone from business people, to locals, to beachgoers. Located just opposite the Coolangatta Hotel, Bellaki is in a prime location for watching the world go by and close enough to nip back to the beach after your lunch or coffee. The menu offers a huge range of modern dishes from various cuisines, including Mexican dishes and seafood. This is a great place to try out delicious local oysters however you like them. For great service, quality food, and a warm welcome, this is one to add to your list.
Scales Fresh Fish
Sometimes the best places aren’t the most expensive restaurants or fine dining venues. The consistent queue outside the door of Scales definitely testies to this. This multi-award winning seafood market has more than 100 fresh seafood products, including prawns, mussels, bugs, scallops, and fish. You can choose to buy the seafood fresh to cook at home, or have one of the staff cook it right in front of you to eat as a picnic on the riverbank. Scales also serves up delicious fish and chips, calamari, and other tasty battered snacks. For a real taste of fresh, local seafood, you can’t go wrong with this famous market!