Southport does not always get the spotlight that Surfers Paradise or Burleigh Heads enjoy. That is, frankly, a shame — because this Gold Coast suburb has one of the most genuinely varied food scenes in the region.
In a single afternoon you can go from steaming Asian noodle soups in Chinatown to a plant-based brunch at The Brickworks, then finish with a sunset drink on the Broadwater. This guide walks through the precincts that make Southport worth a proper food-focused visit.
Chinatown: Southport’s late-night Asian food hub
Centred on Davenport and Young Streets, Southport’s Chinatown is one of the Gold Coast’s most concentrated and authentic dining strips.
Expect Korean BBQ and hot pot, handmade dumplings, ramen, and bubble tea shops that stay open well into the evening. Venues like Yi Dynasty Korean BBQ & Hot Pot and Danosi Kitchen are local favourites for a reason.
On the first Saturday of every month, the Chinatown Street Markets bring stalls, food and street life to the precinct from 5pm to 9pm — a great time to visit if you can plan around it.
The Brickworks: cafes, markets & plant-based dining
A short drive from Chinatown, The Brickworks on Ferry Road is a very different kind of precinct — a relaxed mix of specialty retail, wellness and food.
It is home to the Ferry Rd Markets food hall, Spendelove Bistro and Bar, and The Cardamom Pod, a fully plant-based cafe serving açaí bowls, curries and street-style tacos. It is an easy, walkable spot for a slower morning or lunch.
If you want to explore this precinct in more depth, our guide to dining at The Brickworks on Ferry Road covers it in full.
Southport’s food precincts at a glance
Each pocket of Southport has its own character, which makes it easy to plan your visit around what you are in the mood for.
| Precinct | Best for | Vibe | Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinatown | Asian cuisine, late-night eats | Buzzy, authentic, budget-friendly | Hot pot, dumplings, bubble tea |
| The Brickworks | Brunch, plant-based & markets | Relaxed, boutique, wellness-led | Açaí bowls, curries, coffee |
| Broadwater & marina | Waterfront lunch & dinner | Upscale, scenic | Seafood, long lunches |
| Nerang Street | Tapas, bars & rooftops | Social, evening-friendly | Small plates, cocktails |
Waterfront dining on the Broadwater
Southport’s stretch of the Broadwater offers some of the Gold Coast’s best waterfront dining, with marina and skyline views to match.
Southport Yacht Club is a long-running favourite for a relaxed lunch overlooking the water, while cafes closer to the marina serve up strong coffee with a view. It is a lovely way to bookend a day of exploring the suburb’s food scene.
The Broadwater itself is worth building time around, too. A walk or cycle along the foreshore before or after a meal is a genuinely pleasant way to work up an appetite, with views across to South Stradbroke Island on a clear day.
Evenings here tend to be relaxed rather than flashy — think a long table, a bottle of something good, and the lights of the marina reflecting on the water. It is a different pace to the buzz of Chinatown, and worth experiencing on the same trip for the contrast alone.
Coffee, brunch & slow mornings
Southport is well served for a good coffee and a proper brunch, whether you are after something classic or something a little more considered.
- Chinatown — bubble tea and quick, casual bites.
- The Brickworks — plant-based brunch, açaí bowls and specialty coffee.
- Broadwater cafes — classic brunch spots with water views.
- Nerang Street — European-style bakeries and pastries.
For a full round-up of the suburb’s coffee-and-brunch spots, see our guide to the best cafes in Southport.
If you are travelling with a group, Southport is also a genuinely easy place to organise a bigger booking. Precincts like The Brickworks suit relaxed, shareable brunches particularly well, since a fully plant-based menu means nobody at the table needs a separate order.
Getting around Southport
One of the best things about Southport’s food scene is how easy it is to get around. Chinatown sits right by the Southport G:link tram stop, making it simple to hop in from elsewhere on the coast without worrying about parking.
The Brickworks and the Broadwater precincts are a short drive or rideshare from Chinatown, and both have reasonable parking on site. If you are staying nearby, walking between The Brickworks and the waterfront is entirely feasible on a mild day.
Weekday lunchtimes tend to be quieter across most precincts, while Friday and Saturday evenings in Chinatown and along Nerang Street get lively. Plan around that rhythm and you will get the best of each part of the suburb.
A day of eating well in Southport
If you only have one day, a simple loop works nicely: start with a plant-based brunch at The Brickworks, wander the Ferry Rd Markets, then head into Chinatown for an evening of shared plates and hot pot.
Finish with a slow coffee or a sunset drink by the Broadwater. It is a genuinely satisfying way to spend a day, and proof that Southport deserves its place among the Gold Coast’s best food precincts.
What makes it work so well is the contrast. Few suburbs let you move between such distinct food cultures — devotional plant-based cooking, bustling Asian street food, and relaxed waterfront dining — without ever needing to drive very far.
At The Cardamom Pod, we are proud to be part of that story. Browse our full plant-based menu, or book a table at The Brickworks in Southport.
For more on planning a visit to the wider region, see Queensland’s official Gold Coast destination guide, and for local events like the Chinatown Street Markets, the City of Gold Coast website is a useful resource.
Frequently asked questions
What is Southport known for, food-wise?
Southport is known for its diversity — from the Asian eateries of Chinatown to the boutique cafes and health-food venues at The Brickworks, plus waterfront dining along the Broadwater. It is one of the Gold Coast’s most varied food precincts.
Where is Chinatown in Southport?
Southport’s Chinatown is centred around Davenport and Young Streets, close to the Southport G:link tram stop. It is home to Korean BBQ, hot pot, dumpling houses and bubble tea shops, and hosts street markets on the first Saturday of each month.
What is The Brickworks in Southport?
The Brickworks is a dining and lifestyle precinct at 107 Ferry Road, Southport, home to specialty retail, the Ferry Rd Markets food hall, and cafes including the fully plant-based Cardamom Pod.
Is there good vegan or vegetarian food in Southport?
Yes. The Brickworks precinct is home to The Cardamom Pod, a fully plant-based cafe, and many mainstream Southport venues now offer genuine plant-based options too.
Is Southport good for a food-focused day out?
Very much so. You can move between Chinatown’s Asian eateries, The Brickworks’ cafes and markets, and Broadwater-side dining all within a short walk or drive, making it an easy area to explore on foot.
Keep exploring
For more, read our guides to the best cafes in Southport, dining at The Brickworks, and our ultimate guide to vegan-friendly dining on the Gold Coast.
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