East meets West: Best Asian fusion restaurants near the Gold Coast

Light Years is where Asian Fusion meets the Byron Bay party scene. Everything about this place is fun, flavourful, and bold. Heck, even the website warrants a smile. The concept was born in 2017 and Light Years has gone from strength to strength ever since, with locations in Byron, Burleigh, and Noosa. These restaurants are all about vibe. Everything from the soundtrack to the lighting is designed to create a fun, friendly, and cool place to hang out and eat some delicious food. There’s something for everyone here from curries and dumplings to bao buns and special fried rice. Yum!

What’s the best dish to order at Light Years? We recommend any of their amazing Baos.

In their own words, Maggie Choo is a place for ‘Kick Ass Asian Fusion’. Sounds good right? The food here is inspired by the street food and hawker markets of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Here patrons can pop in for a quick bite or enjoy an evening in the company of friends and oh-so scrumptious food. Walking into Maggie Choo’s is an experience in itself. The décor here is simply sublime. You might even call it a little bit sexy. Think dimmed lights, neon signs, and cascading cherry blossom. For a night out that promises great food and a great mood, trust Maggie Choo.

Best dish to order at Maggie Choo? Dish Cult recommends the Kingfish Sashimi.

This is the place to visit for Asian-inspired eats in a laid-back and cosy atmosphere. The owners of this Gold Coast joint were born in Vietnam and grew up in Canberra. Their dream was to create somewhere where patrons could experience delicious Vietnamese-inspired dishes and a taste of nostalgia. Eddy & Wolff is designed to recreate the ambiance of a small bar in Asia and to immerse customers in an authentic and flavourful experience.

The food menu is drool-worthy to say the least, offering everything from Asian BBQ to crispy barramundi. For those looking to add a bit of mystery to their meal, groups can choose to participate in Eddy and Wolff’s ‘lucky menu’ and experience a true culinary surprise that’s sure to create a talking point. What a great first date idea!

The dish you must order at Eddy and Wolff? Unexpected, yes, but the Tofu Whipped Cheesecake – it’s a hit with guests.

Located in Broadbeach, Mamasan is the place to go for an explosion of flavour not to be forgotten. The menu combines modern South-East Asian cuisine with an extensive selection of seriously tantalizing cocktails to choose from. Mamasan is the perfect place for a relaxed and classy dinner. The décor is simply exquisite, with walls adorned with images and relics from all-over South-East Asia. With small and large plates to choose from there’s something for every appetite. Can’t decide. Mamasan will serve up a selection of their favourite dishes with an equally delicious wine pairing for groups of four to ten people.

For a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Jimmy Wah’s
. Here patrons enjoy Vietnamese dishes with an Australian influence. This place is a joy to frequent. It’s happy, friendly environment makes for the perfect lunch spot where diners can choose between the delicious a la carte menu, or opt for something to take away!

What to order? Dish Cult recommends: Panko crumbed eggplant chips? Yes please! Prawn rice paper rolls? Don’t mind if I do.

Head over to Rick Shores for Pan Asian flavours par excellence. This restaurant focusses on fresh, locally-sourced produce making for scrumptious dishes made with the best ingredients going. The menu is quite simply exquisite. Diners can while away the hours over fried squid and watermelon som tom, oysters with lime, delicious curries and mouth-watering desserts like salted egg buns or chocolate and whisky malt butterscotch. This restaurant’s awards are certainly well deserved.

Must-try dish? When it’s the season, get your hands on their Truffle Bug rolls – ooft.

Hideaway Kitchen and Bar
in Broadbeach is the ideal mates’ meetup destination. Enjoy chit chatting and laughing with friends over some drool-worthy sharing plates and equally appetizing drinks. Hideaway’s menu is a delicious melting pot of Asian cuisine, including dishes inspired by Thai, Malay, Chinese, and Vietnamese cooking.

The Gold Coast’s Asian food scene just keeps getting better. Fu Manchu is the epitome of Asian Fusion done right. Here diners can enjoy Asian inspired dishes with a European twist. Combined with contemporary, urban décor (and a well-stocked bar) this place makes for the ideal date night.

For Asian Fusion share plates head over to Ally Chow on the Gold Coast Highway. With its moody lighting and fun interior, this is the perfect place for a casual lunch, or bite with friends. At Ally Chow all plates are designed to be shared, making it the perfect place for a social get-together over great food. Eat, drink, and be merry indeed!

The dish you can’t miss? Dish Cult recommends the crispy eggplant with caramel miso, garnished with peanuts and herbs pictured above – drool.