Overview

La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner stands as a beacon of authentic Italian dining nestled in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Queensland. Situated on the bustling Esplanade, this restaurant offers not just a meal but an immersive experience where tradition meets fresh, vibrant flavors. Its prime location by the ocean adds a serene backdrop, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively family gatherings.

The menu is a celebration of Italy’s culinary jewels, showcasing classics like Margherita Pizza, Prawn Ravioli, and the richly satisfying Risotto. One cannot overlook the house specialties such as the Calabrese Pizza and Olive Ascolana, delivering robust, genuine flavors crafted with care. The emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients is evident—whether indulging in the light, crisp Caprese Salad or savoring the creamy texture of traditional Tiramisu and Gelato for dessert.

La Calabrese gracefully balances authentic craftsmanship with contemporary dining. The atmosphere is inviting and vibrant, enhanced by the attentive service that diners consistently praise. Patrons frequently mention the warmth and passion of the staff, especially highlighting the genuine hospitality from servers like Marco, whose dedication adds an extra layer of charm to the dining experience.

For those seeking more than just food, the weekend bottomless lunch packages are a standout, offering wine and cocktail options that complement the Italian menu perfectly. The selection of lighter, fresh red wines pairs beautifully with the diverse dishes, enhancing the overall palate without overpowering it.

The restaurant’s space is thoughtfully designed, combining the charm of coastal views with a clean and elegant interior. This setting caters to various guests—from families enjoying freshly handmade pasta to couples celebrating special moments over seafood and veal dishes. The inclusion of gluten-free and kids’ menu options demonstrates their commitment to accommodating all preferences and ages, making La Calabrese a versatile venue.

La Calabrese is not merely a place to eat but a destination to savor Italy’s rich culinary heritage in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Whether you are a local or visiting the Gold Coast, this restaurant promises an exceptional taste journey marked by passion, authenticity, and impeccable service. It stands as a shining example of Italian cuisine done right, leaving guests eager to return for the genuine flavors and heartfelt care that define their dining experience.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket

What Customers Say

Skye Joscelyne
Dec 3,2025
5/5
We have been staying on the Gold Coast for 10 days and out of all the dining and wining we have done, we picked here to come on our last night (for a second time!). The one waiter that made our nights here was MARCO. The love and passion for this restaurant is next to none. You can truly tell he wants to be here and the Italian love he provides for anyone who eats here is so warming. Even the toughest critic would have the hardest time putting a bad finger on this restaurant. We cannot recommend enough. My partner and I would fight for a table here if we had to!!
Natalia Rudaya
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Best of Italian Cuisine right here on the Gold Coast! I do not review restaurants but this place deserves respect! Pristine service at the door, at the table, at check out! Very professional stuff. The Italian food served was impeccable! Pizza was the best I’ve ever had ( I’ve been to Italy several times in my life) the burrata salad was perfectly seasoned, could taste every ingredient without it being over seasoned, calamari was great / very light, the oysters I thought at first could have been more icy but later realise that flavour came through much stronger that way. Definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves great food! Thank you!
Jenny Latcham
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Absolutely love the ocean front view and all the foods we had was so delicious and authentic hand made pasta is what I been told to come in and try And definitely will be back !! Drinks menu was great too yummy cocktails Love their $99 bottomless lunch on weekends
Troy D
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Our night at La Calabrese at Ocean on the Esplanade was absolutely fantastic! The service was friendly and attentive, the atmosphere was vibrant,the restaurant was so clean and the food was just outstanding. We enjoyed the pizza, veal, and octopus each dish was full of authentic Italian flavour and cooked to perfection. The dessert was truly the cherry on top of an amazing evening. Just what you need when your visiting the coast. Keep up the awesome work, team we’ll definitely be back! ????????
Fleur Cowlishaw
Dec 3,2025
5/5
My family & I celebrated my birthday yesterday at La Calabrese. The entire dining experience was faultless. From the beautiful table with ocean views, to the wonderful service from Marco from Rome. We enjoyed sharing burrata salad with focaccia. We ordered mix of pizzas, homemade pasta & seafood dishes. Everything was delicious. We are glad that we live close by, because we’ll be back again to dine soon. Gracià
Jo
Dec 3,2025
5/5
We were struggling to find a nice restaurant to eat at in Surfer’s Paradise but so glad we found Calabrese! Food and service was outstanding. The Spicy Pacchero Alla Calabrese pasta was the best pasta we’ve ever had (and we’ve traveled to Rome and Florence!), can highly recommend. The salad and potato rosti was 10/10 also. Reasonably prices too for such good quality
Anca Romac
Dec 3,2025
5/5
La Calabrese may have a small menu, but every dish we tried was absolutely excellent—full of flavour and beautifully presented. The service was warm and attentive, making us feel genuinely welcomed. The early '90s music added a nostalgic and charming touch to the atmosphere, creating the perfect ambience for a relaxed evening. It may not be for everyone, but if you appreciate quality over quantity and a unique vibe, it's definitely worth a visit!
Cristina Baralt
Dec 3,2025
5/5
The restaurant has an amazing view of the ocean at Surfers Paradise. The food was delicious and the staff were really friendly. Also, the bathrooms were clean and nice, that always says a lot about a place. The Italian music gave everything a charming, authentic vibe. I loved it. We had such a lovely Sunday afternoon there.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Tuesday 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Wednesday 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Thursday 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
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