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Restaurant

La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Recommended by 74 people

Updated

Find La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 7 5683 0605
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

Perched on Level 1 along the Esplanade, this coastal perch pairs sweeping ocean views with authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta rolled daily. Natural light floods the dining room while Italian music sets a relaxed tempo for travelers and Gold Coast regulars. Diners gravitate toward the focused menu, trading multi-page lists for plates built with care—think al dente paccheri alla genovese simmered with pork shoulder, crispy gnocco fritto with mortadella, and blistered crusts fresh from the wood oven. The meal rounds out with house tiramisù and a shot of Illy espresso.

  • Beachfront ocean views: Level 1 vantage point on the Esplanade offering wide views over the sand and surf.
  • Fresh house-made pasta: Shapes like paccheri, fettuccine, and pappardelle prepared in-house and served al dente.
  • Curated regional menu: A tight, purposeful lineup of regional recipes and blistered wood-fired pizzas over sprawling variety.
RestaurantItalianPizzaRestaurantTakeaway

What's On at La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at La Calabrese Italian Restaurant

Discover why locals and coastal travelers make La Calabrese their go-to destination for authentic Italian dining.

  • Freshly Made Pasta and Wood-Fired Specialties

    In-house culinary techniques focus on traditional pasta dishes and airy wood-fired dough, delivering quintessential Italian staples crafted on-site.

    All pasta freshly made on premises and cooked perfectly Al-Dente.

    Antonio. “ITA” L

  • A Curated, High-Standard Menu

    Rather than overwhelming diners with extensive options, the kitchen focuses on a refined, curated lineup where each plate is executed with care and fresh ingredients.

    The menu is light on choices - but oh every plate we’ve had is delicious!

    C K

  • Panoramic Oceanfront Beach Views

    Positioned on Level 1 along the Esplanade, the dining room pairs elevated views across Surfers Paradise beach with classic Italian tunes.

    The restaurant has an amazing view of the ocean at Surfers Paradise. The food was delicious and the staff were really friendly.

    Cristina Baralt

  • Authentic Coastal Dining Ambiance

    Warm background Italian music and welcoming Italian floor staff create an authentic, transportive atmosphere overlooking the coast.

    Excellent Italian music playing in the background to add more Italian charm to the meal.

    Danny Breen

  • A Reliable Destination for Holiday Dining

    Diners visiting Surfers Paradise or staying on the coast frequently return multiple nights in a row for dependable, standout dinners.

    During our stay in Gold Coast we went to dinner two nights in a row because of how much we enjoyed it.

    Emma White

  • A Welcoming Home on the Gold Coast

    From attentive floor managers to genuine hosting, the team delivers thoughtful service that makes guests feel warmly cared for throughout their visit.

    Whenever we’re on the Gold Coast, this restaurant is always a must-visit. It’s absolutely worth the drive and every single cent! We felt at home

    Maria Gloria De Caria

Handmade pastas and authentic wood-fired pizzas crafted with regional tradition

  • Paccheri alla Genovese

    ‘Pacchero Genovese’ Pork shoulder, beef brisket, onion, parmesan fondue, basil oil

    Laila Taylor

  • Pappardelle Bolognese

    shared the pappardelle bolognaise and the mamma mia pizza and we both agree it was the best Italian food we’ve ever had.

    Lucy May

  • Wood Oven Pizza

    the wood oven pizza was the absolute best and lightest I’ve ever had .

    Demi

  • Spicy Pacchero Alla Calabrese

    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.

    Jo

Other favorites

Antipasti, starters, and authentic desserts to complement your meal

  • Tiramisù

    For dessert I ordered my all time favourite, a Tiramisù which I rate it 8.5/10 definitely would get it again

    Antonio. “ITA” L

  • Giant Arancino

    highly recommend the Giant Arancino, is was by far my favourite.

    Emma White

  • Gnocco fritto with mortadella & prosciutto

    Ordered the Gnocco fritto with mortadella & prosciutto… was AMAZINGLY GOOD .

    Antonio. “ITA” L

  • Cannoli

    Arancini, Cannoli- all of the food is amazing and completely faultless.

    Hannah Kandelaki

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality details that elevate dining in Surfers Paradise

  • Artisan Table Bread & Oil Pairings

    Dining guests are served complimentary table bread accompanied by quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and house chilli oil to begin their meal.

  • Curated Italian Musical Charm

    Authentic Italian background music plays consistently throughout the dining room, setting an evocative, classic cultural charm.

  • Personal Chef & Staff Engagement

    Floor staff and chefs engage personally with diners, offering passionate dish recommendations like arancini and pizza marinara while tailoring seating.

  • Beachfront Window Placement

    Guests are seamlessly seated along the elevated front windows, offering expansive front-row vistas across Surfers Paradise beach.

Before you head over

Practical planning advice for dining at La Calabrese on the Esplanade

  • Secure a window table for ocean views

    Request or book a window seat early to take advantage of the beachfront positioning looking over Surfers Paradise beach.

  • Focus on housemade pasta and pizza

    The menu is intentionally light and tightly curated, so focus your order on fresh housemade pasta and wood-fired pizza staples.

  • Plan ahead for busy dinner services

    If staying at Meriton Suites or visiting during peak evening rushes, plan ahead as the dining room gets packed quickly.

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