Etsu Izakaya Gold Coast

Etsu Izakaya sits on the Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach. It holds one hat from the Australian Good Food Guide, a distinction that sets the tone for its Japanese and sushi-focused menu. The room runs smart and elegant, keeping a more formal register than the casual surf-side eateries typical of this stretch of the coast.

While most restaurants in this pocket of Queensland bank on the proximity to the sand, Etsu Izakaya makes its reputation on the depth of its kitchen. It feels distinct from the neighbouring beach clubs, which lean heavily on atmosphere and views; here, the focus stays squarely on the execution of the modern Japanese plates. Choosing this over the nearby options is a vote for craft over salt air, making it the better choice for those who value the kitchen's output above the convenience of being a ten-minute walk from the surf.