La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner
Gold Coast
At a glance
La Calabrese Italian Restaurant brings traditional Italian cooking to Level 1 of the Meriton Surfers Paradise Suites, overlooking the ocean from its position beside Surfers Paradise beach. The Gold Coast setting adds a coastal backdrop to a menu focused on handmade pasta, pizza and other Italian favourites.
Pasta is prepared in-house, with recipes shaped by Italian culinary traditions and contemporary kitchen techniques. The restaurant’s approach avoids unnecessary shortcuts, keeping the focus on the flavour and texture of quality ingredients. This makes the menu suited to diners looking for a dedicated Italian meal rather than a broad international offering.
Pizza dough is made daily using the biga method, a pre-fermentation process that helps create a light texture and thin crust. The result is a style of pizza that provides a crisp, airy base for traditional toppings. The food menu also includes fresh pasta dishes, offering a choice between the restaurant’s two central specialties.
Lunch and dinner service make La Calabrese suitable for different occasions, from a daytime meal with ocean views to an evening gathering centred on shared Italian food. The setting works for couples, small groups and celebrations, while function options extend to shared banquet-style dining for larger occasions. Flexible packages are available for events, with menus designed around generous portions and Italian dishes.
The restaurant is located inside the Meriton building rather than at street level. Access is through the Meriton lobby lifts, which take diners to Level 1. Its Esplanade address places it close to the beach, Surfers Paradise’s accommodation and the area’s central dining precinct. The combination of fresh pasta, handmade pizza and a waterside setting gives the venue a clear Italian identity with a relaxed coastal context.