La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

Gold Coast



At a glance

Ideal for
Known for
house-made pasta and thin-crust pizza with ocean views
Features
Price
$$$$ Moderately Priced
Local tip
Use the Meriton lobby lifts to reach the restaurant on Level 1.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations can be arranged through the restaurant’s booking service or by contacting La Calabrese directly.
The restaurant is on Level 1 inside the Meriton Surfers Paradise Suites at 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.
Entry is through the Meriton lobby, with the building lifts providing access to Level 1.
Yes. Function bookings are available for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, with shared banquet-style dining and flexible packages.
The menu focuses on Italian cooking, including pasta made in-house and pizza prepared with traditionally fermented dough.
The menu centres on pasta and pizza, while suitability for particular dietary requirements can be checked against the current menu when making a booking.
Lunch and dinner service, along with familiar Italian options such as pizza and pasta, provide a practical setting for family dining.
The restaurant is described as an ocean-view dining venue beside Surfers Paradise beach. Outdoor seating arrangements can be confirmed directly with the restaurant.
La Calabrese caters for celebrations and functions with shared Italian banquet menus that can be adapted to the occasion.

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