I've been here many a time and I wouldn't say it's the best food or value for money. But the atmosphere is quite unique - especially if you get to sit out on the verandah on a pleasant evening. They have live music on a Saturday night (one of the family, I think). This can be a bit intrusive if you sit too close - but if you're into joining along with the singing, you can have a great fun night.

Approximate cost: $20

What a great new restaurant! I went there for the first time only last night, and it really was authentic Vietnamese! The summer rolls were delicious. I didn't enjoy the pork rolls so much, but all the other meals were wonderful - and great value for money! I'll definitely be back!

Approximate cost: $16

The nicest Chinese restaurant in the Mermaid area. It has more up-market decor, but the food is just a good value as any other Chinese. They have quiet live music on Friday and Saturday nights, which adds to the atmosphere. The booths along each side of the restaurant are really the nicest places to get a seat, in my opinion.

Approximate cost: $18

The nicest part about Currumbin Surf Club is the outlook. I've not done many meals there, but coffee and cake is a great way to go. Or a great place to show off the Gold Coast to interstate visitors. The most stunning outlook right up the Gold Coast while you sit and enjoy.

What a terrific little place - unpretentious and always packed. Because they offer genuine Japanese food at fantastic prices! Not up market at all, but quite a buzz, always full of locals who know value for money. For an easy peezy meal I love it!

George had quite a few restaurants on the Gold Coast and the food is consistent wherever you go. There aren't many places that you can get a french style meal for under $20, with cloth napkins and waiters in bow ties. The only catch is the grog and deserts - where they make their money. $8.50 for a house red is way over the top. But the consistently sumptuous meals make up for it.

Approximate cost: $20

What a great place for a special and different night out! The Japanese water garden at the front entices you as you enter - and it's such a traditional atmosphere. The tepanyaki is great fun for a group of nine - three on each side of the table and then you go down to a special private area for desert and coffee. But be careful - if you start on the cowboys like we did, they might have to roll you out the door! A great night had by all.

Kampung Malay is one of my favorite Malaysian restaurants because of the great variety on the menu and the excellent value for money. It's always a buzz with locals who know great value for money. Flavorsome and fun.

My rating is so low, because it has disappeared!! Chiang Mai Thai was a long time favourite of mine, and I was so disappointed to see it change owners and name. It looks the same from the outside (very tricky), but when you go inside, it's not the old restaurant any more. :( Now I have to head up to Broadbeach.

Marios is amazing. It's been there for such a long time, and it's no wonder because you get such good value for money. Well you do if you share a pasta with a friend. They'll bring you out another plate so you can have half each. The servings are enormous!