Cecada Restaurant

Nestled at the foot of the Reflections Two building, a gleaming skyscraper with enviable views over the golden sands of Coolangatta Beach, this all day spot has become an instant classic, known as much for its enormous sun terrace and excellent service as the good-value, delicious food which it produces apparently effortlessly from seven in the morning until nine o’clock at night.

In the mornings, locals swing by for a healthy breakfast before work. Think corn and zucchini fritters with smoked salmon or poached eggs sprinkled with dukkah on avocado sourdough. Lunchtime is an altogether more relaxed affair. Wander in off the beach for a classic Caesar salad or opt to share a few small plates such as crispy mushroom arancini with truffle mayo and pecorino.

After dark, it’s not unusual to see lines stretching around the block, so it’s always worth booking ahead, particularly to bag one of the tables outside. Tucking into local spanner crab drizzled with garlic butter as you listen to the crash of the waves is difficult to beat. For dessert, don’t miss the waffle. Its fluffy texture and rich chocolate sauce have earned it a cult following.