Etsu Izakaya
Insight
Hidden away behind the large white wooden doors on the Gold Coast Highway, is this hidden little gem, you’d say speakeasy as other than the music it is relatively unseen. With just a little red lantern shining out the front to distinguish Etsu themselves say “look for the red lantern”. And here your find Etsu Japanese restaurant.
Enter through the doors and through the tunnel shaped bar area and don’t forget to look up at the impressive half pipe (yes half pipe skate ramp) as a ceiling. And into the large dining area of share and private tables.
Etsu is a popular Japanese restaurant on the Gold Coast with a reputation beyond the Coast. The owners must know a thing or two with there other popular business Commune Cafe.
Location Etsu Gold Coast
Located in the ever popular and trendy suburb of Mermaid Beach, a short couple of minutes to Broadbeach and only 10 minutes from the central hub of Surfers paradise.
Plan your route with Google Maps
The Food
The food at Etsu is second to none, with a large variety of Japanese inspired food, one of a kind on the Gold Coast.
There are 3 parts to the menu and indeed the kitchen with the raw bar (sushi), the main kitchen and the robarta (a specific Japanese grill).
Most of the food is served with the assumption of sharing with small plates and many options to try. We personally recommend five, but you know yourselves how hungry or in our case tempted we might be.
Our favourites would be the sashimi plate, mixed seafood or individual fish choices can be made, the produce is always fresh and of top quality. For a cooked sushi suggestion the Spider Maki (soft shell crab)is always a great choice.

Homemade pork gyoza, chicken tsukune (chicken meatball) and the 72 hour marinated black miso cod are by far our favourite selections.
For something larger to share the miso pork ribs are not only delicious, but super tender falling off the bone with ease.
Finer Details
Opening Hours
7 Days
5pm to Late
Website
Socials
Address Etsu Gold Coast
2440 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD
And Lastly
The bar at Etsu is equally impressive, with an array of modern and traditional cocktails, the finest selection of Japanese whiskey your find anywhere and top quality Saki. Making this not only one of the best Gold Coast restaurants but also bars.
The reputation of Etsu as a restaurant on the Gold Coast has grown and grown over the years and that’s why its a multi award winning restaurant. So much so it has also featured in our Best Restaurants Gold Coast list and sits proudly up the top.
No Etsu is solely a Japanese restaurant
Yes it has share and large tables available
Yes at the front of the restaurant there is a bar available at Etsu for you to sit and drink
Smart casual is usually the way to go
4 replies on “Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast”
Another great food post, guys. I find that well-hidden places that are able to sustain themselves in their location for a while are a safe guess. You seem to have found a real gem there. Soft shell crab? Yes, please.
Those dishes look as stunning as they’re delicious, I can imagine! You gotta hand it to the Japanese for making their food look like art pieces– they’re too pretty to eat! Glad you had a good time. 🙂
Oooh Japanese inspired food, I am there! This looks delicious! x
[…] owners are big players in the Gold Coast dining scene with the ever popular Japanese restaurant Etsu Izakaya as another one of there […]