🌮 A Flavour-Filled Escape: My Night at Alma Surfers Paradise

When you live on the Gold Coast, it’s easy to take the beach for granted. But last Friday, I rediscovered the magic — not just of the surf and sea — but of Alma Surfers Paradise, a Mexican restaurant that hits every note perfectly.

I’d seen Alma popping up in my searches for "Mexican near me" and "Surfers Paradise Mexican restaurants", and the vibe looked too good to ignore. Think ocean breeze, coastal cool, and the kind of food that warms your soul with spice and freshness.

The Vibe: Coastal Cool Meets Fiesta Energy

Walking into Alma is like stepping into a sun-drenched dream — rustic wood, hand-painted tiles, natural lighting, and a soundtrack that balances chilled beats with just the right tempo to make you want to stay awhile. It's relaxed, yet buzzing. Locals chatting over cocktails. Tourists taking pictures of their tacos (guilty). And staff that make you feel like an old friend, not just a table number.

First Things First: Cocktails

I couldn’t resist ordering their Watermelon Margarita — icy cold, perfectly sweet, with that just-right lime kick and a rim kissed with tajín. My friend went for the Passionfruit Paloma, which was so refreshing we ended up swapping halfway through. We may or may not have had a second round.

Cocktail highlights:

🍉 Watermelon Margarita
🍊 Blood Orange Margarita
🌶 Jalapeño Mezcal Mule
🥭 Spicy Mango Fizz

If you’re a cocktail lover, Alma’s bar is a Gold Coast gem. Each drink arrives like it belongs on your Instagram story — colourful, fresh, and totally sip-worthy.

The Food: Flavour That Hugs You

We started with the Cheesy Veggie Nachos — golden tortilla chips piled with gooey cheese, smashed avo, salsa fresca, and a dollop of sour cream. You know that feeling when everyone pauses after the first bite? That happened.

Then came the stars of the show:

Baja Fish Tacos: flaky fish, pickled slaw, creamy lime dressing — a total coastal classic.
18hr Braised Beef Burrito: tender, rich, packed with rice, beans and smoky chipotle flavours.
Chicken Quesadilla: melty cheese, grilled peppers, that spicy kick... yep, heaven in folded form.

And then, dessert. We shared the Nutella & Marshmallow Quesadilla and the Churros with hot chocolate sauce — both indulgent, fun, and totally worth every bite.

Why I’ll Be Back (Probably Next Week)

Alma isn’t just a Mexican restaurant in Surfers Paradise — it’s an experience. Whether you’re stopping in after a morning swim, catching up with friends, or planning a sunset dinner with a view, it’s the kind of place that feels like a little escape without having to leave town.

It delivers everything you crave: incredible food, dreamy drinks, beachy ambiance, and that warm hospitality that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the Gold Coast and Googling “Mexican food near me”, let me save you some time: head to Alma. You’ll find more than just tacos — you’ll find a little moment of magic tucked into the heart of Surfers Paradise.