A Foodie's Guide to Burleigh Heads

Travel a little further south down the coastline, beyond the soaring skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and you’ll discover Burleigh Heads, a part of the Gold Coast brimming with natural beauty and home to some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants and bars.

Devoid of a pronounced skyline (although with a number of projects under construction and/or planned for the near future this is changing) this part of the coast possesses a distinctly different energy to Surfers, which you can marvel at off in the distance, with a more relaxed, laid-back vibe, characteristic of a small beachside town - comparable to Noosa or Byron Bay.

Though still managing to retain that ‘vibe’, Burleigh is growing, rapidly, with a range of new noteworthy openings within the last few years in particular. So, from a Moreton Bay Bug Roll at the iconic Rick Shores restaurant, a coffee and Acai bowl on James Street, a cold beer at Burleigh Pavilion, or a picnic on Burleigh Hill for sunset, you’ll never go hungry at Burleigh!

For all the other must-try foodie spots at the Gold Coast beyond Burleigh Heads:

PADDOCK BAKERY

Another much-loved highly frequented Gold Coast establishment that has quickly gained a loyal, cult-like following, and in fact, was too founded and owned by the creators of Bam Bam Bakehouse (now sold to different owners) is Paddock Bakery in the Gold Coast neighbourhood of Miami. Conveniently situated just one block back from the Gold Coast Highway and full of character, Paddock Bakery occupies a once dormant, neglected, old Queenslander. Now lovingly and painstakingly restored to its former glory and with massive, lush greenery planted in replacement of the overgrown landscapes which was present, the once-broken home now makes for a beautiful setting to enjoy a great coffee and mouth-watering doughnut.

Beyond truly drool-worthy, freshly baked treats - think decadent cookies and brownies oozing with Lindt chocolate and salted caramel fudge - that pair perfectly with one of the Paddock’s inventive milkshakes or indulgent signature hot chocolate, the Paddock also offers an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, featuring the must-try ‘Dippy Eggs’.

View Paddock Bakery’s menu.

20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days 6.00am - 3.00pm 

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

DIPPY EGGS Two soft boiled free range eggs with buttered sourdough soldiers, bacon bits, parsley and organic labna.

PINK PASSION Watermelon, strawberry and passionfruit.

PADDOCK TRIPLE THREAT Cream cheese white chocolate macadamia cookie, stuffed with Nutella bomb, topped with salted caramel fudge.

NUTELLA STUFFED CHOC CHIP COOKIE

CREME BRÛLÉE DOUGHNUT

DOUGHNUT SHAKE House Doughnut flavoured milk, topped with a semi-sourdough doughnut bot and Paddock’s doughnut chips.

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM Real Strawberries blended with milk, topped with whipped cream, crushed strawberry and cream candy, strawberry twist and fresh strawberry.

SIGNATURE HOT CHOCOLATE made with real melted Lindt milk and dark chocolate and topped with Paddock’s house torched marshmallow.

THE SIMPSONS DOUGNUT Soft, fluffy, semi-sourdough doughnut with a sprinkled strawberry glaze.

Rick Shores

One has not truly lived until they have tried one of the Moreton Bay bug rolls served up daily at Rick Shores in Burleigh. On a beautiful sunny day, there is nothing better than claiming your position outside in the sun, right by the beach and simply wasting the afternoon away with a bottle wine or a few cocktails, and needless to say, a couple of bug rolls. However, if you're looking for something more substantial dining inside is certainly not a bad alternative - you can still enjoy the bug rolls inside, don’t worry!

View Rick Shores’ menu.

43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days Midday - 9.00pm (Friday & Saturday open till 11.30pm)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

CRAB & PRAWN DUMPLING with ginger, chive and bonito.

CRISPY TOFU SLIDER with pickled kimchi, kewpie, charcoal bun.

BBQ PORK STEAM BUN Buttermilk, garlic chive and togarashi.

'RICKS' FRIED BUG ROLL with gem lettuce, sriracha.

CRAB & SESAME TOAST served with crispy chilli, black vinegar and avocado.

YELLOW CURRY with king prawn, kaffir lime, fried garlic.

SPICED BURRATA with charred roti and chilli oil.

OYSTER with Thai vinaigrette.

CORAL TROUT PO’ BOY Beer battered coral trout in a bun with fried egg mayo (daily special).

RUNAWAY COCKTAIL Absolut elyx, coconut, passionfruit, ‘scraps shrub’, strawberry.

FRENCH MARTINI Absolut elyx, Chambord, pineapple juice.

LYCHEE MARTINI Absolut elyx, Chambord, pineapple juice.

BURLEIGH PAVILION

Since opening at the tail-end of last year, Burleigh Pavilion has quickly become a highly-frequented favourite among locals and tourists alike thanks to its epic beachfront water views and incredible location right on Burleigh Beach, making it an absolute must-visit while at the coast. A massive open space with an open kitchen and two bars, there are plenty of choices when it comes to where to sit, however, there is really no better spot than on ‘The Terrace’ sitting at one of the Pavilion’s high tables underneath an umbrella. Otherwise, pulling up a stool at the balcony and overlooking Burleigh Beach is not a bad option either, especially when it is a little warm. In terms of food, Burleigh Pavilion offers a selection of crowd-pleasing, simple, yet delicious dishes - think wood-fired pizzas, beer-battered fish and chips, a selection of burgers and sandwiches, and range of salads.

At the northern end of Burleigh Pavilion - directly above Rick Shores - you’ll find The Tropic, a high-end, full-service restaurant perfect for a long lunch or dinner with a view.

View Burleigh Pavilion’s food menu and drinks menu.

43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days Midday - Midnight (Saturday & Sunday opens at 11.00am)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

DUSK TILL DAWN Bacardi, St Germain elderflower liqueur, passionfruit, lime and mint.

PEPPERONI Pomodoro, fior di latte, hot salami, oregano.

THICK POTATO FRIES with pavilion sauce.

SALT & PEPPER SQUID with aioli and lime.

Tarte Bakery & CAFE

Opening to the public only on the August 19, 2020, Tarte Bakery and Cafe in Burleigh Heads is officially the newest kid on the block (at the time of writing). The brainchild of former owner-operator of much-loved Paddock Bakery, Tarte offers rustic baked goods, an all-day brunch menu and speciality coffee. The style of the bakery and cafe itself can be described as melding a little of London with a hint of Paris and a dusting of West Village of New York.

View Tarte’s menu.

1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days 6.30am - 3.00pm 

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

LEMON TART

GLAZED MAPLE CRULLER

KOUIGAN AMAN

BLOOD ORANGE DROP with honeycomb.

JUSTIN LANE

Owing to its stunning views looking back at the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise in the distance and the Pacific Ocean, Burleigh Hill is incredibly popular amongst picnickers and those wishing just to sit and admire the setting sun, particularly on weekends. What is also incredibly popular is picking up a couple of piping hot takeaway pizzas from nearby Justin Lane and enjoying them on Burleigh Hill - and that is exactly what we finally did recently! So although I am yet to actually sit and enjoy a few cocktails and a meal on Justin Lane’s rooftop, I have enjoyed a couple of their famous sourdough pizzas, and can thus say they are delicious - most favourite was the meat pizza, over the seafood pizza.

View Justin Lane’s dinner menu.

1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days 5.00pm - 9.00pm (Friday - Sunday opens at Midday)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

SEAFOOD PIZZA Prawn, calamari, garlic confit, mozzarella, chilli, parsley and lemon.

MEAT PIZZA James st deli ham, salami, garlic confit, mozzarella, oregano and fior di latte.

LA BELLA CELLAR

Once inside La Bella Cellar, you wouldn’t know you’re only metres away from the busy Gold Coast Highway, in fact, with no uncovered windows at all you wouldn’t really know where you are! You’d think covering the few windows in the space was not the best decision, particularly considering how small the physical footprint of the space is, however somehow it works - it makes it feel super private, cool, and den-like, plus, there is skylights so it’s not all artificially lighting! As its name suggests La Bella Cellar possesses an extensive wine list, with its food offering all designed to complement whatever tipple you choose.

View La Bella Cellar’s menu.

3 Deodar Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 4 Days Thursday - Sunday 5.00pm - Late (Saturday & Sunday opens at Midday)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

CHEESE BOARD Maffra Pyramid Cheddar, Adelaide Hill Triple Cream Brie, Comte Cheese with lavosh bread bark, crackers, grapes, marinated vegetables, house-made jams and relishes.

PALM SPRINGS

Located on the Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh’s new bright, LA-inspired cafe Palm Springs (officially opening its doors on November 20, 2020) may not offer much of a view, though it makes up for that with its cool minimalist design and Cali-vibes. With its picturesque all-white rendered facade, desert-style cacti gardens and mid-century archways, Palm Springs is worth a visit for its fit-out alone. Though, with an all-day menu offering a selection of Southern Californian-style eats such as an authentic breakfast burrito, Palms Wholesome Bowl, and four kinds of burgers, you’ll no doubt want to linger well after you’ve filled your camera roll! To drink, there is coffee and juice as well as three different kinds of margarita (chilli, coconut and original).

View Palm Springs’ menu.

1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days 6.30am - 2.30pm

MAMAN bar & kicthen

Founded by two mum’s - hence its name which is French for Mum ‑ Maman Bar & Kitchen on Burleigh’s James Street offers delicious Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern bites using organic, local ingredients along with sustainable wines and a selection of no non-sense cocktails. Although fronting onto James Street, to enter you must walk down an alleyway directly behind James Street.

View Maman’s menu.

49 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 5 Days Wednesday - Sunday 5.00pm - 10.00pm (Saturday & Sunday open from Midday) 

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

MORETON BAY BUG ROLL served on milk bun, crispy Iceberg lettuce, harissa and lime mayo.

DOUGHNUT TIME

What time is it? Doughnut time of course - when is it not?! Selling fresh handmade doughnuts using only the finest ingredients and constantly cooking up creations that push the boundaries, it’s pretty hard not to be tempted by Doughnut Time’s doughnuts. Whether they’re overflowing with Nutella or covered with M&Ms, Doughnut Time’s doughnuts definitely stand out. Alongside the classics, the store offers a variety of vegan options, and their menu is constantly evolving to include new options that are inspired by the trendy, and the delicious.

View Doughnut Time’s range.

2 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days 10.00am - 8.00pm (Thursday & Saturday open till 9.00pm & Friday till 10.00pm) 

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

ICED VOVO Doughnut pink Lamington sandwich coated in a pink glaze and dusted with desiccated coconut, filled with buttercream and jam topped with an Iced Vovo.

TIM TAM TIME Chocolate glaze, filled with Nutella cheesecake, topped with a Nutella drizzle and crushed Tim Tam pieces.

LIAM HEMSWORTHY Red velvet doughnut with a cookie and cream frosting, crushed choc ripple biscuits and a chocolate drizzle.

DON’T BE SALTY Salted caramel filling with a caramel glaze, chocolate drizzle and topped with a swirl of vanilla buttercream.

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER Vegan buttercream frosting with 100’s and 1000’s.

STRAWBERRY CHEESE BAE Pink glaze, filled with strawberry cheesecake, topped with buttercream and sprinkled with love.

LIGHT YEARS

Founded by three close friends from Melbourne who began with a mission to bring awesome modern Asian food, delicious cocktails and a ‘jump out of your seat’ party vibe to Byron Bay - a place close to each of their hearts - now with three venues under their belts (with a Light Years located in Noosa) in only three years, it is safe to say they have achieved their mission. An Asian bar and diner, Light Years is positioned alongside the Gold Coast Highway so doesn’t offer any real view, though its gorgeous fit-out and food, which can both be described as being bold, colourful and punchy, well and truly makes up for this.

View Light Years’ menu.

1848 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Open 7 Days 5.00pm - 11.00pm (Friday - Sunday opens at Midday)