BREAKFAST | BRUNCH | COFFEE
"May your coffee kick in, before reality does."
Take It From Us
The Burleigh Heads area, and indeed the entire Gold Coast, is experiencing such rapid growth at the moment. It seems like what's good, what's bad and what's out of this world changes with every minute!
Thankfully, you have us on hand to give you the benefit of our local knowledge. Check out some of our top picks for your stay down at the beautiful Burleigh Heads.
The Paddock Bakery
One of the all time Burleigh greats, and within easy walking distance from Cashelmara, The Paddock Bakery is fantastic for sit-in or takeaway breakfast and brunch.
Although there's sometimes a line, it's well worth the wait. Our top tip is to grab a table when you can, and have one of your party wait in line to order for the group. The delicious food comes out very quickly once ordered!
Palm Springs
A relative newcomer to the area, Palm Springs is a Southern California inspired cafe just over the Gold Coast Highway. With an Insta-worthy aesthetic, and a menu featuring everything from Teriyaki Salmon Bowls, Chips and Fried Cauliflower, to Eggs Benedict, Big Breaky's and our favourite, the Cali Breakfast Burrito, it's hard to go wrong with this local gem.
The best bit is that you can pre-order your food and drinks online, saving you a wait time. So order from your room, wander on over, and then either sit in their beautiful cafe or take your food home or to the beach!
Commune
Commune touts its dual definition name on its social media, and it's easy to see why; this cafe is all about interaction, community and putting you at ease. You're unlikely to find a friendlier bunch of people operating a venue on the whole of the Gold Coast, and their food is pretty good to boot.
For breakfast, there's everything from Acai Bowls to the classics like Eggs Benny, and for lunch a range of Japanese inspired dishes including Karaage Buns and Okonomiyaki.
GREAT DINNERS
"Givers of great dinners know few enemies."
NEARBY
Light Years
Light Years is just behind Cashelmara, across the Gold Coast Highway. It's a super trendy brand from Byron, with a few locations along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Serving up a fun, modern Asian dining experience with share style food, unique cocktails and friendly waitstaff, this is a great local option if you're looking for dinner! And less than 5 minutes walk.
Little Plate
Just around the corner from Commune is The Little Plate; a gorgeous little restaurant that takes pride in stripping the dining experience back to good food, great company and plenty of fantastic wine.
There's a definite worldwide vibe to the menu, with Italian dishes sitting alongside curries and Karaage Chicken, so you're sure to find something you like.
Willow
Describing themselves as "a feast of Mediterranean, European, Modern Australian, and Spanish culinary and a fusion of Asian favourites in TAPAS Style", Willow is one of those great little independent restaurants that you just don't get in the big cities anymore.
Again, super close to Cashelmara (right near the 7/11 and McDonalds) and with food to die for.
Miami Rice Chinese
Iconic 'punny' name aside, if you're looking for some good, local and affordable Chinese food while you're staying with us, Miami Rice is a must try.
It's less than a 5 minute walk away, and the staff couldn't be nicer! They also deliver, both using the classic apps, and through their own people.
Pizza Passion
100% don't sleep on Pizza Passion while you're down here. If you love a good pizza, there are a lot of options around Burleigh - with about 6 down at James Street these days. But locals know, the BEST pizza comes from a less likely candidate; Pizza Passion, a hole-in-the-wall local pizza place that is right near the Coles Supermarket, across the Gold Coast Highway.
Honestly, these pizzas are better tasting and less expensive than anything you'll get down at James Street. Trust us.
A LITTLE FURTHER
Jimmy Wah's
Jimmy Wah's is one of our top tips; a truly beautiful, exciting restaurant with a menu that never disappoints.
The cuisine is Vietnamese, with a modern Australian bent. We recommend getting the Vietnamese pancake with pork & prawn, pickled cucumber, lettuce and herbs. You can also pair it with their exquisite cocktails (we love the Spicy Margs).
Pepe Italian
Also just off James Street, with the main beach right across the road, Pepe's Italian is classic Italian in the heart of Burleigh Heads. It's generally pasta, antipasti and larger mains (like fish, ossobucco and octopus) - there's no pizza on this menu.
Mr Hizola's
Mr Hizola's is contemporary cantonese, in a really nice little restaurant. There's noodles, share plates, baos, dim sum and bigger dishes.
They also have a $65 a head 'Emperor's Feast', which is compulsory for groups of 10 or more, and optional for groups of 2 or more, which can be a good option if you want to do away with the hassle of choosing!
FARTHER AFIELD
Kiyomi at the Star Casino
Based at the Star Casino, Kiyomi is luxury Japanese from Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima. There's mouth-watering sashimi, freshly shaken cocktails, and a menu with an authentic taste of Tokyo (without the long haul flight).
It's also an exciting experience, with unique cocktails, and cool smoked dishes with dry ice. We'd definitely recommend booking ahead, as it can get busy on the busier casino nights.
Etsu Izakaya at Broadbeach
Etsu Izakaya has long been our family's favourite restaurant on the Gold Coast; it's so good it's worth a 2.5 hour round trip just for dinner!
This modern Asian fusion restaurant seems like a closed warehouse behind an inconspicuous white sliding barn door, with only a red lamp out front indicating the chaotic energy inside. The restaurant is pumping every night of the week, so it's definitely one you should book for a week or so out, but for smaller groups they can sometimes squeeze you in.
Make sure to try the spicy edamame!
Frida Sol at Palm Beach
This hip modern Mexican restaurant down at Palm Beach is hidden away upstairs above a commercial complex, but is worth the search.
With fantastic cocktails, tacos, nachos and more, it's a perfect place to while away an evening, or an afternoon.
FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
"Bottom line: wasn't life itself a special occasion?"
Rick Shores
Rick Shores is a Burleigh Heads institution. Literally on the water at Burleigh Head itself, with stunning views and incredible pan-asian flavours, this really is an unbeatable experience.
Commensurate with its status as one of the Gold Coasts' most iconic locations, Rick Shores books up well in advance - particularly the tables closest to the window - so if you're looking to celebrate an occasion, especially with a larger group, you're going to want to book ahead a month or more in advance. If you have a smaller party, you might be able to squeeze in a pair on the day at the bar, or at their outdoor tables.
Tropic
Just above Rick Shores sits The Pavilion, and inside there is a restaurant called Tropic.
Tropic is a super fun vibe; a little more casual than downstairs at Rick Shores, it is light-filled and spacious, with gorgeous views of the sunset, and a good split between indoor and outdoor balcony tables.
The food is Mediterranean and Modern Australian, with plenty of seafood featuring on the menu.
Maman Bar and Kitchen
Maman is French for Mum, and this establishment was created by two of the sweetest Mum's, Lizzy and Karen, bring delicious Mediterranean to Middle-Eastern bites, sustainable wines and no non-sense cocktails to toast all those near and dear.
Maman has smaller plates between $20 and $30, and larger ones from $40 to $85. It's also located in a Mediterranean hideaway in the middle of Burleigh's James Street, so it is perfectly located for nearby shopping, post dinner cocktail crawls, and bedecked to spice up your Instagram feed.
Restaurant Labart
Labart is just off James Street in the main Burleigh Heads drag, and is probably the finest dining option available in Burleigh Heads these days. It serves a small Modern Australian menu, with the freshest local ingredients. Lobster, steak, scallop and quail all make an appearance on the menu.
They have an A La Carte option, but this is really a set menu venue - with set menu priced at $125 pp. Definitely a splurge, but for a special occasion, a worthy one.
LUNCHTIME
"When people you greatly admire appear to be thinking deep thoughts, they probably are thinking about lunch"
Freddy's
Is there anything more Aussie than a roast chicken and chips with the family at lunch? Freddys at Burleigh Heads takes this to the next level, with a super hip vibe, ethical sourcing, and an array of simple but delicious meals that take you back.
We recommend the fries, which are to die for, and the chicken burgers are also fantastic.
Yiros Shop
A classic chain across Australia, and a good option for an affordable and easy lunch down on James Street, The Yiros Shop occupies a prime position in Burleigh Heads. Grab a Yiros, head down to the beach, and enjoy the same view they're enjoying at Rick Shores, while saving yourself a few hundred dollars.
Burleigh Tropicana
The Tropicana has been at Burleigh Heads seemingly before people were. It's a piece of Burleigh Heads history; the classic coastal eatery, with hot boxes of hot chickens, chips, veggies and roasts, along with an array of made-to-order burgers, breakfast options, and more. You really can't get more Burleigh than this.
Finn Poke
More of a fish fan? Finn Poke on James Street has you covered with some real Hawaiian vibes. Their Poke Bowls feature everything from Swordfish to Beetroot, and with a vast array of special bowls, you'll undoubtedly find something healthy and delicious.
Ze Pickle
Starving after a long morning of surfing the break at Burleigh Beach? Looking to down about 6 weeks worth of kilojoules in a single meal? Well look no further! Just down from James Street at Burleigh Heads sits Ze Pickle; with some of the most delicious, and large, burgers in Burleigh. We recommend the Mash Mash City Bish, which has chicken, chips, gravy and mash potato on it, as well as the loaded Ze Chips.
CLUB AND PUB MEALS
"If in doubt, paddle out"
North Burleigh Surf Club
Located at the north end of Burleigh Beach, this is your classic beachside surf club. Literally, right on the beach.
There's definitely a calmer, more relaxing vibe at this end of Burleigh Heads, and the venue has a gaming room, a restaurant and bar, and an event space.
Seafood, steaks, burgers and parmi's are on the menu, and a discounted seniors menu is offered with presentation of a seniors card. They also let kids eat free Monday and Tuesday evenings, and have a $15 steak night on Wednesday nights.
The Surf Club Burleigh Heads
In Mowbray Park, right in the heart of the southern end of Burleigh Heads, stands the Surf Club. A little less modern than the North Burleigh Surf Club, The Burleigh Heads Surf Club restaurant offers all day dining with a pizza & birdcage bites menu for anytime in between or for those late lunches or early dinners.
They have beautiful views of the ocean, and a gaming room. Top tip - they also serve up a great takeaway brekky roll, if you feel peckish on your morning walk!
Miami Tavern
Freshly renovated, the Miami Tavern is easily walkable from Cashelmara - unlike many of the suggestions on this list, you'll want to turn left when you leave Cashelmara, rather than right, and it's just near North Burleigh Surf Club!
The Miami Tavern is spread over two floors, with the top floor having indoor and outdoor dining (including a range of Modern Australian cuisine, mixed with pub classics), and the downstairs holding the sports bar and pokies areas.
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
The Burleigh Heads Bowls Club occupies prime position in the heart of Burleigh Heads (undoubtedly on land coveted by many a developer), yet still maintains its old world charm. Seemingly transported straight out of a simpler time, this venue (a) offers bowls (b) has a games room and (c) has a great and diverse menu.
Interestingly, they have both an Eastern menu (with many Asian dishes) and a Western menu (with pub classics). They also do selected specials and discounts, with what's discounted changing depending on the day.
Further, they have a range of live music, events, and more at the venue, so definitely one to check out to see what you can catch while you're here!