Wine & Dine
Maman Bar and Kitchen
Maman is French for Mum, and this cosy spot was created by two of the sweetest mums, Lizzy and Karen, bringing delicious Mediterranean to Middle Eastern bites, sustainable wines and no-nonsense cocktails to toast all those near and dear.
Tucked away in a Mediterranean-style hideaway off Burleigh’s James Street, Maman is perfect for share plates, people-watching and a drink or two before or after browsing the nearby boutiques. The space is warm, intimate and very easy on the Instagram feed.
Malibu Racquet Club
It’s the kind of spot made for long afternoons that ease into sunset – think chilled wines, clever cocktails and a relaxed, beachy atmosphere. Whether you’re starting the night or settling in for a slow one, Malibu Racquet Club is a stylish addition to Burleigh’s dining scene.
Light Years
Light Years sits just behind Cashelmara, across the Gold Coast Highway. This super trendy brand began in Byron and now has a handful of locations along the coast. Expect fun, modern Asian share plates, unique cocktails and friendly staff in a lively, neon-lit setting.
It is a great local option if you are looking for a relaxed but stylish dinner within a short walk of your apartment.
Miami Rice Chinese
It is a short walk from Cashelmara, and the team are always lovely. You can dine in, grab takeaway or organise delivery through the usual apps.
Jimmy Wah's
Jimmy Wah’s is one of our top tips; a beautiful, exciting restaurant with a menu that rarely misses. The cuisine is Vietnamese with a modern Australian twist, layered with bright flavours and plenty of texture.
We love the Vietnamese pancake with pork and prawn, pickled cucumber, lettuce and herbs, and their cocktails – especially the spicy margaritas – are a perfect match for a night out.
Paddock Bakery
Paddock Bakery is a Burleigh favourite tucked inside a charming weatherboard cottage surrounded by leafy gardens and sunny courtyards. Known for its woodfired sourdough, pastries, loaded doughnuts and all-day brunch classics, it’s the kind of place where everything feels baked with love and a little bit of magic.
Expect a warm, homestyle vibe, a menu full of comfort favourites and plenty of cosy corners to settle into. It’s perfect for a slow breakfast, a mid-morning treat or grabbing something fresh to take down to the beach.
Tarte Bakery
The coffee is excellent, the portions are generous and the atmosphere hums from morning to afternoon.
Mr Hizola's
Mr Hizola’s serves contemporary Cantonese in a warm, buzzy dining room. Think noodles, share plates, bao, dim sum and larger dishes made to share around the table.
They also offer a set banquet called the Emperor’s Feast, which is compulsory for larger groups and available for smaller ones too – a good option if you would prefer to let the kitchen decide for you.
Rick Shores
Rick Shores is a true Burleigh Heads institution. Sitting right on the water at the base of the headland, it pairs incredible pan-Asian flavours with a front-row view of the waves.
It is one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after dining rooms, particularly the window seats, so bookings are essential if you are planning a special occasion. If you are flexible and in a smaller group, you may sometimes be able to find a spot at the bar or on the outdoor tables.
The Tropic
Just above Rick Shores sits Burleigh Pavilion, home to The Tropic. Light-filled and spacious, The Tropic has a slightly more casual feel than downstairs, with a mix of indoor tables and balcony seating that overlooks the ocean and sunset.
The menu leans into Mediterranean and Modern Australian dishes with plenty of seafood, making it a lovely choice for a long lunch or golden-hour dinner.
Restaurant Labart
Labart, just off James Street, is widely regarded as one of Burleigh’s finest dining experiences. The menu is small, seasonal and Modern Australian, built around fresh local ingredients and thoughtful technique. Lobster, steak, scallop and quail often make an appearance, but the line-up changes regularly.
There is an à la carte option, though many guests opt for the set menu experience, which turns an evening here into a special occasion.
Freddy's
Is there anything more Aussie than roast chicken and chips with the family? Freddy’s in Burleigh takes that idea and gives it a fresh, modern spin, with ethical sourcing, a simple menu and a relaxed, hip fit-out.
The fries are a standout, the chicken burgers are excellent, and it is an easy option for a casual lunch or dinner that still feels a bit special.
Yiros Shop
The Yiros Shop is a well-known chain across Australia, and the Burleigh outpost holds a prime position on James Street. It is a handy option for an affordable, easy lunch or dinner on the go.
Grab a yiros, wander down to the sand and enjoy the same view as Rick Shores guests, while keeping things simple and budget-friendly.
Finn Poke
If you are more in the mood for something light and fresh, Finn Poke on James Street has you covered. With a menu of poke bowls featuring everything from swordfish to beetroot, plus plenty of customisation, it is a great option for a healthy beachside meal.
The Hawaiian-inspired bowls are fast, colourful and perfect to take away to the park or foreshore.
Ze Pickle
Starving after a long morning surfing the Burleigh break? Ze Pickle, just down from James Street, is famous for some of the biggest, most indulgent burgers in Burleigh.
Expect stacked burgers, loaded fries and craft beers. If you are in the mood to treat yourself, the loaded chips and over-the-top burger combinations are a fun way to refuel.
North Burleigh Surf Club
Located at the northern end of Burleigh Beach, North Burleigh Surf Club is your classic beachside surf club, right on the sand. It has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a restaurant, bar, gaming area and event spaces.
The menu covers all the favourites – seafood, steaks, burgers and parmis – along with regular specials and promotions. It is a great spot for an easy meal with a view.
The Surf Club Burleigh Heads
In Mowbray Park, right in the heart of the southern end of Burleigh Heads, you will find Burleigh Heads Surf Club. A little more old-school than its northern neighbour, it offers all-day dining with a main menu plus lighter options and snacks between traditional service times.
The views over the ocean are beautiful, there is a gaming room, and they do a great takeaway brekky roll if you need something quick after your morning walk.
The Miami (Miami Tavern)
Freshly renovated and now branded as The Miami, this venue is an easy walk north from Cashelmara – turn left instead of right when you leave the building, and you will find it near North Burleigh Surf Club.
The Miami is spread over two levels, with the upstairs space offering indoor and outdoor dining and a menu of Modern Australian dishes and pub classics. Downstairs you will find the sports bar and gaming area.
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club sits in a prime spot in the middle of town, yet still hangs onto its old-world charm. It feels like it has been gently lifted out of an earlier era, in the best possible way.
Alongside the greens and a games room, there is a bistro with both Asian-inspired dishes and classic pub meals, plus regular specials, live music and events. It is well worth checking their upcoming calendar to see what is on while you are here.
Flor Wine & Grocer
Flor Wine & Grocer is a beautifully curated bottle shop and provisions store just a short stroll from the Burleigh foreshore. The shelves are filled with thoughtfully selected wines, small-batch producers, pantry favourites and specialty items you will not find in a standard supermarket.
It is the perfect place to pick up a chilled bottle for a sunset on the hill, grab ingredients for an easy dinner back at your apartment, or find something a little special for a picnic on the beach. Warm, stylish and relaxed, Flor is a local favourite for good reason.
FAQS
What is Burleigh Heads known for when it comes to dining?
Where is the main dining area in Burleigh?
James Street is the heart of Burleigh’s dining scene, home to cafés, bakeries, casual eateries, bars and well-known restaurants. It’s an easy walk from the beachfront and surrounding accommodation.