Over the years, Burleigh Heads has established itself as something of a mecca for incredible food on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country. Home to some of the city's most beloved dining establishments, this southern hub hits different for plates and pours.
But what makes a Burleigh restaurant one of the best? For me, I am a particular fan of the plethora of options. From seafront eateries, to alleyway wine bars and rooftop affairs. I'm looking for robust menus, elite service and the buzzing atmosphere synonymous with Burleigh's nightlife. Myself and the Urban List team believe there's something particularly alive about this dining scene. And if you're yet to taste your way around it snaking streets and boutique-laden James Street, you're in for a real treat.
There are always fresh and exciting places opening up on Burleigh’s golden shores, nestled amongst the tried-and-true faves, so I believe you’ll never be short of a delicious feast. Pull up a seat, tuck in your napkin, and scroll on for 22 of the best Burleigh Heads restaurants on the Gold Coast in 2025.
Best Burleigh Restaurants At A Glance:
Asian Fusion Restaurants
Rick Shores
43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Rick Shores | Instagram
Is there a Gold Coast ‘best of’ dining list that Rick Shores won’t make it onto? Doubtful. And especially when we're talking best Burleigh restaurants. A seafoodie’s dream, Rick Shores combines pan-Asian flavours with fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce in a series of colourful plates designed to share with mates.
And I’d take a guess and say their famous Moreton Bay bug roll could quite possibly be one of the most Instagrammed snacks on the Gold Coast. Yes, it's as melt-in-your-mouth delicious as it looks. But I believe there's a whole swag of lesser known dishes at Rick Shores worthy of the same acclaim. Like the moreish sweet pork and glutinous rice dumpling served with sesame and XO sauce. Or the jungle curry roast chicken curry with green peppers and crispy curry leaf.
Be sure to book ahead though—Rick Shores welcomes a full crew on board at just about every sitting. Plus, their hours change demepnding on the time of year, for lunch and dinner. So get the latest intel before planning your next date or catch up at this absolute beachfront locale.
Jimmy Wah’s
1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Given my love affair with Asian food, I easily rank Jimmy Wah’s high among the best restaurants in Burleigh. A contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine, dining here is a relaxed but upscale experience that’s available for both lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Plus, it's taken out an AUstralian Good Food Chef Hat in 2025, ranking it among one of the top restaurants in Australia.
Undo your top button in preparation for plates and plates of flavour-packed steamed buns, pho, bahn mi, and tempura barramundi. If you’re wondering who the cheerful face is smiling back at you from the wall mural, it’s the restaurant’s namesake, the cheeky character Jimmy Wah from the classic flick Good Morning, Vietnam, and he’s pleased to say: you’ve made a good choice.
Every time I book the Feed Me menu, I underestimate exactly how hungry I needed to be for it. There's a heap of irresistible dishes all in some kind of delicious chain delivered to your table one after another. Get ready for the absolute majesty that is the crispy tempura soft shell crab loaded into a fresh baguette with slaw and chilli, fashioned to look like a crab. I've said too much.
Light Years
1848 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Light Years | Instagram
Quintessentially Gold Coast, if you Googled “cool vibe, epic eats”, I reckon Light Years Burleigh Heads would be right at the top of the results. Already loved in Noosa, Newcastle, and Byron Bay, this modern and distinctly upbeat Asian diner is sure to work its way into your heart (and most certainly your social life). It features white and peach-washed walls, breeze blocks, velvety chairs, a smattering of terracotta, tropical fiesta pops, and knock-out herringbone floors.
Just a quick glance at the share-style menu and pretty much everything from the kingfish ceviche to wagyu beef rendang and mud crab, prawn and scallop dumplings will jump out at you. I'm also a big fan of the deconstructed spicy Korean fried chicken or eggplant katsu bao, or even the custard bao buns for a bite into pillowey bliss ft. szechuan caramel and vanilla bean ice cream.
Mr Hizola’s
1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Mr Hizola's | Instagram
Walking along Burleigh Heads’ popular foodie strip, you can’t miss this eatery’s neon-red sign and bright lanterns. It's cheeky, moody even during lunch hours and devillishly incred on the flavour front.
Offering up a flavour-packed contemporary Cantonese-style menu, Mr Hizola's signature sizzling wagyu steak is served on a fo zek (hot stone)—delivered to your table, doused in brandy, and set alight, flames licking upwards and cooking the meat to mouth-watering perfection right in front of you.
I recommend a seat at the window to people watch, since you're smack bang on the Gold Coast Highway and it makes for an eventful view. I'm a massive fan of the Emporer's Feast, which is $69 per person and features a whole swag of dishes or the 'Chef's Selection' delivers five fave dishes made to share for $49. There's a bunch of options for our vego and vegan friends and it'd be a sin to leave here without a sip of the Kafir Lime Margarita with a chili salt rim.
Oi Izakaya
30 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Oi Izakaya | Supplied
Traditional Japanese izakaya are bars where workers stop on their way home from work for a drink and a snack. Oi Izakaya has captured that bustling vibe perfectly, with its plethora of exquisite share plates to enjoy over a whisky with friends.
Kick back and enjoy the chef’s selection or choose from a menu that includes favourites such as okonomiyaki, gyoza, karaage chicken, and hand-rolled sushi. Post-meal and to stave off the impending food coma, I recommend a sneaky slink off to the sleek bar hidden at the back of Oi Izakaya, where you’ll find beers, cocktails, sake, and over 100 whiskies on the shelf. Tell them I sent you.
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Masu Izakaya
1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
“Motto kudasai.” In case you didn’t know, that’s Japanese for “more, please”. Keep it in mind when you visit Masu Izakaya, because this contemporary izakaya-slash-sushi bar will have your taste buds begging for extras, I know it does mine. It’s headed up by Jon Hizola, the culinary genius behind Hideaway and Mr Hizola’s.
My recommendation is to settle yourself at a table opposite the bar and browse your options. There are the usual suspects— sushi rolls, teriyaki chicken, pork ribs—but the top reason I head here is for one thing and one thing only: the exceptional sashimi. I mostly order this a la carte alongside dishes like octopus carpaccio with ponzu and pickles. Or my next go-to is the omakase, a procession of food chosen by the chef. Trust me: it’s worth having a little faith. The Masu Izakaya team know what they’re doing and I believe are firmly placed in our pick for best Burleigh restaurants.
Goukai Ramen
1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Goukai Ramen | Instagram
Ladling out authentic tonkotsu-style chicken and pork broths, Goukai thoughtfully offers eight ramen options (without the nine-hour flight). Things that make its ramen stand out from the pack for me are the Tokyo-inspired traditional broth and thinly sliced, smoky cha siu.
Whether you’re in the mood for a double-chilli ramen, juicy slices of pork belly, or a veggie bowl topped with tofu, black fungus and greens, Goukai’s got you covered. As one of the best ramen bars on the Gold Coast for those who never know what they want, I can assure you there are no dud dishes here.
ZuroZuro
1726 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Since opening in late 2022, ZuroZuro has garnered a hyper-loyal following, and I'm one of those Zuro-obsessed praise singers. The unassuming ramen bar boasts a Michelin-awarded ramen recipe, which I believe is a first for the Gold Coast. Let's just let that sink in for a sec.
It goes without saying you should order that exact Michelin-awarded ramen, a tantalising combination of tonkotsu and tori soup, topped with shoestring potatoes and other secret ingredients. Warning, the suspense will linger right up until that first slurp. Their concise but mighty menu stars a range of ramen (yes, vegan too), rice bowls, and tapas. They say great things come in little packages, and for me, this couldn't be more true for this pint-sized contender for the Gold Coast's best ramen and one of the best Burleigh restaurants.
Kin
1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Picture this for us. Fresh music from smooth jazz, new and old school funk, groove and soul, food that plasters a smile on your face, and a staggering array of adventurous cocktails. Sound like the perfect night out? Then Kin is definitely a place you’re gonna need to slide into your schedule.
My recco for dishes is to get acquainted with Kin’s small plates, starting with spicy edamame coated in garlic butter and chilli. And, if you’re a fan of seafood, the succulent Patagonian toothfish soaked in miso over three days is a must-try. So if a restaurant that prides itself on a seriously cool mix of music with heaven-sent meals and cocktails sounds like the night of your dreams, I insist you check out Kin.
The Little Plate
3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Just a smidge back from the main drag, but close enough to follow your feast with an icecream walk around the block, The Little Plate translates childhood memories into fanciful plates. Owners and chefs Gaynor and Liv take the utmost care with their little dishes, making sure there’s a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Whether it’s summery squid casaracce tossed in a chilli, garlic, and white wine sauce, lamb shoulder with a pomegranate salad, or a moreish beef shin ragu, you’ll find something wholly unique and utterly sublime to tempt your tastebuds. These divine share plates are for long evenings, good conversation, flowing wine, and savouring slowly. As for the romantics? It’s the perfect date night venue in my opinion, and one of the lesser known eateries in Burleigh.
Restaurant Labart
8 West Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Restaurant Labart | Supplied
This Burleigh restaurant took out the Gourmet Traveller's Queensland Restaurant of the Year in 2024. So it's safe to say Gold Coast’s dining portfolio was elevated when Sydney chef Alex Munoz Labart and his Gold Coast-raised wife Karla opened their first restaurant in Burleigh Heads.
The intimate eatery brings a touch of European sophistication to the Gold Coast dining scene, with its urban yet warm fit-out, polished concrete floors, walnut timber tables, and navy linen napkins. I'm obsessed with the effortlessly chic feel that this go-to spot delivers every time.
Restaurant Labart’s open-plan kitchen and charcoal grill allows diners a front-row seat to Alex and his talented team working their magic. The ever-changing seasonal menu is designed to share with both snacks, small and large plates on offer. I'm particularly impressed that all ingredients are locally and sustainably sourced.
One thing I can guarantee: the protein—whether you get wagyu, lamb rump, quail, or something else—will send your taste buds into a coma of bliss. my tip? Opt for a streetside dining seat at Labart year 'round for lowkey Euro vibe. I can't get enough of it.
LimLay
1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: LimLay | Clayten Fowler Photography
Flanked by Mr Hizola’s and ZuroZuro, LimLay (“by the sea”) is in good company—and redefines real Thai street food by the stunning beachfront. Thinking your standard lineup of pads and curries? Try again. This is artfully plated food that practically screams for the ’gram (you might have to wipe away your drool before you reach for your phone). I'm talking everything from pineapple canoes stuffed with prawn fried rice to MBS 9+ Wagyu that comes with seared corn and tamarind relish.
Don’t stress, though. If you love your Thai classics as much as I do, you can still get pad thai and pad see ew, although in my opinion, you’d have to be a little crazy to go past the lamb shank massaman. Kick back and enjoy your dinner in a space that’s all white-washed walls and ambient lighting, before finishing off with the LimLay—a stack of fruit, chocolate, and sweet potato and butterfly pea balls that looks a little like the Burleigh beachfront.
Hail Mary
26 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Hail Mary | Instagram
Hail Mary is Burleigh Heads' little secret. So you'll have to keep a keen eye out for the pink paradise hidden down a cute little laneway arcade off James Street. This Mexican joint has nailed the vibe of Burleigh-meets-Mexico perfectly. So it should come as no surprise when we tell you that this isn’t a typical Mexican joint, with all the energising outdoor space and the fairy lights (nice touch).
Boring burritos, out. Creativity is in, and Hail Mary will make sure you know it. This casual eatery is serving up a dizzying selection of starters, creative tacos, tostadas and quesadillas. And, if you’re not rolling out the store with a full belly by then, they’ve got Mexican desserts for the final touch. With bite-sized servings and an atmosphere that’ll take you straight to the streets of Mexico, it’s hard to find something Hail Mary doesn’t do.
With $6 tacos every Tuesday and all burrito plates $20 on Wednesday and margarita Mondays pouring $16 margies, every night is a good night to head to HM. Weekends call for bottomless lunches which is where free-flowing drinks for 1.5 hours straight pair with your meal. I've headed along twice now and let's just say it's been a serious fiesta.
Piada Co.
50 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Straddling the fine line between restaurant and cafe, Piada Co. slings up fresh Italian street food that feels right at home in Burleigh’s Big B Arcade off James Street. The lovechild of The Deli by Pepe and Burleigh Gelato Co., this casual eatery spills out onto the laneway in a tumble of bright red benches. The star of the show: piadina, crispy, taco-esque wraps stuffed with provolone and fillings that range from meatballs to roasted capsicum. If you can, I insist you go for the iconic stracciatella–rocket combo.
Feeling like a bowl instead? There’s plenty to choose from. Arancini, calamari, that eye-catching stack of burrata, mortadella and chips—whatever you pick, it’ll be worth your time. Though it's my absolute top piece of advice to finish off your visit by kidnapping a box or three of pistachio cannoli. They go down extra well with an oceanview smooch on Burleigh Hill which is a wander past the bowls club and across the road away.
Restaurants For Groups
Maman Bar & Kitchen
49 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
If Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is less fling and more long-time love affair, this is a joint you have to try. Maman boasts no-nonsense cocktails, an impressive wine list, and share plates designed for digging in with friends. I headed here for my birthday a couple years back and that carpaccio Yellow Fin Tuna doused in a lemony, caper-scattered Spanish onion symphony lives rent-free in my head to this day.
Karen Frost and Liz Fines are two exceptional chefs who've apparently been personal chefs to Pink, Tom Hanks and Kate Hudson which I definitely believe after eating their dishes.
Settle down and get ready to eat like a celebrity with Maman’s favourite, the fish sambo. A marshmallow-soft brioche bun and crispy iceberg lettuce topped with Lizzie's tartare and lemon—I can never resist.
But if seafood isn’t your cup of tea, they’ve got you covered with an eye-popping array of options. From sumac and sesame crusted chicken served with Tzatziki, and a zingy tomato, pomegranate and coriander salsa, to a spinach spanakopita with fresh rocket, parmesan and a spicy tomato sauce. It's a crowd-favourite and a personal pick that you're destined to head back for round two at.
Justin Lane
1708–1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Justin Lane | Instagram
The ever-popular Justin Lane crew sure knows their Italian. This lively laneway hub has been a Burleigh staple for years now, catering both to the hip crowds who are keen for cocktails on the rooftop as well as loyal locals who head in once a week for their freshly house-made Italian fix.
A few years back, this place was basically the whole reason you'd venture to Burleigh for dinner with friends. And now, despite its competition, I still rate it one of the busiest Burleigh restaurants on the block. Though if all that buzz is too much, it's basically a rite of passage to chow down on a takeaway Justin Lane pizza atop your picnic rug on Burleigh Hill overlooking the ocean.
With creative pizza toppings like zucchini and confit garlic, or prawn, calamari and chilli, as well as options for our gluten-free and vegan friends, it's perfect for groups, long sundrenched lunches on the roof and to fill your belly pre-night on the town. Don't sleep on their famous chilli margarita.
Ze Pickle
37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Ze Pickle will never not be popular with the burger-mad crowd on the Gold Coast, with the team always working hard to top themselves with even more decadent creations. Although I do wonder, how you can get more decadent than double-fried chips smothered in maple bacon and beer-infused cheese? They had me at maple bacon and and cheese.
And in case you're wondering, yes of course every burger is topped with an adorable yet crisp pickle. From the 'Basic AF' burger to the whopping 'Kanye's mum' and the artery terrifying 'Triple Loco' with three of everything - beef patties, American cheese, maple smoked bacon, fried onion served between two grilled cheese.
I'm of the firm belief that this is the perfect place for loading up on burgs with mates after a few drinkies. Because when you've got a hankering for a good feed, Ze Pickle undoubtedly has the juiciest, most loaded burgers in Burleigh. And if you haven’t exploded at the end of your main, you seriously need to check out the baked caramel M&Ms and choc chip cookie dough skillet and marshmallow gravy. The name of this dessert is a tongue in cheek one that showcases the locale's wicked sense of humour.
The Tropic
43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Burleigh Pavilion | Supplied
Situated at the northern end of the Burleigh Pavilion, The Tropic has made a name for itself among Gold Coast restaurants as a unique Mediterranean take on fresh Aussie seafood. Treated carefully and lightly with a focus on complementary flavours that highlight the produce itself, The Tropic is one for the purists, the curious, and the all-round foodies.
Enjoy a little sea spray with your ceviche because it doesn’t get more waterfront than this. But don't let the locale fool you, I've received some of the best service at this beaut spot. And it's the epitome of Burleigh restaurants with a view. The puffed spiced bread is giving UFO aesthetic and the Gldband snapper with citrus dressing and a smattering of fresh herbs goes down as one of the best dishes I've ever tasted here in Burleigh. Feeling like a fancy li'l thang? Then I would not be doing my due diligence if I didn't recommend a little bump from the caviar menu, just know it'll cost you a fine penny.
Seaside Kitchen & Bar
1742 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Seaside Kitchen | Instagram
This standout Burleigh Thai restaurant focuses on casual dining where the catch of the day meets major Thai flavours. Offering three impressive banquets that start at a modest $45.90 per person for three courses and a tea, Seaside Kitchen & Bar takes the tricky dish selection step out of the process.
Prefer to choose? Opt to select dishes from the menu for delicacies like my personal favourites, the crispy pork bao bun with refreshing cucumber, chilli and coriander, or the coconut prawn salad with lashings of chilli jam, coconut, shallots and a sprinkling of mint and coriander, topped with red onion and lychee. Open seven days from 11:30am to 9pm, this is hands down one of Burleigh Heads' best Thai spots.
Manny's Wine & Fish
1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Originally Labbath and having transformed into Manny's this place dishes out the iconic Lebanese delights from a bustling kitchen that’s always on show. I don't care what it's called - this joint keeps me coming back for more, and I can near guarantee it will for you too.
With a menu designed to share, you simply cannot go past the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with traditional tzatziki and Greek salad, and the flavour-exploding taramadip featuring salmon caviar. Always-cheerful owner Patrick will welcome you into his little slice of Lebanon for a night with a big smile, something you’ll be leaving with after experiencing such gastronomic satisfaction.
Local Burleigh
1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Local Burleigh | Clayten Fowler Photography
Wander through Burleigh Heads, and you’ll pass great restaurant after great restaurant. Local Burleigh is no exception. Equal parts bar and restaurant, what used to be Harry’s Steak Bistro is now a lowkey, timber-toned venue, with a sun-soaked beer garden in the back, and I promise the bite matches the bark.
Kickstart your afternoon with a bit of help from casual mains like ot the Black Angus Scotch fillet (right up there with the Gold Coast’s best steaks). More of a vegetable fan? No problem— my pick's the caramelised cauliflower and potato gnocci with cashew cream, caper brown butter, parmesag and sage. And, thankfully, Local has put the beautiful dog-friendly beer garden to good use with a range of refreshing cocktails, which go on special every Friday afternoon. Local opens from 11.30am, so feel free to top up your caffeine levels with a Bellissimo Coffee brew.
Looking for more? Check out:
- Coolangatta's Best Restaurants
- Mermaid Beach's Best Restaurants
- The Northern Rivers' Best Restaurants
Main image credit: Restaurant Labart | Supplied
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