The Burleigh main strip might be one of the most coveted dining spots on the Gold Coast and it just got a whole lot cooler with the opening of LimLay, a stunning Thai restaurant bringing elevated street food to Burleigh.
Meaning ‘by the beach’ in Thai, LimLay comes to us from the team behind some of the Gold Coast’s most beloved Thai restaurants. Owners Pattaree Jiranuchaiwattana (Patt) and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet lead iconic establishments including Nahm Thai in Coomera, Nahm Talay Thai in Surfers Paradise and Valyn Thai in Isle of Capri, with LimLay marking their seventh Gold Coast restaurant. Phew.
Image Credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
Located prominently on Burleigh’s main strip, LimLay amalgamates the former Suzy BBQ and Ghanda sites, creating a sprawling 105-seater restaurant with a variety of seating options. Fancy a seat with a view? Perch up at the stunning natural rose quartz bar where you can watch bartenders slinging colourful cocktails and catch glimpses of the open-plan kitchen.
Lush, purple-toned booths line the walls, gold tones add luxurious accents and LimLay pays homage to the waves rolling nearby with thoughtful touches reminiscent of waves through the venue. What sets LimLay apart is its meticulous curation of every detail, a testament to the team’s passion and dedication.
Image Credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
Now, of course, the menu. Patt describes the menu as “traditional Thai street food but with a twist” and the traditional flavours blended with refined cooking techniques and premium produce make for a truly unique Thai dining experience.
Warm your palate with elevated snacks like Thai-style marinated beef skewers and the Miang Kam—a creative spin on the traditional Thai snack featuring betel leaf, prawn, chilli, Thai herbs, roasted coconut, ginger and caviar in one delicious mouthful.
Image Credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
Of course, you can’t visit a Thai restaurant without digging into Tom Yum soup. Our top picks are the Tom Yum seafood hot pot or the massive Tom Yum noodle jumbo with noodles, mixed seafood, chicken mince, crispy pork, chilli, coriander, shallot, eggs and enoki is as delicious as it is impressive—a dish meant for sharing.
On the mains front, we can’t go past the eye-catching red duck curry with duck confit, cherry tomatoes, tropical fruits, herbs, Thai eggplant and crispy sweet potato. Pair the curry with the impressive fried rice served in a half-cut pineapple, finish strong with LimLay's signature sweet potato and butterfly pea dessert and you’re ticking all the boxes.
Image Credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
The menu is seriously extensive, covering everything from BBQ meats, curries and wok-fried dishes to whole barramundi, salads, fried rice and noodles. In the late evening, the full menu transitions into a supper menu showcasing snacks perfect for pairing with drinks.
Image Credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
Speaking of drinks, the extensive cocktail menu stars some of the most theatrical creations we’ve seen and you’d be remiss to leave LimLay without ordering one of their show-stopping beverages. Bubble-topped drinks, smoking cocktails, ‘jellyfish’ shots and a jaw-dropping Wonder Wheel are just some of the impressive tipples on offer. And of course, if spirits, wine or beer are your libations of choice, then you’re well covered too.
Image Credit: Clayten Fowler Photography
LimLay is the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation; it’s fun yet sophisticated and is a true celebration of Thai flavours.
THE DETAILS
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Open Monday to Thursday, 11:30am-3pm/5pm-9:30pm
Friday: 11:30am-3pm/5pm-11:30pm
Saturday: 11am-4pm/5pm-11:30pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm/5pm-9pm
For more information, click here.
Main image credit: LimLay | Clayten Fowler Photography