The Best Eats in Burleigh Heads

From beachside big guns to tucked away jewels, the Gold Coast’s buzzing Burleigh Heads has become a hotbed of gastronomic innovation, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Brace your tastebuds and don your stretchiest slacks for an unforgettable journey through the culinary delights that have propelled this seaside suburb to nation-wide stardom. Bon appetit!

One for the food lovers: Labart

A delectable Parisian-esque pause right in the heart of town, chef Alex Munoz Labart deftly marries European inspiration and execution with standout local produce and seasonally driven menus featuring the likes of Queensland spanner crab risotto and Wagyu flank with Oxheart tomato and smoked eel tonnata.

One for a beaut breakfast: Paddock Bakery

Walk in and nab a table in the leafy garden of this heritage Queenslander for maximum brekky appreciation via a menu that runs the gamut from dippy eggs and toad in the hole to crème fraiche scramble and the fabulous Benny bagel. 

One to sip, snack, or settle into: Piatto & Cantina

A short drive to neighbouring Mermaid Beach will deliver you to this punch-packing duo. Piatto is run by mom n’ pop, delivering rotating menus starring to-die-for pastas, while next-door Cantina is helmed by the kids, who’ve compiled a tapas and cocktail menu that’ll quite simply leave you weak at the knees. Don’t miss the fried prawn sando and ace negroni!

One for a casual slice: Justin Lane

No dining destination is complete without a standout pizza joint, and luckily for Burleigh, Justin Lane fits the bill and then some. The handmade sourdough pies have gained a rep that’s travelled far beyond the beachside suburb, with solid pastas and snacks rounding off a crowd-pleasing offering that always hits the spot.

Two for the saucy show: Jimmy Wah’s & Light Years

It’s hard to decide which of these Asian heavyweights takes the ‘best in town’ crown. Jimmy Wah’s refreshing and Aus-inflected take on traditional Vietnamese has been consistently hitting the mark and luring locals to its little roadside cubby since 2016, while fusion superstar Light Years is the biggest draw on the westside of the highway. There’s no bad move here, may as well stay longer and visit both!

One for a top drop: Rosella’s 

It’s cute, it’s petite, and it features a toilet gallery wall homage to Alf Stewart of Home & Away fame. The drinks are darn good, too!

One for the ‘gram: Rick Shores

No list of Burleigh eats would be complete without mentioning the most popular of them all, Rick Shores. Their lauded Moreton Bay Bug Roll has put them on the global map for good reason, and the surf-front situ simply can’t be beat. 

Don’t forget to secure your tickets in Mater Prize Home lottery no. 312, because if you win, all of these dining destinations and so many more will be right on your doorstep! What are you waiting for? 

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