While this Southern Gold Coast beach town has long been a favourite with holidaymakers, the recent surge of hip places to eat and drink has made it a popular choice with foodies.
Most of the action happens on James Street, however delicious dining options can be found along the Gold Coast Highway, down hidden laneways and in establishments with barely there signage.
While we might not be able to travel internationally just yet, be transported to Italy, Mexico, France, Vietnam and more with every conceivable cuisine covered in your Burleigh eatinerary.
While you may already know some of the popular Burleigh hotspots such as Restaurant Labart, Rick Shores and Justin Lane, there are some new restaurants and bars making waves in Burleigh worth seeking out.
Enjoy our tips for the best places to drink, dine and stay in Burleigh Heads!
Drink and Dine
Tarte Bakery
Make your way to this Parisian style café gracing a leafy corner of Burleigh. Tarte Bakery has street appeal in spades, with gilded signage on the door beckoning you in to discover more. What you’ll find is a delicious all-day breakfast menu featuring a twist on traditional favourites such as miso scrambled eggs and a cabinet filled with flaky pastries and magnificent cakes.
Location: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Palm Springs
You’ll find Californian-inspired Palm Springs just off the Gold Coast Highway heading northbound toward Miami. It’s an oasis of cool, with white washed walls and a peppermint hued bar where the magic happens, pouring the perfect brew in the sweetest “p.s. i love you” ceramic cups. While the Cali Breakfast Burritos are a popular choice, we can’t go past the Teriyaki Salmon for a nourishing and wholesome bowl of goodness.
Location: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Maman Bar & Kitchen
There are plenty of newcomers on James Street to graze at including Maman (pronounced ma-mo) Bar & Kitchen. With stunning interiors and artwork by Jai Vasicek, you’ll feel the Mediterranean vibes as you dine on share plates and sip sustainable wines and choose from an impressive range of signature cocktails.
Location: 49 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Hail Mary
If you love Mexican with a side of Margaritas, then get down to Hail Mary for their daily sunset sessions or Bottomless Sunday Lunch which includes unlimited tacos, margaritas and sangria. Sounds dangerously delicious!
Location: 6/26 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Jimmy Wah’s
This modern Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Burleigh has sleek lines and a menu of modern versions of popular classics. Expect items such as Banh Mi with tempura soft shell crab, slaw, coriander, and chilli or Caramelised Pork Belly with lychee & chilli salsa, sweet potato and tamarind puree with watermelon radish. The crowd-pleasing menu has plenty of gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian items too and is open 7 days.
Location: 1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
La Bella Cellar
Seek out this unassuming wine bar, with only a subtle wine glass motif to indicate you’ve arrived at La Bella Cellar. What could be more wondrous than entering via a wine cellar, ogling the wines and then stepping through to the restaurant beyond for Italian inspired share plates, pizza or an impressive cheese platter to accompany your chosen tipple.
Location: 9/3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Light Years
Bringing their modern Asian food, delicious cocktails and party vibes from Byron to Burleigh the lads from Light Years have created magic yet again. Tackle temptations such as Kingfish ceviche with coconut, chilli and Kaffir Lime with the sophistication of an Elderflower Lychee Spritz featuring lychee liqueur, elderflower, Prosecco and mint cocktail. Good times guaranteed.
Location: 1848 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Where to Stay
The Halliday
Just around the corner from Light Years, you’ll find the luxurious digs of Elder Villa 1 & 2. These cleverly designed villas each offer two bedrooms oozing style and sophistication in soothing coastal tones. Impeccably designed, there’s an Ozone mineral private plunge pool to cool off in the warmer months or stunning fireplace in the lounge room for cosy winter nights. Whatever the season, you’ll love The Halliday villas.
Location: 1445 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
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