This winter, we are serving up a list of new menus, chef collaborations, and pop-up specials that you won’t want to miss. In Burleigh alone, you’ll find everything from elevated Vietnamese at Jimmy Wah’s to award-winning fine dining at Labart.
Just ten minutes away, Broadbeach delivers upscale Italian at Cucina Vivo and rooftop glamour. Staying at Sandbar Burleigh means your foodie trail starts at your doorstep. Ready to taste what’s trending? Here’s where to eat on the Gold Coast for unforgettable meals and flavours you’ll talk about long after checkout.
Where to Eat on the Gold Coast?
This season, Burleigh is buzzing with rich comfort dishes and award-winning flavours that offer far more than just a meal.
Fine Dining Gems to Experience This Season
For those who appreciate thoughtful plating and locally sourced ingredients, the Gold Coast’s fine dining scene is serving at full strength.
Labart
Burleigh is a benchmark for modern Australian dining. Tucked away just off the main strip, it’s a space where the lighting is soft, the service is crisp, and the food is sharp and seasonal. It’s a favourite for locals looking to escape the noise and indulge.
Rick Shores
Perched directly on the beach. Their Moreton Bay bug roll is iconic, but this season, richer dishes like beef rendang and miso-glazed eggplant take centre stage. Ocean views stretch across your table, and the atmosphere moves effortlessly between casual and elevated.
The Tropic
Burleigh Pavilion brings a coastal European flair, with a winter menu that leans into warming seafood, soft lighting, and a well-curated wine list. It’s as popular with long-time locals as it is with first-time visitors.
Cucina Vivo
Warm and polished, with soft lighting and views over The Star’s terrace. The staff are attentive, and the menu leans into winter comforts. The lasagne is rich and bubbling, and the truffle risotto is creamy and balanced.
Desserts like the tiramisu round out a meal that feels indulgent yet relaxed. Just ten minutes from Burleigh, it’s an easy choice for a memorable Italian dinner.
Palette Restaurant
Blend food with creativity. The menu shifts with current exhibitions, offering dishes that are both seasonal and expressive. Winter highlights include rich, slow-cooked mains and vibrant plating that mirrors the gallery’s bold energy.
The space is elegant but welcoming, with views over the sculpture lawn. Just 20 minutes from Burleigh, it’s a dining experience that feels thoughtful and inspired.
Where Bold Flavours Meet Laid-Back Vibes – Upscale Casual Dining in Burleigh
Not every exceptional meal needs white tablecloths. Burleigh Heads is packed with stylish, relaxed eateries where bold flavours meet an easygoing atmosphere.
Justin Lane
Known for wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and a rooftop bar with breezy Burleigh views. The space buzzes with energy, especially on weekends. Dishes like truffle mushroom pizza and ricotta gnocchi keep the tables busy, and the drinks list covers everything from spritzes to natural wines. It’s casual, lively, and always consistent.
Light Years
Adds colour and punch with its modern Asian fusion plates. Think sticky beef short rib, vibrant pickled cucumber salad, and cocktails that pack a tropical punch. It’s become one of the top restaurants on the Gold Coast, Australia, for fun, shared dining.
Mr. Hizola’s
Serves up Cantonese favourites with a fresh edge. The char siu pork is rich and caramelised, and the noodles are packed with flavour. It’s lively but relaxed, with generous portions and a menu made for sharing. A solid choice for family dining on the Gold Coast.
Jimmy Wah’s
Serves bold Vietnamese flavours in a relaxed, low-lit space. Dishes like wagyu pho and crispy pork belly are carefully balanced and full of character. The staff are welcoming and know the menu well, often suggesting thoughtful pairings that make the experience feel special.
Oi Izakaya
Channels the feel of a Tokyo backstreet bar. The space is intimate, the sake list is solid, and the menu leans into bold flavours. Favourites like karaage chicken and miso eggplant hit the table fast. It’s casual, lively, and always full of locals.
Hail Mary
Bold, colourful, and always buzzing. The fish tacos are crisp and zesty, while the birria quesadilla is rich and loaded with slow-cooked beef. Spicy margaritas bring the heat, and the laid-back service keeps things fun. It’s one of Burleigh’s best spots for flavour-packed Mexican with serious personality.
Cosy, Creative and Always Crowd-Pleasing – Brunch and Café Picks
When mornings are cool and slow, Burleigh’s café scene offers the perfect start. These brunch spots have earned their following for good reason.
Tarte Bakery & Café
A standout. With crisp croissants, sourdough sandwiches, and high-end brunch plates, it’s earned its place among the best cafés in Burleigh Heads. The interior strikes a balance between modern and rustic, and the staff know their coffee.
Paddock Bakery
Set in a weathered Queenslander with a garden full of wooden tables and good conversation. Their shakshuka is rich and hearty, and the cinnamon scrolls—still warm from the oven—are big enough to share. It’s a local Burleigh favourite that’s as much about the feel as the food.
Commune
The kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention. It’s steady, relaxed, and known for using locally sourced produce in dishes that feel wholesome and familiar. It’s also a great option when looking for places to eat in Burleigh Heads that feel less touristy and more rooted in the neighbourhood.
These cafés may seem casual, but the food, service and settings make them truly memorable, especially when the winter sun catches just right.
Savour the Season with a Full Plate and No Regrets
Food is part of the travel experience. This winter, regional pride adds something special to every meal. Burleigh and its surrounds offer a collection of venues that each bring something unique to the table.
Some serve art on a plate. Others focus on warmth, comfort and a neighbourhood feel. Either way, there’s no shortage of answers when wondering where to eat Gold Coast-style this season.
Sandbar Burleigh Puts You in a Prime Position
The most satisfying meals are the ones you don’t have to travel far to enjoy. That’s the everyday reality when you stay at Sandbar Burleigh. Truly, Sandbar places you within walking distance of beloved spots like Labart, Rick Shores and Tarte Bakery.
After a night of fine dining or a laid-back lunch with friends, return to your spacious, modern apartment with ocean or hinterland views. Sandbar Burleigh is your invitation to explore the best bites the Gold Coast has to offer, all without straying far from your front door.
Image Credit: Restaurant Labart