Burleigh has it all, really. A thriving dining scene, pumping nightlife, boutique shopping, a huge expanse of glorious beach and some of the best surfing waves on the Gold Coast. Not to mention the views. And the gelato.
With so much to choose from, we thought we’d try to narrow it down to a handful of favourites. To bring you the best of Burleigh, we’ve teamed up with Jim Beam so you can make the most of summer and craft your ultimate coastal hit list with your crew.
Eat
Rick Shores
Image Credit: Rick Shores | Instagram
If you haven’t had Rick Shores’ famous bug roll, do you even Gold Coast? This famous Burleigh pan-Asian institution has it all: a sublime menu, great service and truly unbeatable views. Sunset is the most highly-coveted time here—be sure to book well in advance if you want an oceanfront spot.
Restaurant Labart
Image Credit: Restaurant Labart | Instagram
Restaurant Labart is an intimate modern Australian restaurant which has built a loyal following through word of mouth—literally—with an ever-changing, produce-driven menu that never fails to delight. The talented chef team seriously know what they’re about. If there's only one fine dining restaurant you visit on the Gold Coast, make it Labart.
Justin Lane
This long-time Italian institution in Burleigh has seen its fair share of competitors come and go over the years, but Justin Lane has remained a neighbourhood stalwart, with its extensive menu of traditionally-prepared woodfired goodness keeping diners from all over the Gold Coast coming back for more. The chilli margarita is an absolute must-order—we recommend to book in advance.
Jimmy Wah’s
Elegant modern Vietnamese is the name of game at Jimmy Wah’s, which is the perfect spot for a work function or group booking where you can order to your heart’s content and share a range of delightful pan-Asian plates from the menu. The kingfish sashimi is a must-order and we love that they have a separate vegetarian menu too. No food envy here.
The Tropic
Image Credit: The Tropic | Supplied
It’s hard to get more beachfront than The Tropic, right next door to the Burleigh Pavilion. The current ‘it’ spot for the Gold Coast's movers and shakers, you’ll be torn between gazing at the stunning sea views or the well-heeled crowd as you dine on Mediterranean-inspired plates, colourful cocktails and fresh seafood.
Commune
Commune has been a crucial part of the Burleigh’s cafe scene for what feels like forever. With funky décor, excellent coffee, and a fresh and tasty menu, this iconic cafe has garnered an extremely loyal following for obvious reasons. The salmon bagel is one of the best we've ever devoured.
Social Brew
Tucked away just off James Street, the ever-bustling Social Brew is a cool respite from the blazing summer heat. With a secret special five bean coffee blend, decadent big brekky, solid plant-based offerings and a $10 kids menu, there will be something for everyone here.
Tarte Bakery
Image Credit: Tarte Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
Tarte’s range of artfully prepared baked artisan pastries has kept it going strong since it first burst onto the Burleigh scene in 2020. Dine in and choose from the extensive modern Australian-meets-New York breakfast and lunch menus, or just grab yourself a box of flaky croissants, cruellers and gooey cookies to munch at home. If you're heading down south, be sure to pop into Tarte's new cousin cafe, Tarte Beach House on Currumbin Creek.
Next Door Espresso
Image Credit: Next Door Espresso | Instagram
Take a trip to the Mediterranean at the breezy Next Door Espresso, where Burleigh meets the Mediterranean. Featuring Byron’s organic Moonshine coffee and an array of beautifully arranged breakfast dishes, you can dine al fresco a la Europe, right here in Burleigh.
Paddock Bakery
Image Credit: Paddock Bakery | Hayley Williamson Photography
One of the Gold Coast's most Instagrammed cafes, Burleigh’s Paddock Bakery has been innovating since the day they opened their doors, and is arguably the first home of the cruffin on the Gold Coast. Good luck choosing from the absolutely loaded pastry display cabinet. Everyone has to try the famous diippy eggs, at least once.
Drink
NAÂMi
A hidden Burleigh cocktail bar with a Vietnamese twist, NAÂMi will whisk you straight to the back street of Hanoi. Live music and DJs keep the party going on weekends, and with two-for-one cocktails and bahn mis on Thursdays, consider your long weekends sorted.
Burleigh Pavilion
Image Credit: Burleigh Pavilion | Supplied
Right on the golden sands of Burleigh Heads sits the Burleigh Pavilion, a bright, breezy, Mediterranean bar that is oh so quintessentially Gold Coast. Sip on an ice-cold Jim Beam and while soaking up the direct oceanfront views in one of the Gold Coast's most iconic locations.
Malibu Racquet Club
Image Credit: Malibu Racquet Club | Supplied
This breezy, Cali-esque eatery seats a cosy 54 patrons and is decked with a sleek wrap-around bar, high arched windows and green tables which contrast against the white fit-out. The concise raw menu showcases six raw dishes but what they lack in variety, they easily make up for in quality. Of course, you need to pair your meal with a cocktail and Malibu Racquet Club offers a range of elegant cocktails, wines and bevies.
Burleigh Heads Bowling Club
Steeped in history and community spirit, Burleigh Heads Bowling Club is the perfect place to bowl a few balls barefoot in the sun with your crew. The laid-back, feel-good bistro boasts both an Asian fusion or Western menu with all the classics like golden chicken schnitzel, sweet and sour pork, Mongolian beef and a hearty serving of barramundi and chips. Plus, a round of barefoot bowling will set you back for less than 10 bucks per person. It’s a yes from us.
Local Burleigh
Local Burleigh is a traditional pub in a world of fancy cafes, and it really holds its own. This sprawling, no-frills venue features friendly, old fashioned service, a hearty and unpretentious breakfast, lunch and dinner menu—swing by any weekend night and you'll see it packed to the rafters with patrons.
The Surf Club Burleigh Heads
The humble surf club is loved by one and all, plus it’s a reliable spot to nab a feed with view—and Burleigh Head’s outpost is no different. Located at the base of the Burleigh Heads National Park, soak up the surroundings on the balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean and order up classic surf and turf like battered king prawns, a Burleigh cheeseburger or share a few pizzas with your mates.
E.L.E
Short for Everybody Loves Everybody, this slick new modern bar in a Burleigh back alley features pops of colourful neon, a tasty cocktail menu, Japanese izakaya courtesy of the team behind Oi Izakaya, and a theme of diversity and inclusivity. It’s all about love, baby.
Paloma Wine Bar
[paloma wine bar]
Image Credit: Paloma Wine Bar | Instagram
From the talented team behind Restaurant Labart, Paloma Wine Bar is a vibey neighbourhood wine bar located in the heart of Burleigh Heads. The seasonal menu of small plates should be washed down with a range of truly world-class vinos that will have connoisseurs returning over and over. Oh, and it won Gourmet Traveller's '2023 Best Wine Bar of the Year'.
Things To Do
Burleigh Headland Walk
Image Credit: Burleigh Headland | TEQ
The Burleigh Headland, known as Jellurgal in the Yugambeh language, is one of the most popular walking spots in the city. Wander through the Burleigh Heads National Park rainforest route if it's hot, or take the headland trail and you might just spot whales and dolphins. Convenient to all that Burleigh has to offer and featuring truly stunning views of the oceans and Tallebudgera Creek, it’s the place to take visitors when you want to impress.
Learn To Surf
With varying waves and crystal clear waters, Burleigh is one of the ultimate places in Australia to learn how to surf. If you’re a beginner and the only surfing knowledge you have is derived from either Point Break or Blue Crush, places like Godfathers Of The Ocean have a range of class packages to choose from. From family lessons and private to group bookings with your mates for a laugh, we guarantee you’ll have a blast while getting fit in the process.
Browse The Village Markets
Image Credit: The Village Markets | Supplied
Burleigh’s Village Markets are among the most popular on the Gold Coast, and for good reason. Featuring funky vintage clothing, handmade homewares, local artisan goods, delicious food and plenty of sustainable wares to choose from, they’ve made a name for themselves as the go-to for boutique market shopping.
SUP in Tallebudgera Creek
Image Credit: Tallebudgera Creek | Brooke Darling Photography
Hire a stand-up paddleboard or kayak for the whole family at super reasonable rates and head out on the calm, flat waters of Tallebudgera Creek for a relaxing paddle on a hot summer’s day. Fun while exercising? We'll take it.
Burleigh Hill Picnic
Image Credit: Burleigh Hill | Instagram
Grab your basket packed with charcuterie, blanket and head to breezy Burleigh Hill where you can lounge in the shade of the trees as you gaze at the endless glittering expanse of Pacific Ocean on offer. On a good weekend you might catch some live tunes, markets and entertainment. Get there well before sunset to secure a prime position.
Burleigh Brewery Crawl
Burleigh could easily be called the hub of Gold Coast craft beer, with a plethora of amazing breweries within walking or a short Uber distance of one another. Grab your mates and head to Burleigh Brewing, Black Hops HQ, Lost Palms, FIZZ HQ, Haven and Precinct Brewing for an afternoon of delectable sipping (okay, some are technically in Miami but we'll claim it).
Looking for more? Here's the full list of Burleigh's best restaurants.
This summer, Jim Beam is bringing the coastline to your coaster, popping up on the beachside with gigs, good times and community events in partnership with Surfing Australia. Check out more of Jim Beam events and summer happenings here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Jim Beam. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.