If you needed proof that the Gold Coast is fast becoming a dining destination in its own right, look no further than Burleigh Beach. If the launch of Restaurant Labart earlier this year didn’t prove it, then the arrival of Pavilion will. As previously reported, the venue will be nothing short of monstrous; a beachside haunt with capacity for 650 that sits snuggly above fellow GC heavy hitter Rick Shores.

The Pavilion is a multi-purpose space that comes courtesy of the Mrs Sippy crew (of Sydney and now Bali). The group has undertaken a multi-million renovation to ‘future-proof’ their latest acquisition, a waterfront block that once housed the much lauded Oskars. But the venue’s new direction is in stark contrast to its previous use as a popular wedding venue, and is now set to be one of the most lively additions to the Gold Coast.

Food direction will be led by Cottage Point Inn talent Guillaume Zika who has been appointed executive chef, and has been tasked with creating the venue’s edible offerings, from its beer garden to its fine diner, The Tropic. The latter eatery will host 230 across its indoor seating options and an accompanying expansive outdoor terrace. While The Tropic has been designed with a more formal meal in mind, it won’t be your typical fine dining experience says Group Manager Hamish Jordan, but will instead reflect the casual atmosphere of the surrounding Gold Coast.

“The key message for the whole of The Pavilion is to be approachable to the community,” he explains of the group’s intentions. “I think we’ll also be a lot more approachable from a cost point of view to some of the area’s more well known restaurants.”

But that doesn’t mean The Tropic will be serving substandard fare, says chef Zika.

“The food at The Tropic will have influence from the Mediterranean. I’m taking inspiration from the flavours of Spain, south of France, Italy and even some Moroccan spices. We have a fire pit in the middle of the kitchen that we will use for slow roasting ingredients,” he says.

“The menu will have a strong influence on seafood and vegetables, and we will try to stay as local as possible. Our vision is to serve tasty food in a casual atmosphere; it will be no fuss on the plate, our focus is your palate.”

Aside from The Tropic there will be a number of more casual eating options; a non-negotiable for a beachfront block. Perhaps most importantly for beachgoers will be ample beer garden with front row seats to the sunset and which welcomes those attired in wet boardies and thongs. The space will stretch across 200 square metres, seating around 150.

But despite the obvious challenge of catering to multiple venues under the one roof, the allure of the north coast proved too much for Zika to resist.

“After being part of the opening for Mrs Sippy Bali, I thought that moving from busy Sydney could be a good thing for my young family,” he explains.

“I’ve been working in small fine dining restaurants for the last 15 years and thought that being part of a 700-seat iconic beachfront venue could be a great challenge. It’s a unique and rare opportunity that I couldn’t refuse.”

All going well, The Pavilion will open in early November.

Burleigh Pavilion
43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
burleighpavilion.com