This rather recent addition to the Burleigh dining scene has certainly turned a lot of heads. The fine diner is the first restaurant from former Monopole and Cirrus Dining head chef Alex Munoz Labart and partner Karla of Hospitality Communications group, The Exchange Agency. At this intimate eatery you’ll find a seasonal share-style menu, focused on local ingredients celebrated simply (but very tastily). Restaurant Labart, 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads, restaurantlabart.com.

This GC newbie comes courtesy of Sydney’s Mrs Sippy crew. The Pavilion’s main precinct, The Terrace, is a 400-pax casual offering, designed for a casual beverage to be enjoyed straight after a dip in the ocean, or a surf (and comes complete with outdoor shower and surf rack). There’s also ample snacks to accompany, from wood-fired pizzas to beer-battered fish and chips. Oh and a rather indulgent French Dip Steak Sandwich. Level 1, 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; burleighpavilion.com.

Surfing sensation Mick Fanning co-founded Balter Brewery with a bevy of mates (and fellow surfers) Bede Durbidge, Josh Kerr, Stirling Howland, Ant Macdonald, Sean Ronan, and Joel Parkinson in the industrial backstreets of Burleigh. The rag tag group placed award-winning brewer Scotty Hargrave (formerly of Stone and Wood and Byron Bay Brewing Company) in the role of head brewer, resulting in a brew that’s garnered acclaim across the country. But see for yourself – the brewery welcomes locals and visitors alike to drop in and take a tour, taste the beers, and get a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks that visit regularly. 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters; balter.com.au.

Boasting quite possibly the best view in Queensland, Rick Shores is quite literally beachfront – should you walk out the front doors your toes will touch sand. The laid-back share-style menu here features a heavy Asian twist, and has fast become a firm favourite in the state (reaching number two on the recent delicious. 100). Our suggestion? Don’t go past the Moreton Bay bug-stuffed Ricks Rolls. 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; rickshores.com.au

Who would have thought that a decaying Queenslander could become one of the Gold Coast’s favourite brunch spots? The 70-year-old home was one of the only original homes left in the district, and was transformed by the Paddock team into a hub of coffee and decadent pastry. A visit to the leafy breakfast hub is worth it for the dulce de leche brownies alone, but there are also plenty of heartier mains to tuck into for breakfast or lunch, including popular choice the dippy eggs. 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami; paddockbakery.com.

The Tropic is the second and more formal offering from the two-storey oceanfront Burleigh Pavilion. The 240-seater is led by former Cottage Point Inn head chef Guillaume Zika and his team, who have created a menu laden with local produce. Seafood is the main star here – with dishes revolving around a seafood platter, giant octopus, and grilled tiger prawns. But there are also non-seafood dishes alike to indulge in, including a rather experimental wood-fired pig doughnut. 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; burleighpavilion.com/the-tropic.

Fine dining favourite The Fish House has long been one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic restaurants, and has a slew of awards (and celebrity clientele) to prove it. The menu changes daily depending on the day’s catch, which is complemented by a bevy of fresh seafood flown in from around the rest of the country. Head Chef Damien Styles has created a menu which celebrates simplicity, and while it may not be the cheapest option, it’s a meal that’s sure to be a memorable one. 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; thefishhouse.com.au.

Nestled into the side of the Gold Coast Highway is community hub Commune. The popular coffee spot serves breakfast through lunch, with a hearty menu focused on hot weather favourites from acai bowls to haloumi-heaped egg concoctions. It’s the kind of space that perfectly reflects the relaxed coastal lifestyle, with the cafe awash in vintage furniture and posters, and artwork created by locals. 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; @communeespresso.

New neighbourhood addition Rosella’s is a celebration of all things Australiana. The bar and restaurant promises to offer a luxe take on iconic national fare, from jaffles (now stuffed with vegemite and Tasmanian chedder with a touch of wattleseed) to cocktails formed from XXXX. There’s also a bevy of natural wines to boot. 6/1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; rosellasbar.com.au.

Considered to be a go-to for some of the best pizza on the coast is Justin Lane. If you like your venues lively then this spot is for you – the cocktail and bar snack specialist is a hive of activity from evening through till late every night of the week. Perhaps the venue’s best offering is its Rooftop, a 70-seat space that thankfully has misting systems installed to provide the help guests cool down during those sweltering Queensland summers. No 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; justinlane.com.au.

Modern Vietnamese has found a home in the centre of Burleigh Heads at Jimmy Wah’s. The contemporary sharing menu at this intimate Asian nook is overflowing with gluten-free and dairy-free dishes and promises that ample can be made vegetarian if you wish. For those who struggle with decisions, there’s also conveniently the option of indulging in a ‘feed me’ menu, where the chef will do the choosing of seven courses for you. 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads; jimmywahs.com.au.

One of Burleigh’s biggest wellness-focused food haunts is Social Brew. The cafe is focused on the wholesome side of dining, with a range of caffeine-free lattes and cold-press concoctions joining an array of traditional coffee goods on offer. There’s raw desserts, and green bowls among an array of menu options that will keep you well-fed but free from guilt. To top it all off – the green theme continues rather literally in-store with a rather lavish canopy of hanging plants. 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads; socialbrew.com.au.

This much loved Burleigh resident may well be mecca for the burger fanatic. Ze Pickle is dedicated to excess in all its forms – from burgers to desserts its mantra is evidently ‘go hard or go home’. Your next visit could see you tuck into the decadent 3am – a burger of pressed wagyu beef patty, maple bacon, kanye’s fried cheeze sticks, guacamole and zp sauce. Perhaps you’re still hungry, in which case you could enjoy some buffalo chicken spring rolls, or a dessert of baked Mars Bar and chocolate chip cookie dough skillet. This place is not for the faint of heart (or stomach). 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads; zepickle.com.