That spectacular view along the Burleigh beach to Surfers Paradise, the waves crashing just metres from the full-length bi-fold windows, will always be the talking point at Rick Shores. But this laid-back, approachable venue is so much more than its location. Affable and charming staff treat guests the same whether they’re fresh off the sand or there for a special occasion, delivering effortless yet refined service that’s a class above.

While the menu is equally accommodating, transitioning from easy bar snacks and raw items like their signature fried bug roll or the refined kingfish sashimi, nutty with black sesame and fresh with lime; through to dishes cooked over coal, meat and curry plates and sides and salads. Thai flavours dominate the menu, but clever elements of Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese cooking sneak in to offer a pan-Asian twist. The expertly layered red duck curry with a building heat is a star, but surprisingly outplaying it is a simple side of roasted cauliflower with a pepita satay and cauliflower leaf kimchi.

Asian influences even extend to desserts with clever creations such as a chocolate parfait with brown rice miso and potato skins.

Must-eat dish: Cauliflower with pepita satay