20. Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads

Rick Shores interior Source: Supplied

It’s the restaurant that convinced Baz Luhrmann to shoot the Elvis biopic on the Gold Coast, sealing the deal with its famous Moreton Bay bug roll.

And one look at the view from this beachside eatery and it’s no wonder the world-renowned director wanted to become a regular. Hovering above the sand at Burleigh Beach, this contemporary, Thai-leaning venue will relax even the most stressed of diners with its uninterrupted ocean vista.

Also washing away any anxieties are the staff, their professional yet laid-back approach to service like a deep-tissue massage for the soul. Let them kick things off with a drink – the citrusy Rick’s Martini is a must; or a glass of wine from the well-composed list making heroes of popular styles from smaller, lesser-known vineyards.

Then dive straight into the famous bug rolls, the crustacean battered and fried inside a just-sweet brioche bun with a fiery sriracha mayo; alongside lobster and garlic chive har gow bursting with the pure flavour of the seafood. There are curries too, but even better is a slow-braised beef short rib expertly rendered into submission with a deeply complex massaman sauce. Finish with a standout brulee-topped calamansi citrus tart and take in that view.

Rick Shores menu Source: Supplied

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43 Goodwin Terrace Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

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