Burleigh Heads has been the breeding ground for restaurants that have gone on to become institutions of the Gold Coast dining scene. Think Rick Shores, Jimmy Wahs and Paddock Bakery. The beachside suburb has also seen newcomers migrate from interstate, like Light Years. Now, it welcomes its first restaurant and beach club, Haven. 

Credit: Content Lion

Changing the rhythm of coastal dining on the southern Gold Coast, Haven will open on June 5 when the hotely anticipated Mondrian Gold Coast opens its doors to guests. The dining room will span across three floors and will sit adjacent to a pool club, private cabanas and a sunset bar. From midday diners can indulge in sunset-drenched long lunches and stay on for sundowners or drinks under the moonlight to the soundtrack of curated playlists, DJs and live performances. 

So what’s the menu going to look like? Led by Executive Chef Aaron Teece (formerly of EST., Felix, Manly Pavilion, and Studio Neon founder), the cuisine is grounded in the coastline, with menus shaped by seafood from Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and Northern New South Wales, alongside premium paddock-sourced meats and seasonal  produce from the hinterland. A woodfire grill sits at the heart of the kitchen, adding depth and character to dishes across both the restaurant and poolside menus. 

Credit: Content Lion

“I want people to feel the season and the source with every bite, because when ingredients are  respected, simplicity speaks loudest,” says Aaron. “We’re not trying to overwork anything — the quality  of the produce does the talking. It’s all about creating food that feels grounded but still sparks a sense  of occasion in this beautiful part of the world.” 

The drinks list won’t disappoint with a coastal-inspired cocktail program and a dedicated agave menu featuring tequila, mezcal, raicilla and bacanora. There’ll also be an extensive champagne selection and wine list featuring Aussie and international wines. Drinks are not reserved for the restaurants. Guests can sip cocktails poolside in a cabana or at the sunset bar. This is looking to be Australia’s take on the European beach club and we can’t wait to soak it in. 

Haven will open at the Mondrian Gold Coast on June 5, 2025. For more information and reservations, visit havenburleighheads.com

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