Oh Burleigh you little beauty, what’s not to love right? Since the dawn of time (or the dawn of the GC at least) Burleigh has been one of the most-loved suburbs amongst a slew of strong contenders.

Sure, the beach is beautiful (that Hill is iconic for a reason) and James Street boasts all the best eats and acai bowls galore but it’s more than that, Burleigh has a soul of its own born of cruisy, barefoot, salty seabreeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Gushing aside, we’ve found the best of Burleigh so you don’t have to.

We say when in Burleigh do as the locals do, so here’s our guide to the best eats, bars, shopping spots and places to visit so you can see why the locals love it and you should too (or else).

Fine Dining
Restaurant Labart
The fine dining venue has become part of the fabric of Burleigh’s bustling heart, but it’s also become one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations. Tucked away on West Street, the five-star, seasonal produce-led restaurant is an absolute must-visit and your dining experience there is one you won’t long forget. The produce is sustainable and the wine list is filled with some of the most stunning natural wines in the world. The service is impeccable too, but in a fun, not-too-formal way. We LOVE.
Where: 2A/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads 

Rick Shores
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh beach, Rick Shores is loved (not only locally) for its stunning sunset views and those tiny little taste sensations otherwise known as Bug Rolls. If you’ve never tasted one, you’ve been wasting your life, make a booking RIGHT NOW and order them all. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails and you’re a bonafide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Mr Hizola’s
Yum, contemporary Cantonese food, we love you. Mr Hizola’s is dishing up the goods in the form of tasty share-style dishes and we are here for it. Particularly the sizzling steak dish that is all kinds of delicious and an array of epic cocktails to match.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Jimmy Wahs
If you’re looking for fancy food but with the relaxed vibe that’s quintessentially Burleigh, look no further. The stunning space offers incredible Vietnamese dishes inspired by Head Chef Jake’s trip through Vietnam and a desire to eat some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Same. It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, paired back vibe. Jimmy Wahs is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive eateries and we are big fans.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Casuals Eats
Burleigh Town Hotel
If you haven’t seen this new reno, then where have you been? One of the best glow ups on the GC recently (in our humble opinion), Burleigh Town Hotel has nailed the pub-style menu and good vibes. The perfect place to set up for the arvo with your besties and the kids, there’s loads of space for the little ones to roam and plenty to keep them entertained while you kick back with a beverage in hand. Say less.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Gelato Co
We’re softies for the sweet deliciousness that is gelato. Burleigh Gelato Co know how to deliver on flavours worth melting for, they’ve got all the classic Italian flavours you know and love along with their own signature specials. Guaranteed you’ll love them un-cone-ditionally.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Coffee Hangs
Seadog
The guys behind Seadog know coffee. Starting as a humble little hole in the wall – literally – Seadog has become the go-to for a quick bite and a brew. And don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you – you really are seeing double because you’ll find the crew on the bustling James Street or down the other end at the old faithful Burleigh Bowlo, perfect spot for a piccolo and park hangs.
Where: 8/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads and 1, Bowls Club, Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Tarte Bakery & Cafe
There’s good reason this gem is heaving at all hours, the home of the iconic muffin top (IYKYK) and some of the best coffee in town, it’s not just locals who love it – you’ll find Gold Coasters and beyond flocking here for a taste of the goods. Come for a coffee and to get around their huge menu with something for everyone – literally, it’s impossible to not love something. Plus, we’re pretty sure it’s mandatory to leave with a pastry in tow – go on, you deserve it.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Social Brew
Social by name, social by nature – Social Brew is one of Burleigh’s best coffee hangouts whether you’re looking to catch up with the crew or a spot to work for the day, there’s a reason these guys have stood the test of time. A staple spot to visit in Burleigh for their signature iced coffee, come for the caffeine and stay for the bites.
Where: 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Baker
The baked goods that come out of this friendly little bakery are honestly something else. Owners Geoff and Lisa are passionate about baking and opened Burleigh Baker to provide us with the best tasting and most nutritious Artisan Sourdough and boy do they deliver. They use only the finest ingredients and the traditional process of fermentation. Do not buy bread anywhere else. You’re welcome.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Something To Drink
Paloma Wine Bar
From the brains that brought us Labart is the one and only Paloma. This small but mighty wine bar has one of the largest selections of boutique wines (we mean, it is in the name) with some seriously epic eats to accompany. We can’t go past the steak frites – seriously, don’t sleep on this – and if you don’t know where to start on what to sip the expert team always nail the reccos. Pop a Pet Nat on your must-try for something a little bubbly or if you’re more of a red drinker, their signature chilled reds are the ultimate for a hot summer’s day.
Where: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s 
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s very quickly became a firm local favourite when it opened last year and with both a drinks and food menu made up entirely of Australian produce, we are in love. There are cocktails made with Nutri Grain, some of the tastiest toasties around and all the very best Aussie beers. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Justin Lane Rooftop
Don your finest frock and rally up your girlfriends for a Sunday session and a spot of people watching on the roof at Justin Lane. With cocktails in hand and a balmy breeze blowing in through the windows, you need never go anywhere else again. After a few hours, pop downstairs for one of Justin’s famous pizzas and that’s your Sunday sorted.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lockwood Bar
A somewhat hidden little speakeasy in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Lockwood Bar specialise in all of the very best varieties of whiskey along with many a local tipple transformed into tasty cocktails. It’s a laidback, jazz bar kind of vibe, low lit, often with live music and once you’re inside, you likely won’t want to leave. We dig it.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Brewing Co.
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. After opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced nine delicious drops with delightful names such as ‘My Wife’s Bitter’ and ‘FIGJAM’ – perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill or head into the brewery from Wednesday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it. There’s live tunes too, what a combination.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Something To Do
Burleigh Hill
Well hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become a local legend? No matter the day of the week (but particularly Sunday arvos) “the hill” as it’s affectionately known is packed with picnic rugs, ball games and groups of revelers basking in the sunshine. Looking out over the ocean and with the city in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon lemonade or early morning coffee date with the crew. If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around the hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy scenery or if you’re into hill and chill then order some takeaway and perch up on a picnic blanket to soak up the scenery.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Bowls Club
A relaxing little beachside club loved by young and old alike, Burleigh Bowls has been around since 1937 and is certainly a prime piece of real estate these days. Barefoot Bowls roll on from 12 to 5pm every Sunday and it’s a measly $5 per person including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Live music can be heard on Sunday arvos from 2 to 6pm. Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

David Fleay Wildlife Park
Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, David Fleay’s is a wildlife park with a difference. Stroll through the tranquil surroundings to experience some of Queensland’s most iconic natural habitats and meet the resident wildlife — all in just one day. Explore the park solo or join the dedicated Park Rangers at the daily wildlife shows.
Where: Corner of West Burleigh Road and Loman Lane in West Burleigh

Shop With Us
James Street
If you’re in need of some retail therapy then James Street is the only place you need to go. The range of shopping has everything you need whether you’re looking for some new additions to your home from Maison & Maison or to update your wardrobe at Emte you’re guaranteed to leave suitably more stylish. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of art to dress your walls at work or home, Art Yarramunua is our pick for their incredible collection of indigenous art, expertly curated to celebrate the rich cultural history of Australia’s indigenous communities.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Farmers Markets
Everyone’s favourite Saturday morning market adventure. Get up early, grab your basket and set out in search of fruit, veggies and of course, your first coffee of the weekend. These days the farmers market also boast locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. There’s also live music and plenty of laughter floating around. Happy days.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

The Village Markets
Our beloved boutique fashion and lifestyle market, The Village Markets, is home to hundreds of local makers and has helped to launch the international careers of countless creatives. Head down for an early morning coffee and breakfast while wandering through the stalls until it’s time for lunch. Oh, and there’s always live music if you need a breather. It’s the best way to spend a sunny Sunday
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Speaking of early Christmas gifts (roll with it), here’s one everyone can share. A decadent, French patisserie opened in Burleigh Heads just a little while ago and we have never been graced with anything quite like this Gold Coasters.

Aux Fines Bouches is the work of husband and wife team Richard and Sophie Le Deunff, who relocated from Adelaide not long ago to bring our city the goodies they’ve been delighting southerners with for the past 12 years.

Richard is the man behind the sweet treats, a Pastry Chef from northern France since he was 15 years old, he has won a slew of awards including Pastry Chef of the Year from prestigious Gault and Millau.

The reason for the awards is quite obvious as soon as you step inside the Taree Street space. Simply decked out with a few chairs, Aux Fines Bouches is really just about showcasing the absolute magic within the cabinets. The best part though, is watching Richard and his team at work through the window whilst choosing your goodies, so mesmerizing.

So what is the magic we speak of? Well friends, it comes in the form of tarts, cakes and pastries so decadent you almost feel bad putting them in your mouth. Almost.

The attention to detail that goes into each and every dessert is mind-blowing, how do you have so much patience, how do you not eat everything as you go, how do your fingers make such incredible things, you get the point.

For example, there is an apple shaped treat (fancily called a Pomme d’Eva) that looks exactly like an apple but instead of actual boring apple inside, it has a blackcurrant mousse and a crunchy outer shell. What.

That little guy went through five different phases of creation before it was perfected and it is indeed perfect.

There’s a Merveilleux – a traditional French dessert made up of two light meringues held together with whipped cream, covered in more whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings and so very yummy.

As people who LOVE a citrus dessert, we were very big fans of the Coucher de Soleil a lemon and raspberry tart with the perfect amount of punch that we absolutely did not share.

Richard comes up with one new dessert a fortnight and how he manages it, we will never know. He also makes incredible cakes for special occasions and we saw a pink one that we will order for every single person we know for the rest of time.

The point is, everything at Aux Fines Bouches is sweet and perfectly balanced and the array of stunning flavours on offer is going to knock your socks off.

Do yourself a favour the next time you’re in need of a sweet treat (so now).

LOCATION: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 7am until 3pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

With the world increasingly leaning towards a much more sustainable future, the young are certainly leading the charge. One very entrepreneurial Gold Coast lady at the forefront of sustainable and vintage fashion is 18 year old Georgia-Lili Howe. Launching her own clothing business Machia et. in 2020 at The Oasis Shopping Centre during the height of COVID-19, Georgia-Lili has been supported by several industries including public relations guru Karen Phillips of Gold Coast Women in Business and HIT 90.9 Gold Coast to name a couple. We caught up with Georgia-Lili to hear about her business journey to date and what big things we can expect from her in the near future.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have lived here my whole life so 18 years.

What do you love most about living here?
The beautiful weather, beaches and cafes.

Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey thus far.
I have always loved coming up with crazy ideas that give me a challenge so I started the journey pretty young. I found that it was an outlet for creativity whilst also being a good way to earn my own money. Since my first idea when I was about 12, they have become more and more challenging the older I get. I have also always loved being different to everyone else, so this has been another way to stand out from the crowd. The support I have received as well has been a massive inspiration.

Tell us about your business Machia et. – Sustainable & Vintage Fashion.
I wanted to create something that hasn’t been seen before. Something I had always wanted but couldn’t find as well. So it started as a hobby, finding vintage clothes for myself, then I turned it into a business.

Tell us about your retail shop at The Oasis Shopping Centre.
I have had the most amazing opportunity to have a pop up shop. It has shown me the true ins and outs of having a shop and how challenging it can be. It has shown me a different perspective into the business world.

What’s your proudest business moment?
Probably selling my first item. Having a customer buy something from me was amazing and made me feel that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion magazines and trends. Sources like Vogue and Pinterest inspire me and give me a good starting point for an idea, and how I can evolve it into something else.

What else is in the works for you in 2021?
Growing my online presence is definitely a goal of mine. I think social media is growing significantly everyday and I would love to gain more attractive via that.

Any advice for someone wanting to start a business on the Gold Coast?
Even if you think I your idea is crazy or unattainable it definitely is not. People will be inspired by your courage to do something that hasn’t been done before.

Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: elk espresso
Restaurant for dinner: gemelli Italian
How does your weekend usually look? Cuddles with my cat and rummaging through op shop racks and car boot sales.