Bringing Good Vibrations to Burleigh
Bringing Good Vibrations to Burleigh
They say a change is as good as a holiday and this has certainly been the case for the latest addition to Burleigh’s foodie scene, Good Vibrations.
Formerly known as Anna Karena, the teahouse turned old school takeout has undertaken a complete transformation at the hands of owner Karina who wanted to provide great quality takeaway food in the perfect location, just a hop skip and a jump from the beach.
The vibe is reminiscent of a laidback 1980’s surf shack and the food is the kind you’d go out of your way for. Luckily though, you don’t need too.
Offering an array of burgers from the New Jersey Slider, Big Kahuna and (our fave) the Mahama Mama plus fresh fish and chips, milkshakes, coffee and the ever-elusive classic hot dog, there is literally something for everyone.
Best of all may be the fact that you can drink a delicious cold beer while you wait as part of Good Vibrations $15 Old Skool burger and (any) beer deal.
It’s the Gold Coast wrapped up in a friendly, easy to access takeaway shop and the name really does say it all.
Oh, and if you ever visited Anna Karena and sampled one of Karina’s magical cake masterpieces, you’re in luck – they’re still there.
Bye New Year diet, it was nice knowing you.
Open Tues – Fri 10am – 8pm, Sat 8am – 8pm and Sun 8am – 5pm
3/1957 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Bug rolls, the beloved hill and local brews.
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 sea breeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else. Gushing aside, we’ve found the best of Burleigh so you don’t have to.
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). We always say, when in Burleigh, do as the locals do.
Perched three floors high, within the stunning new Mondrian Gold Coast, is Haven. What is the Haven, you ask? It’s a nothing-short-of-exceptional beach club, spanning a refined yet relaxed dining room, private cabanas, a full-service pool club and a sunset bar. Whether you’re brunching in your bikini or toasting at twilight, Haven is where it’s at. As the sun sets, the evening comes alive with a soundtrack of DJs, curated playlists and live performances.
Where: Level 3/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh Beach, Rick Shores is loved not just by locals but globally 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 (seriously). Make a booking RIGHT NOW and order like 5. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails, and you’re a bona fide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
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 trips to Vietnam, tasting some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Sounds epic! It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, pared-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
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. Trust us, your dining experience here won’t be easily forgotten. The produce is sustainable, and the wine list features 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
Après Surf is your friendly neighbourhood bar in Burleigh. If a crisp beer, indulgent pub-style eats, and DJ beats sound like your pint of lager, this place is for you. It’s plain ol good vibes from 5pm daily (except Tuesdays) with DJs every weekend! Head there on a Thursday for $1 dumplings and free stand-up comedy from 8pm! Doesn’t get much better than that, and Burleigh locals know it.
Where: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
They started off as a taco-slinging hole-in-the-wall in Palm Beach in 2021, instantly becoming a cult favourite. Now, they’ve levelled things up with a move to Burleigh. Think bigger and better space, with the same beloved laid-back Aussie beach culture, and big Mexican flavours we all know and love. The new location invites you to settle in, sip a marg (or three) and let the good vibes take you to Mexico. Batanga, anyone?
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Looking for a Burleigh locals’ guide to the best fish and chips in town? Look no further. And this place doesn’t just stop at fish and chips (even though we wouldn’t recommend going past them). They also serve fresh poke bowls and vibrant superfood bowls, plus a range of Bali-inspired dishes that reel in people from all over; they’re that good. Think flavour-packed Gado-Gado, nasi goreng and Bali satay chicken sticks. Wash it down with a premium cocktail and watch Burleigh come to life (this place is in a prime people-watching locale).
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
A true family-run gelateria, Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is run by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Rebecca Heininger, alongside their daughter, Jaime. Since opening in late 2025, they’ve been serving scoops of authentic, 100% natural Italian gelato to Burleigh locals (and visitors), and we cannot be more thankful. The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate-hazelnut scoop made with homemade hazelnut paste from Piemonte, Italy. Then, for those who like to gulp down their gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. Can we get a hell yeah?
Where: 7/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
As you cruise down the GC Highway, the striking red and white umbrellas and festoon lights grab your attention and give you a whiff of what awaits inside. Crispy Italian is where to head when you’ve got a hankering for wood-fired pizza done insanely well. You’ll get a fun, laid-back vibe and a menu stacked with la pasta, la pizza, woodfired gnocchi and desserts impossible to resist. Did someone say Aperol spritz? Oh yeah, that was us.
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Local is one of those venues that just gets it. Equal parts polished and laidback, this Burleigh favourite nails the brief from morning through to late arvo and beyond, making it the kind of place you pop into “just for one” and somehow leave with a full camera roll and a new core memory. With multiple spaces to suit every vibe, from the fairy light–lit beer garden and fully stacked tinnie bar to plush indoor booths and a main bar made for game days, Local is built for long hangs, big feeds and even bigger catch-ups. The menu covers all bases (classic pub grub, elevated plates and a few fancy moments for good measure) and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
There’s a 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
Locals know the only thing loose in this (top) paddock is scrumptious, buttery baked goods. Since opening its charmingly renovated doors in 2014, Paddock has been the ultimate spot for brunch, lunch and sweet treats that keep us coming back daily. With lush gardens, a cottage, loft, rooftop and barn to hide away in, the menu is just as endless as the spots to enjoy it – perfect for indulgence, people-watching, or a little bit of both.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
A local newbie that’s already earned its rightful place on this list (which is saying something). Start with a coffee- because there’s no other way, and theirs is superb- before diving deep into their menu full of hearty but totally healthy eats. Think Shakshuka Scramble with charred eggplant, peppers, tomato chilli salsa & charred bread. Chef’s hot tip: add brisket. Or, indulge yourself in a croque monsieur made with ham and gruyere, fried eggs, cheese sauce, green pea chef salad and parmesan that will blow your beret off. Everything here is made fresh, seasonal, and irresistible.
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Serving Southern California vibes (think cactus, umbrellas, pastel greens) all day long, alongside morning margaritas (you read correctly), epic eats and epic coffee. If you didnt catch on, Palm Springs does things a little differently, and Burleigh locals love them for it. They said, ” We will give you avocado smash and serve you one better”. Better in the form of a morning marg with breakfast tacos. It may sound rogue, but don’t tell us it isn’t exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Ideal hangover feed, perfect weekend brunch. Thank us later.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
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 cheeseburger – 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
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams, and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s is a local haunt that’s been a firm favourite since its opening. With both a drinks and a food menu made entirely of Australian produce, we are in heaven. They’ve got cocktails inspired by Fantales, Blinky Bill and Bondi Beach, all the very best Aussie beers and some of the tastiest eats to pair. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
This fam-and-friends-run distillery from husband-and-wife duo Justin and Lana Bell is serving up elevated cocktails designed specifically for sipping (and swooning), paired with snacky plates that absolutely understood the assignment. The space is a moody, deep-green, tropical-tiki dream and the drinks are bespoke and downright dangerous in the best way. Oh, and they’re big on collabs too, teaming up with like-minded legends to keep things fresh and fun, so consider this your official cue to keep a very close eye out for their next one. It’s intimate, it’s stylish, it’s packed with heart (and gin), and it’s proof that when you mix great spirits with great people, magic happens.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
If Burleigh had a local hall of fame, Burleigh Pavilion would be its MVP. This beachfront institution sits right above the sand at Burleigh Heads, serving up panoramic ocean views, sunset vibes and reliably good times from arvo cocktails to dinner dates and everything in between. Within its sprawling space you’ve got casual beach-bar energy, breezy terraces and The Tropic, the coastal-meets-Mediterranean restaurant where you can settle in for a sun-soaked lunch or a long, leisurely dinner with views literally stretching to the horizon. Whether you’re here for the drinks, the eats, the views, or just to feel like you’re living your best summer life year-round, Burleigh Pavilion is basically Burleigh’s living room with a better wine list.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery, and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. since opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced a lineup of delicious drops – all perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill, or head into the brewery from Friday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
This place is the ideal setting for a lil cocktail and antipasti moment. A wine with your significant other, cocktail hour with the gals, or dare we say, a quick shot to kick off an epic night. Alongside wines, beers, margs and cocktails, they serve ‘a quality shot’ for those who value efficiency or are known to be fashionable-late and need to catch up, as they say. That’s definitely not us…Okay, it’s totally us.
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Hidden inside the opulent Mondrian hotel, Ciel Spa is the city’s first bio-wellness spa blending high-tech treatments with high-touch luxury. Forget cucumber slices and pan pipe music, here you’re getting a serious glow-up down to a cellular level. From zero-gravity dry float sessions and Himalayan salt rooms to LED facials and cosmetic doctor appointments, they have it all. It’s a bit of a treat-yo-self moment.
Where: Level 2/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Well, hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become an icon? 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 revellers 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. Order some of your fav takeaway from James Street, and perch up on a picnic blanket to soak up the scenery. Better yet, sunset.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around Burleigh Hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy rainforest scenery. Or if you’re game, head up the vertical trail for a hill climb that’s rewarded with an epic view. Yes, some sweat may be involved, but it’s all in the good spirit of exploration. Cool down after with a swim at Burleigh Beach or Talle Creek, wherever you end up.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
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 rolls on from 12–5pm every Sunday, and it’s a measly $10 per person, including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
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 expertly curated indigenous art.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
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 boasts locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. Happy days! Open every Saturday from 7am–12 ‘rain, hail or shine’.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Meat free eats and good vibes galore.
Vegans, vegetarians and those who appreciate meat-free morsels, rejoice, there’s a new eatery in town and it’s taking superfoods to a whole new level.
Passionate about healthy food, owners Dean and Claire and their four daughters (after whom Serabar is named) have created an eatery bursting with love for wholesome, hearty foods and a contagious desire to share their passion with Gold Coast locals.
From menu choices to mingling with the customers, the Burleigh newbie is an entirely family-run affair.
A vibrant, open space underneath Ambience on Burleigh, Serabar is the perfect addition to Burleigh’s bustling foodie scene, offering unique eats that will surprise and delight even the most meat-loving of palettes.
For breakfast, drop in to try the Vegan Benny with the most delicious Hollandaise sauce you’ve ever eaten (made with cashews!). Wash it down with a Byron Bay Coffee Company brew and take home a tasty raw sweet treat for later on.
Lunch offers a highly stacked Mushroom Burger with crunchy sweet potato fries or Loaded Vegan Nachos, If you’re after something on the go, the glass cabinet is packed with wraps and chia concoctions and of course, there are Acai bowls and smoothies aplenty.
Serabar is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights with live music and, happily, its BYO. Unless of course a Beetroot or Matcha latte is more your thing.
If you’re keen to soak up the good vibes of a family on a mission to share their health-loving adventure, head down to Sera Bar and get some veggie goodness into you.
HOURS: From 6am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6am to 11pm and Sunday 6am to 5pm.
LOCATION: Shop 2 2-14 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads (underneath Ambience on Burleigh)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
More yum, less willpower.
Hands up if you’re in a toxic relationship with Uber Eats? You want to bite that hand feeding you, even though, technically, that hand is yours. So maybe this is a self-restraint issue? Don’t worry, this isn’t a therapy session- just a list of healthy takeaways that don’t require any restraint at all! Because, well, they’re healthy, obviously?
Here’s your cheat sheet for the best healthy takeaway eats on the Gold Coast.
As wholesome as it gets, Dalas Kitchen is a gourmet salad bar with two Gold Coast locations, online delivery and catering. They’re known for the most deluxe salads, but also serve sangas (on house-made focaccia), bagels and sodas too! Ran out of time to meal prep? Just order’ Dalas At Your Desk’ via their website!
Our pick: the vegan and dairy-free Bangin’ Cauli’ with panko-crusted roasted cauliflower, Asian slaw, mint, coriander, shallots, crushed peanuts and a creamy maple sriracha dressing!
Where: 2247 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach and 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Voted Gold Coast’s best healthy vegan eats, Govindas is not just a restaurant, but a mission. They’re a non-profit serving up feel-good, budget-friendly, and ethically made vegetarian fare. Every dish is as soul-nourishing as the next, with curries, salads, sides and more. They also run specials daily!
Our pick: Thursday’s Shepherd’s Pie– a classic!
Where: 20 James St, Burleigh Heads and 72 Griffith St, Coolangatta
This place is a plant-based paradise; every dish is a visual and nutritional masterpiece. If you’re yet to experience the best of vegan cuisine, let Cardamon Pod be your gateway! It’s as decadent and exciting as vegan dishes come- from raw cakes to globally inspired mains.
Our pick: Vegan Madras Chicken Tacos with tamarind popcorn ‘chicken’, bhuja, BBQ corn chat salsa, madras mayo and jalapeño cheese pakoras.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Brickworks Ferry Road, Southport
Quick, healthy and tasty- Just Fresh Made is your go-to for mouthwatering salads, spuds, wraps and fresh juices. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or a little heartier, Just Fresh Made has you covered every day of the week.
Our pick: Classic Fresh Veg Spud loaded with your choice of protein, smashed avo, tomato salsa, kale mix, sour cream and herb butter.
Where: Shop 1/84 Scarborough Street, Southport
They’re the Asian-inspired salad bar shaking up the fast-food game with zingy Asian bowls and rolls full of flavour and crunch. Banana Blossom is an East Coast favourite, serving in locations from the Sunny Coast to Bondi Beach. Their salads, rice bowls, and rice paper rolls are a fast, healthy and flavourful way to get your takeaway fix.
Our pick: Satay Salad with chicken, tofu or beef, plus pineapple, rice noodles, bean sprouts and a mouthwatering Malay-style dressing.
Where: Shop E117 Oracle East 6 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Come for the poke, stay for the roti wraps and smoothie bowls. This Mermaid Beach gem dishes up generous, customisable bowls with all the toppings your taste buds could desire. They offer plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to suit all!
Our pick: Nacho Bowl with chilli con carne, smoked sour cream, guac, habanero jam, and crunchy wonton chips.
Where: 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Plant-based yum cha? What about take-home banquet packs?! Hell yeah! This little vegan restaurant in Mermaid Beach serves up mind-blowing Asian yum cha and meals that are so damn good it’s earned them a 92% recommendation on Facebook! This place is a not-to-miss, with insane hot pots, soups and noodles, and even vegan ‘meat’ and ‘seafood’ dishes.
Our pick: Any noodle dish (seriously, you can’t go wrong)- but don’t skip the entrees.
Where: 90 Market St, Mermaid Waters
Three words, well, dishes; donburi, okonomiyaki and sushi. Does healthy takeaway get much better than Japanese soul food? Okazu does it best- fast, fresh and in two locations. They also do poke bowls, burgers, bento combo meals and plenty of options for the kiddies.
Our pick: Teriyaki Beef Okonomiyaki with a side of miso soup.
Where: 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach and 90 Markeri St Mermaid Waters
Don’t let the same put you off because this famed franchise is single-handedly making salads great again! They taste so damn good you forget you’re getting your entire daily intake of veg in one bowl! Build your own or pick from a menu of stacked bowls.
Our pick: The O.G. Chicken with poached chicken, kale, beets, crispy shallots, seaweed salad and roasted sesame dressing.
Where: Soul Boardwalk Shop T120B/4 Esplanade Surfers Paradise, Shop/4252 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and 2 James Street Burleigh Heads, 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Your servo snack stop just got a serious glow-up. Fox’s Pantry is a gourmet grocer/café hybrid (also a servo) serving fresh and fab whole eats, including sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Whether you follow a vegan, gluten free, dairy free or, keto lifestyle or diet….they have something ya!
Our pick: whatever you get, just don’t leave without a smoothie!
Where: 468 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
This Currumbin spot is a treasure trove of health-conscious delights. While catering is their main gig, their in-house and takeaway eats are at the next level. They use only the highest quality ingredients to make only the best-tasting eats that will fill your belly and warm your heart.
Our pick: the Organic Handcrafted Tofu Burger
Where: Shop 2 – 30 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
