Perk up with this Burleigh newcomer.
Perk up with this Burleigh newcomer.
Who doesn’t love a corner coffee joint and especially one that is literally called Corner Coffee. Ticking all the boxes it (obvs) serves coffee, but cracking coffee at that and if this doesn’t get your attention #WeResign. It has an intimate, inviting, and simple yet trendy fit-out which makes you want to sit down even though you’re like totally running late for werk, and yeah, so are we. Plus, unlike many convenient pitstops for your (non-petroleum) fuel up, brekkie, or lunch on the run, this one offers healthy nosh, gluten-free eats, vegetarian options, and legit, where have you been all our processed-food-infused lives?
Introducing the southern GC’s newest grab-and-go must-try, meet Coffee Corner in our beloved Burleigh. Its modern clean lines are as easy on the eye as the food and bev are on the tastebuds, and don’t even get us started on the tradie friendly hours coz spoiler alert; it has tradie friendly hours. The timeless design features a monochrome base, lots of timber, and a dash of olive-green goodness. A crisp white vertical veejay panelled counter, black and white menu boards overhead, and a hearty dose of obligatory foliage create a minimalistic yet welcoming vibe.
You can sip and eat or eat and sip inside or outside, but we’re quite partial to parking under an umbrella by the street so we can enjoy a side of people/commuter watching with our long black. While we’re talking brews, you’ll experience the local love that is coffee roasted by GC born and bred Kuki coffee, and IYKYK (and if you don’t know, now you do and #URWelcome).
This is a common theme for the Corner Coffee Crew who pride themselves on supporting local and we can never get enough of businesses with this philosophy. Stocking the likes of Burleigh Chilli, Currumbin Cookies, Tugun Bakery, Raw Clean Sweets and Treats, Oat Cup and Rainbow Living Probiotics, their stellar menu also incorporates eats made with Bread Social breads. Plus you’ll spy tastefully displayed décor from Grit Ceramics, and someone give Corner Coffee a gold star already for getting behind local biz buddies.
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty; the nosh and drinks. Starting with food, take your pick from grab and go (or sit in and nom) toasties, bagels, brekkie rolls, salads, croissants, wraps and smashed avo. There’s also a wide selection of pies and if you don’t like these pastry-covered parcels of pure perfection then quite frankly #ThankYouNext. The signature dish is the Pesto Chicken Toastie and srsly, of course it is. The pairing of chook and this basil-y brilliance has long been our soft spot but when done Corner Coffee style, #WeCan’t…ButWeSoCan.
Let’s not forget the irresistible spread of sweet (but healthy) treats on display which make us feel satisfied yet not gluttonous and just #yay. Most menu items also come in gluten free varieties and our guts are overcome with gratitude right now, as this means we can rock those annoyingly on-trend cut out frocks sans the bloat.
Moving on to drinks and seeing as we’ve already discussed the epic coffee, the chilled sips are well worth a try. Think juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and how about a Choc Banana Smoothie coz refer to earlier point re. pesto and chicken #BetterTogether. The Inner Glow Juice in particular speaks to us, as we want our insides precisely how we would like our outside; glowy, glowier and glowiest.
With lots of exciting ventures in the mix for the coming months, we love a good tease as much as the next person. So friends, make a date with Corner Coffee and get a gold star for taste, wellness, and support-local-ness #WordOfTheDay.
Where: 134 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
When: 6am (5am from Monday 21 November) – 1.30pm Monday – Saturday & 7am – 12pm Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Imagrs by Brittany Kreskas.
Meet Tarte Market, the healthy little Tarte joining her superstar siblings.
If you’re a southern Gold Coaster, you’ve been to Tarte Bakery Café (on repeat. Like twice daily…). You’ve knocked back a Cookie Cup, soaked up its Soho vibes and Parisian style people watching, plus grabbed your fair share of NYC inspired sweets or savoury snacks from the Tarte takeaway window. In fact, even if you’re not from the southside, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve either been, or heard your friends lusting over all things Tarte (and had that fleeting “are we talking makeup or the café?!” moment, before correctly landing on the latter).
This crowd pleaser’s celeb status extends far and wide and when you’re on a good thing, why not make it even better? Not possible we hear you say, but when we tell you about the newest Tarte in town; Tarte Market, you’ll eat your words…and its entire menu! And you won’t feel even a twinge of guilt because it’s the health-conscious member of this GC luminary triple threat, set to level up the Tarte empire another notch.
Taking over the Thai restaurant next door, owner, boss babe, and hospitality guru, Chloe Watts, has done it again. With New York and Parisian influences, Tarte Market is in theme with her older sisters, yet offers an entirely unique eating experience. Focussing on all things healthy, clean, and beach-bod-friendly, we’re invited to go against the rule and actually make friends with salad. These aren’t just any salads either, made fresh to order with the option of including as many house-made add-ons as your tastebuds desire. That’s right, in addition to a few drool-worthy combos listed on the menu such as the Healthy ‘Risotto’ (yes, this is still a salad), you can fully customise your very own creation!
Freestyle your protein with the likes of maple hot smoked salmon, smoked brisket, lemongrass grilled chicken, poached chicken, and for a slightly naughty slant on an otherwise nourishing feed, fried chicken. Non-meat-eaters and vegans, never fear as you can also DIY with tofu, and tarragon and sage mushrooms. Salad never looked so good!
Other ingredients include quinoa and black rice, brown rice, wombok, kale, avocado, green papaya, spring onion, silver beet, broccoli, cauliflower, pickled cauliflower, shaved brussel sprouts, caramelised onion, goats fetta, halloumi, free range eggs, crispy chick peas, almonds, pine nuts, and pistachio dukkah to name a few. Then coz you can, add your fave herbs like Vietnamese mint, dill, chives, parsley, and coriander (controversial…but we’re firmly pro this divisive super herb).
If you’re thirsty, order a freshly made smoothie, like the Berry Smoothie, with blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and honey. Or, the one that made us go weak at the knees, the Lychee Smoothie which is all about the lychee! Plus there are design your own fresh juices, top notch coffee, a variety of teas, a Parisian Hot Chocolate, and a selection of exclusive Tarte Drinks. We’re drawn to the Old Fashioned Lemonade and of course, the Cookie Shot with steamed vanilla bean milk. Oh, and there are some cheeky alcoholic beverages if you’re feeling that way inclined (we are), like the Grande Mimosa with fresh OJ and the Hard Southern Iced Tea with vodka. Bottoms up!
And if you happen to be hit with a case of in-house Tarte FOMO (defined as frequenting your chosen Tarte, but deciding you actually want a piece of the other Tarte/s), relax – you can order from all three menus at either the bakery, the takeaway window or the new market. But here’s a hot tip: if you want to DIY salad (and not order from their set combos), you need to actually go to the Tarte Market window.
So for a delicious, healthy Tarte-a-licious salad experience with the option to freestyle your feed, cease-ar the moment and head to Tarte Market. Be-leaf us, you won’t be disappointed.
Hours: 7 Days, 6.30am – 3.00pm
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Pics by Brittany Kreskas.
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
You'll be stoked with the new location!
It’s a fairly sad time when you notice things you love disappear from your life. We’re not talking about that illustrious Tinder match or the awesome pair of shoes which worked with everything: we’re talking about those unforgettable hospitality haunts where you’re always guaranteed to have a great time.
One such institution which falls perfectly into this category was Mermaid Beach’s laidback, no-frills lounge room style bar, Après Surf. For those who may have frequented the venue, you’ll know all too well the ambiance was as laid back as they come (nearly horizontal, in fact). Backed by a slew of interesting and moreish cocktails, frosty beers, and a finely put-together ensemble of all the best American diner-style eats you could imagine.
Unfortunately, the building they were situated in was designated for demolition. Meaning the guys were forced to pack up their stuff and let the contagious party demeanour of Après Surf go dormant for a while — until now, that is.
Nothing much has changed for the crew behind this fun time venture, apart from their new location in the centre of Burleigh Heads, just off the highway. Prime position, no less, for you to wander in off the beach or to hide away after a tough day at the office and forget the world for a little while.
This space isn’t an entirely new version. In fact, almost all of the fittings such as chairs, tables, and wooden panels have been repurposed from the old venue. Cast your eyes around the vintage paraphernalia and quirky Australiana antiquities; for the keen-eyed amongst you, you may recognise a few touches from their Mermaid Beach bar.
Now shacked up in Burleigh, the bar is a little more extensive as they aim to satisfy a steady league of thirsty and hungry souls with their unique easy-going and be-yourself atmosphere!
To satisfy a Queensland style of thirst, the guys have an array of the frostiest beers on tap from the likes of Balter and Young Henry’s. Should you be in the mood for a cocktail of some description, then their small selection of adapted signatures such as a Negroni Blanc and Après Zombie will undoubtedly catch your eye (may we strongly suggest the Caramello Limencello, it’s an Inside Gold Coast favourite). And should you feel like something in particular, keep in the bar tenders’ good books and strike up a conversation about how your favourite cocktail of all time isn’t on their menu — they’ll have you covered!
There’s a variety of tasty eats available across a sizeable menu which find itself split into the sections of Small Bites, Mains, Burgers, and Desserts. Smaller plates like the Truffle Fries and Classic Buffalo Wings are the perfect accompaniment to an ice-cold beer, whereas the house-made Nasi Goreng, Fish Burger, Pork Katsu Sando and Après Beef & Bacon Burger are all great reasons to skip kitchen duties at home.
After having only just opened, the venue is still finding its feet a little. Specials, specific event nights etc., are still in the pipeline but shouldn’t take the gang long to figure out, so keep your eyes peeled for more info as it comes up.
Whether you’ve been for a surf or not, if you find yourself with sand between your toes and a hankering for some great drinks and sensational food, Après Surf is the calling you cannot ignore.
Hours: Open every day (except Tuesday) 5pm – late
Where: Shop 1, 1837, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
