Shuck yeah!

Burleigh has its fair share of heavy hitters in the foodie scene, but there’s one name that continues to reign supreme on the Gold Coast Highway: Jimmy Wah’s.

Opening back in 2016 by restaurateur Shelly Greaves and Chef Jake Cooley, now under new management and Chef Fabio Curi at the helm, this Vietnamese-meets-modern-Australian gem has achieved something pretty rare – it’s managed to stay cool without even trying.

For those who haven’t experienced the elevated, full-sensory feasting this GC institution is famous for, firstly, huh?!, and secondly, consider this your official nudge to get with the program.

Before we talk about the main event (the nosh), let’s unpack the vibe. Imagine ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ taking a holiday in bustling Burleigh: authentic, vibrant, a touch nostalgic, and just enough edge to keep things interesting.

Jimmy Wah’s isn’t messing with success – the classics are still stealing the spotlight. The Vietnamese Pancake with pork larb, prawns, pickled cucumber, lettuce and herbs is more of a local celebrity than any of our gaggle of Gold Coast fitness influencers. Get some pork on your fork, in the form of the Caramelised Pork Belly with sweet potato and turmeric puree, chilli and lychee salsa, and watermelon radish.

Or for some seafood action, don’t miss their famous Tempura Oysters with soy and sesame, chilli mayo, and black tobiko, or the Betel Leaf with tempura barramundi, charred corn, peanuts, and chilli.

Let’s not forget the Banh Mi with tempura soft shell crab, Vietnamese slaw, coriander and chilli; a sandwich glow-up that leaves ham and cheese weeping in the corner. And why not finish with their iconic Fried Bao, salted caramel and peanut ice cream.

But here’s the kicker: just when you think you know the menu inside out, Jimmy Wah’s goes and drops seasonal menu changes that make your heart (and tastebuds) skip a beat. The team loves to keep diners guessing with fresh, exciting creations that prove the kitchen is every bit as inventive now as it was nine years ago.

Of course, what’s a feast without something equally fabulous to sip on? Cocktails here are almost as famous as the food, with Jimmy’s take on a Spicy Margarita holding icon status, and the Ginny Wah making a strong case for best dressed in a glass (and best name). And if cocktails aren’t your jam, the award-winning wine list, expertly curated by sommelier Shelly Greaves, will more than carry the night. It’s been curated with soul and exceptional attention to detail to complement Vietnamese flavours, which is code for: order another bottle and thank us later.

Jimmy Wah’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a cultural moment. The service is slicker than a K-pop dance routine, the staff are friendlier than your neighbour’s labrador, and they’ve mastered the fine art of being professional, fun, and relaxed.

The interiors are just as charming as the menu, seating 70 lucky diners between indoor and outdoor spaces that buzz with Burleigh energy. It’s stylish without being pretentious – a place where you can just as easily take your foodie mate who Instagrams everything as you can your hot date you’re trying to impress without looking like you’re trying.

So, whether you’re there for a midweek pick-me-up, a date-night flex, or a “just because” cocktail session, Jimmy Wah’s is the place you’ll keep coming back to. Because sure, everyone already knows about Jimmy Wah’s – but it doesn’t hurt to remind them that some favourites are forever.

Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When: 12pm – 2pm & 5.15pm – 8.15pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm – 3pm & 5.15pm – 9pm Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 2pm & 5.30pm – 8.15pm Sunday.
Website: jimmywahs.com.au
Instagram: @jimmywahs.burleigh

Words by Bianca Trathen

STORY SPONSORED BY JIMMY WAH’S