The best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now

The Gold Coast's dining evolution has been one of the more surprising developments in Australian food culture — the Burleigh Heads precinct in particular has become a genuine dining destination that attracts food-conscious visitors from Brisbane and beyond.

Rick Shores

Rick Shores at Burleigh Beach has held its position as the Gold Coast's most celebrated restaurant since it opened, with an Asian-inflected menu that makes spectacular use of the Burleigh surf and the ocean view that serves as the dining room's backdrop. The whole yellowfin tuna and the mud crab are the signature dishes that regulars return for.

Borough Barista

The specialty coffee roaster and cafe in Burleigh Heads has set the Gold Coast's coffee standard and maintained it with seriousness — the filter program, the espresso calibration, and the breakfast food that has moved well beyond the avocado-toast template make it the first stop for any serious weekend in Burleigh.

Tarte

The French-accented dining room at Tarte in Broadbeach delivers classical technique with Australian ingredients in a way that creates the most formally accomplished fine dining on the Gold Coast. The duck liver parfait, the bouillabaisse, and the cheese selection sourced from Australian and imported producers establish the seriousness of intent.

The Fish House

The Fish House on Hedges Avenue in Burleigh has the location — beachfront on one of the Gold Coast's best beaches — and the cooking quality to justify the premium that comes with that view. The seafood-focused menu is driven by what the Queensland fishermen bring in, which means the menu reflects what's excellent rather than what's merely available.

Justin Lane Rooftop

The rooftop bar and dining space at Justin Lane in Burleigh Heads creates the kind of casual, social dining environment that the Gold Coast does best — excellent wood-fired pizza, good cocktails, and an outdoor terrace that makes the most of the climate from morning through to midnight.

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