Burleigh welcomes a heavenly new South-East Asian sensation.
Burleigh welcomes a heavenly new South-East Asian sensation.
Okay so we all love ourselves some Asian eats, no? There’s just something so right about sinking your teeth into a bowlful of the greenery goodness that is edamame, and a bao bun…or five…and honestly, we’ll never get sick of going to places serving up this sort of jam.
Enter Kami, Burleigh’s newest modern Asian bar and restaurant which has us all abuzz! The latest project from young Melbourne ex-pat mates Mitch Ryan and Anthony Bartolo, is the brother from the same mother of fellow Burleigh fave Magnolia Lane – and boy do these guys know how to come in hot!
Kami means ‘God’ in Japanese and let us give you the 411, their food and liquid eats are nothing short of heavenly, so they defs went with the right name. Upon entry, the neon sign instructs us to ‘Treat Yourself’, and this is precisely what we intend to do. We just can’t choose where to sit because we’re spoiled for choice; inside in a cosy booth, outside on the patio, or people-watch from the high bench seats overlooking the diners outside? #firstworldproblems
The fit-out by Bridget Bartold and Adam Waters has everything you want from a cool southern GC eats playa. With breeze blocks, a big bifold window, funky wall art injecting just the right amount of pop, and a counter/bar area bathed in top-to-toe mosaic tiles (we’re suckers for contrast grout), she certainly looks the part of Burleigh.
But she’s not all about qualifying for the pretty committee, as Head Chef, Callan Taverna, ensures that she also delivers the goods. The menu has everything you hoped it would with a line-up of the who’s-who of South-East Asian bites royalty.
Let’s get this party started with a serve of Bao Buns because as previously mentioned, it’s criminal not to. We’re going with the Pork Belly, Pickled Cucumber and Kewpie Mayo variety, and teaming them up with some Pork & Wombok, Chilli Oil, Fried Shallots Gyoza with accompanying Peanut Sauce. We’re drooling.
Let’s move on to their signature dish, Karaage Chicken with Cabbage, Gochujang Soy Glaze and Sriracha Kewpie Mayo, and we can confirm that our current mood is: next level satisfied. But wait, Mr Kami is calling our name LOUD from the bar and who are we to ignore the signature cocktail. With whiskey, honey ginger syrup and egg white, we’re even getting an extra hit of protein so don’t feel in the slightest bit guilty ordering another.
This is casual cool dining at its best and you betcha bottom dollar that we’re already excited for our next Kami night out.
Where: Shop 5/1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 4pm to 10pm
Words by Bianca Trathen.
At times, the world can be a little heavy, and it can feel as if everything you do is going against the grain. Hey, it happens to us all. The owners behind the newly opened Magnolia Lane in Burleigh Heads get it. They encourage people not only to come and eat delectable food and slurp on-point coffee, no. They want to give you a chance to slip in and hit the reset button, all whilst you catch up with great company and put life a little into perspective.
After all, life is beautiful — do not forget it, Gold Coasters!
Sandwiched between the Gold Coast Highway and Burleigh’s golden beach, Magnolia Lane is opportunely positioned for when you’re zipping around town or if you’ve just wandered in off the beach. Either way, the selection of coffee and eats up for grabs is the perfect pit-stop for your day.
Melbourne ex-pats and owners Mitch Ryan and Anthony Bartolo own several other venues around Victoria and have noted popular dishes like their Chilli Scrambled Eggs, Moroccan Lamb Plate, and Banh Mi’s should go down a storm here on the Gold Coast — and since opening two weeks ago, it’s certainly been the case!
The menu, however, reflects a different locale and a differing climate to Victoria, and the boys are only too aware of this. Expect a greater focus on deliciously put together acai bowls because, let’s face it, acai bowls are a gift from God when the mercury starts to rise. As well as a sizeable assortment of freshly squeezed juices made right to order; the perfect way to bring yourself back to life after a sun-baked session lying on one of the country’s finest beaches merely a block away!
For coffee, these Melbournites are naturally adamant about pouring only the finest drop. To ensure this, they measure out each grounded shot/s before entering into their machine to be extracted, with the house roast coming from highly revered Inglewood Coffee Roasters‘ Roosevelt Blend. A rotating Single Origin coffee from the same roastery will keep things appealing for those who sip their jitter juice black. Currently, it’s from Columbia with hints of grape, plum, and dates — sign us up!
The vibe of the curb-side venue is ultra-relaxed with clean lines, warm wooden tables, and splashes of green here and there. For the observant, you’ll notice the guys have created a rather eye-catching mural wall outside with the words “Today I am grateful for…”. Now you automatically might assume this is a great chance to grab a picture — and don’t get us wrong, it certainly is. But the ethos behind the wall has a deeper meaning for the pair who own this Burleigh café. Some time ago, a close friend of theirs passed away from cancer, and for them, this is the ultimate reminder — and mantra — about how we should view life and be thankful every day. If you stop and think about it, we all have a lot of things to be grateful for, and by the looks of things, Magnolia Lane might just have crept itself onto this list.
Hours: Everyday 5.30am-2.30pm
Where: Magnolia Lane Burleigh – 6/1863 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
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
