We would venture to say Burleigh Heads is one of the most-loved places on Earth and for (very) good reason. A stunning coastline, world-class surf break, a breathtaking national park and, to top it all off, five star eateries. Plus, every single person there is wandering around with a big old smile on their face at all times – obviously.

And just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, up pops a brand new venue to take the Gold Coast dining scene to a whole new level. Yes friends, Burleigh Pavilion is open and it is even more delightful than we could have imagined.

As of late December, the much-anticipated venue threw open their doors to hordes of absolutely thrilled locals (and many visitors) who it seems have been waiting for this moment their entire lives and same to be honest.

You can find the Pavilion at the base of Burleigh Hill, right on the sand and overlooking not only Burleigh beach but also the entire northern Gold Coast coastline. It’s the epitome of beachfront good times and perfectly at home in our beloved Burleigh.

You’ll enter up a set of stairs and, once inside, come face to face with the Chefs doing their thing for the good of hungry people everywhere. To your left is The Tropic, the sit down dining section of the establishment and, to your right, The Terrace, a more casual, walk-in-off-the-beach-with-sandy-feet style of venue. What a treat.

The Tropic is all pastel pinks, mustards and greens with stunning stone tables with plants popping out of rattan baskets a pink tiled bar that’ll see you taking Insta-snaps for days. Of course, a deck juts out over the ocean and, with fairy lights strung overhead and the calming lull of the ocean right below; you probably won’t ever want to leave.

Across the way, another open-air section backs onto the kitchen so you can either watch the Chefs at work or gaze out over the ocean through the big old windows while occasionally popping over to the Pavilion Bar for a refreshing tipple.

To the right, The Terrace is exactly that, an outdoor area (yes you can still go there if it’s raining) with big white umbrellas, stunning stone high tables and striped seating yep, all overlooking the ocean and with the Beach Bar at your back.

Each section boasts its own unique vibe but they all come together to create a vintage look that is also modern and sophisticated but relaxed and understated and pretty much pure perfection if you ask us. Big love.

Food-wise The Tropic is where you want to be for an à la carte, Mediterranean style feast with standouts like the Seafood Platter, Giant Octopus and Wood Fired Pig Doughnut (just try it) the absolute must-trys. In terms of cocktails, The Tropic are the masters of creative concoctions and we recommend The Palms and The Pineapple Plantation.

At The Terrace, you’ll indulge in more of a casual eating situation with burgers, wood-fired pizzas, nachos, fish and chips and the like the name of the game. Perfect for a feast after a day of salt water and sunshine, washed down with an icy cold beer of course. Oh and you can also get to The Terrace via a set of stairs on the Burleigh Hill side of the building so that’s useful if you can’t wait a second longer for said feast and icy cold beer. That’ll be us.

So there you have it, Burleigh Pavilion has graced us with its’ presence and we are absolutely here for it.

Long live summer on the Gold Coast, what a time to be alive.

The Tropic is taking bookings now so get on in there.

LOCATION: Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads (you won’t miss it)
HOURS: 12pm to 12am daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Oh hey, we’re here to chat about Burleigh Heads again – the fastest growing foodie scene in Australia (made that up but it wouldn’t surprise us if it were true).

The latest exciting eatery to join the ranks of Burleigh’s rapidly expanding restaurant extravaganza (dramatic) is BKA Vegan, a stylish plant-based venue found underneath Ambience on Burleigh and open as of right now.

BKA Vegan has moved into the spot once occupied by The Local and it’s got that low-lit, moody industrial vibe we know and love. A sign splashed across the wall reads ‘Be Kind Always’ (which is what BKA stands for) and that, friends, is the entire premise of the newbie.

Earthy tones, exposed bricks and raw unpolished timber makes up the bar area and it’s a welcoming, edgy and delightful addition to beautiful Burleigh.

You can sit inside to soak up the good vibes or sidle up to a footpath table and watch the world pass you by.

Quite obviously, the menu is of the entirely vegan persuasion and every single thing on it (besides the bread) is made in house. Let it be known however that yes, it’s a vegan restaurant and while the food is indeed plant based, it is also simply food that is tasty, comforting and full of surprising, delightful flavours.

Owners Kylie Wood, a vegan of eight years, and Ryan Jacob wanted to create a space that offered hearty, tasty food and to educate people about being kind, both to one another and the planet. Ryan has been a chef for over 30 years and brings his expertise to a menu filled with unique flavour profiles that we shall now discuss.

There are many dishes worth mentioning here starting with small plates. We were particularly fond of the Spring Rolls (best we’ve ever tasted) and the Stuffed Crumbed Mushrooms. More please.

The larger plates were even better. Highly recommend the Mushroom Satay Ramen (flavour sensation), the Eggplant Cannelloni with spinach, cheese and lentil ragu and the Black Bean Noodle Salad with edamame, pickled ginger, wakame and spicy black bean dressing. Especially the Eggplant Cannelloni, what a treat.

The drinks menu is filled with vegan wines and beers (FYI Burleigh Brewing’s beers are all 100% vegan) and the cocktail menu is as good as you’ll find anywhere.

The entire crew are passionate about creating a conscious, ethical space and it shows both in the food and on their smiling, stoked-to-be-there faces.

Good food and good vibes, two of our favourite things. Get down there and give them some love Gold Coasters.

LOCATION: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 10am until 11pm Wednesday to Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

In news that will surprise no one, Burleigh is set to welcome another epic eatery to the fray at the end of September. Bondi Grill’e first appeared in Coolangatta in 2015 and, due to popular demand, will swing open their doors for a second time in six short weeks.

The food options are a meaty affair boasting their signature, and super popular, pork, beef and lamb ribs and a selection of gourmet burgers. Famous for perfectly cooked steak, the Burleigh venue will add new cuts of premium Cape Grim Beef to the menu.

The menu will also expand to include entrees, mains, share plates and desserts as well as a full cocktail menu.

In other exciting news, fresh local seafood with a Brazilian twist will also be added to the Burleigh lineup, a first for the Bondi Grill’e boys.

Almost a quarter of the new premises will be dedicated to a bar (hallelujah) that will offer your favourite craft beer, a sweet selection of wine and some delicious new cocktails.

We can see it now, sunny Sunday arvos with the crew, a cocktail in hand and seafood to match the salty sea breeze.

The Coolangatta restaurant came about after a trio of passionate chefs, originally from Brazil, completed their Aussie-wide travels and decided to call the Gold Coast home (where else).

Their plan was to create an intimate venue with a relaxed vibe and community atmosphere and, of course, the good people of Coolangatta made them feel at home.

Now it’s Burleigh’s turn with the new 130-seat venue set to become a firm favourite amongst locals looking for something new to sink their teeth into.

Stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come.

Words by Kirra Smith.