Come for the glittering coastline, stay for your fill of Moreton Bay bug rolls, caviar-topped abalone and a topnotch bottomless brunch.

Best beachside dining: Rick Shores

1/10

So close to the glare of the ocean you might need sunglasses, this Burleigh stalwart is as consistent as the waves. The umbrella-shaded patio keeps things casual, with the deservedly famous Moreton Bay bug roll on high rotation. But the serious smarts of the pan-Asian menu are best revealed in the sleek dining room. Lobster dumplings and char sui pork are standouts or choose the nine-dish set menu and ask the sommelier to match your wines.

3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5630 6611

Best resort dining: T’ang Court

2/10

Five-star hotel newcomer The Langham has arrived bearing gifts, including this Gold Coast spin-off of the hotel’s three-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong. Abstract pieces by Australian-Chinese artist Lindy Lee pop against a neutral background – the perfect setting for a menu that celebrates premium produce, from caviar-topped abalone to prawn-stuffed crab claws or the crisp skinned delight of 14-day dry aged Peking duck.

38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise; (07) 5638 8888

Best bistro: Labart

3/10

The lo-fi alternative to the Goldie’s dining glitz, this unpretentious yet chic bistro is one of the region’s most celebrated. Alex Munoz Labart mans the charcoal grill, his signature barbecued king prawns in prawn butter emblematic of his approach to premium produce. Set-menu dinners star the likes of Wagyu rump with bread sauce and duck fat potato while weekend lunch includes a laidback à la carte option.

8 West Street, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5576 3498

Image credit: Brooke Darling

Best crowd-pleaser: Burleigh Pavilion

4/10

Après-beach there’s no better spot than “The Pav”, a sprawling indoor-outdoor beach bar and restaurant overlooking the blue expanse of Burleigh. An Insta ready crowd poses beneath festoon lighting with Aperol Spritz and chilli salt rimmed Margaritas, while the peckish feast on fish and chips, woodfired pizza and burgers. From Thursdays to Sundays, revellers toast the sun going down to the tunes of a live DJ.

3A/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads; (07) 5661 9050

Image credit: Kenny Smith

Best wine bar: Paloma

5/10

With its snappy wine list, classic cocktails and a simple snacky menu of just shucked oysters, chargrilled seafood or a beautifully caramelised onion tart, the little sibling of restaurant Labart is a star in its own right. On buzzing James Street, its choice of seats in the footpath sunshine or amid the Mid-Century good looks of the petite dining room collude to give this no-bookings pitstop major pulling power.

1/12 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Image credit: Brooke Darling

Best coffee: Elk Espresso

6/10

Greenery softens the industrial design and a mural of the namesake deer adorns the wall at this trendy spot. The house blend shares the limelight with guest roasters from across Australia; choose between classic espresso, filter or cold brew. Stick around for a bottomless brunch fuelled by strawberry lime Mimosas and the signature panna cotta with granola or order your hit to go and head to the golden sands nearby.

Shop 44, The Oasis, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Best fancy lunch: Miss Moneypenny’s

7/10

Clear your calendar for lunch at this glamorous Broadbeach haunt, where a terracotta bar, undulating timber ceiling feature and breezy coastal vibe are the cool backdrop to a seafood-centric menu. Kingfish ceviche comes with pickled jalapeño and jewels of pomegranate, while the caviar and champagne option gives all the reason you need to go the full Onassis.

50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach; (07) 5655 0785

Best Japanese: Etsu Izakaya

8/10

Hiding improbably behind a pair of barn doors on the highway (look for the glowing lantern out front), this buzzing Japanese-style pub announces its irreverence with a mix of traditional murals, neon and street art. Take a seat at the long concrete bar for a night of sake and snacking from a menu that pleases all comers with sushi and sashimi, salt-flecked edamame, tempura and offerings from the robata grill.

2440 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach; (07) 5526 0944

Best Italian: Orzo

9/10

Carbs are king at the aptly named Orzo, where pasta is made in-house daily and swings from lamb ragù ravioli topped with fried fennel fronds to supple ribbons of linguini tangled around fat king prawns. Putting the smart into casual, the peach-pastel dining room is a place to linger over taleggio-stuffed fried green olives, Wagyu carpaccio with a salty flutter of bottarga and classic tiramisu, while the punchy wine list also demands attention.

1N-02, The Oracle, 12 Charles Ave, Broadbeach; (07) 5570 3476

Image credit: Justin Nicholas