Rick Shores

Rick Shores sits on the beachfront at Burleigh Heads, on Goodwin Terrace, with windows looking straight out over Burleigh Beach. It is part of the Friends Of hospitality group, whose other venues include Central, Marlowe, Norté, Sueño and Southside, and it has become one of the restaurants most often recommended to visitors to the southern Gold Coast, thanks to a combination of a beach setting and confident cooking.

The kitchen describes its food as fresh pan-Asian flavours and beyond, built on produce from Australian growers and suppliers. Dishes are designed to be shared, so the best approach is to order several plates for the table and let the meal build. The dish people talk about most is the Moreton Bay bug roll, and fish and shellfish feature heavily across the rest of the menu too. Tourism Australia notes the restaurant's award-winning drinks list and its regularly changing menu, so expect seasonal dishes alongside the regulars.

Diners can choose from an a la carte menu or set menus, which are a good option for groups who would rather not negotiate the order. There is also a dessert menu and a separate bar and patio menu for a lighter visit with a drink. For larger celebrations, the restaurant takes private events, with space for about 110 seated guests or 150 standing.

Rick Shores suits couples, groups of friends and special-occasion dinners, and the lunch sitting is a good choice for families who want the beach view in daylight. Book ahead, particularly for weekend lunch and sunset tables, using the online booking system on the website. Allow two hours for a relaxed meal, and mention any dietary needs when you book so the team can guide you through the sharing menu. The dress code is not formally published, but smart casual fits the setting.

The restaurant is open daily, from 11:30am to 9pm Monday to Thursday and from 11am to 9pm Friday to Sunday, so a late lunch can drift into early evening. After eating, walk south along the beach to Burleigh Head National Park, or head to James Street for coffee. Enquiries can be made by phone or through the contact form on the group's website.