Restaurant Labart

Restaurant Labart is on West Street in Burleigh Heads. It calls itself a contemporary European bistro in a relaxed neighbourhood setting, but its reputation reaches well beyond the suburb: Gourmet Traveller magazine named it the best restaurant in Queensland, and it has collected a string of national awards since opening.

The menu is a la carte and changes often, following what the restaurant's local farmers and suppliers have available. Tourism Australia describes the cooking as a blend of Australian, European and Japanese techniques, prepared in an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. Expect precise, produce-led plates rather than a long, fixed list of signatures, so it is worth asking the staff what has just come in and what they would recommend that day.

The sample menu on the website gives a good sense of the style. Starters run from South Australian Pacific oysters with shallot mignonette and warm baguette with brown butter to Jamón Ibérico, Olasagasti anchovies and buffalo mozzarella. Mains centre on Queensland seafood and meat, such as coral trout with tomato risotto, butterflied Queensland quail, barbecued king prawns, a Black Angus bavette and a Wagyu sirloin with béarnaise. Classic desserts include crème caramel and a warm crêpe with dulce de leche, and there is a cheese course for those who prefer it. Groups of seven or more order from a set menu, and the kitchen caters for most dietary requirements, though not vegan diets, if told at the time of booking.

The restaurant describes its setting as relaxed, so it suits a special occasion without feeling formal. It is a good fit for couples, small groups of friends and serious food lovers who want to see what the Gold Coast's dining scene is capable of, while travellers on a tighter budget may prefer to try the Friday or Saturday lunch sitting.

Labart serves dinner from 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and lunch from 12pm on Fridays and Saturdays. With only four days of service a week, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday. Reservations are made through the website, and the restaurant also publishes a phone number and email address for enquiries, such as dietary requirements or larger groups.

Being in Burleigh Heads, dinner combines easily with a late-afternoon walk on Burleigh Beach or around the headland in Burleigh Head National Park beforehand. Allow around two to two and a half hours for dinner if you plan to work through several courses.