Paloma Wine Bar

Paloma Wine Bar is a neighbourhood wine bar in the heart of Burleigh Heads, with a walk-in-only format that suits a relaxed drink or an unplanned dinner. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm until late, at 1/12 James Street.

The food is built around seasonal small plates, with dishes changing regularly according to the quality of produce available from local suppliers. The sample menu ranges from oysters with mignonette, marinated olives and house focaccia with roast garlic butter to more substantial plates such as baked rigatoni vodka pasta and steak frites with 250g wagyu sirloin, peppercorn sauce and fries.

There are several dishes that stand out on the sample menu, including stracciatella with persimmon, spiced walnuts and mojo verde; tuna crudo with mandarin, pickled kumquat and Aleppo pepper; and a crispy snapper brioche bun with tartare, chilli oil and iceberg. For a more familiar option, the wagyu burger comes with pickles, onion, bacon, cheese, ketchup, mustard and fries. The menu also lists a tiramisu ice cream sundae for dessert.

Paloma also runs a Wednesday cheeseburger night from 4pm each week. With its evening trading, changing menu and no-bookings policy, it is best suited to couples, friends and solo diners who are happy to walk in and see what is available. The small-plate format allows for a light meal or a broader shared order, while the more substantial plates offer an option for dinner. Menu items are seasonal and the website notes that the sample menu may change.