George's Pizza Wine Bar

Georges Pizza Wine Bar is like the Gold Coast's own slice of the Greek Islands, found nestled on the southern edge of Burleigh Heads National Park alongside Tallebudgera Creek. 

Occupying the whitewashed blue-domed building that was once home to iconic Gold Coast restaurant George's Paragon, Georges Pizza Wine Bar is still owned by local identity George Tassis, who still greets diners at the entry and whose sprawling family residence is also on the side of the hill above the restsurant 

The whole complex looks like a piece of Santorini, from the whitewashed Bougainvillea-covered wall outside, with its inbuilt blue and white seats, to the entry steps with Greek greetings and the blue and white interior, which features carved booths, vine covered terraces and a central bar with paintings of the Parthenon and other famous Greek buildings.

Dotted around the octagonal inside space there are also lit-up olive trees, surronded by circular booths, while at one end there's even a dance floor with stage and strung with disco lights.  

Recommeded for families and groups are the quirky blue and white dining booths with plantation shutters, strung with fairy lights and seemingly carved into the restaurant walls, whilst the outdoor terrace is the place to enjoy sunsets and salty air.

From the menu (where most dishes are under $25), choices include spanakopita with Greek salad; fish, calamari or schntizel and chips, ravioli; spagehtti bolognese or carbonara; beef or vegetable moussaka; lasagne or eye fillet. You can also order fresh oysters, chips topped with feta and oregano or Greek salad.

The eclectic pizza menu  features a wide range of toppings, including Italian (margherita, napoletana, cappricciosa, peperoni & rucola), Greek, Mexicana and Seafood as well as Oz classic like Hawaiian, meat lovers, supreme and BBQ Chicken. There's also a small choice of vegan pizzas and gluten-free pizzas arae available for an extra $4 charge.

Frpm the bar, there's a selection of Oz beers like XXXX Gold, Crown Lager, Tooheysand Victoria Bitter as well as craft beers like Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and alcohol free beer, while a small range of international beers includes Greek, Belgian, Irish, Japanese & Mexican.

On the cocktail menu you'll find classics like Aperol Spritz, Long Island Iced Tea, Mojito, Old Fashioned, Daiguiri, and Margarita, along with nostalgic retro cocktails like Brandy Alexander and Golden Dream and mocktails are also available.

The wine list has a smattering of Greek wines including retsina and a couple of reds, and wines from around Australia and there's also soft drinks and sparkling water.

Good to know - There is a limited amount of parking available in the car park out front (shared with the Jellurgal Centre), reached via the traffic lights off the Gold Coast Highway.

Need to know - It is recommended to get there early as it gets really busy. Because it's so popular and can accommodate a crowd, food can take a while to arrrive.

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