Masu Izakaya
Burleigh Heads
Updated: Apr 30, 2025
Masu Izakaya is a hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant, found tucked away in Burleigh Heads and serving up some of the best Japanese food to be found anywhere on the Gold Coast.
Located on the other side of the Gold Coast Highway from the James Street precinct, Masu Izakaya's unassuming streetfront gives little clue as to the exquisite five star dining experience that awaits.
The menu here is next level and beautifully presented, starting with the Raw Bar, which includes Ikuru Ponzu oysters (must-try!); sashimi taco; salmon usuzukuri (with sesame seeds, chives & infused oil); and heavenly kingfish carpaccio (yuzu, soy, fingerlime & pickled chilli).
Also recommended from the Raw Bar is the beef tataki (with crispy capers, red onion, garlic & ponzu) and the sashimi, as high a quality as to be found anywhere on the coast.
Equally delectable are the small dishes, which include wagyu gyoza; prawn toast; pork belly (with den miso & chilli); tempura bay bugs with amazu sauce; and scallop batayaki (scallop with ponzu butter & lime).
There's also a small selection of sushi rolls, including spicy tuna, salmon dynamite (shibaki salmon, cucumber & avocado), wagyu and Burleigh Hill (salmon, cucumber and avocado).
Special (larger) dishes include black miso cod marinated in den miso; lamb amiyaki (lamb cutlet); teriyaki salmon; pork ribs with yakiniku sauce; and wagyu kinoko butter (wagyu beef with mushroom duxelle) - another must-try.
For sides, there's a choice of broccolini nwith yuzu dressing; cauliflower with jalapeno dressing; miso eggplant or green salad with onion & soy dressing. And for dessert there's chocolate fondant, brulee, mochi or today's house-made ice cream.
To drink, Masu Izakaya offers a a wide selection of Japanese drinks such as sake, shochu, beers and whiskies, Japanese inspired cocktails and a choice of local and Japanese craft beers.
Good to know - If you can't decide what to order, ask for the omakase menu (chef's selection).
Need to know - Nearest street parking is James Street and Burleigh Esplanade.
