Manny's Wine & Fish

Manny's Wine & Fish is a rustic little Greek taverna-style restaurant and bar that is like finding a true slice of Greece in the heart of Burleigh Heads.

Located on the northern side of the Gold Coast Highway underneath a modern building, take one step inside and you're instantly transported to another place, adorned with low-hanging paper lanterns, strings of shells and paper flowers, tables covered with woven colourful cloths and lively Greek music. 

With an open kitchen at it's heart, wooden tables and chairs are clustered around the cosy space, with bar style seating at the front, and a large booth for groups at the rear. At the front a plastic retractable screen keeps the restaurant cosy in winter and catching the sea breezes in summer.

Owner Manny, who has been in the restaurant industry for 50 years, and started his career at Brisbane's iconic Milano Restaurant, personally greets customers and is the driving force behind the fantastic food, which is the best Greek cusine to be found on the Gold Coast. 

On the menu you'll find Greek classics done to perfection, starting with baked feta, grilled halloumi and the must-try next level dips - tarama (white cod roe, lemon oil, salmon caviar & bottarga); melitzana (eggplant, capsicum, dill, confit garlic, chill); and tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber, garlic & mint) which all come served with freshly grilled pita bread (brushed with Crtean oli and topped with rigani).

Generously portioned mains include BBQ chicken souvlaki skewers (with Greek salad, pita and tzatziki); Tempura snapper (with hand-cut chips, lemon & aioli); Calamari Corfu (garlic, tomato & lemon); BBQ large octopus (lemon oli & oregano); and melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked lamb shoulder (with tzatziki, Greek salad & pita).

There's also a choice of fresh salads (Greek, eggplant or rocket); smashed baked potato with feta and lemon; and seasoned Greek vegetables, while desserts include Baklava; Galaktoboureko (semolina custard in filo & orange syrup); and oranc=ge coconut or ouzo almond shortbreads.

To accompany, Manny's has an excellent slection of Greek and international wines for the glass or bottle (which can be paired with the banquets*); Ouzo, Espresso Martini; and Greek or liqueur coffee.

*There are two banquets available (Manny's at $65pp; or Seafood at $95pp) both of which come with a paired wine option.

Good to know - Manny's has another restaurant at Burleigh Waters.

Need to know - Best nearby parking is on the Esplanade otherwise James Street.