Labelled a ‘community cafe’, Burleigh Co-Op is, as its name suggests, a collaborative venture between a bunch of forward-thinking businesses in the local Burleigh-Miami area. When the doors to Burleigh Social suddenly closed, local businesses Granddad Jack’s, Hotel Miami, Fingers and Bones Catering, and Lost Boys Barber Shop, joined forces with the building’s owners to bring the former Burleigh Social site back to life and fill the gaping hole left by its sudden departure. The collab hasn’t just seen a simple revival of the premises – it has been completely transformed from top to bottom, with a whitewashed aesthetic, timber-topped tables and sprawling indoor and outdoor seating. The space is enlivened by a custom-built open-plan kitchen that allows full view of the action and theatrics from head chef and co-owner, Dennis Duncanson of Fingers and Bones Catering – you may have fond memories of his finger-licking fare from his former day-and-night dining spot (also named Fingers and Bones) in Mermaid Beach.
The UK-born Jamie Oliver-trained chef has kept the all-day (and mostly gluten-free) menu concise, while the specials board will be dotted with rotating dishes on the daily, depending on what fresh local produce arrives that morning. Dennis’ ethos is all about simple, fresh and honest food – while he’s kept the classics on offer, such as the go-to eggs Benedict, they’ve been given a considered and vibrant tweak. Start with a brew from Burleigh-based roaster Social Espresso, then tuck into the towering Home Hash, involving poached eggs, local smoked ham (from the butcher up the road) and green hollandaise, all served atop a crispy slab of house-made potato hash. There’s also colourful falafel fritters with pickled red cabbage, barley tabouli and turmeric-cauliflower hommus, or you can (and should) lash out with the spice-fried potatoes topped with flashed spinach, fresh herbs, lime and a fried egg. There’s also a series of bowls brimming with sweet and savoury goodness, from house-baked granola with coconut yoghurt and local honeycomb, through to lunch-style bowls like the eye-catching green papaya salad topped with hot smoked tofu. With moreish sides like polenta nuggets with parmesan snow, a delicious spread of house-made sweets on offer daily, and a welcoming community vibe, you’ll never (ever) want to leave.
Burleigh Co-Op is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide listing for opening hours, contact details and all that jazz.
