28‐09‐11 - reviewed by Andy (local, 4220 team)

For a fun, lively atmosphere and great fresh food, look no further than Montezuma's at Burleigh Heads. This is the oldest Montezuma's in Australia (its been here for over 30 years). It's a Burleigh icon you just can't miss.

Montezuma's Mexican Restaurants have been around for more than 30 years around Australia. There are Montezuma's in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. The 1st Montezuma's restaurant opened in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast QLD in 1978 and that's the one we went to checkout.

Our review of Montezuma's Mexican restaurant at Burleigh Heads...

• First off location... the restaurant is located at the back of the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade on Goodwin Tce opposite the beach. It's a tucked away local icon - not about beach views (there are none) - its about a escaping to Mexico in the hub of Burleigh.
• In winter you are protected from the cold, in summer you are out of the heat. You disappear to another world which is hard to otherwise do at Burleigh.
• As you walk into the arcade you'll start to smell the flavours of Mexico wafting towards you. HA - that was totally corny but it is true.
• If your new to Montezuma's the main thing you will notice is the atmosphere. Lively, fun, colourful. Every where you look there is something of interest. Things hanging from the roof, various stools and chairs, painting on the walls, you'll never get bored here!
• The restaurant hasn't been renovated in a long time and some of the decor is a bit kitch but it does gives it a relaxed casual feel. If you drop your fork or laugh too loud it ain't a problem here.
• The vibe is great. You can feel the happiness around you. People laughing and sharing.
• It's for all sorts. There are couples having romantic dinners in booths under candle light... families eating, drinking and playing "eye spy"... and large groups of friends sharing food around big tables. 
• Once you have your table sorted (the friendly staff will direct you), head to the bar to grab some jugs of sangria, beers or margaritas. Its a cash only bar so be sure to hit the bank first.
• Ordering for a newbie is fun as there is so much on offer (the menu is 4 pages!). If you have no idea just ask the staff as they gave us some great suggestions. Note Mexican food is not traditionally spicy, despite the rumors, so if you like it hot ask for jalapenos to be added.
• There is also a kids menu for the little'ns. There is so much to look at they'll be entertained. Plus they have high chairs.
• We had the guacamole in a edible corn chip bowl for entree. Yum.
• We had enchiladas (with rice), chicken burritos, salad and prawn nachos with a sides of guacamole (never too much guacamole). The food was awesome. Flavorsome and fresh.
• Don't go overboard ordering dishes as they can be filling and are good sizes.
• One of our group can't eat gluten and the staff helped her find a tasty meal suitable for her which was great.
• It isn't like other Mexican restaurants, it is Mesa, so the dishes aren't full of chilli. They were good with altering meals. I added chilli to spice things up.
• The night we went they were super busy and food did take a while. But it was totally worth the wait.
• Montezuma's has a large local following so be sure to book on weekends. It also gets VERY busy in the school holidays with families so even book on a Monday if its that time of year.
• Finally pricing is pretty good.
• They do take away too but I reckon this is one restaurant you need to sit in for the full experience.
• They have loyalty cards for regulars and you get a free meal on your birthday so sign up.
• Overall tops. I now know why its a local favorite. I'll be back to sign up for one of those loyalty cards.
• There's also a Montezuma's at Coolangatta and Labrador - be sure to check them out too!

For more information on Montezuma's restaurant at Burleigh Heads...

Phone to book: 07 5535 1973

Or order take away: 07 5576 2844

Where: Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, Burleigh Heads.

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