Local Flavour: Gold Coast's Best Bug Roll

Exploring the Gold Coast dining scene is a delicious adventure through many different flavours and kinds of cuisine. From fining dining and degustation to street food, you can feast on whatever dish or delicacy you wish. But while you’re here, a bug roll should absolutely be on the menu. 

The delectable seafood sliders have become a mainstay of the city’s dining scene. Originally appearing at Burleigh fine dining venue, Rick Shores, they’ve become a cult favourite and appear on many a menu throughout the Gold Coast.  If you’re wondering what exactly a bug roll, where to find some of the bestand why you should order one, read on! 

Is it an insect? 

You’d be forgiven for thinking a bug roll contains some kind of insect but in this case, the bugs in question are Moreton Bay Bugs – a kind of crayfish. Moreton Bay Bugs are a type of slipper lobster - the edible meat is located entirely in the tail. Firm, sweet, and slightly briny it’s absolutely delicious. While they’re named for Moreton Bay (just north of the Gold Coast) these crustaceans found across the northern and eastern coasts of Australia.  

Where to Get the Best Bug Rolls on the Gold Coast 

These three Gold Coast venues have put their own delicious twist on the Gold Coast's signature dish. 

Rick Shores 

This fine dining restaurant is perched on the point at Burleigh Heads, so close to the ocean you can sometimes feel the salt spray. It’s famous for its beachfront location, incredible coastal views and the bug rolls that have achieved cult status. No surprise since Rick Shores is credited for inventing the tasty seafood slider when the venue opened in 2016. 

You’ll need to book far ahead to dine here (although walk ins can sometimes get an outdoor table ) - it’s one of the Gold Coast’s favourite dining spots.  The modern Asian menu showcases fresh, locally sourced produce across curries, seafood and bar snacks accompanied by an extensive wine list and coastal-inspired cocktails. The duck curry is to die for but be sure to order a bug roll or four.  

The bug meat is deep fried to perfect crispiness and served in a house made Brioche bun with Gem lettuce, and a gourmet mayonnaise, also made with Moreton Bay Bug. The combination of delicate bug meat with soft bun and a burst of flavour from the sauce makes every bite a delight!
Location: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

KŌST 

For a bug roll with a side of laid-back coastal glamour, head to KŌST Bar & Grill in Broadbeach. Set in the heart of the action on Oracle Boulevard, KŌST brings a playful Mediterranean-meets-Australian feel to the table. The elevated restaurant features polished, organic interiors and natural textures, inspired by the raw beauty of the Gold Coast coastline. 

Many of the dishes at KŌST are cooked over embers of the impressive custom open fire grill - think premium cuts and quality seafood seared over iron bark for unique flavours, complemented by blackened cabbage and smoked eggplant. The raw bar showcases ceviche, oysters and steak tartare, and they have their own take on the bug roll - the Bay Lobster Roll.  

Tender chunks of Moreton Bay Bug and Mooloolaba King Prawn are combined in a zesty herb mayonnaise with native lime that lets the delicate seafood flavours shine. This delicious mix is tucked into a soft brioche roll with fresh lettuce. Perfection! If you’re feeling a little extra, there’s the option to add Kaviari Caviar on top - highly recommended!  
Location: The Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Miami Marketta 

This vibrant venue is a melting pot of street eats, live music, local design, art and a number of very cool boutique bars. There’s free live music every night at Miami Marketta plus dozens of stalls selling succulent street food from around the world.  

One of those stalls is Ka Bao – a family- run food stall specializing in handmade, creative, and freshly steamed bao buns. There are plenty of tasty flavours to choose from, but The Bug Bao re-imagines the Gold Coast’s signature dish with a street-food twist. It’s filled with fresh Moreton Bay Bug meat, coated in a delectable crunchy tempura batter and served with truffle aioli in a pillowy soft bao bun. Heavenly! Round out your meal with a decadent treat from the dessert stalls and soak up the atmosphere at one of Gold Coast’s favourite dining experiences. Miami Marketta is open from 5 – 10pm from Thursday to Saturday.
Location: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Keen to explore more Gold Coast dining? Check out Where to Eat in Southport.