Restaurants MasterChef judges have dined at during their visit to Gold Coast

Some of the Gold Coast’s most popular restaurants have been hosting the stars of TV’s MasterChef while they film in the city. Find out where they’ve been.

SEVERAL lucky eateries on the Gold Coast have been hosting a trio of the country’s most well-known celebrity chefs.

The Fish House and Rick Shores at Burleigh Heads have been visited by MasterChef judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris in recent days.

Though it appears Calombaris is already something of a familiar face at The Fish House.

“He has come in a few times. He loves it. He’s kind of like a little regular (customer),” laughed general manager Hawada Zakout.

The cast of MasterChef filming at Burleigh Heads beach. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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The chefs have been staying in the city to film for the popular Network 10 show.

Set up on Burleigh Beach, the judges did not have far to trek to chow down on some of the Coast’s finest cuisine.

“I love the Gold Coast. I mean, I’ve been coming up here for a long time. I had one of the best family holidays in Burleigh Heads that I can remember – gorgeous,” Mr Mehigan told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“We ate at The Fish House (on Tuesday). We had a long casual lunch …Then we’re actually coming here (on Thursday) for lunch. So, we’re looking forward to the bug rolls.”

Mr Mehigan revealed MasterChef also filmed at Rick Shores on Wednesday.

Fish House general manager Hawada Zakout holding Balmain bugs. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Ms Zakout said she was thrilled when the trio decided to drop into her venue overlooking the beachfront.

“They were lovely guys. Very happy and everyone loved them,” she said.

“They constantly had customers jumping up to their table to take photos. They had people walking past, looking up at them (from the elevated restaurant). So they invited them in to take a photo.”

Perhaps most importantly, the chefs “loved the food”.

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Fish House junior chef Ashley Castle at the restaurant with the hosts of MasterChef.

Ms Zakout said the three judges enjoyed the restaurant’s “signature dishes”, including coral trout.

While the visit from the judges was exciting for Ms Zakout, her junior chef Ashley Castle was even more chuffed.

Ms Castle competed in MasterChef Junior four years ago and jumped at the chance to pose alongside the chefs for a photo.

“She introduced herself and they took some photos. They (the judges) thought it was beautiful,” Ms Zakout said.

“They were really accommodating to everyone, really sweet.”

Ms Zakout said the judges would leave the city with fond memories of its food scene, which they dubbed “amazing” and “brilliant”.