25 Best Restaurants in Sunshine Coast, Australia

Introduction

The Sunshine Coast, Australia, is a gastronomic paradise, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to every palate. From beachfront cafes serving fresh seafood to hinterland hideaways with organic and locally sourced ingredients, the region is a haven for food lovers.

The culinary scene here is a delightful blend of laid-back coastal vibes and sophisticated dining options, making it perfect for both casual brunches and elegant dinners. Many of Sunshine Coast’s top attractions are located close to our recommended restaurants.

Restaurants in the Sunshine Coast take pride in their use of fresh, local produce, ensuring a meal that’s not only delicious but also sustainably sourced. Whether you’re looking for vibrant Asian fusion, traditional Australian fare, or innovative contemporary cuisine, you’ll find an array of options.

Diners can enjoy stunning ocean views, lush hinterland settings, and vibrant street-side eateries, each offering a unique atmosphere that complements the region’s natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.

Top-Rated Restaurants on Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast, known for its pristine beaches and warm sunshine, is also home to some of Australia’s best restaurants and cafes. Here’s a list of top-rated eateries that you must check out:

1. Herbert (Best vegetarian)

• Location: Noosa Heads
• Specialty: Elegant and organic plant-forward diner with a cracking cocktail list.
• Highlights: Tapioca Fritters, harissa roast carrots, crumbed baked eggplant.
• Address: 1 Arcadia Street, Noosa Heads

2. Lucio’s Marina (Best waterfront)

• Location: Tewantin
• Specialty: Classic Italian cuisine with Queensland flair, riverfront trattoria.
• Highlights: Tagliolini alla granseola, dry-aged whole fish.
• Address: 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

3. Spirit House (Best atmosphere)

• Location: Yandina
• Specialty: Lagoon-side restaurant with Thai-inspired cuisine.
• Highlights: Whole crisp fish, Moreton Bay Bug means.
• Address: 20 Ninderry Road, Yandina

4. Market Bistro (Best bistro)

• Location: Maroochydore
• Specialty: Modern Australian meets Manhattan grill.
• Highlights: Housemade pasta, woodfire-grilled steak frites.
• Address: 8 Market Lane, Maroochydore

5. Honeysuckle Buderim (Best yum cha)

• Location: Buderim
• Specialty: Elevated Asian cuisine for brunch.
• Highlights: Fried beef map tofu, duck spring roll, Korean fried chicken.
• Address: 8/4 Ballinger Road, Buderim

6. Pier 33 (Best seafood)

• Location: Mooloolaba
• Specialty: Waterfront spot with seafood-driven share plates.
• Highlights: Mooloolaba prawn roll, Fraser Isle crab spaghetti.
• Address: 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

7. White Picket Fence (Best brunch)

• Location: Caloundra
• Specialty: Mediterranean vibes with artfully plated brunch dishes.
• Highlights: Beetroot and gin-cured salmon bagel, eggs benedict on hash browns.
• Address: 140 Bulcock Street, Caloundra

8. Land & Sea Brewery (Best craft beer)

• Location: Noosaville
• Specialty: Craft beer and casual bites in a unique setting.
• Highlights: Tasting paddles, Italian BBQ Pork Ribs.
• Address: 19 Venture Drive, Noosaville

9. The Milk Bar Coffee Co. (Best Toasties)

• Location: Maroochydore
• Specialty: Simple, satisfying fare with standout toasties and cookies.
• Highlights: Black truffle and roasted mushroom toasties, choc-chip sea-salt cookies.
• Address: 1B, 68 Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore

10. Flying West Coffee Roasters (Best coffee)

• Location: Doonan
• Specialty: Cool hinterland coffee spot with a rustic ambiance.
• Highlights: Cheeky Monkey and Little Friend coffee blends, homestyle sausage rolls.
• Address: 13/9 Fellowship Drive, Doonan

Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the best of the Sunshine Coast’s culinary scene. Whether you’re craving vegetarian dishes, waterfront dining, or an atmospheric setting, these eateries have something special to offer.

Make sure to check their websites or contact them directly for the latest information on opening hours and menu offerings​.

Top-Rated Vegan Restaurants on Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a haven for vegan cuisine, offering a delightful array of restaurants that cater to plant-based diets. Here are some of the top-rated vegan restaurants in the area:

1. Nurcha (Kawana & Maroochydore)

Known for its holistic and wholesome approach, Nurcha offers a range of plant-based meals including an all-day breakfast menu, lunch, pizza, and loaded wedges. It also has a retail section for vegan essentials​​.

2. Cafe Vie (Buderim)

This vegan haven is perfect for those seeking inventive and nourishing meals. Expect dishes like miso mushrooms, malai koftas, and the best vegan cauliflower wings on the Sunshine Coast​​.

3. Elixiba (Maroochydore)

Elixiba is a great place to enjoy plant-based tapas-style dishes in a cozy setting. They serve tea-smoked mushrooms, raw kimchi dumplings, and noble nachos, alongside cocktails and non-alcoholic elixirs​​.

4. Herbert (Noosa Heads)

A sophisticated plant-centric restaurant, Herbert is known for its foraged ingredients and next-level cocktails. The menu includes dishes like Kaffir lime BBQ courgette and charred roast carrots​​.

5. New Earth (Coolum Beach)

This hidden gem offers a menu full of raw, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes and smoothies. Their protein pancake stack with apple, pecans, caramel sauce, and vanilla bean ‘nice cream’ is a must-try​​.

6. Greenhouse Cafe (Caloundra)

A top choice for vegetarian or vegan breakfasts in Caloundra, Greenhouse Cafe’s all-day menu includes waffles with coconut nutmeg ice cream and loaded nasi goreng​​.

7. Roots Cafe and Bakery (Mooloolaba)

Specializing in vegan pies and pastries, Roots Cafe and Bakery is the go-to for cookies, pastries, croissants, and an assortment of freshly baked pies​​.

8. RoRo Pizza (Various Locations)

For vegan pizza lovers, RoRo Pizza offers plant-based wood-fired pizza with homemade nut cheese and authentic Sicilian expertise​​.

9. Kunara Cafe (Forest Glen)

Located in Australia’s largest one-stop destination for all things organic, Kunara Cafe serves dishes inspired by its marketplace of organic produce. Their “Very Vegan Big Brekky” is highly recommended​​.

These restaurants provide a diverse and delicious range of vegan options, proving that plant-based dining can be both exciting and satisfying. Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just looking to try something new, these establishments on the Sunshine Coast are sure to delight.

Nonveg Restaurants in Sun Coast, Australia

1. RB Dining – Located at 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, RB Dining is part of the Tony Kelly Restaurant Group and offers a modern-Asian fine dining experience. The restaurant is known for its elevated snacks, raw dishes, small share plates, and larger dishes. They also provide gluten-free and vegan menus (Source: Urban List).
2. Giddy Geisha – Situated at South Sea Islander Way & Market Lane, Maroochydore, Giddy Geisha serves a mix of street food and refined Asian dishes. The restaurant is appreciated for its unique flavors and creative cocktails (Source: Urban List).
3. Humble On Duke – Found at 54 Duke St, Sunshine Beach, this intimate 14-seater restaurant is known for its ever-changing weekly menu, blending Modern Australian flavors with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spices (Source: Urban List).
4. Pavilion Mooloolaba – Located at 121 Mooloolaba Espl, Mooloolaba, Pavilion Mooloolaba offers a European summer experience with its modern share-style menu. The restaurant is popular for its oysters, cauliflower tacos, forest mushroom arancini, and pizzas (Source: Urban List).
5. Honeysuckle – At 8/4 Ballinger Rd, Buderim, Honeysuckle is renowned for its traditional Yumcha share-style meals. The lunch and dinner menus are extensive, including vegetarian options and a dinner banquet menu (Source: Urban List).
6. Orleans – Found at 24 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore, Orleans offers a romantic dining experience with a fusion of New Orleans and French cuisine (Source: Urban List).

Additionally, TripAdvisor highlights restaurants such as Spirit House, YoYo Bar & Restaurant, Rickys River Bar + Restaurant, Little Humid Restaurant, The Velo Project, and Red Sea Restaurant as popular dining spots in the region, each offering diverse culinary experiences ranging from Asian fusion to fresh seafood (Source: TripAdvisor).

These restaurants, with their diverse menus and unique settings, make the Sunshine Coast a truly delightful destination for food enthusiasts.

Specialized Diet-Friendly Spots in Sunshine Coast: Catering to Every Palate

Spot Name	Specialized Diet Focus	Description	Location
Greenhouse Café	Vegan/Vegetarian	Known for its creative vegan and vegetarian dishes, this café offers a range of healthy, organic options.	Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Raw Energy	Gluten-Free/Health-Conscious	Offers a variety of gluten-free and health-conscious meals, perfect for those seeking nutritious, yet delicious options.	Various locations on the Sunshine Coast
The Paleo Place	Paleo	Dedicated to serving paleo-friendly meals, this restaurant uses whole, unprocessed foods for a primal diet experience.	Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast
Solbar	Plant-Based Options	While not exclusively vegan, Solbar offers a selection of plant-based dishes, catering to vegetarians and vegans alike.	Ocean Street, Maroochydore

These spots in the Sunshine Coast are ideal for visitors and locals looking for food options that cater to specialized diets like vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, health-conscious, and paleo.

Each location offers unique dishes that not only adhere to dietary requirements but also delight the taste buds.

Restaurants with Outdoor Seating: Specialized Diet-Friendly Spots

Restaurant Name	Specialized Diet Focus	Description	Feature: Outdoor Seating
Nourish Vegan Café	Vegan	A haven for vegan cuisine enthusiasts, Nourish Vegan Café serves a range of delightful plant-based dishes.	Cozy outdoor seating is available for dining amidst nature.
The Velo Project	Gluten-Free Options	Known for its inclusive menu, it offers a variety of gluten-free choices, ensuring a worry-free dining experience for those with dietary restrictions.	Charming outside seating area for a relaxed dining experience.
Spice Bar	Vegetarian-Friendly	While offering a diverse menu, Spice Bar provides an array of creative vegetarian dishes, blending flavor with health.	Offers a scenic outdoor dining area perfect for evenings.
Greenout Café & Bar	Organic/Health-Conscious	Focused on healthy, organic ingredients, this café and bar cater to health-conscious diners with a variety of dietary needs.	Features a pleasant outdoor seating space for customers.

These restaurants in the Sunshine Coast not only cater to specialized diets like vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and organic but also offer the delight of outdoor seating.

Perfect for enjoying the region’s beautiful climate, these eateries provide a combination of dietary-conscious menus and the pleasure of al fresco dining.

Conclusion

The Sunshine Coast, with its spectacular blend of natural beauty and culinary excellence, offers an array of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. From beachside cafes offering fresh seafood and ocean views to cozy hinterland restaurants serving local organic produce, the region is a food lover’s paradise.

The diverse culinary scene is marked by a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each meal is not only delicious but also sustainable.

Restaurants and cafes here vary from casual, laid-back atmospheres perfect for a relaxing brunch to elegant establishments ideal for a romantic dinner. The Sunshine Coast is also known for its specialized diet-friendly spots, offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and health-conscious options. Many eateries provide outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in the beautiful coastal environment.

In conclusion, the Sunshine Coast’s restaurants and cafes stand out for their quality, diversity, and the unique dining experiences they offer. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a healthy eatery, or just a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee, the Sunshine Coast caters to all desires, making it a true culinary destination.

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