Explore the Sunshine Coast's finest flavours

While recognised for its waves and beautiful beaches, the Sunshine Coast boasts a food scene that is fast gaining ground. From Caloundra to Cooloola, the famed coastal stretch is home to a flourishing cafe culture, as well as some of the state’s most recognised fine dining restaurants.  

The coastal region has ample offerings in the casual category too, of course – the Surf Life Saving Clubs here are legendary for both their beer selection and beachside views. Microbreweries and coffee roasters are also on the rise, courtesy of an increasingly food-focused population.   

Noosa restaurants and cafes 

It’s the resort town of Noosa that boasts the best reputation when it comes to edible experiences. Still a favourite for surfers eager to enjoy the district’s swell, the beachside town now also welcomes foodies in their droves. While the Sunshine Coast has grown exponentially over the years and with it the food options available, Noosa remains the heart of its dining scene with Hastings Street its epicentre. For breakfast, check out Bistro C on the beachfront or the contemporary space of Cafe Le Monde on Hastings Street which is also a top choice for lunch, dinner and late night drinks. When those lunchtime (or dinnertime) hunger pangs hit, Bang Bang with its Pan-Asian fare, the multi-award-winning Miss Moneypenny’s and Sails, a stone’s throw from the beach with consciously-sourced Modern Australian cuisine and panoramic views, are all excellent choices.  

For inventive cocktails and a celebration of Asian cuisine with emphasis on shared meals in a casual yet stylish dining space, Sum Yung Guys is the Noosa restaurant you’ve been looking for. Open for both lunch and dinner, it has an inimitable atmosphere that makes it essential to book well ahead if you’re to avoid disappointment. If an impressive beer list that pairs perfectly with the menu is on your list of must-haves when scouring the plentiful contenders for the best restaurants in Noosa, head to O-Ren in Sunshine Beach and dine in style under the lantern-filled ceiling.  

Boasting a locally-sourced menu, spiced with flavours from across the globe and a stunning fitout, Alba offers one of the most acclaimed dining experiences in Noosa, while classic Italian joint Bombetta in Noosa Junction with its extensive menu provides a stylish dining experience well worth lingering over. And as no visit to Noosa would be complete without experiencing the fresh seafood that the region offers in abundance, Noosa Boathouse, the three-level bistro and bar with their emphasis on fresh local seafood and Bistro C with a slew of mouthwatering fish and seafood dishes are all top candidates.  

Mooloolaba restaurants and cafes  

Asian-fusion eats, spectacular views and fun vibes all contribute to the popularity of Rice Boi, one of the top picks for modern dining experiences among the plethora of Mooloolaba restaurants you’ll have to pick from when holidaying in this major Sunshine Coast drawcard. Fish on Parkyn is the place to dine if you’re set on dining on sustainably and wild-caught local fish, while Pier 33 has become a famed Mooloolaba institution among locals and travellers alike with its stunning Hamptons vibes, impeccable seafood and sustainably sourced local produce.

If you have your heart set on grabbing some fresh seafood to cook at your digs or eat while looking out over the beach, head to Mooloolaba Fish Market, the largest seafood retailer on the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, take your pick of the extensive seafood selection on display and eat it right there as you watch the boats traverse the Mooloolah River.   

Caloundra restaurants and cafes  

You’ll find a wealth of dining options lined along the Esplanade and Bulcock Street off Bulcock Beach but as Caloundra’s food scene is booming, to put it mildly, you’ll be rewarded for your explorations. Hello Harry’s has become quite a famed local institution with its American-style fare and outstanding views while Raw + Rice is well-known for its fresh poke bowls and focus on nourishing and sustainable food. Tides Waterfront Dining on the Esplanade is the place to be for excellent waterfront views and modern Australian cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options available to ensure everyone’s catered for, while for breakfast at any time of the day, White Picket Fence hits the spot with its all day brunch menu.    

Coolum restaurants and cafes  

While still quiet and sleepy in comparison to its northerly and southerly neighbours, Coolum boasts an impressive restaurant and cafe selection, ensuring you’ll have plenty of choices to make while holidaying along this stunning stretch of Sunshine Coast coastline. With their focus on raw and organic food (including gluten and dairy-free options), New Earth Cafe is the place to get your day off to a healthy start, plus they’ve got a friendly approach to canine customers so you can bring your four-legged mate along too!

Tucked away behind the main drag on Heathfield Road, Compound is renowned for serving up the best coffees on the Sunshine Coast and for selling second-hand surf gear at great prices. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Canteen Kitchen & Bar is a lovely beachside eatery sitting opposite the beach that sources the best local seafood and produce to create an eclectic fusion of dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.  

Maroochydore restaurants and cafes  

With plenty of family-friendly offerings and a breezy attitude to dogs dining out, Maroochydore’s restaurant scene leans firmly to the casual and relaxed. For Asian fare, head to Namory Eatery with their smorgasbord of flavours from across South East Asia or dedicated Thai restaurant Pum’s Kitchen. For pub grub with ocean views, Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club is a safe bet for even the fussiest of eaters and there’s more restaurant offerings in neighbouring Cotton Tree.

For breakfast, The Milk Bar Coffee Co is the place to head for toasties, coffee, juice, chai and kombucha while Murray’s Cafe offers a ‘dog menu’ and cool coastal breezes. And there are more than a few options for nights out in Maroochydore, with the Piano Bar, Solbar and  The Rooftop Bar & Garden offering a diversity of gigs and shows, and open-air and clandestine drinking venues.