Taste your way around Moreton Bay with this food guide

Savour a taste of Brisbane’s freshest flavours with a trip to Moreton Bay, the food-favouring region north of the city. This is a place that belongs on every foodie’s radar thanks to its envy-inducing produce, plucked fresh from the farms of its surrounds, and collection of peninsulas which are home to seafood trawlers galore.

Moreton Bay is famous for its edible wares - after all, this is where the majority of Queensland’s strawberries are grown, and is the home to the aptly titled Moreton Bay bug and annual taste sensation Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival. Taste your own way around Moreton Bay with this food guide to the region.

Flying Nun Cafe, Samford

Tuck into a hearty breakfast at the Flying Nun Cafe in quaint Samford, a former church-turned-breakfast favourite (complete with stained glass windows) that’s become famed for its use of local produce to create inventive brunch dishes. There's classics like buttermilk pancakes and smashed avo, but it's the Indian-fusion dishes that should be sampled here, such as masala chicken and waffles and chickpea shakshuka.

Samford and surrounds could be called a cafe hotspot. If you're in town for a while, stop in at Canter & Colt, Little Tree Bake & Brewhouse, or The Long Yard Larder. Or, head up into the hills for a meal with a view at Clear Mountain Lodge - where you can spend the night, too. 

Ocean View Estates, Mount Mee

Indulge in a local tipple (or two) at vineyard Ocean View Estates on the picturesque Mount Mee. Spoil yourself with lunch at the accompanying a la carte restaurant, with views overlooking the grapes and nearby lake, and a menu awash with produce plucked from the estate’s own herb and vegetable garden and fruit orchard. Want to extend your stay? Cosy up in the onsite cottage. 

Birches Restaurant, Mount Mee

Neighbour Birches Restaurant is equally well worth a visit. Perched on the top of the mountain, the space boasts views out onto the Redcliffe Peninsula, Moreton Bay, Moreton Island and beyond. Dine on farm-to-plate dining inside the quaint Queenslander around the fireplace, or enjoy a more casual bite to eat at the relaxed cafe on the outdoor verandah.

Annie Lane Cafe, Bribie Island

Come early or be prepared to wait for a table at Annie Lane. Bribie Island's most popular cafe is worth the wait though, and you can always cross the road to Brennan Park to explore Bongaree's foreshore (or weekend markets) while you do so. Here, excellent coffee is paired with all-day seasonal brunch dishes like banh mi eggs, corn fritters and pancake tacos. 

Pitstop Cafe, Mount Mee

Unique is an understatement when it comes to Pitstop Cafe atop Mount Mee. As its name suggests, the eatery is a popular place for day trippers to take a break and enjoy a quick bite to eat on their journey along the Mount Mee Tourist Drive. Enjoy snacks and coffee galore in a space heavily decorated by motorbike memorabilia.

Tempest Seafood Restaurant, Scarborough

Just steps from the water’s edge, there’s no better place to feast on seafood than Tempest, Scarborough’s well-established seafood restaurant and teppanyaki grill. The sea breeze that flows by while you dine only adds to the experience. And if you like to have options, this is the place for you. Depending on your mood, choose a casual alfresco drink, head into the main restaurant for a trawler-to-plate seafood experience, or be entertained and well-fed as internationally trained chefs make the grill their stage. However, when you’re options include decadent seafood platters, bug & prawn linguini, or courses of Wagyu steak and sea scallops scooped from the grill, it might actually be hard to choose.

Sea Salt and Vine, Scarborough

Curb those hunger pangs with a classic breakfast at Sea Salt and Vine, the family-run establishment led by Doug and Sue Galvin and daughter Georgia. If the simple breakfasts (French toast and pancakes included) don’t tempt you, the view will - the eatery has a vista out onto the Glass House Mountains.

The Komo, Redcliffe

Do as the locals do, and gaze at the sunset with a cocktail in hand at The Komo in Redcliffe. The dining, drinking, and entertainment venue in one takes ample inspiration from the Caribbean, and feels a world away from city life for those making a break from Brisbane. Nibble on the seasonal menu, or stick to a liquid lunch at the accompanying terrace bar. Sunshine and good times just don't taste better than this. 

Cafe Diversity, Redcliffe

On Redcliffe’s main drag you’ll spot Cafe Diversity, a must-visit on any Moreton Bay food guide. One of the region's favourite cafes, seasonal and local produce is celebrated on the menu here. The hungry can enjoy all-day breakfast classics like brekky burgers and Belgian waffles, or stop by for a lunch of burgers, satay chicken or curry. Families will love the dedicated play area for little ones, too. 

Cafe Diversity is one of Redclliffe's many bustling cafes, from spots that combine coffee and vinyls to having a cuppa to support a good cause.

Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co, Scarborough

When a local beer calls your name, stop by Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co – where the brews and the views will convince you to linger for another round. Grab a table on the Upper Deck for panoramas from Scarborough Marina toward Glass House Mountains on the horizon, or venture into the Engine Room to sip among the heart of the brewery in all its copper glory. As for what’s on tap? Expect a solid line up of lager, XPA, IPA and a mid-strength beers, along with options for non-beer drinkers. There’s snacks, share plates and cheese boards to keep you going if your visit turns into ‘just one more’.  

The Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point Hotel, Bribie Island

Tuck into the freshest local seafood at the acclaimed Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point Hotel. This revamped space was the home of the most acclaimed oyster farm in Pumicestone Passage back in 1875. It’s since been restored to its former glory and today remains an ode to the Moreton Island's best shellfish, with views across to Bribie Island. 

Discover local markets

Foodies take note - on every Moreton Bay food guide belongs a lengthy list of its best markets, of which there are a few. Spend your Saturday morning gathering edible goods from Samford Valley Markets, a haven of fresh produce, while Sundays are best devoted to the waterfront Redcliffe Markets. Sunday is also when Caboolture Markets takes flight, a gathering of 500 stalls selling everything from scarfs to plants (and food of course).

Buy produce from local farms

There's nothing like farm fresh fruit and veggies, so stop by Moreton Bay's food producers to take your pick of the best.

Over 33% of Australia's strawberries are grown right here in Queensland, including Moreton Bay, and there are a few farms you can visit when they're in season. Rolin Farms' shop is open during strawberry season, which is typically June - October, with u-pick at select times (check their Facebook page for updates). Small family owned LuvaBerry is all about lovingly grown, sustainable produce and offers 'Peckish Picking' of their strawberries from June - October plus yummy jam at the farm shop. 

Special mention on this Moreton Bay food guide belongs to Blue Dog Farm in Dayboro. The small market garden is devoted to growing fresh produce free from any nasties, like pesticides or fertilizers. Visitors are welcome to drop by the farm gate stall, open six days a week, to stock up on vegetables, fruit, and herbs.

When to visit

If you’re in town to taste the best of Moreton Bay, you can’t do better than time your visit for Moreton Bay Food + Wine, an annual festival that takes over Redcliffe Peninsula’s waterfront for three decadent days. With the bay as its stunning backdrop, this free festival precinct winds its way along Redcliffe Parade where you’ll enjoy bites and sips, along with a flavour-packed program of entertainment. Expect plenty of workshops, events, and special menus at venues across the region too. 

Save the date for 23 – 25 August 2024. And while you’re at it, discover these food festivals around Queensland.