9 spots to feast on fresh seafood on the Sunshine Coast
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By Danielle Reckless
The Sunshine Coast is synonymous with long days relaxing by beautiful beaches, but a visit isn’t complete without sampling the local seafood.
Whether you're looking for something a little fancy, or prefer a feast with your feet in the sand, here are the best spots to eat seafood on the Sunshine Coast. From Caloundra to Noosa, and even the hinterland, find fresh-off-the-trawler Mooloolaba prawns and local reef fish, plus coastal views that are as captivating as the food.
1. Bistro C
Photo by @amyhiggphoto via @bistroc
Step off the sand into the relaxed space overlooking Laguna Bay at Bistro C.
Chef Dayle Merlo’s award-winning cuisine is crafted from local produce, highlighting fish, oysters, and melt-in-your-mouth calamari. For lunch, try the Portugese inspired Caldeiraada packed with prawns, calamari, scallops and mussels. For dinner, how about crisy whole fish with coconut rice and tamarind?
Wash it down with Australian wine, or spirits from destinations as far-flung as Scotland and Barbados.
Here are a few more Noosa favourites for your trip.
Where: 49 Hastings St, Noosa. Open 7 days.
2. Noosa Boathouse
Photo by @noosaboathouse
Heading upstream, this three-level bistro and bar hovers over the Noosa River, so 180-degree water views are a given.
The modern Australian menu emphasises fresh local seafood, and it’s hard to beat their seafood experience for two. A three-tiered platter includes Mooloolaba prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, Fraser Island spanner crab and local fish. If the kids are in tow, there's a dedicated children's menu to keep them happy and hunger-free.
Don’t miss a drink at the top-deck Sunset Bar, so you can sip while admiring the sunset over Mount Tinbeerwah. And there's live music on Sundays from 4.30.
Tip: you can order fish and chips from the takeaway counter and eat them at a riverside picnic table.
Where: 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. Open 7 days.
3. Periwinkle Restaurant
Make the short drive to Peregian Beach to discover Periwinkle, serving seafood French-Mediterranean style.
Situated in the village square, you can feast on treats like smoked salmon tarte flambe, seafood linguine, twice cooked spanner crab souffle, or daily fish market specials while the kids play on the green.
Where: 2/216 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. Open 7 days.
4. The Spirit House
This legendary restaurant is spoken about with awestruck tones. The tranquil jungle setting sets the scene for a Thai menu designed for sharing, so it’s perfect for savouring flavours with friends.
Order dishes a la carte, like Moreton Bay bug on betel leaf or whole crispy fish with chilli tamarind sauce; or from one of three banquet menus. For a perfectly-paired experience, let the sommelier recommend wines to complement each course.
Tip: bookings are essential due to popularity.
Where: 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina. Open every day for lunch. Dinner Wednesday to Saturday.
5. The Tamarind
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
This restaurant proves you don’t have to be right on the coast to serve great seafood. Head for the hills and you'll find a sanctuary you'll never want to leave; and conveniently, you can have dinner and spend the night at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.
The menu from French-trained executive chef Dan Jarrett offers Asian cuisine highlighting local produce, and is very worthy of its numerous Chefs Hats. Think whole crispy fried fish with chilli, tamarind and ginger, or southern style curry with Mooloolaba swordfish.
Where: 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny. Open to the public for lunch Friday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
6. Pier 33
Photo by @pier33mooloolaba
Mooloolaba locals were thrilled when a former yacht club was transformed into the Hamptons-meets-nautical style seafood restaurant and bar, Pier 33. Nestled beside the marina on the Mooloolah River, feel the stirrings of your inner mariner while noshing on seafood fresh off the trawlers.
The sharing menu features fresh oysters, scallops and fish, but it’s hard to go past the prawn and bug tagliatelle with Noosa Red tomato, chilli and garlic.
Where: 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba. Open Wednesday to Sunday.
7. Tides Waterfront
Photo by @tideswaterfront
Venture to the southern end of the Sunshine Coast and you'll be served up not just views of the coastline, but the Glass House Mountains too. Multi award-winning Tides Waterfront doesn't rest on the laurels of its waterfront location and crisp white tablecloth setting, but serves up home-grown, seasonal flavours like Mooloolaba snapper fillet, Moreton Bay Bugs and the must-order tasting plate for two.
Tip: Tides has plenty of gluten-free options for diners.
Where: Corner Minchinton Street and Esplanade, Bulcock Beach, Caloundra. Open 7 days.
8. Seafood Market @ Caloundra
Head here for a range of fresh, local whole fish, fillets, oysters, prawns and crustaceans, including mouth-watering Moreton Bay bugs. The staff can make up a seafood platter on request, or have them cook up your selection and stroll to a waterside table at Bulcock Beach.
Where: 144 Bulcock Street, Caloundra. Open 7 days.
9. Mooloolaba Fish Market
Prefer to go your own way? Go to Mooloolaba Fish Market first. The Sunshine Coast’s largest seafood retailer offers local, wild caught seafood that would be leaping if it were any fresher. Get it cooked and eat it on the deck watching the boats on the Mooloolah River, or take it home.
Where: Lot 201 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba. Open 7 days.
If you need your seafood fix fast and fresh, check out this guide to the Sunshine Coast’s best fish and chip shops.
