The Sunshine Coast stands out as one of Australia’s most breathtaking regions, boasting pristine beaches, verdant hinterland, and a growing reputation for exceptional, world-class dining experiences. Whether you are a local treating yourself or a traveller planning a seaside getaway, the dining scene on the Sunshine Coast is just as exciting as the landscape.
From seaside spots dishing up the day’s catch to elegant restaurants tucked away in the lush hinterland, the Sunshine Coast truly offers a food lover’s paradise. Here is your guide to the best restaurants sunshine coast, including times, iconic dishes, and experiences.
What makes the Sunshine Coast a paradise for food lovers?
Before we delve into the list of restaurants, I would like to share with you a few reasons why this area is worth a culinary bucket-list mention for every Australian:
- Local ingredients are abundant around the area, from the local farms and fisheries to the rainforest, and you will experience fresh produce on your plate, giving every dish vibrancy and sustainability.
- The diverse cuisines, from Thai and Italian to fusion and modern Australian, will be covered.
- The locations vary from dining right on the beach to mountain view terraces in Maleny and Montville.
- Laid-back hospitality: Friendly service and a relaxed coastal atmosphere make dining here a pleasure.
Sunshine Coast’s finest restaurants
From the quiet hinterland to the active coastline, the Sunshine Coast features an array of culinary creativity, local produce, and ocean influences. Here is an overview of some of the Sunshine Coast’s most famous restaurants, where the atmosphere is as good to remember as the food!
1. Spirit House, Yandina
- Location: 20 Ninderry Road, Yandina, QLD 4561.
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired fine dining.
- Famous for: Crispy Pork Belly with Tamarind Caramel, Duck Yellow Curry, and Black Sticky Rice Pudding.
- Lunch: Tuesday–Sunday, from 11:45 am.
- Dinner: Wednesday–Saturday, from 5:45 pm.
Situated within tropical gardens, Spirit House is an icon on the Sunshine Coast. The sounds of running water, bamboo groves, and illuminated lanterns create a serene experience, while the menu focuses on balance, and this aspect shows outstanding flavours for a superb balance of spice, sweetness, and texture. Their hands-on cooking school is also a pulling factor for those who want to discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of award-winning menu dishes.
2. The Long Apron – Montville
- Location: 68 Balmoral Road, Montville, QLD 4560.
- Cuisine: Contemporary Australian with European influence.
- Famous for: Confit duck, scented truffle risotto, and the lemon tart with burnt meringue.
- Lunch: Thursday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2:30 pm.
- Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday, 6 pm – 9 pm.
The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate is located in the lush hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, offering fine dining with sophistication and an unpretentious ethos. The skill and attention to detail in the plate presentations, reflected in the seasons, will be memorable. The service is impeccable and the space is beautiful, a must for countryside luxury.
3. Rice Boi – Mooloolaba
- Location: The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, QLD 4557.
- Cuisine: Asian Street food hybrid.
- Famous for: Sticky pork belly bao, ramen bowls, and crispy soft-shell crab
- Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm.
- Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 5 pm – 9 pm.
Vibrant, exciting, and bursting with flavour, Rice Boi is the centerpiece of the Wharf precinct in Mooloolaba. The vibe is electric, complete with neon signs and river views, where each dish is meant to be shared. The Asian Fusion menu is a great mix of comfort and flavour – the adventure with the wharf precinct makes it a local casual stop and a weekend go-to.
4. Humble on Duke – Sunshine Beach
- Location: 2 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach, QLD 4567.
- Cuisine: Modern Australian with Mediterranean influences.
- Famous for: Grilled reef fish, lamb shoulder, and salted caramel panna cotta.
- Lunch: Friday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2:30 pm.
- Dinner: Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm – late.
Humble on Duke is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team who love serving the Sunshine Coast, and they present the essence of slow dining. There is a menu that depends on the season and the chef’s imagination. You will feel more like guests in a restaurant that is their humble abode, and it creates one of the most genuine dining experiences you will experience on the Sunshine Coast.
5. Tides Waterfront Dining – Caloundra
- Location: 26 The Esplanade, Bulcock Beach, QLD 4551.
- Cuisine: Modern Australian with a coastal style.
- Famous for: Moreton Bay bug linguine, seafood platters, and grass-fed eye fillet.
- Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.
- Dinner: Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm – 9 pm.
Tides is a beautiful eatery that has panoramic views of the Pumicestone Passage and combines fine dining with relaxed, coastal elegance. The seafood is fresh every day, and the wine list is particularly good. Tides is perfect, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, date night, or simply ramping up your suspense and dinner plans on a water’s edge.
6. Orléans Restaurant & Bar – Maroochydore
- Location: 24 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore, QLD 4558.
- Cuisine: French-Creole.
- Famous for: Duck confit, seafood gumbo, and crème brûlée.
- Lunch: Friday to Sunday, 12 pm – 3 pm.
- Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 5 pm – 9:30 pm.
For a taste of the French Quarter in Maroochydore, Orléans offers rich, soulful flavors in a moody, yet elegant space. The culinary offerings are a result of blending French methods with Creole pepper, giving birth to plush, fragrant dishes that are served with a carefully selected, small-scale cocktail. A fitting place for the people who love to see the artistic side in the kitchen and to be treated well.
7. Soka – Maroochydore
- Location: 19 Ocean Street, Maroochydore, QLD 4558.
- Cuisine: Latin-Asian Fusion.
- Famous for: Wagyu tacos, spicy tuna rolls, and charred pineapple cheesecake.
- Lunch: Friday to Sunday, 12 pm – 3 pm.
- Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 5 pm – 10 pm.
Our experience at Soka was stylish, experimental, and energetic! It was one of Maroochydore’s most exciting dining experiences. Fusing Latin passion with Asian artistry, the menu features bold ingredients that are intricately plated. A place for those who like to observe the world through culinary interpretations of flavor combinations, in a contemporary, design-driven space.
8. Amici Restaurant – Caloundra
- Location: 2/80 Lower Gay Terrace, Caloundra, QLD 4551.
- Cuisine: Modern Australian / Italian.
- Famous for: Gnocchi with blue cheese cream, seafood risotto, and molten chocolate fondant.
- Lunch: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.
- Dinner: Wednesday–Sunday, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
Amici, combining the warmth of Italian hospitality and modern coastal dining, is one of the most loved restaurants in Caloundra. The atmosphere is easygoing and at the same time classy, and the menu is available to everyone regardless of dietary needs. It is a comfortable and stylish place for a family gathering or a casual romantic dinner.
9. Market Bistro – Maroochydore
- Location: Foundation Place, 8 Market Lane, Maroochydore, QLD 4558.
- Cuisine: European-inspired bistro.
- Famous for: Duck liver pâté, roast chicken, and tiramisu.
- Lunch: Monday–Sunday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.
- Dinner: Monday–Saturday, 5:30 – 9 pm.
Located within the new Maroochydore City Center, Market Bistro captures the charm of Parisian brasseries fused with a uniquely Australian experience. The polished interiors and open kitchen create a light tone with the goal of creating simple yet elegant dishes inspired by Europe. Locals enjoy the wine bar for after-work drinks or weekend grazing.
10. Bella Venezia – Mooloolaba
- Location: 95 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557.
- Cuisine: Italian Fine Dining.
- Famous for: Lobster linguine, veal scaloppine, traditional tiramisu.
- Lunch: Monday-Sunday, 12 pm-3 pm.
- Dinner: Monday-Sunday, 5 pm-9:30 pm.
Since 1983, Bella Venezia has been a Mooloolaba institution and epitomises its fine dining scene. This award-winning restaurant unites classic Italian recipes and premium Australian seafood. The inviting lighting, luxury ambiance, and attentive service make it the ideal locale for an intimate night out or a celebration by the sea.
Local tip
Most fine-dining restaurants are closed on Monday or Tuesday, so plan accordingly. If you want the sunset view, make a seating reservation for 5:30 pm, and you’ll be able to view the golden hour over the ocean or river.
Best waterfront restaurants Sunshine Coast
If eating over the water is imperative, these are your best options:
- The Boatshed, Cotton Tree – It has beautiful sunset views and a seafood chowder to die for.
- Tides Waterfront, Caloundra – Sophisticated dining with water views over the passage.
- Pier 33, Mooloolaba – Coastal chic with a modern seafood menu.
- Noosa Boathouse – Casual dining, literally on the water, over the Noosa River.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly picks
- Elixiba (Maroochydore) – A 100% plant-based bar and restaurant, and a stunning interior that feels very futuristic.
- Kunara Organic Café (Forest Glen) – Great for breakfast and lunch with full organic and locally sourced produce.
- VanillaFood (Noosa) – Delicious wholesome meals with raw desserts in a sun-filled atmosphere.
Best times to dine on the Sunshine Coast
- Breakfast / Brunch (7 am – 11:30 am): Good for a sunny start to your day over a fresh local coffee, or breakfast at a beach-front cafe.
- Lunch (12 pm – 3 pm): Good for a detour for riverside lunch with a view or leisurely lunch with seafood by the ocean.
- Dinner (5:30 pm – 9:30 pm): Good for sunset views or romantic dinners.
- Late Drinks (9:30 pm – 12 am): Good for late drinks at a fun bar like Rice Boi or The Savvy Squire.
Famous Sunshine Coast dishes to try
- Mooloolaba prawns – sweet and juicy flavor, often served grilled or chilled.
- Moreton Bay bugs – a local delicacy often served with butter or curry.
- Lemon myrtle pavlova – a classic Aussie dessert introduction.
- Maleny cheeses – found in local delis and restaurants.
- Sunshine Coast craft beer – particularly from Your Mates Brewing Co.
Tips for dining on the Sunshine Coast
Here are a couple of local tips to make the food experience even better:
- Book early: A lot of the more well-known restaurants fill up fairly quickly, often with reservations made months in advance.
- Go midweek: You’ll get the same amazing food without the hassle of a crowd!
- Ask about local wines: There is a growing wine and craft beer culture on the Sunshine Coast.
- Try the lunch specials: Quite a few fine dining restaurants might offer a comparable midday menu at a fraction of the price.
- Don’t skip dessert: Whether it is a lemon myrtle pavlova or a chocolate fondant, the sweet options should be no problem on the Sunshine Coast.
Conclusion
The culinary scene of the Sunshine Coast reflects every characteristic of what Australians appreciate: delicious food to be eaten in a pleasant atmosphere and marvellous, picturesque views. Among all the places to eat that are mentioned here, each one has its own fragment of the coastal allure, where the chefs are using local fresh produce and a casual fine-dining manner of cooking.
Whether you’re a Noosa food lover, a Caloundra local, or visiting from interstate, these best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast guarantee memorable flavours and friendly hospitality typical of Queensland.
So next time you visit, don’t go to the takeaway, treat yourself to a meal that embodies the feel and taste of coastal Australia.
