From umami Asian specialists to masters of seafood, our local restaurants showcase the rich culinary abundance of our sparkling ocean and lush hinterland. To kick things off, here are eight hatted restaurants Sunshine Coast diners must try when visiting our region. We hope you're feeling hungry!
Sum Yung Guys
Sum Yung Guys, Noosaville
You'll find this ultra-trendy, popular Modern Asian eatery in Noosaville. Grab a cocktail or mocktail from their enticing range of concoctions to get the party started, before loading up on good food. Meals at Sum Yung Guys are premised around sharing, so you won’t miss out on tasting a wide variety of items from the menu. Recent menu items include Mooloolaba prawn toast with gochu mayo, flavourful chargrilled chicken with green chilli, sesame, peanut and ginger cream, as well as netted spring rolls. You’ll want to reserve your spot for either the lunch or dinner sittings at Sum Yung Guys to save disappointment.
Market Bistro
Market Bistro, Maroochydore
Market Bistro draws its strengths from its delectable European-style cuisine that champions a relaxing dining journey. You’re also in experienced hands: the restaurant is owned and operated by respected industry veterans Luke Stringer and Tony Kelly (Kelly also opened the Stokehouse Restaurant in Brisbane and created the Riceboi brand, among others). Situated in the Maroochydore CBD and open seven days a week, you can expect to find a range of pastas, grilled meats, vegetarian options and fresh local seafood on the menu. One of the best point of differences about Market Bistro is its Wine Store, where you can walk in, purchase a bottle for retail prices, and then enjoy it with your meal. A small corkage fee does apply, so remember to keep this in mind.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle, Buderim
East-Asian Yumcha gets taken to the next level at Honeysuckle in Buderim, a 13-minute drive from Maroochydore CBD. Order a bottle of crisp white wine to accompany your meal and choose between a vegetarian yum cha banquet, a classic banquet, or select from the mouthwatering a la carte menu. If you opt for a banquet, you certainly won’t leave hungry! Gluten-free dietary requirements are also no problem at Honeysuckle: dishes can be replaced for GF-friendly alternatives as needed. Be sure to take special note of the dinnerware as you enjoy your meal – it has been exclusively crafted by Australian ceramist Peri Ceramics.
Bella Venezia
Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba. Credit: Megan Gill Photography
Bask Restaurant & Bar
Step into the trendy surrounds of Bask – an exciting eatery that’s got the Sunshine Coast talking. Bask recently moved from Eumundi to Peregian and is now open! With both Bask Bakery, AND Bask (Restaurant & Bar) serving up plenty of mouthwatering goodies, we know you'll be spoilt for choice. Check out the offerings here.
The Spirit House
Dining at Spirit House, Yandina
Home to the 2023 Australian Professional Chef of the Year, Tom Hitchcock, The Spirit House (just like Bella Venezia) is a beloved fixture of the Sunshine Coast food scene. Comfortably situated amongst lush tropical gardens in the historic rural town of Yandina (around a 20-minute drive from Coolum), The Spirit House is a Thai-inspired sanctuary perfect for dining with a crowd. Plus, if you’re keen to learn as well as eat, The Spirit House also offers cooking classes (both in-person and online). Just bring yourself – the Spirit House provides the rest!
The Long Apron
The Long Apron, Montville
Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, The Long Apron at Spicer's Clovelly is a two-hatted restaurant with not only an inviting French charm but a menu to match. Choose from an à la carte menu or a degustation menu that changes seasonally and features the freshest local ingredients. We recommend setting aside a long lunch to sit and savour the flavours.
Spice Bar
Spice Bar, Mooloolaba
Settle in for a night of quality contemporary Asian fusion cuisine at Spice Bar. Located right in the beating heart of Mooloolaba, you’ll feel a world away from the coast nestled amongst the rich scarlet finishings and fine-dining-esque atmosphere. Tuck into delicacies like sashimi with smoked bone oil, dashi cream and finger lime; or, alternatively, settle back for a sumptuous degustation or banquet. If you’re looking for refined, classic flavours that’ll have you coming back for more, Spice Bar's one of the hottest tickets in town.
Hunger starting to bite? Book your table now!
You may also like
Guide
5 of our favourite ways to eat local on the Sunshine Coast
When you’re visiting Queensland’s premium foodie destination, eating local means so much more than simply good food.
Guide
9 things to do on the Sunshine Coast these school holidays
The Sunshine Coast is buzzing with excitement! It's school holidays which means it's time for some fun-filled adventures.
Guide
5 wellness events on the Sunshine Coast you need to know about
Here on the Sunshine Coast, we take wellness very seriously.
Guide
How to spend a long weekend on the Sunshine Coast
You’ve got three days in paradise. How do you spend them?
Guide
The 10 most Instagram-worthy spots on the Sunshine Coast
Tired of editing and photoshopping your Instagram photos? We’ve compiled a list of the best spots on the Sunshine Coast to brighten up your social media feed… no filters required!
