Sunny by name and by nature, the Sunshine Coast offers more than 100 km of famous coastline wrapping lush hinterland hills, along with picturesque landscapes and an abundance of local produce.
You can find yourself barefoot on the beach one minute, unwinding on hinterland time at a luxe farm stay the next, before settling in for a leisurely meal made with ingredients sourced from just down the road.
Find out why the Coast is known as Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry with a meal at one of these six Readers’ Choice Award-winning dining destinations:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Seafood:
Experience the best of waterfront dining in the heart of Mooloolaba at SEE Restaurant. Nestled on the wharf’s edge at Mooloolaba Marina, this sophisticated yet relaxed fine diner boasts picturesque 180-degree views of pristine blue waters and an atmosphere that is as refreshing as Chef Antonio Puelma’s innovative approach to Modern Australian fare.
With a strong focus on combining fresh local seafood and contemporary techniques, perhaps start with a plate of fresh bugs, served with pebre, spicy mayo and hot garlic butter; before mains such as kingfish, pomegranate, baby carrots, basil and thyme, or baked lamb rack, polenta and melanzane bake with sweet tomato warm gazpacho.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Vegan:
Offering an holistic approach to dining and nightlife for locals and travellers visiting Maroochydore is Elixiba Herbal Alchemy Bar & Restaurant on Ocean Street. Escape the rush of modern society and step into a magical interior, where timbers twist into bar stools, lights hypnotise with purple and green hues and diners feel nourished and revived by the warmth of Mother Nature’s delights.
The menu holds a list of surprises, drinks infused with rare active botanicals and alcohol, custom brewed and distilled using herbs, superfoods and bush tuckers; while all dishes are vegetarian, gluten-free and created with taste and health in mind, think plates like Thai green curry, edamame, green beans, mushrooms and vegetables.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Pub Food:
Founded to develop beers that pair best with the Queensland climate, Boiling Pot Brewing Co on Eumundi-Noosa Road in Noosaville is the ideal place to bring mates together over custom beer and gourmet pizza. Drawing inspiration from Boiling Pot headland in Noosa’s National Park, this rustic restaurant, taproom and brewery offers a great alfresco area to while away a sunny afternoon; or watch the brewers in action creating a seasonal range of beers, to go with selected wines and spirits.
From the European-inspired kitchen come pizzas and share plates like crispy salt and pepper calamari with lemon aioli, or devour a slice of Gamberoni, topped with tomato sauce, fior di latte, Queensland prawns, capers, olives, dill and lemon oil.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Coffee:
Enjoy a morning caffeine hit at community-minded beach café, Milk & Beans Coffee House, a much-loved local for those in and around Alexandra Headland and tourists visiting the Sunshine Coast. Fitted out with a trendy rustic style, inside feels warm and inviting with an exposed red brick wall adorned in dangling green fronds and ornaments, while recycled timber beams hold in place long cords of globes dropping from the ceiling.
Team a Kai Coffee with truffled roasted mushrooms, poached egg, crispy kale chips, almond cream and sautéed Italian spinach, on toasted brioche; stop in later to wrap your hands around an apple braised pulled pork burger, with spinach, pickled cabbage and sesame Kewpie dressing on a soft milk bun.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Mediterranean:
A waterfront destination for good food and great times, Acqua Restaurant & Bar in the Grand Pacific Resort at Bulcock Beach is one of Caloundra’s best culinary offerings. With stunning vistas over the Pumicestone Passage and a down-to-earth menu, settle in and select from mouth-watering entrées, juicy steaks, authentic Italian pasta dishes and an extensive selection of wine and cocktails.
Kickstart a memorable meal with cured salmon, roasted beetroot purée, cherry tomatoes, pickled onion, capers and radish, before memorable mains like eye fillet topped with King prawns, bug and scallops in a chilli lime rosé sauce; or pan-seared duck breast, caramelised beetroot purée, lemon herb potatoes, blanched asparagus and burnt mandarin beurre blanc.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Café:
Situated in a beautiful, early 20th Century Queenslander at the entrance to town, Maple 3 Café offers a quaint escape for casual dining in Maleny. Take in views of the passing foot traffic from the covered decking, enjoy an alfresco ambience in a side courtyard, or opt to dine inside a spacious room, fitted out with warm timber floors, as natural light streams in past bi-fold windows.
Focusing on quality produce, Maple 3 Café’s menu features popular classics such as sandwiches, focaccias and housemade sweets, along with daily changing blackboard specials. Take your pick from options like Tasmanian smoked salmon, avocado, poached eggs and toast, or warm beef and ginger salad for lunch with mixed leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots and sweet soy.
