AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Best Known For

Lamb massaman curry with smoked potato purée, peanuts and tamarind cinnamon glaze.

About The Spirit House Restaurant

Lush palm fronds and tinkling wind chimes take you from the Hinterland haven of Yandina into the wondrous world of The Spirit House Restaurant. New dishes from Head Chef Tom Hitchcock await guests at this Chef Hat-awarded venue, where a memorable dining experience of modern Southeast Asian flavours is guaranteed. The makeover bug has hit with exciting renovations to the gardens and fantastic recipes on the main menu such as Mooloolaba Leader prawns, with tom yum spices, prawn butter and fresh coconut; or duck in red curry sauce, charred baby corn, lychee and wild ginger. Unwind in the Hong Sa bar with a house blend bourbon cocktail in hand and share light banquets of coconut and salmon soup, pork belly, whole crispy fish, braised beef green curry, jasmine rice and a side of roti.

read more

A few words from The Spirit House Restaurant

From intimate romantic dinners, cooking classes, a party with friends in your own private courtyard, or to celebrate weddings and special occasions, Spirit House in Yandina offers a sensory experience to remember.

HANDS ON COOKING SCHOOL
Whether you feel confident and competent in the kitchen or haven't cooked much, you'll enjoy a class at our cooking school. We have a cooking class every day and provide a myriad of options. You might be interested in No Fuss Asian or even Thai Gluten Free. Don't hesitate to book well in advance because our classes fill up very fast! Best of all you get to cook, then enjoy your creations with complementary wine and beer in the surrounds of the tropical dining pavilion.

THE SETTING
Set in lush tropical gardens nestled around a tranquil pond, bubbling waterfalls, tinkling wind chimes, the sounds of nature... the Spirit House is a delight for all senses. Award-winning contemporary Thai food, friendly staff and enthusiastic chefs have made the Spirit House a mecca for lovers of all things Asian.

THE FOOD
Each year senior chefs head off to Asia on our food tours to gather new ideas, inspiration and skills. The result is a menu that is blend of old traditions with modern twists. Our menu design centres on our philosophy that food, like life, is a shared journey to enjoy; therefore, we invite you to join with your friends and families and enjoy a shared dining experience.

We encourage guests at each table to order as a group and share the exotic textures and flavours created by our chefs. Some of the dishes off our shared dining menu include Massaman Curry of Lamb Shanks with Pickled Ginger, a Claypot of Asian Eggplant & Tomatoes in Turmeric, Lemon Grass Broth. To accompany your dishes we offer a selection of wine from boutique wineries around the world.

FLAVOURS & FRESHNESS
The Spirit House in Yandina is best described as contemporary Thai cuisine. With three best-selling cook books under our belt and a string of prestigious food awards, the Spirit House has evolved into an iconic food destination. Crisp and balanced flavours are enhanced by fresh ingredients delivered daily to our kitchen door by local growers - ginger, lemongrass, tumeric, chillies and kaffir lime are just a few of the Asian ingredients grown in the area.

FUNCTIONS
Award-winning food, stunning tropical gardens and a unique setting make The Spirit House a venue that is sure to amaze and impress your guests and leave them talking about your function for all the right reasons. The unique courtyard layout of the restaurant makes it the perfect place for small weddings, parties and corporate functions. A party of 6 to 40 people can book their own private area or book the entire restaurant for an exclusive-use event for up to 90 people.

From sit-down casual affairs to stand-up cocktail parties, our staff can design a menu package to suit you and your guests. The menu at your function will be designed around a shared Asian banquet. To us, 'sharing the experience' is what food is all about. Our menus can be found below or alternatively on our website.

AWARDS
We are really proud of our awards:
‘One Hat' Award - Good Food Guide, Qld. 2007-2019
‘One Hat' Award - Australian Good Food Guide, Qld. 2010-2019
American Express "Hall of Fame" Award, 2001
Best Food Experience - Weekend Australian Newspaper, 2010
Best Australian Restaurants -Gourmet Traveler Magazine, 2000-2011
Top 10 Qld Regional Restaurants - Gourmet Traveler Magazine, 2010
Qld & National Small Business Excellence Award 2007, Tourism Category
Tourism Restaurant & Catering - Queensland Tourism Award, 2007
Top 10 Qld Regional Restaurants - Courier Mail Food Guide, 2010
Restaurant and Caterer's Award - 2008 State Winner - Best Tourism Restaurant, Best Themed Restaurant

Restaurant & Catering Association  Restaurant & Catering Association Member

Location & Map

20 Ninderry Road, Yandina 4561 QLD - See Map

Features & Facilities

Payments Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Seats: 90   Chef: Tom Hitchcock   Sommelier: David Baldet

    Instagram   

Opening Hours

Mon  Closed
Tue  11:45 AM - 2:00 PM
Wed  11:45 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu  11:45 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri  11:45 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat  11:45 AM - 9:00 PM
Sun  11:45 AM - 2:00 PM

Groups & Functions

We cater for small groups of 18 pax in their own private room right up to sole-use functions for 100. With a range of stand up menus plus banquet menus we can certainly turn your next function into an event that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

  • Up to 90 Guests
  • Birthday Party
  • Corporate Function
  • Dinner Party
  • Product Launch
  • Wedding
  • Banquets
  • Degustation
  • Finger Food

Leave a Review

Member Reviews (92)

Jenny_Turner76

Alex Holmes

Food was well lived up to the hype.
Service was lovely. Need some more cocktail makers in the bar however as it can become congested! All in all, a must do on the coast and value for money!

hailes7

michael80410

Great tropical garden setting. Sensational flavours and presentation.

zoe95847

Heaven
We had the most memorable meal last Friday night and went back to sit in the bar for some drinks and snacks for lunch today. Will absolutely return again. The location, atmosphere, service and people were AMAZING

escargot

The best Thai restaurant in Australia
The overall experience, quality of food, lush gardens and atmosphere of this restaurant sets it apart from its contemporaries

steve77019

margot77579

Always fabulous and awesome, sensational surrounds!

Leiz

Divine food and setting - it's like you've escaped to Asia!

jane23978

Fantastic!
Ambiance, staff and food - all superb!

karen74199

Always sensational!
We have been dining at and learning from the Spirit House for years. They never fail to delight and are generous with their knowledge!

kim69210

AMAZING!!

ihor16127

I am a great fan of Spirit house both the cooking school and restaurant.!

adrienne89513

A beautiful experience
Divine food and the gardens are amazing. Have returned many times and always first class service

kristine42290

Beautiful place to eat and the food is sensational

Deancoolum

Easy the best on the Sunshine Coast.
The Cooking school sensational, I’ve done 6 or 7 classes and rate it as one of my favourite days out !

Sylvia Langford

Favourite restaurant in Australia
We never needed an excuse to visit the Spirit House over the years while living in Darwin, Childers and on the Sunshine Coast. Currently living in the UK we return to Australia every year and always include the restaurant in our itinerary, regardless of which State/Territory we are visiting. We are never disappointed.

Sylvia Langford

ben76470

Amazing food and friendly service
Love this place! It’s really a culinary delight and so consistent. Five stars every time!

ben76470

JackandMargie

The Spirit House is THE restaurant. It is where we go to celebrate any occasion. The food and service is second to none, and the ambiance tastefully created is relaxing and serene.
I have also done 2 cooking schools at the Spirit House where their chefs reveal some of their guarded secrets. I thoroughly recommend attending one of their courses. I ask my grown-up children to give me gift vouchers which i can use for either the restaurant; purchase their latest cookbook; or take another course.

amanda92046

One of my favourite restaurants
The food here is so delicious. Great staff and service in a delightful setting. Can’t wait to go back

leasy21313

Always fabulous
We make a point of travelling up to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane to dine at this favourite restaurant of ours. Food is wonderful & flavoursome, setting is unique & appealing, cooking school is a great experience too if you ever get the chance.

tom47562

always sensational

Anne Mac

Always fabulous food and service

carly83747

Exceptional food, amazing experience
Food so good it is beyond description - a must do experience on the Sunshine Coast dining scene.

sam11857

Keeps me coming back
The excellent quality Thai food keeps me, my wife, friends and family coming back, time after time.

ian69559

Awesome
The Spirit house is amazing had a great experience in the cooking class and the restaurant serves lovely meals.

andrew60552

Brilliant experience...always
Have been coming to Spirit House for years. The food is always sensational, the staff and service and top quality and the ambience is beautiful. My go to place on the Sunshine Coast

henriette10817

Delicious,innovative and just simply sublime !!!

pam32528

Delicious food! Fabulous surroundings
Amazing atmosphere! So lucky to have Spirit House nearby!

christine56013

Superb
Been visiting for years and both the restaurant and the cooking school have never failed to be anything other than superb in all respects.

louise44071

Simply the best
Never disappointed! Always an amazing meal, with fabulous service and such a wonderful setting. The food is seriously to die for. Love it!

john46852

Wonderful setting and cuisine
Wonderful setting and ambience. Very welcoming and attentive staff. Excellent Asian fusion cuisine.

tam20659

Becmontagu

anton51638

Look forward to our next visit

geoff26322

A taste of adventure on the tongue
Great food by inspired people bringing the very best of Thai cuisine to us to enjoy

Josemccool111

Amazing place

Josemccool111

shane10307

Simply the best . Great food, choice, surrounds and friendly staff

rod66447

Simply stunning - ambience, food, service - so much better than all the 'me too's' who really can't live up to Spirit House's high standards

Katrina Wretham

Amazing food. Tranquil location. Fantastic service

kathryn28100

a special place to share a meal
we enjoy the experience of dining here for special family occasions. The food is great and the location just beautiful

roger89638

A must visit if you are visiting the Sunshine Coast
We love Spirit House , have been going there for years and always happy to show visitors our hidden gem

ryann39499

Brilliant in attitude and flavor
This brand has just got all of their creative ducks in a row.
It was one of the most memorable experiences my wife and I have had. Thank you.

danuta38867

Excellent food, atmosphere and service

ingrid15061

Always a spectacular experience

Debbie K

one of my favourite restaurants
Highly recommend, it never disappoints. We look forward in going every time we visit the Sunshine Coast, which is a few times a year, always book when I know I’m going to QLD

claire48200

Exceptional!

karen23116

Amazing food

alistair42482

When visiting Sunshine Coast from Melbourne our go place for authentic Thai cuisine is The Spirit House.
We have visited Thailand many times and the Spirit House is as good as it gets to local Thai. And I am not talking about street food!

delia77701

Still salivate over the food just thinking about it.

Rachel_Ross

Our all time favourite Restaurant on the Sunshine Coast
My husband and I and also various family members have been here a multitude of times and Spirit House never disappoints!

MissDaisy54

Beautiful food, beautiful environment
Have dined here and participated in cooking classes over a number of years and I still love returning. The food is fresh, exciting and palate pleasing. And great cocktails!

JanelleG

A superb restaurant- amazing food - delightful setting

kate89386

This restaurant just never disappoints!
Everything from the food, the ambience, the greeting, the hospitality, the innovation - it really does not get any better than The Spirit House.

gary81612

Always a taste sensation

glenys11206

Refreshes the Spirit!
It took me some years to get around to making the trek from Brisbane to The Spirit House. Now I take every opportunity to treat myself and family to the quality Thai food and wonderful service that is The Spirit House. When hosting some visiting UK cousins it was on the ‘must do’ list. And as usual The Spirit House did not disappoint. Our cousins did not want to go home!!! Thank you to all who make The Spirit House a gastronomic delight....
You are now a family affair, with our son and his girl friend enrolling in a learn to cook class.
Definitely a place for the flagging spurt

casey34767

warren16133

great food and cooking classes

casey34767

Cooking school and food is AMAZING

Jaemac61

jac54697

Great food, perfect surrounds.. treat yourself and dine there..

suzanne37569

Memorable experience
I have been to the Spirit House twice and will keep returning. The food is amazing, such wonderful flavours and tastes. Service is exceptional, friendly and professional. Setting makes you feel you are in an Asian country. Love the bar and restaurant seating. Truly the best restaurant on the Sunshine Coast!

george74697

Always serve unforgettable meals, memorable for their flavours, freshness, and variety.

angela58863

richard12669

Exceptional dining experience

diner68923

Fantastic atmosphere
Best Thai food in Australia

NoosaDave

The BEST Thai food on the Sunshine Coast. Period.
Consistently brilliant, never had a bad meal in over a decade. Love the new bar, the cooking school is great and the restaurant is excellent. Couldn't recommend it more highly!

fiona19454

fantastic venue & scrumptious food

diner68923

Fantastic atmosphere
Best Thai food in Australia

Sooks

Consistently amazing, super delicious food and warm, friendly and professional staff

Vicki Chapman

the best Thai I have ever been to

nicole34772

Always amazing!

gerard61744

great food and atmosphere

Kisten19

Long standing favourite
Food and service are consistently exceptional!

rebecca67188

stella10780

claire43545

zena1949

SPIRIT HOUSE IS THE BEST RESTAURANT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
I am a big foodie and love very good food and since moving up to the coast in 2006 and we have tried heaps of restaurants on the coast and the only one that I rate as the highest is The Spirit House as the food just keeps getting better and better and they are always consistent and never let you down but it is the flavour that they get into their food that is amazing plus their beautiful staff and atmosphere makes you feel so relaxed also I would recommend the banquet as being one of the best on the coast and a very good price but their wine is also amazing plus cocktails. Thanks to all the wonderful staff and chefs who prepare this amazing food.

jake70530

jack47082

smarsden

geevisda

AMAZING!

Ozlady3859

Upon stepping through the huge gates you are ushered by the water dragons through what a tropical resort garden, centered around a lake. Your table overlooks the water.

The aroma of aromatic Thai cuisine wafts to you heralding the feast that lies ahead. Subtle combinations of sweet, sour, salty and spicy courses flood your senses, this 5 course degustation experience delivers it all.

Impecable service and knowledgeable waiters enhance a wonderful experience that immerses you into the sounds, sights and smells of an authentic Thai gastronomic adventure.

This is one dining experience that I would highly recommend.

The establishment also offers beautiful cook books and cooking classes to enhance your memories.

tyneal

Fantastic ! Don't forget to do a cooking class or take some home ... Love this place .

iceadelic

I LOVE this resturant! the food is beautiful and the setting around you as you eat is incredible! will definatly go back next oppotunity I get!

Peffin

Peffin

My partner and I love coming to this restaurant as it always exceed our expectations in terms of food service and the tranquil atmosphere. 10 out of 10 every time. :)

siobhanheathcote

JandG

As advertised, this restaurant is indeed an oasis of tranquility, in a beautiful garden setting away from the hustle and bustle of the Sunshine coast and all it's attractions for tourists. The menu is divided into small, medium and large sharing plates which means that the meal can be easily tailored to all tastes and appetites. As we were driving, we didn't indulge in any alcoholic beverage, but enjoyed a refreshing 'ginger fizz'. For the food we indulged in one small plate (cumquat scallops), two medium plates (stir fried green beans and the chargrilled cuttlefish and green papaya salad) and the signature crispy fried fish with chili and tamarind sauce. The deep-fried green papaya was a little lacking in flavor but provided an interesting texture contrast with the other salad ingredients, while the crispy gold band snapper provided a spectacular if messy centerpiece to the meal. Altogether a very enjoyable dining experience.