The Best Restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

Blending creativity with some of the most nutrient-dense produce on the planet, the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast simply dazzle.

Pristine beaches and year-round sunshine are indisputable drawcards, but my favourite part of the Sunshine Coast is the food. Home to some of Australia’s best restaurants and cafes, the Queensland region is a subtropical playground of volcanic-enriched soil, so seasonal produce is big, juicy and always sourced locally. Whether I’m craving a breakfast of farm-fresh eggs and greens, crustaceans for lunch, or choice cuts with vibrant veg for dinner, restaurants on the Sunshine Coast nail it. Here, my favourites right now.

In short

It’s a tough call, but if you can only eat at one of the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, make it Spirit House. The lush tropical garden setting is entirely unique (and breathtaking) and don’t even get me started on their beautiful plating.

The shortlist

Great for special occasions: Spirit House
Fine dining gem: Mapleton Public House
Best views: Rickys River Bar & Restaurant
Best coffee: Fellowship Drive Cafe
Hottest new opening: Playa Mexican

Restaurants for breakfast

The Sunshine Coast knows how to start the day right. From Caloundra to Noosa, artisinal coffee roasters, deliciously dressed plating and serene settings awaken the senses to a brand-new day.

1. Fellowship Drive Cafe

a close-up of food at Fellowship Drive Cafe, Sunshine Coast — Tuck into generously plated brunch meals at Fellowship Drive Cafe.

First, coffee. While the bean scene is strong in this corner of the world, I’m a sucker for Flying West Coffee Roasters’ blends after falling head over heels at its Eumundi Markets coffee cart some years ago. The team launched Fellowship Drive Cafe in 2024, where I now find my consistently smooth (a feat for any multi-barista operation), caffeine hit that’s always heated to perfection (no burnt tongue ever). There’s also affordable meals like the confit flat mushroom plate with cashew cheese, dukkha and pesto on charcoal sourdough, baked at nearby Ten Acres Sourdough in Ninderry. I also love a slice of the beetroot feta loaf which mixes in parmesan for maximised deliciousness.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Local

Location: 9 Fellowship Dr, Doonan

2. The Coolum Social

hearty meals at The Coolum Social, Sunshine Coast — The Coolum Social highlights the region’s seasonal produce with its vibrant and hearty meals. (Image: Ariana Gillrie)

Flowing with Instagram-friendly vibes is The Coolum Social , a Sunshine Coast cafe dishing up hearty meals and great coffee using Sydney’s Gabriel Coffee. Focused on transforming the region’s seasonal produce into edible art, the team love playing with whatever’s delicious at the time. Expect classics like chilli eggs and bacon and egg rolls alongside more exotic creations like bao buns and poke bowls. Craving a juice? I love their bashed-up brews turning tropical fruits into frappes, milkshakes and smoothies, while their just-juice options invite create-your-own creativity.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Warm and friendly

Location: 26 Birtwill St, Coolum Beach

3. Tollys

a breakfast plate at Tollys, Sunshine Coast — Indulge into a heartwarming brekkie at Tollys. (Image: Snippet Marketing Media)

Fuel an adventure through the famous Eumundi Markets with brekkie at Tollys , located in the old Bella 101 site. Situated right across the road from the weekly hot ticket (which opens twice weekly, actually), this Sunshine Coast restaurant was built inside a beautiful historical building known as The Old Bakery. Find a seat on the deck overlooking the street as dishes span seasonal fritters, French toast with addictive berry coulis, avocado smash with a poached egg and other AM classics.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Chilled out

Location: 101 Memorial Dr, Eumundi

4. Moffat Beach Brewing Co.

the exterior of Moffat Beach Brewing Co. — The beloved beachside brewery is also open for breakfast. (Image: Rix Rix Photography)

While it may seem unusual to have breakfast in a brewery, Moffat Beach Brewing Co. , just metres from the sand, is such a vibe. Gaze over the ocean (a bench seat by the street is my favourite spot) as breakfast classics, including a bacon and egg burger and avocado on toast, speedily roll out of the kitchen.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Breezy

Location: 12 Seaview Tce, Moffat Beach

Restaurants for lunch

Swap out caffeine for carafes as the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast for lunch take advantage of brilliant coastal views, locally caught delicacies (including the region’s famed seafood) and laidback wine time.

5. Mapleton Public House

the exterior of Mapleton Public House, Sunshine Coast — Mapleton Public House serves as a pub, bar and bistro in one. (Image: Stories by Ash)

Totally unassuming at first glance, Mapleton Public House oozes understated charm. I walk up a set of stairs from a carpark in the sleepy hinterland town to find, admittedly, more of that casual vibe before the scene switches gears via standout hospitable wait staff who bring warmth and joy to every interaction. My table on the wraparound deck overlooks the main road down low while breathtaking mountains paint a stunning scene out yonder. I’m blown away by the ‘Buffalo carrots’ fried in buttermilk and hot sauce, a collection of crunchy, chubby flavour hits that burst with spicy caramelised goodness. The slow-cooked short rib is similarly fabulous with garlic potato cream and house-made onion rings. It’s the dedication to detail in this place that shines, an all-round winner that technically serves as a pub (there’s a bar and bistro seating inside) but refines Sunshine Coast dining with every seating.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Casual cool

Location: 2 Flaxton Dr, Mapleton

6. Bistro C

beachfront dining at Bistro C, Noosa Main Beach — Nab a spot by the beach overlooking Laguna Bay. (Image: Bistro C)

I’m one face in a thick daily crowd waiting for a table at Bistro C , but I’m not deterred. Offering uninterrupted Noosa Main Beach views and intoxicating holiday atmosphere, it’s a Sunshine Coast restaurant that never grows tired. Breakfast after a morning dip is the norm, but I’m here at lunch during my latest trip and I’m ready to party. Overlooking Laguna Bay, I indulge in the crispy skin barramundi which melts in the mouth. Seared local scallops are equally soft and flavoursome, before the triple cream brie fondue I eyed off when I first opened the menu finally makes its way into my belly. Delicious. My children are sorted too thanks to a kids’ menu offering the likes of ‘I Want Macca’s’ (a chicken slider with chips), ‘I Love You Mum’ (spaghetti bolognaise) and ‘I Don’t Know’ (calamari and chips). The staff here are as fun-loving and entertaining as those kids titles, making for guaranteed good times.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Vibrant

Location: 49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

7. BASK Restaurant

the dining space inside BASK Restaurant, Sunshine Coast — BASK Restaurant’s popularity called for a bigger space in Peregian Beach.

Peregian Beach’s favourite long lunch spot is BASK Restaurant , located in the beach town’s vibrant centre. The paddock-to-plate eatery moved into the village after a successful run in Eumundi where it originally opened its doors in 2021. Once word of Chef Jack Madden’s culinary flair caught on, demand grew and so the team found a larger space elsewhere. The result is flawless; a European-inspired feast that flows to al fresco tables from a warm, stylish fit-out. The food, spanning fresh sea catches and the finest seasonal meats, such as quail with roasted chestnuts and foraged mushrooms, is reliably excellent.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Location: Shop 3-4/218 David Low Way, Peregian Beach

8. Brouhaha Maleny

inside the Brouhaha Maleny, Sunshine Coast — Grab a relaxed bite at Brouhaha Brewery. (Image: Mark Fitz/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Another great spot for a chilled-out meal is Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny. The beer is outstanding, renowned throughout the state, and the food menu is equally crafty. Think pork scratchings, sourced locally, with apple sauce, crumbed fish cakes, a Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and about half a dozen woodfired pizzas.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 6/39 Coral St, Maleny

9. Rickys River Bar & Restaurant

a couple dining at Rickys River Bar & Restaurant, Sunshine Coast — Soak up bright and airy vibes at this refined fine diner. (Image: Manuel Freudenmann/Tourism and Events Queensland)

My favourite Sunshine Coast restaurant on the water, Rickys River Bar & Restaurant is such a special spot. Located on the Noosa River and featuring its own jetty plus sparkling water views from every angle, the refined fine diner is a special occasion affair – my heels don’t feel out of place at all. Request a table by the window (no guarantees) where the water shimmers and sea birds soar to the wetlands lying beyond. I did seafood for starters (the spanner crab spaghettini with garlic and chilli) before diving into a heavier main (the 200g eye fillet with generous sides) and relished every second of it. I also toasted the end of the afternoon with extended drinks in the bar area, a moody lounge where martinis roll past sunset.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 2 Quamby Place, Noosa Heads

10. Warrior Restaurant & Bar

a smoky cocktail at Warrior Restaurant & Bar, — Warrior Restaurant & Bar has perfected cocktails, such as The Bosco, Noosa Valley vodka infused with maple wood smoke. (Image: Supplied)

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s fine dining eatery is a sophisticated homage to native ingredients and locally sourced supplies. Engaging the Sunshine Coast’s finest farmers and suppliers to nail an inventive menu that’s super generously plated, Warrior Restaurant & Bar embraces its natural surroundings which flow with native flora and fauna. I notice more non-hotel guests at lunch and dinner than breakfast, which helps transform the in-house hotel restaurant into a dining destination on its own accord. Ask for a table by the window (they can be requested) to overlook the infinity swimming pool and resident kangaroos and emu, and I highly recommend the slow-braised beef rendang curry with cardamom rice as the meat is melt-in-your-mouth perfect and the sauce is thick and rich. I also really loved the warrigal greens and broccolini with toasted almonds and house-made lemon myrtle salt, too.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Tranquil

Location: 88 Irwin Rd, Beerwah

11. Mooloolaba Fish Market

Devour a seafood platter fresh from Mooloolaba Fish Market.

With the sun shining and waves crashing, lunch al fresco is always a good idea. I love the Mooloolaba Fish Market where parcels of fish and chips are collected before they’re devoured overlooking the beach town’s Spit. Crumbed, battered, grilled, it’s all good as local catches span whiting, barramundi, swordfish, snapper, yellowfin tuna, salmon and more. Meanwhile, Pluto Pups and Chicko Rolls deliver the nostalgia, while natural and Kilpatrick oysters dial up the decadence.

Cuisine: Takeaway seafood

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 201 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

Restaurants for dinner

As the sun sinks and the Sunshine Coast’s glorious coastal and hinterland views melt away, all lights shine upon the region’s slick hospitality, beautiful dining spaces and more of those seasonally led delights.

12. Spirit House

two women dining in a tropical garden by the river at Spirit House, Sunshine Coast — Spirit House is set within tranquil tropical gardens. (Image: Jesse Lindemann/Tourism and Events Queensland)

You can’t talk about the best places to eat on the Sunshine Coast without mentioning Spirit House . Set within tranquil tropical gardens, this iconic restaurant, bar and cooking school is really on another level. This is fresh and bold Asian-inspired cuisine unlike anything else in the region as a set menu soars you through far-flung corners of the continent, lighting up plates with Picasso-like artistry. Signature creations include whole fishes, like a Humpty Doo barramundi, prepared with beautifully blended sauces and seasonally charged flavours, as well as the mango-braised pork belly on the entrée menu. But honestly, it’s flat-out excellent every step of the way.

Cuisine: Asian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Fancy

Location: 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina

13. Ethos at Alsahwa Estate

a plate of oysters being served at Ethos at Alsahwa Estate — Tuck into plump oysters plucked straight from the ocean. (Image: Ethos at Alsahwa Estate)

Another new addition to the Sunshine Coast dining scene, Ethos at Alsahwa Estate opened its doors in June 2025. A light-flooded dining dream located within the growing agricultural tourism operation that spreads across 30 acres of lush hinterland, the Sunshine Coast restaurant focuses on farm-to-table plates with Mediterranean-inspired flair. Think fish carpaccio with smoked bone, mushroom cream and native lime and a chicken Maryland with pumpkin saffron cheesecake.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Average price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 20 Rifle Range Rd, Palmwoods

14. Playa Mexican

squeezing lemon into a dish at Playa Mexican, Sunshine Coast — Playa Mexican brings authentic Mexican cuisine to Bokarina Beach.

Visiting the Sunshine Coast after September 2025? Drop into Playa Mexican , a highly anticipated eatery bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to Bokarina beach. House-made tortillas and the team’s signature dish, boneless BBQ chicken with pineapple butter, pickled pineapple and scallion oil, plus yummy margaritas shaken with mezcal, will no doubt attract the cool kids in droves.

Cuisine: Mexican

Location: Corner Bokarina Blvd and Longboard Pde, Bokarina

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

14 of the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast for a long feast

Blending creativity with some of the most nutrient-dense produce on the planet, the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast simply dazzle.

In short

The shortlist

Restaurants for breakfast

1. Fellowship Drive Cafe

2. The Coolum Social

3. Tollys

4. Moffat Beach Brewing Co.

Restaurants for lunch

5. Mapleton Public House

6. Bistro C

7. BASK Restaurant

8. Brouhaha Maleny

9. Rickys River Bar & Restaurant

10. Warrior Restaurant & Bar

11. Mooloolaba Fish Market

Restaurants for dinner

12. Spirit House

13. Ethos at Alsahwa Estate

14. Playa Mexican

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Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

Exploring K’gari

Unwind at sunset

Indulge and disconnect

Getting there