A lot happened in August on the good ol’ Sunshine Coast, so you’d be forgiven for not having ticked everything off your must-visit bucket list.
But, it’s a new month now, guys. And with it comes a bevy of opportunities to check out the latest openings on the Sunshine Coast.
From delish Asian restaurants to waterfront bars, here’s a gathering of the best new openings worth your time and your dosh this September.
Chow
Maroochydore
Just when you think Ocean Street couldn’t get any better, it does. It’s just the way it goes. And this time around, we’ve got Chow to thank for gracing our tastebuds and then our bellies with a whole lot of flavour-packed dishes. Specialising in East Asian food, the menu is brimming with smaller-style plates you’d be happy to share with your SO. As long as they share whatever they’re having, too. From Duck Boats, which are essentially Chow’s version of a san choy bow using their specialty sauce, to a Filipino crispy pork belly, tataki shooters (yep, these are served in shot glasses) and yakitori tasting plates, you probably oughta try every.single.dish.
Ol’ Cactus
Alexandra Headland
Who doesn’t love Mexican? No Juan, that’s who! And if, like us, you could almost eat tacos for breakfast, lunch AND dinner, then you’d best be checking out the Coast’s newest, not-so-tradition Mexican restaurant. Sitting opposite the beach at Alexandra Headland, Ol’ Cactus is the second venture for Corbins’ owners, Alicia, Sam and Jake Pregnell, and Cody Gwillim—so really, you know you’re onto a winner before you even sit down. From the gorgeous Palm Springs-inspired interior to the adventurous menu—think: Salmon Tartare Tostada, Ox Tongue Taco and Cuttlefish Popcorn—you won’t know where to start.
Chances Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba
If the last time you visited the Mooloolaba wharf precinct was back when Fridays was a thing, then we need to chat. As part of the new development and revival of this special nook of the Coast, we’ve recently gained a new waterfront restaurant-slash-bar. Whoop! Perfect for a relaxing, low-key meal with the fam, Chances Mooloolaba is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so there’s pretty much no reason you shouldn’t be able to squeeze a visit in. What’s on our hitlist? For the morning, we’re eyeing off the Build Your Own Breakfast and a little later on, the 24-hour pulled pork burger washed down with a local brew. Mmmmm…
Riviera Bar & Lounge
Noosa Heads
There’s so many drawcards to Sofitel Noosa’s recently refurbed Riviera Bar & Lounge, but one of the biggest is that this is the only establishment along Hastings Street that grants you sunset views over the river. Fitted out with a French Riviera style (as you’ve probs gathered by the name) and home to an irresistible cocktail list and bar menu (order the char suit pork belly bao!) it’s time to get comfy, folks because we doubt you’re going to ever wanna leave.
Wild Fish
Sunshine Beach
If we were to make the call, we’d say Mexican and Asian are all the rage right now, at least on the Sunshine Coast. So it’s refreshing to hear about Wild Fish, a new Sunshine Beach restaurant that’s doing something a little different. Teaming up with the crew at one of the Coast’s best seafood suppliers, Soulfish, this newbie specialises in serving up the freshest and most sustainable wild caught seafood on the Sunshine Coast. Offering a full menu, a daily market list and a cheap-as-chips bar menu between 4pm and 5.30pm, we’re totally peer-pressuring you to get in quick before those balmy weekends bring the crowds.
Need to fill in the time between your restaurant visits? Conquer this mammoth list of things to do on the Sunshine Coast this spring.
Image credit: Amy Higg for The Urban List