Coffee — it’s a topic that’s as contentious as politics or pizza. You might love a nook in Caloundra somewhere, but your friend swears their local in Mooloolaba is the only place to get a consistently smooth, yet strong, cup of joe aka the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast.
It’s not an easy feat hunting down the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast but we’ve happily knocked back plenty of cups of the good stuff, all in the name of research. And so here we are, in no particular order (because that’d be ridiculously impossible), our picks for the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast and the spots to drink it.
Slide Coffee Roasters
Coolum Beach
More than just a coffee shop, Slide Coffee Roasters describes itself as ‘a space focused purely on coffee’. Sounds like our kinda place. You might know Slide from their seriously delicious single origin and specialty coffee blends stocked in various cafes around the Sunny Coast, but now they’ve taken it up a notch and have blessed us with their new tasting room in Coolum Beach. The tasting room stocks four to six different blends at any time, so come in and order a cup of liquid gold or join for a tasting or home brewing workshop. Bonus: the light-filled space is stunning and perfect for pimping your Insta.
BOMBA Coffee House
Mooloolaba
New kid on the block, this unique coffee spot has already made a mark on the bustling Mooloolaba cafe scene. When you rock up to BOMBA Coffee House, you won’t just be getting a quality cup of joe, you’ll be immersed in the cosy space which oozes character and quirky vibes. If early mornings aren't your thing, BOMBA has got you covered with their Sunday Music Jam Sessions, which kick off at 4pm weekly and are a hub of community spirit and chilled vibes only.
Guru Life
Rosemount
Out in the sticks, Guru Life is a must-visit coffee spot that doubles as a roastery and cafe. Dishing up breakfasts of epic proportions alongside their cups of liquid gold, this Rosemount cafe totally floats our high-standards boat. Guzzle your helping of the Guru blend in the garden, and if you really want to connect with nature, get your duck feeding shoes on—there’s a pond on the property.
Clandestino Roasters
Noosa
Based in the Noosa industrial estate, inside Belmondo’s, Clandestino Roasters has to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, coffee brands coming out of the Sunshine Coast. Keeping addicts caffeinated at their roastery, their beans are also scattered in cafes across the region. Go here to experiment with different drops and coffee-making styles, and if you like what you taste you can bag ready-to-go beans along with pro equipment to take home. It’s truly a temple to coffee.
Tome
Maroochydore
We all know about their cakes, but Tome also does a seriously good coffee. If you’re around Ocean Street and need a pick-me-up, we really can’t think of anything better than one of their too pretty to eat cakes washed down by one of their epic iced coffee concoctions. Does a caramel, macadamia and honeycomb cheesecake tickle your tastebuds? A sight to behold. And then hold. And then drink.
Humdrum Espresso
Eumundi
Tasting as good as it looks, you’ll spot this cute cafe on the main drag of Eumundi, close to the markets. Humdrum’s house blend is the Magneto Espresso, from local coffee crew Clandestino, with a rotating single origin. Your tea-sipping buddy won’t be left out either, with a selection of over 25 different flavours.
The Colombian Coffee Co.
Mooloolaba
We love coffee. But more than coffee, we love passion. And The Colombian Coffee Co. has it by the shipload. Beyond serving some of the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast, they’ve also branched out with open-to-the-public in-store cupping evenings and more recently, created a handcrafted, bottled Brew Espresso Extract, perfect for those espresso martinis. If you need two pick me ups, consecutively, ‘cause sometimes you just do, then sip a piccolo here before ducking across the road for an Espresso Martini at Taps, made with the Colombian Coffee Co’s specialty cocktail mixer.
The Pocket Espresso Bar
Moffat Beach
You can’t really miss The Pocket. It’s not because it’s a big space, because it isn’t, but no doubt, when you’re dallying along Seaview Terrace, it’ll be overflowing with coffee freaks who know they pour a cup of the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast. Adored by just about everybody, this espresso bar is super close to the beach and gives you the perfect reason to explore one of the best little beachside towns on the Coast.
Urban Garden
Maroochydore
Taking over the old Maroochydore courthouse, Urban Garden is doing something right. And we’re guessing it’s got to do with the coffee. Smooth, robust and served in small cups (or shall we say “proper” cups), you’ll be sharing tables or benches with creative folk (they actually have wifi—whoop!). If you swing by on a weekend, you’ll be treated to a food truck display which offers some delish noms and handmade treats.
Hand Of Fatima
Peregian Beach
One of the best coffee spots on the Sunshine Coast, Hand of Fatima is renowned for being consistently good. But don’t take our word for it — go check it out yourself in Peregian Beach. Pair your liquid gold with one of their epic Middle Eastern brunch dishes and it's guaranteed your weekend won't get much better.
Glass Coffee
Maroochydore
Sitting pretty in Cotton Tree, if you haven’t visited the refurbished Glass, it’s time to pick up your act. Super chilled vibes and friendly regulars will make your coffee taste that much better. Exciting news — Glass is now serving up delish noms into the night too, with their Glassy Nights events which feature guest chefs and top notch food (yuzu and dark chocolate parfait, anyone?).
Sunshine Sunshine Espresso
Currimundi
We dare you to skip beachside Currimundi just once, and instead run the gauntlet that is Nicklin Way to the other side where you’ll discover the hidden Sunshine Sunshine Espresso. This espresso bar is the place to head for a seriously local slow-dripped iced latte or straight black cold drip. They also serve up some killer handmade cabinet treats which will break your diet resolutions.
Cuba St.
Marcoola
Sitting on David Low Way in Marcoola, if you’ve done a recent airport run down the Coast, or driven the coast roads from south of the bridge to Noosa, then there’s a good chance you’ve driven straight past Cuba St. We’re here to tell you… don’t even think about doing it again. It’s a foolish mistake, and one you will live to regret long after your first cup of coffee at this cafe.
Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar
Caloundra
Dear Lamkin Lane, it feels like yesterday that you opened the doors to your cute-as-button, make-us-want-an-awning cafe. But it wasn’t. We’ve actually been sipping on your brews for years and years. It needs to be said though, that it feels like we’ve always known you and now, we can’t imagine life without you. Thank you for pouring one of the best (and prettiest) coffees on the Sunshine Coast.
Compound
Coolum Beach
Surf and coffee go hand in hand like Friday nights and espresso martinis. If you’re in Coolum or heading there for the waves, save yourself for a caffeine hit from specialty roasters Padre Coffee at Compound. Tucked a street back from Coolum’s main drag, Compound’s four walls provide a gallery-like space for not only a mean espresso bar but, vintage surf threads, relic boards, and free-flowing casual banter. Start your day right, start your day here.
Criminal Coffee Company
Maroochydore
This coffee shop slash toastie bar slash roaster slash co-working space is fast becoming one of the most-loved cafes on the Sunshine Coast, and for good reason. Situated on Maroochydore’s sunny and sandy Sixth Avenue, the Criminal Coffee Company is the perfect place to refuel after a surf, catch up with your friends or to grab a quick pick-me-up on your morning walk. They also function as a modern co-work space, with plenty of room for business catch ups, study sessions and meetings. Oh, and their toasties are downright, well, criminal, including their vegan option loaded with chargrilled zucchini, fresh basil, vine ripe tomatoes, dukkah and vegan cashew cheese.
Small Change Espresso
Nambour
This friendly local coffee joint is all about saving the planet, one delicious specialty coffee at a time. As their name suggests, Small Change Espresso is about those little changes that we can all make to help our planet, and when these changes include sipping ethically-sourced cold-brew coffee out of an ice-cold metal straw, they’re pretty easy to get behind. Their minimal and modern cafe aims to keep their footprint low by using only sustainable and eco-friendly products, and they also sell a range of environmentally friendly retail goods. Do yourself and the planet a favour and visit here ASAP.
Iggy Sun
Noosa
Inspired by the flavours, smells and sights of the Middle East, Iggy Sun is one of Noosa’s best coffee spots. Located in Noosa Junction, this colourful and eclectic cafe offers both great coffee and delicious, healthy food — think slow-roasted chicken with cashew sauce, yoghurt panna cotta and fresh muffins worth writing home about. We’ll see you there.
Groundskeeper Willie
Moffat Beach
This dog-friendly café and roastery sources the best coffee from around the world and brews it right here on the Sunshine Coast. Groundskeeper Willie doesn’t just do coffee, however. They also know a thing or two about brewing ice-cold specialty teas, making them the ultimate summer drinking haunt. And the best part? With every kilo of coffee they sell, they give back $1 to dog rescue organisations. Go on, do it for your furry friends.
Padre
Noosa
If you consider yourself to be a bit of a coffee snob, then Padre should already be on your go-to list for serving some of the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast. This Noosa espresso bar and roaster is the Noosa home to one of Melbourne’s coffee kings and takes coffee very seriously, which shows in their unique blends, intricate latte art and happy customers. Worth jumping in the car and hunting down in the industrial area, this is one light-filled space you won’t want to leave in a hurry.
Flying West Roasters
Doonan
Hidden away in Doonan, this industrial style cafe is home to the famous beans of Flying West Roasters, which have started lining the shelves of many Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and New South Wales cafes. From humble beginnings at the Eumundi Markets, their specialty brews have been twenty years in the making and where better to try them than their flagship space? With a small but tasty menu also on offer, this is the perfect spot to meet for a lazy midweek brunch. Chuck in hanging greenery, dark timber furniture and modern industrial decor and this beautiful cafe is one spot you won’t want to leave.
Malarkey Artisan Coffee
Caloundra
Concealed by a massive poinciana tree and surrounded by a yard of lush greenery, this sweet little coffee shop provides a shady escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Malarkey Artisan Coffee’s beautiful garden makes it the ultimate place to sit back and relax, whilst sipping on one of the best coffees on the Sunshine Coast. They also sell beautiful ceramic keep cups, plants and arguably the best double choc chip cookies in the world. Go on and try them for yourself.
Zabe Espresso Bar
Tewantin
Cafe by day, live music bar by night, Zabe Espresso Bar is the perfect combination of a friendly local eatery and an old-school bar. With icy fresh cold-brew coffee on tap (literally — they now serve cold brew straight from the tap), this place is perfect for those summer afternoon catch-ups. Why not stick around for happy hour in the evenings? After all, good days always start with a coffee and end with a cocktail.
Little Cove Coffee Co
Noosa
This humble Noosa roastery has a pretty simple ethos; good beans, good service and good coffee. Stop by Little Cove Coffee Co for a coffee and you’ll be able to feel the love and passion that goes into every cup (expect some quality latte art too). And what’s more, they want you to be able to experience the magic of finely roasted coffee at home, so they sell all of the beans and equipment you need to brew your own liquid gold at home. Why? Because they want their coffee to be shared and enjoyed in as many places as possible.
John Kyle Espresso
Buderim
This aesthetically pleasing espresso bar has fast solidified itself as pouring some of the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast, and the locals are pretty happy about it. John Kyle Espresso is known not only for creating coffee that’s as pretty as its interior, but also for their delicious eats, friendly service and one of the best plates of smashed avo in Buderim. Whether you keep coming back for the top-quality coffee, the delicious cookies or the amazing Buderim view, you’ll be a regular in no time.
The Birds And The Beans
Buderim
The old-school coffee joint is run out of a converted garage and is every bit as cool as it sounds. Serving up piping hot coffee and ice-cold smoothies and drinks, The Birds and The Beans has it all — Insta-worthy decor, very good coffee and (importantly) delicious eats and sweet treats. If you’re like us and you enjoy an almond croissant or fresh cinnamon butter pretzel with your cup of liquid gold, then this is the place for you.
Flinders Lane
Maroochydore
Perfect for weekend dates and late brunches, Flinders Lane is hands down one of the best cafes on the Sunshine Coast. Not only do they churn out some truly moreish Vintage Black coffee, but they also have an impressive menu — does braised lamb shoulder with Jerusalem artichoke, fried egg and sourdough tickle your tastebuds? If that hasn’t convinced you yet, you’ll be sold when you check out their very fun retail shelves full of everything from coffee beans and keep cups to pickles, jam and chutney.
Feeling caffeinated and full of go-go juice? Now that you’re energised, catch the sunrise at the Sunny Coast’s most picture-perfect sunrise spots. There’s no better way to start your day.
Image credit: Daniel Hine, Slide Coffee Roasters, Ariana Gillrie, Amy Higg