From re-launches of some of our favourite Sunshine Coast institutions to exciting fresh faces in the foodie landscape, these new openings on the Sunshine Coast are set to shake up a scene that’s already bursting at the seams with wining and dining goodness.
Break out the diaries, Sunshine Coast. Here are some of the best new restaurant and venue openings on the Sunshine Coast in 2023. Your next weekend is sorted.
Matso's Sunshine Coast
Eumundi
If you needed any more proof that the Sunshine Coast craft brewery scene is one of the best in Australia, this is it. Matso’s, the creator of Australia’s first alcoholic ginger beer, has opened their second Australian location in Eumundi and it’s seriously epic.
The iconic Joe’s Waterhole pub in Eumundi has been reborn as Matso’s Sunshine Coast, sporting a stunning new look and breathing new life into the much-loved Sunshine Coast establishment. Matso’s Sunshine Coast boasts multiple bars, a relaxed restaurant, beer garden, pool room, and even a Matso’s playground just for the little ones. It's even dog-friendly, too. Continue reading here.
Pataka
Maroochydore
Nestled in the beating heart of Maroochydore, Pataka is a game-changing new Fijian-Indian restaurant with a focus on wood-fired, plant-based cuisine, natural biodynamic wines and creatively curated cocktails. So yes, it's pretty damn unique.
At Pataka, the culinary focus centres on sourcing local produce and incorporating native Australian ingredients, emphasising traditional Fijian-Indian cooking methods such as open-fire preparation to elevate and intensify flavours. The menu predominantly features shareable plates, catering to discerning diners in search of a unique gastronomic experience. Continue reading here.
The Wonky Loaf
Kuluin
Taking out the title of ‘Best Sourdough on the Sunshine Coast’, there’s no doubt The Wonky Loaf has become a star of the Sunshine Coast bakery scene after three years in business . And with their fresh revamp just unveiled, we think they’re about to get a whole new legion of sourdough-loving fans. Located in Kuluin, The Wonky Loaf specialises in slow-fermented, sustainable and organic sourdough baked goods using locally sourced ingredients, and you can seriously taste the difference.
The new-look Wonky Loaf is bright, colourful and cosy, with a freshly renovated dining space and kids’ corner. There’s also a new retail section, with goodies like Woombye Cheese and Padre Coffee on display, a flower display and dog-friendly dining. If you can’t visit The Wonky Loaf in person, you’ll also find their delightful goodies for sale at Noosa Farmers Market, Yandina, Eumundi and Kawana Markets and more.
Bli Bli Hotel
Bli Bli
The Sunshine Coast is set to welcome the highly-anticipated Bli Bli Hotel in late spring, and your nights out are about to seriously level up. The $32 million modern bistro and bar stars a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop terrace and a lush tropical garden-style events space across three sprawling levels.
Within the bistro, high ceilings, terracotta and sage hues and hand-printed Australian bush wallpaper create an inviting setting, adjoining the rooftop terrace. The kitchen’s centre piece will be a live-fire grill, adding an elevated twist to the classic pub fare and setting Bli Bli Hotel above the traditional pub offering. Continue reading here.
Alma by Latinos
Maroochydore
Alma by Latinos is bringing the vibrant flavours and spirit of Latin street food to Maroochydore and we are here for it. Owner Alejandro Soto was inspired by his mother’s home cooking in Costa Rica, which influenced him to embark on a hospitality career spanning from South America to London to local Sunshine Coast establishments including Rice Boi, Giddy Geisha and Lucio’s.
Alma by Latinos is situated on the former Drunken Dumpling site on Ocean Street and champions authentic Latin-style plates unlike anything we’ve tasted. Start small with piqueos (snacks) before moving onto large dishes like a delicate Peruvian salmon ceviche and a coconut Brazilian seafood stew. The laidback restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, where you’ll unwind to the backdrop of Latino piped music and unparalleled hospitality.
Hey Day Buddina
Buddina
The Sunshine Coast coffee scene is seriously levelling up and one of the newcomers paving the way is Hey Day Buddina. The gorgeous timber-toned cafe combines owners Ashleigh and James’ love of mid-century design with art, music and coffee. A winning combination if you ask us.
The sweet cafe champions Sunshine Coast coffee with rotating filters from local roasters, as well a succinct lineup of Australian-wide roasters. On the menu you’ll find deli-style sandwiches and classic brunch items, with a focus on supporting local venues like Tanglewood, Sunshine Coast Sourdough and Jeremiah’s Crust. Continue reading here.
Pizzeria Sisily
Golden Beach
Pizzeria Sisily is a vibrant new Italian pizzeria and bar, slinging up authentic Italian dishes in the heart of Golden Beach. The younger sibling of much-loved Golden Beach icon, Cafe Sisily, Pizzeria Sisily was born out of a love for Sicily and a desire to share Sicilian dishes and culture with the Sunshine Coast.
Honoring the owners’ Sicilian heritage, Pizzeria Sisily combines decades of culinary expertise with respect for tradition—and they add an Australian twist too, of course. The menu is groaning with wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pastas, antipasti and sublime Italian desserts. Continue reading here.
Park & Cove
Noosa Heads
There’s no doubt Noosa is something of a foodie mecca; an ever-evolving tapestry of culinary delights and bold newcomers to the dining scene. One such newcomer is Park & Cove, a reimagined dining destination overlooking Noosa from its home on the hill by Peppers Noosa. Park & Cove champions sustainable paddock-to-plate dining and prides itself on showcasing local produce, suppliers and flavours.
The kitchen is headed up by Chef Andrew Wilcox, third-generation Noosa local, who says his food philosophy is simple and designed to bring people together. The relaxed modern coastal menu stars local delights like K’gari spanner crab linguini, seared beef picanha and Swiss chard and smoked potato agnolotti. Pair your culinary experience with picturesque views of Noosa National Park and you’ve got yourself a winner. Contineu reading here.
Junk Sippy Downs
Sippy Downs
Popular Ocean Street restaurant Junk has just opened its second Sunshine Coast venue in Sippy Downs and our stomachs could not be more ready. After opening on Ocean Street in Maroochydore in 2014, Junk has built a solid reputation for providing its customers with fast, fresh and affordable Asian dining. The new Sippy Downs location is open seven days a week and accommodates 150 diners where you can dig into exciting new creations like barrumundi jungle curry. There is also a daily happy hour from 3pm to 5pm, and Junk proudly showcases local and independently-owned beers.
Owner Scott Hoskins says he is thrilled to be able to bring the Junk Asian Food concept to Sippy Downs. “We’ve come a long way over the past nine years; Sippy Downs represents our new look and feel and in the next few months we will be refurbishing Junk Ocean Street to ensure both locations continue to be among the best Asian inspired dining destinations on the Sunshine Coast,” Scott said.
Lanai Noosa
Noosa
There was a palpable sound of hearts breaking when Noosaville stalwart, Thomas Corner Eatery closed its doors in 2022. The well-known waterfront dining establishment has been transformed into a stunning new venue opening in late May, aiming to bring the iconic space back to its former glory.
Lanai Noosa is a sophisticated seafood-centric restaurant which truly embodies the essence of Noosa’s casual elegance and boasts scenic views of the Noosa River. Lanai has a strong focus on sharing and connection, which is reflected in the shareable menu—from small nibble platters to large share plates which champion sustainably sourced seafood, native ingredients and locally crafted artisan products. The menu is light and fresh, reflecting the very essence of Noosa and complemented by an extensive drinks list. Continue reading here.
RB Dining
Mooloolaba
When it comes to opening stellar restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, it’s undeniable that the Tony Kelly Restaurant Group has the Midas touch. With renowned venues like Riceboi, Riceboi Upstairs, Giddy Geisha, Piggyback, Spero and more under their belt, there’s little doubt their latest venue will be phenomenal.
RB Dining is Tony Kelly’s tenth Sunshine Coast restaurant and is set to shake up the Sunshine Coast dining scene. The modern-Asian fine dining restaurant is located upstairs at The Wharf and was inspired by the multitude of Riceboi fans requesting a venue with bookings. Ask and Tony Kelly shall deliver. RB offers a fine dining experience but it still prides itself on delivering the same powerhouse flavours that diners have come to appreciate at sister restaurant, Riceboi. The modern Asian menu showcases elevated snacks, raw dishes, small share plates and larger dishes, and even has dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus. Continue reading here.
Yo-Chi
Maroochydore
Australia’s fastest-growing frozen yogurt brand, Yo-Chi, has just opened its second Sunshine Coast store in Maroochydore and we’re already drooling. The gourmet frozen yogurt store has garnered a cult-like following due its huge range of seasonal fro-yo flavours which obviously have to be loaded to the max with indulgent toppings from Yo-Chi's signature dessert-style buffet bar. We’re talking about everything from fruit pearls to fresh cookie dough to watermelon and mint. The new store is located in the bustling Sunshine Plaza, so you can choose between Yo-Chi's Noosa and Maroochydore locations when you need your next fro-yo fix.
FISHBOWL
Maroochydore
Much-loved healthy fast food legends, FISHBOWL have continued their unstoppable expansion with the Sunshine Coast's first FISHBOWL in Maroochydore. If you've ever visited a FISHBOWL location before, the long line regularly snaking out the door is a clear sign that we can't get enough of FISHBOWL's massive Japanese-inspired, health-orientated bowls. The first Sunshine Coast location in Sunshine Plaza opened on Saturday 29 April and is slinging up fresh bowls of delicousness seven days a week. The miso salmon bowl is a must-order.
Nilla's Pantry
Noosa Heads
When the founder of Sunshine Coast cult-favourite cafe VanillaFood opens a new joint, you expect it to be damn good. Nilla’s Pantry certainly does not disappoint. The driving force behind VanillaFood, Nilla Tomkins has just opened a new espresso bar-meets-organic grocer, very aptly named Nilla’s Pantry.
Replacing VanillaFood’s Belmondos location, Nilla’s Pantry is located metres from the flagship Noosa heads location and has a strong ethos of creating wholesome food that is locally-sourced, seasonal and nourishing. Inside this pocket-sized venue you'll find an abundance of handmade organic products, freshly prepared meals, a well-stocked salad bar, top-notch coffee in Huskee keep cups and an extensive catering menu.
4 Pines Noosa
Noosa Junction
Heads up, beer lovers; there's a new place in town for you to sink a cold one with a seabreeze rolling in. 4 Pines Brewing Company has opened a second venue on the Sunshine Coast, pouring 12 taps of 4 Pines beers at a new Noosa Junction location. The laid back, coastal-inspired venue boasts a beer garden and a full dining menu filled with pub classics (read: huge parmis) and local seafood.
4 Pines Noosa is owned and operated by Sunshine Coast hospitality veteran Clayton Williams, the brains behind Duporth Tavern Maroochydore, Commercial Hotel Nambour and the Sportshub at Bokarin. Clayton says he is excited to bring a fresh and affordable offering to Noosa Junction, and is looking forward to catching more waves in Noosa. 4 Pines Noosa poured its first drops on Wednesday—book in here.
The Doonan
Doonan
The Sunshine Coast’s hotly anticipated $6 million mega venue, The Doonan, has finally swung open its doors and to say the groundswell has been deafening is an understatement. Nestled on two hectares in the scenic Noosa hinterland, The Doonan is a sprawling garden-themed venue boasting indoor and outdoor dining, multiple beer gardens, bars, a pizzeria, ice creamery, cellar door and multiple function spaces. Yes, it’s huge. The Comiskey Group, owners of iconic venues Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel, have partnered with Noosa locals to bring this game-changing venue to the Sunshine Coast.
You could be forgiven for thinking the venue looks more like a plant nursery than a mega pub—The Doonan oozes character and charm with soft archways and pointed ceilings, decorated in exposed brick and greenery. The Doonan offers the ultimate paddock-to-plate alfresco dining experience with an Italian-inspired menu and a Marana rotary pizza oven imported from Italy. Expect to dive into Neapolitan, rustic-style pizzas with fresh toppings from local suppliers like the neighbouring tomato farm, Noosa Reds. More information here.
Tziki Bar
Forest Glen
Noosa and surrounds have their fair share of incredible restaurants, so we love it when a top-tier restaurant opens up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Say hello to Tziki Bar. The sprawling Greek-inspired brewpub is situated in a retro semi-industrial venue in the heart of Forest Glen.
Tziki slings up an authentic modern Greek menu that will have you drooling on the first page. Once you've made it past the dips, create your own mezze platter and then it's time for the star—you'll struggle to choose between yiros, souvlaki skewers and Greek-influenced pizzas. Make sure to save room for dessert, with delights like baklava and orange halva cake tempting us. In terms of drinks, there's an array of wines, local tap beers, including Glasshouse Brewery and special Tziki brews, and plenty of slurp-worthy cocktails.
Jango Korean BBQ
Buddina
Sister restaurant to one of our favourite Japanese spots, SOKA, Jango Korean BBQ has recently opened at Kawana Shopping World and it needs to be on your must-visit list. Slide into their sleek booths, fire up the grill and be sure to have your chopsticks at the ready because these authentic Korean dishes deserve your full attention.
For starters, try either the seafood, kimchi or spring onion and vegetable savoury pancakes. Follow this with Tteokbooki—spicy stir-fried rice cakes in a gochujang-based sauce. The main event, however, is the charcoal BBQ menu. With wagyu beef aplenty as well as a delicious pork belly or a newly included seafood option, your only decision will be deciding on your favourite cut.
WAT Den
Mooloolaba
WAT Den is an elegant new whisky and tequila bar, located in the bustling heart of Mooloolaba Esplanade, unique to the Sunshine Coast with a signature cigar lounge theme. Intentionally a small bar seating 40 to 60 patrons, the high-end bar is headed up by a Melbourne husband and wife hospitality duo who are passionate about providing premium and hard-to-get whisky and tequila brands.
Proudly the first Whisky Club Clubhouse on the Sunshine Coast, WAT Den has ‘liquor lockers’ for VIPs to secure their prized liquor bottles and have at the ready for their next visit to The Den. Many of their whiskeys and tequilas are provided exclusively and are unable to be purchased or tasted elsewhere. Next time you’re looking for an elevated pre- or post-dinner drink experience, you need to pull up a chair at WAT Den.
Your Mates BowlsPub
Cooroy
Just when we thought the Your Mates Brewing Co. couldn’t be a more iconic part of the Sunshine Coast brewery scene, they go and open a bowls pub. Yes, a BowlsPub. Your Mates BowlsPub is turning the notion of the traditional bowls club on its head and majorly leveling it up with cracking craft brews, barefoot bowls, lawn games, top-notch food and the lively entertainment that Your Mates is known for.
The BowlsPub is bringing the vibrant energy and cheeky events that are synonymous with Your Mates to Noosa, while showcasing a unique outdoor venue. The expansive menu includes 12-hour smoked meats, loaded parmies and juicy burgers and of course, Your Mates’ signature craft brews. There are plenty of weekly special events, such as Friday Night Lights, with barefoot bowls, lawn games, meatboards, craft beers and live music every Friday from 5pm.
Tank Riveria
Mooloolaba
Tank Riveria describes itself as, ‘a day club, waterfront restaurant, bar, river cruise, bathhouse and day spa all wrapped into one’. Since Tank Farm opened in Bli Bli in late 2021, it has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most sought-after day spas and the recent expansion to Mooloolaba looks to be even more popular.
The ultra-luxe day spa seamlessly blends into a sophisticated waterfront dining and bar space, perfect for sunset drinks and catchups with friends. You can keep the bathhouse experience simple(ish) and move between Tank Riveria’s six magnesium baths, wet steam rooms and sauna, or go all out and indulge in a gourmet lunch, signature massage, facial and a one-hour vintage river cruise with free-flowing champagne. Find out more here.
Apéro Wine Bar
Noosaville
Just when we thought the Noosa bar scene couldn't get much better, a stunning European-style aperitif and wine bar opens up. Say hello to Apéro Wine Bar, an elegant new Noosaville bar which pays homage to the European tradition of meeting friends for an aperitif with an extensive international wine list and bites menu.
The sleek venue draws passerbys off the Noosa River boardwalk into a richly decorated space with earthy tones of desert red and eucalyptus green. Apéro's drinks list has been curated by beverage industry stalwart, David Singer and showcases French wines and classic cocktails—although you still snag spirits and beers here.
The menu, designed by acclaimed chef Justin North, provides an opportunity for a 'choose your own' cheese and charcuterie adventure, with dishes weighted to work with lighter to heavier wines. Highlights include Consorcio anchovies with pickled cucumber, baguette and butter and 18-month-aged Langhiranese Prosciutto di San Daniele. Apéro Wine Bar should be your new pre-dinner destination for good food, good wine and good company.
Catbird Restaurant
Ninderry
Bringing a welcome breath of fresh air to the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Catbird Restaurant has to be on your must-visit restaurant list. Located on nine acres of botanical gardens in the picturesque Fairhill Native Botanic Gardens, Catbird Restaurant is serving up top-notch modern Australian cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced produce. Celebrated Sunshine Coast chef, Sara Dillon is heading up the kitchen and has crafted a unique seasonal menu with a wide range of gluten-free and dairy-free options. Delights like burrata with heirloom tomato, Moreton Bay bug omelette and coconut sago with mango, macadamia, wattle seed and lemon myrtle grace the menu. The carefully curated drinks menu showcases local beers and premium organic wines. We love that Catbird Restaurant keeps things simple and is dog and kid-friendly, while still maintaing a refined, modern aesthetic.
Straddie Brewing Co
Stradbroke Island
While Stradbroke Island isn't in Sunshine Coast territory, it's certainly close enough to justify a weekend trip, and who wouldn't want to knw about an epic new brewery? Brand new to Minjerribah and already causing a stir is Straddie Brewing Co, a three-story brewhouse and tap room making beers from the sand-filtered water that flows from Straddie’s aquifer. You can enjoy one of their seven brews from the Taproom, the Brew Deck or the rooftop Sunset Deck with stunning views over Moreton Bay. For eats, there's plenty of seafood, pizzas and tapas-style food platters, and if you want to get up close and personal with the brewing process you can even book a brewing tour.
JD's Chicken Co
Noosaville
Sure, we all love a good roast chicken, but it hits different when it’s roasted over a flame rotisserie, sourced from local farmers and cooked using family recipes. Let us introduce you to JD’s Chicken Co. This slick, re-imagined roast chicken shop in Noosa is seriously levelling up the takeaway game on the Sunshine Coast and prides itself on elevating ‘old school’ chicken shop faves with premium quality, locally-sourced ingredients and a produce-driven philosophy. Everything is lovingly made in-house and we swear we can taste the difference. Woolies chook, get out of here. JD's extensive menu covers rotisserie chickens, buttermilk-fried chicken, chicken schnitzel, hand-made burgers, salads, fries, roast vegetables and some finger-lickingly delicious combos. Our top picks? The signature hot chicken roll with carved rotisserie chicken, lettuce, salad cream and gravy, or the buttermilk-fried chicken burger with smoked bacon and cheese on a Tanglewood bun.
Narrows Escape Villas
Montville
Montville’s Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat was crowned the ‘Most Romantic Hotel in the World’ in the 2021 Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ Awards, however not prepared to rest on their laurels, the owners of Narrows Escape have just added a few more diamonds to the retreat’s offering. Two new luxury Balinese-style villas set in rainforest have just opened, each with a plunge pool, private veranda, double spa and log fireplace. Inside the luxury villas, named Black Cockatoo and White Cockatoo, guests will delight in the little details like fresh roses, handmade chocolates, organic bath products, indulgent bedding, double spa bath, log fireplace and a BBQ on the veranda. The two new villas add to Narrows Escape’s existing six pavilions, and the owners are looking to add plunge pools to each of these in the future.
Flo's Crêperie
Mooloolaba
Iconic Noosa eatery, Flo's Crêperie has just opened a second venue at The Wharf Mooloolaba and our stomachs are already grumbling. Flo's opened in Noosa Heads in late 2021 and quickly became a local favourite with their vast array of savoury and sweet French crêpes, coffee and cocktails. The brand-new venue will serve all of the usual crêpes we've come to know and love, including the Renaud (Belgian chocolate sauce, grilled almonds and chocolate gelato), the La Saint Jacques (pan-fried scallops, buttered leeks, cheese and garlic macadamia crumbs) and spectacular crêpes on fire. We love that there's plenty of options for our vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian friends. The emerging foodie precinct of The Wharf Mooloolaba has just become a whole lot more delicious.
Banana Blossom
Alexandra Headland
Salad may get a bad rap (for no reason, we might add) but Banana Blossom is one of the newest joints seriously changing the salad game. Banana Blossom is a fresh salad restaurant combining authentic Asian flavours with a modern, nourishing take on food-on-the-go. The Banana Blossom concept was first born in 2003 and has since expanded to eight stores, and the very first store in Queensland has recently opened in Alex Heads. Banana Blossom founder Nat's great-grandmother's 100-year-old chilli dressing recipe is a key part of many of the dishes and this authentic approach sets Banana Blossom apart from competitors. The fresh Asian-inspired menu boasts a huge array of salads, rice bowls and rice paper rolls, perfect after a long day laxxing out at the beach. How does a green tea-infused soba noodle, cucumber, cherry tomato, avocado and chicken salad sound to you? We'll take three.
4 Pines Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba
If you haven't heard of 4 Pines, firstly, what are you doing and secondly, make your way to 4 Pines Mooloolaba ASAP. One of Australia's fastest growing beer companies, 4 Pines has just opened a new location mere steps from the sandy white shores of Mooloolaba Beach. The brewpub on Mooloolaba Esplanade will showcase six taps of 4 Pines' finest beer, in addition to a full breakfast, lunch and dinner offering with a Mexican flare. We're talking $25 nachos and a margarita on Thursday. Sounds pretty damn good to us. The community-focused venue boasts both indoor and outdoor seating and a sprawling beer garden, perfect for chugging back a few frosties.
Nguyen Brothers
Tewantin
The latest jewel in the Nguyen Brothers’ burgeoning crown, Nguyen Brothers Tewantin has just swung open its doors, continuing Yen Nguyen’s restaurant legacy as his sixth restaurant venture and if that’s not a good sign we don’t know what is. So what can you expect from Nguyen Brothers Tewantin? The contemporary indoor-outdoor layout showcases quirky design elements that nod to Vietnamese culture, creating a relaxed dining atmosphere that easily moves between ‘laidback lunch break’ to ‘refined dinner and drinks’. Nguyen Brothers pays homage to its Vietnamese roots, boasting a menu packed with traditional eats and modern variants like hue-style spicy vermicelli noodle soup and caramelised pork belly in a traditional clay pot, while vegan and vegetarian friends can chow down on plant-based delights like eggplant and tofu braised in vegetarian oyster sauce and tofu and pan-fried spinach dumplings.
Liliana's Trattoria
Maroochydore
The words ‘authentic Italian’ get thrown around alot, although venues often don’t warrant the title, which comes with high expectations. Liliana’s Trattoria is a rarity in this sense. Liliana’s Trattoria is a sweet Italian joint located in the heart of Maroochydore, serving classic generational, homestyle Italian dishes inspired by Nonna Liliana. The inspiration behind the trattoria, Liliana Kain has a passion for sharing her long-held traditional family recipes and for creating food from the heart for her family—and now for the Maroochydore community. Liliana’s touch is ever present throughout the menu—from her crumbed and fried pork shoulder and beef meatballs, to Italian focaccia filled with crescenzi cheese, to her beef cheek ragu gnocchi, to the extensive array of woodfired sourdough pizzas made in-house. Liliana’s Trattoria is simple, it’s authentic and it’s all about sharing special moments with loved ones.
Urban Lamb
Buddina
There’s only so often you can eat the same old takeaway before it gets a bit…old, right? Well the newest kid on the block, Urban Lamb is here to shake the Sunshine Coast takeaway game up. This high-end takeaway shop in Buddina serves up 24-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder that comes with all trimmings—we’re talking twice-cooked potatoes, grilled pita bread, tzatziki and salads. You can order a range of delicious bundle options like the Ultimate Feast, which serves six (very hungry) people, all the way down to the Lamb Box which is a single-serve taste of everything. If you want to keep it simple, we’re fans of the Urban Lambwich which stuffs their signature slow-cooked lamb, tzatziki and salads onto a fresh ciabatta bun. Urban Lamb strives to change the way people think about takeaway food and everything from their premium products to their bespoke packaging to their Euro-vibe shopfront certainly ticks that box.
Dee Den
Buderim
Loosely translated as 'the odd one out' or 'standing out', Dee Den does exactly that. This modern Asian restaurant prides itself on community, on creativity and elevating familiar Asian flavours with playful twists. Nestled in a refurbished old Queenslander beside the Buderim Tavern, this gorgeous spot will draw you in and you might just never want to leave. Dive into their signature betel leaf wraps with grapefruit, charred eggplant and lotus root chips and once you’ve warmed your palate, we recommend the twenty-hour slow-cooked beef cheek massaman and the crying tiger short ribs with Thai ‘e sarn’ sauce. Dee Den is one of those special places that hits the sweet spot between refined yet welcoming, sophisticated yet laid back and it’s perfect for your next dinner date, girls night…any occasion really.
Atelier Wine Bar
Noosa Heads
This intimate wine bar is bringing a touch of refined class to Noosa Heads and a plethora of rare and premium wines, prime for the sipping. Located on Sunshine Beach Road, Atelier Wine Bar is one of the best new openings we’ve seen on the Sunshine Coast this year and it’s certainly living up to all the hype around it. Not just a place for sipping your way around incredible wines, Atelier Wine Bar boasts a stunning cellar dining room which accommodates up to twenty people and is perfect for your next function, when you’re looking to impress. Prepare to leave with a wealth of knowledge after visiting this sleek wine bar, where the sommeliers certainly know their way around a bottle and are keen to pass on their seemingly boundless vino wisdom.
Bocca Italian
Bokarina
When renowned Sunshine Coast hospitality icon, Tony Kelly, announces he is opening his eighth dining venue, you know it’s going to be good. His latest venture, you ask? A stunning beachfront Italian restaurant in Bokarina. Bocca Italian is situated on a prime beachfront location at Bokarina Beach and emulates refined yet casual dining vibes. The 150-seater restaurant boasts panoramic ocean views, a sleek fit-out and even has a 14-seat private dining room for those more intimate occasions. Bocca Italian has a strong focus on fresh produce, serving only the best of the best in their signature pastas and pizzas, the latter of which will come piping hot out of a stone base Moretti pizza oven imported from Italy.
Walter’s Diner
Maroochydore
The Sunshine Coast sanga scene just got a new player in town. Say hello to Walter’s Diner. Nestled away in an old-school, 1950’s building in the heart of Maroochydore, you’ll find this quirky, retro esque sandwich diner slinging up some of the best sangas we’ve had the pleasure of devouring. Sister venue to the recently-opened The Toast Office and powered by the intrepid Criminal Coffee Company, Walter’s Diner dishes up an extensive array of fresh sandos which will have you coming back again…and again. Keep it simple with the ever-classic Reuben combo—beef brisket, pastrami, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, house mustard and a fried egg—or mix it up and dig into the popular ‘Zohan’ with hummus, pesto, herbed roasted chicken, semi-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta and dill mayo. Walter’s nails their sandwich-stuffed menu, which also includes burgers, hotdogs, fries, sodas, shakes and coffee. It’s simple, it’s unassuming and it’s goddamn delicious.
If this tickled your foodie fetish, check out all of the latest food and drink news on the Sunshine Coast that you need to know.
Image Credit: Dom Cherry, Daniel Hine, JD's Chicken Co, James Vodicka, Banana Blossom, Dee Den, Nguyen Brothers, Bocca Italian, Liliana's, Atelier Wine Bar & BASK Eumundi