Cafes

Get your chocolate fix at Noosa Chocolate Factory's new Maroochydore concept store.

The biggest of Australia’s ‘Big Things’, the Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple has been officially reopened and is looking shinier and sweeter than ever.

Lil Canteen, Buddina’s favourite cafe by the beach known for its organic, mostly gluten-free menu and famed acai bowls, is opening a second location in Maroochydore's Cotton Tree and we could not be more excited.

The sandwich movement—nay, cult—has slowly but surely made its way to the Sunshine Coast and it's been met with open arms (and even wider mouths). To people who say they could give up bread, we say sandwiches. We say loaded sandos, stacked-to-the-max subs and cheese-stuffed toasties.

The Sunshine Coast truly is the epitome of the ultimate ice cream region—from golden beaches to almost never-ending sunshine and a laid back coastal culture. The Wallace & Wood Ice Cream team certainly know this and are small batch ice cream connoisseurs bringing artisan ice cream to the Sunshine Coast.

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. 

No matter if it's a sweltering 35 degrees or a freezing (in Sunshine Coast terms) 18 degrees, there’s never a bad time for gelato. Artigiano Gelato is an artisan gelato store, located in both Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, which scoops up handmade gourmet gelato using 100% real and premium ingredients. 

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. 

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, kids playground, cellar door and multiple function spaces. Yes, it’s huge. 

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.

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.

The humble sandwich has come a long way since the days of two slices of bread with deli meat and lettuce stuffed between them. Recent years have seen the simple sandwich receive a gourmet makeover. Think—thick slices of freshly baked sourdough, an endless array of unique fillings and levelling it up by slathering it in butter and toasting it to crispy perfection, if you so desire.

The Sunshine Coast is home to many top-notch coffee joints, but when a specialty coffee roastery-coffee bar opens up, we pay attention. As avid coffee drinkers, it's our duty to pay it a visit. Solitude Coffee has already set tongues wagging in the Sunshine Coast coffee space, and for good reason too. 

There’s something about a toasted sandwich that hits different. Whether it’s the nostalgia, the just-right crispy bread or the oozing fillings that don’t quite fit between the two slices, toasted sandwiches are on another level. Say hello to The Toast Office, which is a culinary trailblazer changing the sandwich scene on the Sunshine Coast.

Cheekily named after it's prime location 'just outside the village square', Outer Square is one of Peregian Beach's best new cafes and we can't get enough of it. Designed to emulate modern European elegance, Outer Square boasts a sleek fit-out, state-of-the-art kitchen and dark, moody tones. In simple terms? It's so Instagrammable.

Translated as ‘white’ or ‘sunrise’, ALBA embodies the true essence of Noosa—it’s light, it’s breezy, it’s refined and it perfectly encapsulates the natural elements of its coastal surrounds. The dreamy space boasts a cafe, providore, pizzeria and a laid cocktail back bar which transforms into a stylish restaurant as the sun sets. ALBA by Kuruvita pays homage to the abundant Sunshine Coast produce, with premium local ingredients and global flavours taking centre stage. 

Summer’s slowly creeping up on us and you know what that means: time to think about all the snacks and drinks we’ll be hauling with us for those glorious beach days.

For the last three years, Aaron Bradley and his wife Rahel have turned Slide Coffee Roasters into their dream business and recently, they’re furthered that dream by adding an epic tasting room to the mix.

If you find yourself hiking along the Pumicestone Passage Coastal Path, you’ll definitely want to stop by Tom & Andy’s espresso van.

Mill St. Kitchen & Pantry may not be the brand-new kid on the block but it’s been serving the local community well ever since it opened in October 2019. Owner James Ostridge—previously Head Chef at Brouhaha Brewery—really wanted to open a local cafe and pantry that would benefit both the environment and patrons’ health, as well as serve the local community by supporting local Sunshine Coast farmers and businesses.

If you were looking for somewhere to cosy up during the winter, we just found your new favourite spot. 

Brunch just got a tad more exciting on the Sunshine Coast with the re-opening of Eumundi’s Bohemian Bungalow. 

Ours. Cafe & Goods is a new vegetarian and vegan eatery in Moffat Beach that you need to put on your radar.

Cafes don’t come much sweeter than Little Blackbird Cafe. Complete with a white picket fence and oversized striped umbrellas, this Maroochydore gem is a go-to for locals craving great coffee and an epic breakfast and lunch menu. 

The love of retro, pre-loved goods and coffee runs deep at The Vintage Junction in Cooran. Sitting in the centre of town, this eclectic, organic coffee shop also pumps out gluten-free and vegan cakes, as well as golden sourdough toast for those mornings when you’ve skipped brekkie.

Peaky Blinders fans, eat your heart out; the Sunshine Coast has a new cafe and it’s totally up your alley. 

A weekend without coffee is barely even a weekend. So, take a break from your regular morning coffee joint and head to Cotton Tree, more specifically Wynd Espresso.

Found in a little black shed on Wises Road in Maroochydore this new independent local roastery is an extension of the one of the best cafes on the Sunshine Coast, The Colombian Coffee Co. 

Love interiors? And coffee? Then you’re going to fall fast for Design Trader, the Sunshine Coast’s very own design library. 

The Noosa Chocolate Factory produces delectable treats made from a combination of local ingredients and international sources, and their Maroochydore store is the place to try them all. 

Popping up on Hastings Street, a stone’s throw from the beach, this pastel-coloured kiosk serves up super fresh tacos daily, from 6am (coffee starts at 5am) until late. And they’ll make your mouth water!

Located a short stroll away from Coolum Beach, The Caf is your one-stop shop for a coffee fix or a catch-up with friends over a long, relaxing lunch. Shade yourself from that harsh Queensland sun and grab a table outside amongst the greenery under the umbrellas, or chill inside and enjoy a large air-conditioned space with free wifi, super handy for smashing out that assignment or last-minute work email.

Jungle & Co in Noosa is Australia’s first ever gut health bar.

The Noosa home to one of Melbourne’s coffee kings, Padre Coffee’s sleek onyx-coloured shopfront is a standout among Noosa’s industrial estate.

Situated on the outskirts of Noosa in Doonan, this hidden gem is changing the coffee game with every house roasted and carefully brewed cup of joe they create. 

Hungry Feel has this 'delicious food and great vibes' thing down pat. They believe in good food served well and that's exactly what you're in for when you pull up a chair at this Buderim favourite.

Tucked along the main drag into Caloundra, White Picket Fence is all things cute, delicious and totally Instagramable. Transformed from an old nursery into a sunlit, archway-filled space, there’s even the loveliest outdoor area if you prefer to dine al fresco. 

Already a local staple in Belmondos Organic Market, VanillaFood have a second flagship eatery in Noosa Junction on Lanyana Way. This stunning beach-chic nook is the lovechild of owner and chef, Nilla Tomkins whose food philosophy is all about improving overall wellbeing, one mouthful at a time. 

Coffee and cats; what could be better? You’ll get them both at The Cat Retreat Cafe in Chevallum. 

Hand-crafted joy on a stick—that's what you'll find behind the glass at Happy Pops. A Noosa favourite, this cute and quirky dessert bar is your go-to for a summer full of sweetness.

When you think of take away, it’s easy to get put off by the thought of sloppy burgers and soggy chips. Well, lucky for you, El Bigoton is here to relieve your takeaway nightmares. Tucked away in Mooloolaba’s new The Wharf precinct, this humble little canteen style eatery is changing the takeaway game on the Coast, one arepa at a time. 

The brunch scene on the Coast has been due for a change, for a while now. Yes, everyone loves a good smashed avo on sourdough or an aesthetically pleasing acai bowl, but sometimes you just want something a little, well, different. 

Raw + Rice is one of the best dedicated poke bars on the Sunshine Coast, serving deliciously fresh bowls of goodness just a stone's throw from Noosa Beach. 

Another ‘pocket rocket’ espresso bar (sorry, couldn’t help the pun) that’s loved by Caloundra locals, The Pocket Espresso Bar is found in Moffat Beach. Known for outstanding coffee, a great view and top-notch service, The Pocket also features a small yet tasty menu of breakfast items, including muesli, bacon and eggs on Turkish bread, ‘brekkie’ pies, muffins, cakes and slices. Trust us, there’s a reason the locals flock here every day of the week. But probably the most exciting update is the fact that these guys have recently started to serve dinner and drinks. What more could you ask for? 

Imagine a place on the Coast where you can not only find healthy food options to either dine-in our takeaway, but you can also learn something along the way about improving your lifestyle and health. A one-off store where a plethora of foodie options are available to suit your individual and tailored needs. Think: paleo, keto, low carb, gluten-free, sans refined sugar, FODMAP and everything else in between. 

Now, if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to get us all sorts of excited, it’s the creamy frozen goodness of gelato, and we are super-stoked to reveal that Fior Di Latte Gelateria is tipped to drop in Mooloolaba’s hottest new development—The Wharf—in just a few short weeks. 

If you're looking for an adorable little cafe in Birtinya then Sonder Espresso is the safest bet you can make. Not only is this hidden little spot as cute as a button, but the coffee is some of the best in the region (and we all know how important great coffee is!) 

Acai...how could you not love it? It's a superfood for starters and is sooooo visually stunning, BUT not only that it tastes ahhhh-mazing! Did we mention how Ista-worthy is it?! 

MINT. Buderim is one of the cutest cafes to open its doors on the Coast, peeps. The food and interiors of this place are truly amaze and quite frankly, we can picture ourselves siting back and relaxing with some of their drool worthy food. Maybe you're after brunch with the crew or a lovely working space mid-week? Lucky for you they are open every single day from the early hours to late arvo, YASSS! 

Since 2014, Tanglewood Organic Sourdough Bakery (named after the stunning Tanglewood track that follows the coast of Noosa National Park) has been known for its healthy artisan bread, that is fermented over 20 hours. Yep, you did read correctly, that's 20 hours peeps. The reason for this seemingly prolonged process is so the acids in the bread is given time to brake down, allowing the bread to be slightly kinder on our bodies, not to mention yummier too.

Sprinkles is an epic new ice-cream joint that has just opened its doors in good ol' Nambour. If you're wanting to be transported back to the 50s AND immerse yourself in those timeless diner feels, you need to look no further than this little ice-creamery. 

Once you visit Mr.Z & Co, you'll be blown away. This little cutie-pie is hidden deep in Caloundra. And the best part is, Mr.Z & Co. is a cafe that's been converted from a shipping container! How cool is that peeps?! 

Fox and Hound is by far one of the cutest espresso bars on the Sunshine Coast. I mean that name is amaze, is it not?! This is one of the best spots in leafy Cooroy to get your daily cup of joe. It really is a little hidden gem. If you're looking for a lil pup to pat or on the hunt for a dog friendly cafe this is your place peeps.  

This new little hidden treasure offers a simple menu influenced by local, chemical free, seasonal and fresh ingredients. Heck yes! We love Hinterland gems like Kandanga Kitchen! You'll come here for brekky and want to stay for lunch. (Just trust us). Their coffee is... Coffee Supreme and you can't go wrong with a dark chocolate brownie as an accompaniment. 

Located in the most prime of all positions in beautiful Buderim, John Kyle Espresso creates caffeine packed brews that do not disappoint! These guys LOVE their coffee and they made a damn good one. One of the best on the Sunshine Coast we'd have to say. 

So you want an epic burger, then maybe you'll want to swing my Jimmy Fox Noosa for one of the best burgers on the Sunshine Coast. Have you tried their Beef Brisket Burger? Think: tender marinated beef, crunchy red cabbage slaw, Jack cheese, all topped off with a tomato chipotle sauce in between a fresh baked bun. YUM! 

Harvest Breads, isn't just a bakery, it's so MUCH more than that. For starters, their coffee is to die for, but what really sets them apart is the amazing food they create and bake. They believe that food should tantalize our tasebuds, nourish our soul and be kind to our body which is exactly what they do!

Rue Bourbon Coffee is Buderim's new hidden gem. These coffee connoisseurs use the Brissy based Semi-Pro Coffee which is sourced from the likes of Brazil and El Salvador ensuring that smooth cawfee goodness we lurveee!

Vanilla Foods is an organic cafe and smoothie bar located inside Belmondos Organic Market. You only need to check out their Insta account to see their food, it's simply STUNNING! (How is it possible to look that beautiful?) - We're talkin’ colourful Acai bowls covered in fruit, organic raw vegan smoothies and bowls, drool worthy waffles sprinkled with flowers and fruit, this list could really go on and on. It’s café heaven located in the gorgeous area of Noosa – could it get any better? We think not. The noms look so pretty here it's almost a shame to eat them. 

Ricks Artisan Pies & Sourdough is a delightful bakery serving up all our faves with a very special twist. Fancy a gourmet pie or specially baked sourdough? If you love treats like this, Ricks is most certainly the place for you. 

Aimee Provence boasts a high tea parlour that will put the royals to shame. The epitome of refined elegance, their decadent spread features an array of ribbon sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, French macarons, cakes and tempting tarts. Perfect for absolutely any occasion—you’ll leave feeling totally worthy of some magical prince’s inevitable future marriage proposal.  

When talking ‘bout the best cafes in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, it would be a crime not to mention Shotgun Espresso. If we owned a hinterland abode, this is how we’d want it to look — mismatched furniture, indoor plants galore and teeming with good food that’s been lovingly prepared.

Raw + Rice is the Sunshine Coast's first dedicated poke bar, serving deliciously fresh bowls of goodness just a stone's throw from Mooloolaba Beach. 

A genius concept combining a love of custom motorbikes, great nosh and even better tipples, this hip Noosa cafe is part showroom, part café and bar. Open morning ‘til night, Moto is a welcoming space packed out on the daily with locals and tourists looking to indulge in cheap, unpretentious (and ridiculously tasty) meals, strong Clandestino coffee, and when the clock strikes “knock-off”, a range of thirst-quenching alcoholic beverages.

Coffee is the star at Urban Garden but the TYO (Toast Your Own) bagels with cream cheese are a close runner-up. With espresso bars in Maroochydore and another in Nambour, these coffee maestros are bringing their skills to the Sunny Coast, one suburb at a time.

Part coffee shop, part skateboard store, part bar, it’s barely a stretch to say that Stoker in Maroochydore has it all going on.

The name doesn’t do justice to this seriously awesome boulangerie. Trust us when we say, Noosa Hot Bread Shop is NOT your standard cake shop—it’s next-level stuff. Pretend like you’re in France and munch on a flakey croissant or devour the best croque monsieur this side of the Left Bank—their sourdough with housemade jam is also a winner. 

With mouth-watering pies (the south-west chicken is amazing!), artisan loafs and assorted sweets, it’s worth a visit to the heritage-listed Kenilworth Bakery. 

Walk through the door of this bustling cafe on Hastings Street and you’ll be greeted with warm smiles, the hum of relaxing tunes and the splendid sight of some incredible food as it is whisked to a table nearby. Seriously though, we challenge you to read through their dishes and not find something you want to try.

Locals and tourists make up the hustle and bustle at Cafe Le Monde. This Hastings Street establishment is an oldie but a goodie, keeping Noosa chillers hydrated and fed from morning ‘til late at night. The perfect spot for a lazy break from the beach, take the whole fam for brekkie, lunch or dinner and we promise that no-one will leave hungry. Oh, and if you’ve got a free Thursday night, make a beeline for Le Monde’s special oyster bar, where oysters go for one dollar each from 5pm to 6pm. You won’t find them cheaper anywhere in Noosa. 

Trust us, you’ll feel good just reading the menu at Evolution Fuel, it’s that healthy. Taking the bar up a notch, their dishes are packed with the good-for-you stuff, can be eaten in or taken away, and, the best bit, they’re pretty cheap. Introducing the Sunshine Coast to poke bowls, these guys have wellness and your stomachs on their mind 24/7.

Kind of like Santa’s naughty or nice list, Decisions Cafe splits its menu between #Superfood and #Superjunk. Designed to satisfy most people, and their healthy or not-so-healthy habits, there’s everything on offer from bircher muesli and smoothies, to indulgent B’Fast Burritos, Loaded Fries (with beef brisket and American 3 Cheeses) and injectable muffins totally worth a #foodporn tag.

On the hunt for the best coffee in Maroochydore? We hear ya! There’s a few spots to choose from but one of our faves has gotta be Project Espresso.

Monica’s Cafe has been a Maleny resident for over 13 years, which is a huge feat in itself. And when you feast on their fresh, seasonal menu that manages to accommodate pretty much everyone and anyone (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegans, vegos), you’ll understand why this place is packed. Every day of the week. The food, well, where do we start? 

If you’re in need of some hearty breakfast fare, make sure you pay a visit to Beau’s at Kings Beach. Here you’ll find a cool, urban fit-out teamed with relaxed service and food that will really start your day off well. 

Vegans of the Sunshine Coast, rejoice; you can now tuck in to some seriously good, totally vegan burgers thanks to the legends at new burger joint MooFree Burgers. 

Although it might be secreted away in a little laneway in the middle of Caloundra, Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar rakes in a lot of attention. And rightly so.

If you prefer to stick to meals made from organic ingredients, make a beeline for Greenhouse Cafe in Caloundra.

Despite being around for a few years, we’d totally forgive you if you haven’t munched on the deliciously delish fare being served up at Elliotts Bistro. In fact, we kind of feel sorry you. 

Rated by the health tribe as one of the best cafes on the Sunshine Coast, CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods is focussed on wellness and bringing healthy alternatives to the Sunshine Coast masses. Part café, part smoothie and cold-pressed juice bar, part health food store, this really is a one-stop shop for all your healthy-living needs. 

Dreamt up by creative couple Alita and Matt, Tome is the place to go for Insta-worthy sweets and super smooth coffee in Maroochydore. Just picture this: A minimalist setting of polished concrete floors, industrial furniture, a white-tiled workstation topped with a sleek black coffee machine, and then cakes.

Little May is possibly our pick of the bunch among the best cafés in Montville. Run by the ever-lovely Hannah and Rich (who also happens to be the ex-sous chef of Spicers Clovelly Estate—yep this guy can cook), they serve light breakfasts—do not pass the organic sourdough with avocado and pancetta—and lunch dishes, with the pulled mojo pork roll a surefire winner piled high with pickled slaw, and a lime and pepper mayo.

We’ll be the first to admit the location of this container café (it’s literally a café in a container), tripped us out a little. We normally skip from town to town and forget about the new developments popping up across the Coast, but Izba has definitely put Birtinya on the coffee shop map.

Found where you’d least expect it, The Nines sits in the Sunshine Homemaker Centre in Maroochydore. Shaking up the Sunshine Coast café scene since its opening, this joint is renowned for their OTT loaded shakes and drool-worthy eats.

Coffee is aplenty in Peregian Beach, but if you like yours served with a dose of Vitamin D, a stack of hotcakes or a deliciously healthy acai bowl, then make Skal Coffee your next port of call.

Pros at demolishing hunger pains, Backstreet Cafe offers a mean brekkie and lunch menu. Find a posi down Lemon Tree Lane, order a Kai coffee — and then choose your medicine AKA “the dish that’ll make evvvvverything better”.

Homegrown in Palmwoods are masters of food — dreaming of it, creating it, then plating it, all for us to eat. Without sounding corny, everything that comes out of this place is made with love, from the ravioli, winter warmer soups and even their own Tin Shed Coffee. We’ll meet ya there, m’kay? 

This might just be the MECCA of all deli-goers. Not just a corner store, but an organic haven open six days a week, Belmondos Organic Market has earned its reputation as one of THE baddest (that means good) boys in town where a fine feed is concerned.

Set in a converted garage and decked out with retro furniture (hello, comfy couches) and knick knacks, this home-style eatery is as far away from bland and sterile as you can get. Even better, it’s tucked away from Mooloolaba’s main drag, so you won’t come by Velo Project unless you hunt it down, which we highly recommend doing.

Tucked away at Sunshine Beach, this local establishment is an old-timer on the caffeine scene and serves up some of the best coffee in Noosa.

You can’t get much better than Little Boat Espresso in Marcoola.

Is it too much to say these guys are the gurus of coffee making? Absolutely not.