The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

Just 500 metres from Australia Zoo at the award-winning Crocodile Hunter Lodge, this all-day restaurant is one of the Sunshine Coast’s top hidden gems. While Warrior celebrates local and native ingredients, the menu isn’t strictly Australian. Dishes, like slow-braised beef rendang, pay homage to meals Steve Irwin loved cooking, while others feature ingredients grown onsite, including chilli harvested in Australia Zoo’s Elephantasia and honey sourced from backyard bee hives. Menu highlights include fresh local sourdough with native salted butter, Queensland tiger prawns with native pepperberry aioli, and a 200-gram eye fillet with red gum-smoked salt and warrigal greens. As for drinks, Warrior offers all-Australian beers, wines and spirits, including those from local breweries on the Sunshine Coast. The house cocktails are a playful nod to Australia Zoo’s resident crocodiles rescued by Steve. Take the Bosco, a twist on the Espresso Martini with toasted marshmallow syrup and maple-smoked wood, served under a smoky dome and garnished with charred marshmallows.

Time Out tip: You can even stay the night at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge – the luxe wilderness retreat housing the restaurant, along with rustic cabins, an infinity pool and plenty of native animals.

Where: 88 Irwin Rd, Beerwah

If you’re down for “dope Asian street food”, Rice Boi is your guy. Hidden behind two red barn-style doors, this neon red-hued restaurant at The Wharf Mooloolaba is a go-to for flavour-packed bao buns, spring rolls, rice bowls, ramen, dumplings, wings – you name it. Pick on Rice Boi's legendary katsu curry fries in the tranquil beer garden, or venture upstairs to the secret Japanese dive bar, boasting stunning waterfront views of the Mooloolah River.

Time Out tip: You’ll likely have to line up – it’s seriously worth it – but if patience isn’t your strong suit, drive ten minutes down the road to Rice Boi’s sister venue, Giddy Geisha, for equally punchy Asian bites.

Where: The Wharf Mooloolaba, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

If you fancy a night in the Med, skip the airfare and escape into the serenity of Casa Restaurant instead. This minimalist coastal-luxe eatery brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Mooloolaba with its calming earthy tones, whitewashed walls and simple, share-style menu. It’s the second venue for the lovely team behind Casita Wine Bar, located just next door, so you can bet the food and drinks are gonna be on point. Think creamy burrata and flesh-fried calamari to start, fresh fish done the Amalfi way alongside rich ragu pappardelle, all paired with a Sicilian Spritz or Mediterranean Margarita.

Time Out tip: Take a midweek escape to the Med with Casa's $55 dinner special, including an entrée, main and drink every Wednesday and Friday night. 

Where: 1/26 River Esp, Mooloolaba

Great Northern is one of Australia’s most legendary beer brands, so you can bet the brewing company’s first-ever flagship delivers the goods. Located just metres from the surf and sand in Diddillibah, Northern Grounds opened on the revamped Waterfront Hotel site after a $5.1 million makeover. You can soak in shimmering water views while sinking a schooner on the outdoor deck or cosy up by the fireplace while the kids burn off energy at the playground. Inside, the bar has 24 beers on tap, including the full range of Great Northern brews, plus other classic and craft Queensland beers. Pub grub showcases the best of the land and sea, featuring flavours inspired by campfire cooking and seafood straight from the Mooloolah River. Share a spectacular seafood platter or ploughman’s feast, tuck into hand-stretched pizzas, enjoy a steak from the grill or go all-in on pub faves like a seasonal ‘camp oven’ pie. Don’t forget the double-stacked s’mores for dessert.

Time Out tip: While many Sunny Coast restaurants close on Monday and Tuesday, Northern Grounds keeps its doors open daily from 10am to 4am. If you end up staying that late, you might as well stay the night. Luckily, the pub has accommodation too.

Where: 2/46 David Low Way, Diddillibah

Dine on nature’s doorstep at The Tamarind, a hidden rainforest restaurant on the grounds of the luxury Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny. We promise this will be a meal for the memory books, taking you on a banquet or three-course à la carte journey through the vibrant flavours of Asia. With 20 years’ experience, executive chef Daniel Jarrett crafts seasonal menus designed for sharing, all brought to life with fresh herbs and flowers from The Tamarind’s market garden. Expect flavour-packed dishes like sticky pork belly with tamarind caramel and roasted rice; roasted Mooloolaba prawns with lemongrass and chilli jam; slow-cooked Wagyu brisket curry; and sticky black rice with Thai tea ice cream. Complement your feast with wine pairings or punchy Asian-inspired cocktails.

Time Out tip: The Tamarind is made for long lunches – and with a two-course special for just $79, you’ll have no regrets.

Where: Spicers Tamarind Retreat, 88 Obi Ln S, Maleny 

The prawns here are shrimply the best, so much so that we’re unapologetic about the pun. Moored at The Wharf Mooloolaba, this restored fishing trawler-turned-restaurant serves up the freshest seafood caught right here in our pristine waters. Go all out with Prawn Star’s jumbo platter, featuring crayfish, bugs, oysters and, of course, prawns, or opt for takeaway on the beach. It doesn’t get more Aussie than this. 

Time Out tip: Prawn Star also has a trawler in Cairns, serving up the same iconic eats.

Where: The Wharf Mooloolaba, Marina Births, 123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

Say g’day to the Sunshine Coast sibling of Australia’s most remote brewery, which has been proudly family-owned and operated since 1997. Quench your thirst with one of Matso’s tropical ginger beers, including their original tinnie – the first alcoholic ginger beer in Australia – and their subtly sweet mango beer, both brewed fresh on-site. Order a seasonal tasting paddle to sample both, or kick back with a tropical cocktail and chicken schnitzel burger in the laid-back outdoor beer garden. 

Time Out tip: If you find yourself in Broome, you should visit the brewery's OG location. 

Where: 85 Memorial Dr, Eumundi

Noosa’s gorgeous hinterland is full of hidden gems, and The Doonan is one of its best-kept secrets. Set across two hectares, this boutique pub and plant-lovers' paradise has something for everyone. By day, enjoy fire-roasted bread, grilled seafood and cocktail jugs in the sun-soaked beer garden, adorned with hanging plants, vines and olive trees. Let the kids run wild in the outdoor playground and treat them with a sweet scoop from the ice creamery.

Time Out tip: This paddock-to-plate hub books out well in advance, but for a more spontaneous outing, swing by for a takeaway pizza paired with a few cold tinnies from the bespoke bottle shop. 

Where: 6 Beddington Rd, Doonan

Let the good times flow at this charming French crêperie by day and modern French bistro by night. Owner and crêpe connoisseur Flo Guillemard has 20-plus years of experience adapting French classics for the Aussie palate, both on the sweet and savoury front. In addition to all your classic fillings, you’ll find flambées (crêpes on fire), salad and seafood galettes (like pizza but with a lighter base), and a world tour series of galettes featuring toppings inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean, Asia, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Can’t decide? Just go with the flow and treat yourself to one for dinner and another for dessert.

Time Out tip: You can BYO wine for just $10 corkage per bottle!

Where: 5/4 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads & 23/123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

Just $42 for an eight-course yum cha banquet is almost too good to be true, but that’s exactly what’s on offer at Honeysuckle, a cosy East Asian restaurant in Buderim. This stellar lunchtime special extends to a $69 yum cha banquet at dinner, where duck spring rolls and tom yum fish dumplings are followed by beef cheek massaman curry and market fish in tomato jaew (Thai dried chilli sauce). À la carte and takeaway menus are also available.

Time Out tip: Honeysuckle is a stellar spot for vegetarians, with dedicated plant-based banquet and yum cha menus.

Where: 8/4 Ballinger Rd, Buderim 

You have every season and every reason to visit this iconic waterfront restaurant. With the lively buzz of Hastings Street on one side and the gentle waves of Laguna Bay on the other, this all-day eatery offers a laid-back setting for long lunches that effortlessly turn into dinner and drinks. You can breathe in the salty ocean air while feasting on freshly shucked oysters, kingfish sashimi, goat cheese soufflé, or a seasonal salad of Noosa red tomatoes tossed with basil, bocconcini and aged balsamic. For mains, spin your fork into spanner crab pasta, slice into a showstopping chargrilled eye fillet, or share the signature lamb shoulder with a crisp porcini crust. 

Time Out tip: You can check out more of our fave restaurants in Noosa here.

Where: 5/25 Hastings St, Noosa Heads 

Sitting pretty on a corner in Noosa Junction, the modern Asian eatery has become a fast favourite for its playful approach to hospitality. Think shamelessly indulgent share plates served under sexy low lighting with a disco-heavy soundtrack. You could start with bao buns, loaded with spicy Korean fried chicken, caramelised pork belly, panko crumbed fish or eggplant katsu. For something more refreshing, the delicately poached kingfish ceviche is an absolute hit, doused in smooth coconut and kefir lime sauce. If you’re struggling to decide between the crispy pork belly, miso eggplant and Wagyu beef rendang, consider surrendering control to the chefs: they’ll ply you with a series of excellently balanced dishes for a reasonable $69 per person ($89 per person if you want to upgrade to the 'primo selection'). 

Time Out tip: If you're celebrating a special occasion, Light Years has a lovely, leafy private dining room for up to 12 guests. 

Where: 1 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads

After conquering the Coastal Walk from Hastings Street to Sunshine Beach, reward yourself with a refreshing Aperol Spritz or Passionfruit Nojito at the newly refurbished Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Try to grab a shaded table on the expansive balcony where you can enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering seas and perhaps even spot a pod of whales passing by. The SBSC menu features all the classics: parmys, pizzas and pot pies, along with coastal classics, including spiced snapper tacos, chilli garlic king prawns and a Darling Downs rump steak with peppercorn mushroom sauce.

Time Out tip: Save yourself the sweat and ride the free courtesy bus straight back to Noosa. 

Where: Duke St, Sunshine Beach

“Fancy without the fuss” is how we’d describe this European-style bistro and wine store in Maroochydore. Open daily from 11.30am until late, their talented chefs serve up all the classic Euro dishes you crave, beginning with warm sourdough, charcuterie and raw seafood. Market Bistro’s house-made pasta is a highlight, as is the bistro's half-roasted duck and Moreton Bay bugs baked in herb and garlic butter.

Time Out tip: Grab a bottle at retail prices from the wine store next door, then drink it in the Bistro for a small corkage fee. 

Where: 8 Market La, Maroochydore 

Follow the bright orange umbrellas to Bocca Italian, the latest venue for the team behind Maroochydore’s Market Bistro and Mooloolaba’s Rice Boi, among others. The puffer fish-shaped bread is worth the trip alone, delivered hot to your table from their Moretti Forni oven. Tear off a slice and load it up with whipped ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, cold cuts and marinated veggies. You’ll find pasta in all shapes and sizes, generously coated in carbonara, bolognese, ragu and marinara sauces. Save some table room for a pizza or two, including a classic potato round topped with fior di latte, caramelised onion and goat’s cheese.

Time Out tip: Bocca's dessert menu is as Italian as it gets, featuring white chocolate panna cotta, limoncello meringue, tiramisu and chocolate cannoli. 

Where: Cnr Bokarina Blv & Longboard Pde, Bokarina

It doesn’t get more intimate than Humble on Duke. There’s room for only 14 guests to dine at once in this tiny Sunshine Beach dining room. Chef Stacey Conner embraces the Middle Eastern approach to eating, drawing inspiration from her most memorable travels through the region. Humble on Duke’s ever-changing sharing menu could see you snacking on beef doughnuts with house-made mustard and crispy zucchini flowers drizzled with honey. Dunk Lebanese fried lamb dumplings into herb yoghurt, dip fresh Turkish bread into baba ganoush, and drizzle gravy over an epic peppercorn-crusted Wagyu T-bone steak. Wine pairings are available, with a strong focus on South Australian vineyards. 

Time Out tip: Since Humble has so few seats, you'll want to book far in advance.

Where: Shop 4/48-54 Duke St, Sunshine Beach

Bask in the sun at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beloved paddock-to-plate restaurants, positioned in Peregian Beach’s leafy town square. Recently relocated from Eumundi, Bask seamlessly combines old-school hospitality with a contemporary Australian menu. Long, leisurely lunches are the name of the game, with sardines on toast and carbonara croquettes to tempt you before seasonal meat and seafood mains fill the table. Linger late into the afternoon with a slice of Basque cheesecake, a scoop of lemon and prosecco sorbet, or a charming cheese board for two. 

Time Out tip: Check Bask's socials to see if your visit aligns with their monthly Sunday Long Lunch – a four- to five-course feast of seasonal hits paired with great convo. 

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

Tucked away in lush tropical gardens on a gorgeous property in Yandina, Spirit House is proudly one of Australia’s most awarded Asian-inspired restaurants and cooking schools. You’ll be whisked away to Indonesia, India or Thailand, if only for a few hours, with their three-course menu that features both classic and contemporary Asian dishes. Whether it’s the sweet vinegar braised pork belly entrée, the roasted cured duck breast main, or the mango sticky rice ‘eton mess’ dessert, each dish packs a punch of flavours.

Time Out tip: The best seats in the house overlook the tranquil pond, where you can unwind to the soothing sounds of tinkling wind chimes.

Where: 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina

Set among wild botanical gardens and dam-fed paddocks on a lush 30-acre regenerative agritourism sanctuary, Ēthos brings a breath of fresh farm-to-table air to the hinterland. The light-filled dining room draws in the nearby gardens, native flora and golden sunlight, while the Mediterranean-leaning menu showcases local produce. And by local, we’re talking herbs and vegetables plucked straight from the spray-free gardens of Alsahwa Estate. Seasonally-driven and ever-changing, the menu might feature fluffy focaccia with baked camembert, a three-cheese fondue with crudités, a generously loaded antipasto board or a premium Angus tomahawk served with sea salt mustard and jus. Even the chips are bougie – hand-cut and dressed in parmesan and truffle oil.

Time out tip: For something more casual, you can grab a few bevs and bites from the bar menu – including a build-your-own antipasto board.

Where: 20 Rifle Range Rd, Palmwoods

A menu that utilises locally sourced ingredients can be a beautiful thing. Combine this ethos with head chef Enrique Mancilla’s artistic flair for flavour and presentation, and you’ve got something very special indeed. How about this for a tempting start: fried three-cheese-stuffed olives, roasted Hervey Bay scallops with kimchi emulsion, and roasted Mooloolaba prawns cooked in nduja butter? Rickys' dining room is a palette of white with louvred windows channelling wisps of breeze from the picturesque Noosa River.

Time Out tip: Arrive for sunset and dine into the night to experience Rickys at its beautiful best. 

Where: 2 Quamby Pl, Noosa Heads