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Food is always a good idea on the Sunshine Coast! Brace yourself for a gastronomic journey through the region’s unmissable restaurants, standout wineries, fresh produce markets, and foodie-friendly vacation stays.
Did you know that 95% of travelers worldwide are now considered food tourists?Â
Indeed, vacationing is no longer just about sightseeing and activities — it’s a palate-driven journey where culture, adventure, and the love of food converge. If you’re wondering whether Australia’s Sunshine Coast can satiate these cravings while offering an unforgettable summer getaway, you’re absolutely spot-on!Â
The Sunshine Coast is more than just sparkling beaches and heart-pounding water sports; it’s a vibrant epicurean paradise. In fact, 19 local venues in the region have been recognized in this year’s prestigious Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards.Â
With this Sunshine Coast food guide, we’ll take you through standout restaurants, renowned wineries, and bustling local markets, serving everything from freshly-caught seafood to international delicacies. We’ll also recommend the best places to stay for a truly indulgent Sunshine Coast food tour.
Get ready, as a culinary journey of a lifetime awaits you on the Sunshine Coast!
Culinary Highlights: The Best Restaurants on the Sunshine Coast
Every gastronomic journey on the Sunshine Coast should begin with its top restaurants. Each establishment reflects the region’s culinary diversity and commitment to locally-sourced, fresh produce. Here are some places you can’t afford to miss:
BELLA VENEZIA
Established in 1983, Bella Venezia is a Sunshine Coast icon. This award-winning Italian restaurant offers an extensive menu with traditional Italian dishes, crafted with a modern twist. With its use of fresh, local ingredients and a wide selection of wines, you’re in for an authentic Italian experience. Don’t leave without trying their signature Risotto al Funghi, a creamy delight packed with a variety of mushrooms and Parmesan.
THE LONG APRON
A hatted restaurant in the Sunshine Hinterland, The Long Apron is known for its innovative, European-inspired menu. With a beautiful setting and a reputation for excellent service, it’s a perfect place for food lovers seeking a high-end dining experience. Their Braised Beef Cheek with cauliflower purée and truffle jus is a must-try!
SPIRIT HOUSE
Thai food meets Australian flair at Spirit House. This renowned restaurant is nestled within lush, tropical gardens, creating a dining atmosphere like no other. Enjoy the Asian-inspired menu while surrounded by tranquil ponds and rustling palm trees. The locals always recommend their Crispy Coconut Chicken with green papaya salad.
HONEYSUCKLE RESTAURANT
Located in Nambour, Honeysuckle boasts a modern Australian menu that prides itself on catering to various dietary requirements. This restaurant also champions locally sourced produce, offering a unique Sunshine Coast food tour that’s inclusive and socially responsible. Their Pan-fried Barramundi, served with a beetroot and fennel salad, is a crowd favorite.
BASK EUMUNDI
Situated in the famous market town of Eumundi, Bask offers a seasonal menu full of Sunshine Coast flavors. Don’t miss their signature dish, the Lemon Myrtle Prawn Linguine, which captures the essence of Sunshine Coast flavors.
A Toast to Sunshine: Discovering Sunshine Coast Wineries
There’s more to Sunshine Coast’s bounty than just its fresh produce; it’s also home to several notable wineries. Here, the wine experience goes beyond just tasting. These are the places to be:
FLAME HILL VINEYARD
Known for its 100% estate-grown wines, Flame Hill Vineyard offers breathtaking views over Montville and the coast. It’s a perfect spot for a memorable wine-tasting experience. Savor their award-winning Verdelho, a vibrant white wine with tropical fruit notes, while enjoying the panoramic vista.
MASON WINES
Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Mason Wines offers a variety of handcrafted, estate-grown wines. Visit their cellar door for tastings and a scrumptious meal at their onsite restaurant. Explore the complexity of their Mason’s Shiraz, a rich red with dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice.
KOOROOMBA VINEYARD & LAVENDER FARM
A picturesque destination where vineyards meet lavender fields. Try their Provence-style Rosé, a refreshing and light-bodied wine with floral notes, a true reflection of the lavender farm ambiance.
DINGO CREEK VINEYARD
This boutique winery specializes in handcrafted, premium wines. Explore the vineyards, enjoy a wine tasting, or even blend your own wine. Don’t miss their Muscat or the very popular liquor, Honey Mead.
SIRROMET WINERY
One of Queensland’s leading wineries, Sirromet delivers a memorable wine experience. From vineyard tours to tasting their award-winning wines, it’s worth the visit. This winery is renowned for its Granite Belt Chardonnay, a crisp white wine with delicate oak influences, ideal for the Queensland climate.
The Bounty of Freshness: Sunshine Coast Food Markets
Lastly, no Sunshine Coast food trip is complete without a visit to its vibrant food markets. From fresh, local produce to homemade goodies, you’ll find it all here:
EUMUNDI MARKETS
Considered a jewel in the Sunshine Coast’s crown, the Eumundi Markets are a feast for the senses. The air here buzzes with the energy of live local music, intermingling with the tempting aroma of locally made gourmet sausages. These savory delights are a must-try, and the perfect snack as you weave through the labyrinth of vibrant stalls brimming with artisanal food products, handcrafted goods, and the freshest of local produce.
YANDINA COUNTRY MARKETS
Steeped in tradition, the Yandina Country Markets is considered as the original farmers’ market on the Sunshine Coast. Strolling here is like walking through a living pantry, with a vast array of fresh produce directly from the growers. Don’t leave without sampling the fresh, handpicked berries – their ripe, juicy sweetness is a testament to the Sunshine Coast’s fertile soil and sunny climate!
FISHERMAN’S ROAD MARKET
A community treasure run by the local Lions Club, the Fisherman’s Road Market captures the essence of coastal living. Here, the fresh catch of the day takes center stage. Savor the freshest and most flavorful locally-caught prawns – a treat from the sea that will leave you craving for more. With fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood on offer, it’s a true representation of the region’s bounty.
Culinary Comfort: Where to Stay for the Ultimate Food Experience
How about being just steps away from some of the Sunshine Coast’s food hotspots and finest restaurants? We know you want that! These accommodations not only offer comfortable rooms and exciting amenities, but they also tantalize your taste buds with exceptional on-site culinary experiences.
RACV NOOSA RESORT
This five-star accommodation is not only known for its luxurious amenities and ideal location, but it’s also a hit among food lovers. Beyond its daily buffet breakfast, Dazza’s Bar serves casual meals and enticing cocktails in an inviting space perfect for pre-dinner drinks. This resort encapsulates a seamless blend of rest and indulgence.
OAKS SUNSHINE COAST OASIS RESORT
Over this family-friendly resort, innovative flavors meet traditional favorites at Oak & Vine Sunshine Coast, their on-site restaurant. With a popular kids’ menu and gluten-free options available upon request, this culinary oasis caters to a variety of palates, offering a dining experience as welcoming as the resort itself.
SOFITEL NOOSA PACIFIC RESORT
At the heart of Noosa, Sofitel offers more than just a luxurious stay. Noosa Beach House, the resort’s restaurant, showcases modern European flavors with a distinctive Noosa twist, using seasonal produce and local ingredients. This chic dining destination makes the resort an irresistible draw for food enthusiasts.
PEPPERS NOOSA RESORT AND VILLAS
This serene haven is home to Park & Cove Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled amid nature. Offering a menu packed with unique local flavors, the restaurant presents creative dishes in a relaxed setting with a view of Noosa National Park. It’s an immersive dining experience that complements the resort’s tranquil ambiance.
Savor The Flavors of the Sunshine Coast with Rent By Owner
From the tantalizing dishes served at Sunshine Coast’s finest restaurants, the divine nectars at local wineries, to the fresh produce in vibrant food markets, and accommodations that serve culinary delights, there’s no question that this region offers an unforgettable adventure for the senses. More than its beautiful beaches, the Sunshine Coast is a haven for food enthusiasts where they can truly eat, drink, and sleep — then repeat.
But don’t just take our word for it! Plan your trip and indulge in the rich Sunshine Coast food scene yourself. Remember, RentByOwner is always here to help you find the best places to stay, to make your culinary journey all the more rewarding. So, pack your appetite and let’s get this food escapade started!
TLDR
Discover the remarkable Sunshine Coast food scene that will satisfy all your cravings. From standout restaurants like Bella Venezia, The Long Apron, and Spirit House, wineries such as Flame Hill Vineyard and Mason Wines, and bustling food markets like Eumundi Markets, your palate is in for an exciting adventure. Complement your food trip with accommodations that feature their own culinary delights such as RACV Noosa Resort and Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. This Sunshine Coast food escapade is truly one for the books!
