Cafes

Sunday Coffee & Bagels, Bokarina
If you find yourself on the Sunshine Coast craving a fresh bagel, we’ve got a spot you should try. Just across the road from Bokarina Beach sits a hidden local gem – the second store from the team behind Sunday Coffee & Bagels – designed to feel like an easy, breezy Sunday. Sunday Coffee & Bagels serves up seriously good bagels and pastries alongside bar-tapped nitro cold brew and specialty drinks (hello banana cold foam?). Despite what the name suggests, the cafe is open seven days a week from 5:30 am to 2:00 pm, making it an easy go-to for early beach walks, post-swim refuels or a relaxed brunch stop. With a laid-back coastal vibe and a menu that focuses on quality ingredients done well, it’s the kind of place locals keep coming back to and visitors are glad they stumbled upon. 

Bunker Espresso, Caloundra
After owning Bunker Espresso Sippy Downs since 2022, Ben and Kate Saultry have taken another leap, opening their second Bunker Espresso store in late December 2025. Located under the new Bianco building at Bulcock Beach, the duo have maintained the signature Bunker Espresso style as though you have stepped into a pop art gallery, setting them apart from other businesses in the area. Ben’s background in fine dining further elevates the customer experience, with menu items such as apple crumble French toast, pork belly rosti and smoked salmon terrine, alongside a selection of cabinet food and rotating single-origin blends from Veneziano Coffee Roasters. This is one funky cafe to add to your list for your next trip to the Sunshine Coast.

Cici’s Continental Deli, Mooloolaba
Cici’s Continental Deli opened at the tail end of 2025 and has quickly become a standout on the Sunshine Coast dining scene. Just a stone’s throw from the Mooloolaba Esplanade, the European-inspired hotspot has a menu designed for sharing, from crisp salad sandwiches to indulgent cannoli and matcha specialty drinks – even stocking 100 percent Italian Molecola in the fridge. Whether you’re there for a quick takeaway snack or friend catch-up, it’s the kind of spot that feels like a little continental escape – without having to get on a plane.

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Restaurants

Cibaria Noosa, Noosa
Hastings Street may seem to have it all, but chef Alessandro Pavoni and the Maestro Hospitality team saw room for something more. Following the success of Cibaria Manly, the Italian seaside concept continued north with Cibaria Noosa, which opened in December 2025. Inspired by the social energy of an Italian piazza, the venue celebrates the European way of eating and socialising all day long. Located within the new Elysium Noosa Resort, Cibaria Noosa features the 60-seat Terrazza and the walk-in-only Bar Capri, creating a relaxed la dolce vita atmosphere from morning through to late evening. Led by head chef Lucas Bach, the menu spans antipasti, handmade pasta and more, making it a vibrant new destination for locals and visitors alike.

Playa Mexican, Bokarina
Just a tortilla toss from Bokarina Beach sits the latest venture from the Tony Kelly Restaurant Group (Rice Boi, Giddy Geisha), Playa Mexican. This modern Mexican-inspired beachside hotspot opened in late September of 2025 and immediately became a smash-hit with Bokarina locals craving a Mexican feed. The 300-seat venue (designed by Kristen Calle of Cab Roto) draws influence from ocean and desert, bringing together a textural palette of timber, stone and woven finishes alongside a colour scheme composed of agave green, terracotta earth, salt white and sky blue. As for the menu – think light and fresh small plates like Moreton Bay Bug tostada’s and prawn aguachile to standout tacos and larger dishes such as pineapple-butter chicken and half fish with guajillo chilli. A dedicated tequila and mezcal bar adds to the appeal, alongside a sharp margarita-focused cocktail list and curated wines – just another reason the locals are flocking to Playa Mexican.

ēthos at Alsahwa Estate, Palmwoods
In the rolling hills of Palmwoods in the Sunshine Coast hinterland lies ēthos, the first public-facing chapter of the 30-acre Alsahwa Estate. A property devoted to regenerative agriculture, architecture and design, Alsahwa Estate was founded by Jo Walker in 2020 as an invitation for guests to slow down, reconnect, and take part in a more conscious way of living. The restaurant is conceived as an extension of the land itself, as well as the philosophy behind the estate – a place where food, farming and considered design intersect in one seamless expression. Guided by what is fresh and in season from local growers, the menu moves from small plates like grass-fed beef tartare and sugo-baked polpette to larger dishes such as black pepper wagyu brisket, and lemon thyme risotto with berry creek blue cheese.

Bars

Northern Grounds, Diddillibah
Tucked into a cove along the Maroochy River is Great Northern’s flagship venue, Northern Grounds. After a day of exploring the Sunshine Coast, it’s always nice to settle in for a cold beer with your mates – and this is the place to do it. The large waterfront hospitality venue in Diddillibah is built around a relaxed, outdoor-inspired Queensland lifestyle, featuring a pub-style restaurant, expansive deck, multiple function spaces and fireplaces for the winter season. The food offering leans into hearty dishes made with local produce, delivering pub classics and share plates that pair easily with a drinks list featuring around 24 taps pouring Great Northern beers alongside other popular Australian brews. Cheers!

Coolum Beach Bar, Coolum
Just steps from the surf, Coolum Beach Bar is the kind of kind of place locals drop into without thinking twice. Opening early last year by local mates Jonny Giles, Gavin Smith and Matt Hope, the beach bar was built as a true neighbourhood hangout – a go-to spot for post-surf green smoothies, long lunches and sunset cocktails that turn into group hangs. Designed to feel like an extension of the beach itself, the space hums from morning through to night with familiar faces, cold beers and an impressive cocktail list designed to keep the good times rolling. Named hospitality finalists in the Sunshine Coast Business Awards in both 2024 and 2025, it’s clear this local favourite is doing something right. If you’re looking to tap into Coolum’s local rhythm, this is where it’s all happening – trust us. 

Breeze of Italy, Maroochydoore
Sixth Avenue in Maroochydore got a whole lot more Italian when Bryan Gerlini and Izabela Ogonek opened Breeze of Italy on the ground floor of the Rise building. The cosy wine bar seats up to 30 people both inside and out, with an extensive drinks list featuring Italian, French and Spanish wines, along with beer and non-alcoholic drinks. The menu reflects Bryan’s many years of experience as a chef and pays homage to his home region of Emilia-Romagna, with curated salumi and formaggi sharing platters designed to complement your sip of choice. For those with a sweet tooth, traditional desserts are on offer, including cannoli di ricotta, panna cotta, affogato and tiramisu – you know, all the best things. Word on the street is that the duo will be opening for lunch very soon with authentic Italian-style sandwiches made fresh to order. Make sure to say ciao on your next coastal visit.