It’s taken me a while to put this list together — partly because there are so many places on the Sunshine Coast worth talking about, and partly because I wasn’t sure I was ready to share my favorite restaurants just yet.

Over the years, I’ve eaten my way through beachside cafés, hidden small food spots, and restaurants buzzing with locals. Some were unforgettable, others… well, let’s just say they didn’t make the cut.

Here are the 8 best restaurants in Sunshine Coast, the ones I visit again and again, the ones I’d happily recommend to friends without hesitation. They’ve been tried, tested, and in some cases, obsessed over.

This isn’t a guide written by a professional food critic — just my honest take on where you’ll get a great meal on the Sunshine Coast. So, grab your appetite and let’s dig in.

Best Restaurants in Sunshine Coast

1- Humble on Duke

Google Rating: 4.9

Humble on Duke, located on 4/48-54 Duke St, in Sunshine Beach, offers a dining experience that feels both personal and refined.

The menu changes regularly, but guests can expect starters like house-made sourdough with whipped miso butter, grilled octopus with smoked paprika, and fresh oysters paired with finger lime.

Main courses often feature slow-cooked lamb shoulder with native herbs, roasted market fish with citrus glaze, and vegetarian plates like charred pumpkin with tahini.

Desserts include panna cotta with seasonal fruits or a decadent chocolate mousse. Each dish highlights fresh, local ingredients and bold flavor combinations.

Drinks focus on boutique Australian wines and craft cocktails with native botanicals. The restaurant’s intimate setting, open kitchen, and warm interiors create an inviting atmosphere.

Humble on Duke is ideal for those who want carefully curated food with a balance of creativity and comfort.

2- Local Flow Eatery

Google Rating: 4.9

Local Flow Eatery, located on 3/27 Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore, has a strong focus on sustainable dining.

Their starters include tempura zucchini flowers, tuna tartare with avocado cream, and arancini filled with mushroom and truffle.

Main dishes feature wild-caught fish with citrus beurre blanc, grass-fed steak with chimichurri, and plant-based options like roasted eggplant with spiced lentils.

Desserts range from lemon tart with vanilla mascarpone to sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce.

Drinks emphasize organic wines and craft beers, with non-alcoholic choices like kombucha on tap.

Recipes draw from Mediterranean influences but rely on fresh Sunshine Coast produce, making every dish vibrant and flavorful.

The interior has a relaxed coastal feel with modern decor, open windows, and a casual yet stylish vibe. Local Flow stands out for its eco-friendly approach and commitment to supporting local growers, making it a must-visit for conscious food lovers.

Also Read: Best Restaurants in Blue Mountains

3- Honeysuckle Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Honeysuckle Restaurant located at 8/4 Ballinger Rd, in Buderim brings a contemporary twist to Asian-inspired dining.

Starters include pork and prawn dumplings, tempura prawns with chili mayo, and miso-glazed eggplant.

The main menu highlights crispy skin duck with plum sauce, wagyu beef with soy glaze, and vegetarian delights such as stir-fried tofu with seasonal greens.

For dessert, guests can enjoy black sesame ice cream, yuzu cheesecake, or pandan panna cotta. Drinks range from Japanese sake to Asian-inspired cocktails and local wines.

Recipes are carefully designed to balance sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, offering layers of taste in every bite.

The interior combines sleek modern design with warm lighting, creating a stylish yet comfortable dining space. Honeysuckle is known for its precise cooking techniques, bold flavors, and beautiful plating.

It’s perfect for diners who want a fresh take on Asian cuisine with an elegant Sunshine Coast atmosphere.

4- Dee Den Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Dee Den Restaurant, located at 1/87 Burnett St, in Buderim, is known for its creative approach to Thai cuisine.

The menu begins with starters like satay chicken skewers, crispy spring rolls, and betel leaf bites topped with prawn and coconut.

Mains include Massaman beef curry, pad Thai with tamarind sauce, and green curry with fresh herbs and vegetables. Seafood options like barramundi with chili-lime dressing add a coastal touch.

Desserts feature mango sticky rice, coconut panna cotta, and fried banana with caramel sauce. Drinks include Thai-inspired cocktails with lemongrass and kaffir lime, as well as refreshing mocktails and imported beers.

Recipes balance authentic Thai flavors with local Australian produce, making every dish bold yet approachable.

The restaurant has a modern interior with vibrant accents and a lively, welcoming vibe. Dee Den is the place to visit for those who want authentic Thai flavors with a modern Sunshine Coast twist.

5- Psari Seafood Bar & Grill

Google Rating: 4.8

Psari Seafood Bar & Grill is located on 45 Brisbane Rd, in Mooloolaba, right by the water, and is known for its fresh seafood prepared with Mediterranean flavors.

The menu starts strong with entrées like grilled halloumi, prawn skewers, and calamari lightly seasoned with herbs.

For mains, diners can enjoy whole barramundi with lemon butter, seafood platters overflowing with prawns, oysters, and Moreton Bay bugs, or perfectly grilled lamb chops for those who prefer meat.

The drinks list leans on Australian wines and refreshing cocktails, making it easy to pair with seafood.

Desserts include creamy panna cotta, baklava with pistachios, and chocolate mousse. The food’s freshness and balance of flavors make it stand out, while the casual yet elegant setting creates a relaxed dining experience.

With views of the marina, Psari is perfect for both casual lunches and special evenings.

Also Explore: Things to Do in Sunshine Coast

6- Lucio’s Marina

Google Rating: 4.8

Lucio’s Marina, located on 3/2 Parkyn Ct, at The Wharf Mooloolaba, blends Italian tradition with Sunshine Coast seafood.

Starters include fried calamari, bruschetta with tomato and basil, and fresh oysters served with lemon. The pasta menu is a highlight—handmade spaghetti with clams, prawn linguine, and gnocchi with Napoli sauce are cooked to perfection.

Mains feature oven-roasted fish of the day, grilled ribeye, and seafood risotto with saffron. Guests can enjoy Italian wines, limoncello spritz, or a classic negroni from the drinks menu.

For dessert, tiramisu, affogato, and citrus tarts round out the experience. The interior is modern, bright, and designed for a breezy coastal feel, with large windows overlooking the water.

What makes Lucio’s special is its focus on authentic Italian recipes prepared with local produce and seafood, offering a refined but approachable dining experience for seafood lovers and Italian cuisine fans alike.

7- Harry’s On Buderim

Google Rating: 4.7

Harry’s On Buderim is located inside a heritage-style Queenslander on 11 Harrys Ln, surrounded by greenery, giving it a distinctive charm.

The menu focuses on modern Australian cuisine with locally sourced produce. Starters include spanner crab cakes, duck liver parfait, and seared scallops with cauliflower purée.

For mains, diners can enjoy eye fillet steak with truffle mash, pan-seared salmon with seasonal vegetables, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder.

The wine list features a mix of Australian reds and whites, while cocktails are crafted with fresh ingredients.

Desserts such as lemon myrtle panna cotta, sticky date pudding, and chocolate fondant end the meal on a high note.

The combination of fine-dining quality food and a serene rainforest setting makes this restaurant a standout. With its balance of elegance and comfort, Harry’s offers a memorable dining experience ideal for romantic dinners or special celebrations.

Also Read: Best Restaurants in St Kilda

8- The Loose Goose Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.7

The Loose Goose, located on 3/175 Ocean Dr, in Twin Waters, is known for its European-inspired menu and contemporary dining style.

Starters include baked camembert with garlic bread, duck spring rolls, and oysters served natural or Kilpatrick.

For mains, the restaurant serves slow-cooked beef cheeks with red wine jus, confit duck with orange glaze, and a variety of seafood like grilled barramundi and scallops.

The drinks menu is extensive, featuring craft beers, signature cocktails, and a well-curated wine list. Dessert highlights include crème brûlée, sticky date pudding, and chocolate tart.

The Loose Goose is praised for its consistent quality, with dishes that balance flavor and presentation beautifully. The restaurant’s interior combines modern design with a relaxed vibe, making it both stylish and welcoming.

It’s a favorite among locals for both casual fine dining and special occasions, thanks to its attention to detail and outstanding service.