It’s moved past its stereotype of surf clubs and shoeless hippies and has turned into a vibrant hub for bars, restaurants and cafes. Whether you want to sip cocktails, smash your face into a mud cake or eat your way through as much seafood as you can, the Sunshine Coast has something for everyone.
Paradise Arcade | Noosa Heads
We don’t always look fondly upon Sydneysiders on the Sunshine Coast, but when they introduce us to Mexican food THIS great – they can stay as long as they like. With its copper piping, decorative pineapples and cacti, mural of Frida Kahlo and neon signage the space is equally as amazing as the food. Get ready to say HOLAAAA to dishes like Baja fish tacos, chargrilled street corn and fried chicken tostadas, washed down with their signature Paradise Palms Lager or a margarita. See you there amigos!
Miss Moneypenny’s | Noosa Heads
You don’t have to be James Bond to get a piece of Miss Moneypenny’s! With an extensive list of pizzas and cocktails the Hasting St venue will have you feeling as suave as 007. Treat yourself to a slow roasted lamb shoulder pizza whilst sipping on a rose petal martini or a botanical smash. Or if you’re on your way home from a Bond style dalliance with the enemy – why not stop by for whipped walnut praline and banana waffles? Miss Moneypenny’s has more tricks up her sleeve than Q.
Sum Yung Guys | Sunshine Beach
With a space and menu that is designed for sharing Sum Yung Guys is the brainchild of Matt Sinclair (MasterChef 2016 runner-up) plus three of his mates. The super hip restaurant is serving up pan-Asian style food with Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese influences. Try small plates like Gangnam style beef tartare or Korean style chicken wings – or go all out with grilled snapper or confit red duck curry. Their cocktail list is as varied as it is inventive – their Pandan Old Fashioned is a twist on the original with signature tamarind and pandan extract elements. 
Little Boat Espresso | Marcoola
Little Boat Espresso might be a little café in a sleepy little town, but the flavours in their food are BIG. From sweet treats like Ricotta gingerbread waffles with poached pear and spiced crumble (not the gumdrop buttons!) to savoury delights including okonomiyaki green pancake pork jowl and brisket croquettes – Little Boat are. Team all this with expertly made specialty coffee and get ready to sail away into flavour town.
Village Bicycle | Noosa Junction
After recently moving location the lads from Village Bicycle have continued to spice things up in a bigger and better premises– just a short ride away from the original. The venue is split into three main areas, the front patio, the pendant-lit indoor bar and a vibrant beer garden. With atmosphere in spades and food and drink to die for – its not surprising Village Bicycle is always so busy. Choose from delicious burgers like the VFC (spiced buttermilk fried chicken, pickles, chipotle mayo and slaw), decadent poutine and fresh fish tacos and wash it all down with a Young Henrys tinnie or Aperol Spritz. So what are you waiting for? On ya bike!
Tome | Maroochydore
It wouldn’t be a visit to the coast without a cake from Tome. The Ocean Street café has developed a cult following due to its Instagram worthy, decadent selection of cakes. Gluten intolerance getting you down? The team has you covered with most of their extensive list of drool-worthy sweets being gluten free, so they’re a health food, right? Sip on an expertly brewed coffee from Bear Bones Espresso whilst you stuff your face with peanut butter donuts, raspberry and chocolate brownies and caramel cheesecakes. Have love in your heart for more than just sugar? They also specialise in some of the most beautiful wedding cakes we have ever laid our cake-crazy eyes on. Ride the sugar high!
So what are you waiting for? Get in the car, grab a train, hell – commandeer a ferry and cruise up to the Sunshine Coast. It’s a whole new world up there.
