With fresh seafood sourced directly from our sparkling coastlines, and paddock-to-plate produce thriving in the rich hinterland soil, what better way to immerse yourself in the Sunshine Coast food scene than with a gastronomic degustation or long lunch adventure?
Whether you’re looking to dine amongst the forests, admire the Noosa River from the comfort of your table, or soak up a French-provincial atmosphere, we’ve got all the details on where to enjoy a classy dining experience.
Here are nine of the best Sunshine Coast degustation or long lunch menus that should be on your ‘must taste’ list.
Spice Bar
Where: Mooloolaba
Spice Bar, Mooloolaba
Here, comfortably situated in the heart of the Mooloolaba Esplanade, you’ll be able to feast your gaze not only on the sea, but also on some of the best Asian Fusion degustation menus on the Sunshine Coast. Resplendent in scarlet and gold décor, The Spice Bar is the perfect location for a fragrant banquet (10 to 15 tastings available), or an elegant degustation.
Harry’s on Buderim
Where: Buderim
Harry’s on Buderim
Allow yourself to be spoilt with the best seasonal produce at Harry’s on Buderim – a local favourite beloved for its emphasis on local flavours. Comfortably settled inside a historical homestead, you’ll be destined for a hearty feast of Australian cuisine. While sipping on a carefully selected wine, you might find yourself tucking into a vivid beetroot risotto with goats’ cheese, or a marinated Brisbane Valley Quail with a mandarin marmalade (sample menu only).
The Tamarind, Spicers Tamarind
Where: Maleny
The Tamarind, Spicers Tamarind
Nestled in the calming hinterland forests of Maleny, you’ll find The Tamarind. If you’re seeking umami flavours stylishly wrapped up in award-wining Modern Asian cuisine, this is the menu for you. Here, the clever combinations of sweet, sour, and spicy ingredients are enhanced by the cosy restaurant setting, which looks out onto lush bushland and gardens. Remember to keep in mind that while the five-course degustation menu is set, it can be adjusted for dietary requirements on request.
The Long Apron, Spicers Clovelly Estate
Where: Montville
Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
You’ll find arriving at Spicers Clovelly Estate to be a magical experience from the very beginning. Be greeted by a driveway framed by an avenue of picturesque deciduous trees, set high up on the Montville hinterland range. Whether you’re chasing golden autumn leaves or seeking flourishing summer foliage, Clovelly Estate sets the tone for an elegant dining experience inside its French-provincial-inspired restaurant: The Long Apron. Expect to feast on a five-course tasting menu, replete with a special vegetarian alternative – all derived from the freshest, locally-sourced produce, of course!
Rickys River Bar and Restaurant
Where: Noosa
Let time slow down and gaze out at the rippling blue of the Noosa River while settling back into the chic ambience of Rickys River Bar and Restaurant. Here, the sparkling waterfront location and delectable six-course tasting menu filled with locally-sourced produce (Rickys has its own hinterland property called Maravista Farm!), will gift you with the ultimate luxurious dining experience.
Spirit House Restaurant
Where: Yandina
Spirit House Restaurant
Prepare to unwind in Yandina at the Spirit House, comfortably situated amongst lush tropical gardens and home to the 2023 Australian Chef of the Year, Tom Hitchcock. You’ll find this Thai-inspired sanctuary home to exclusive banquets that have been perfectly designed for sharing. If you’re travelling with a crowd, this is the place to be! Make sure to enjoy a cocktail or two, and rest easy if you’re meat free – there’s also a vegetarian banquet on offer.
Corbin’s
Where: Maroochydore
Groups of six and above dine on the degustation menu at Corbin’s, where umami Asian cuisine plays a starring role. Think chicken wings with Thai caramel and fried garlic, curried prawn with spiced cashew and betel leaf, and Korean fish bao with coriander mayo – yum! Best of all, you can wash the feast down with a local craft beer.
Bask
Where: Eumundi
Bask, Eumundi
Listed on the Australian Good Food Guide, spectacular Eumundi restaurant Bask offers long lunches on Saturdays from 12:30pm. While relaxing amongst the leafy, light-dappled decor, you’ll be spoiled with the best seasonal produce from our region. If you’re in the mood for a combination of deliciously light cuisine, such as whipped feta with Eumundi tomatoes, cucumber, radish and cress, but also have a sweet tooth (who would turn down an upside-down pineapple cake with ice-cream?), this is the place to make a reservation.
Dee Den
Where: Buderim
Trendy, modern Asian cuisine gets taken to a new level at Dee Den in Buderim. Featuring several lavish banquet menus for a range of budgets, you’ll be treated to a feast of mouth-watering dishes. We’re talking plates of wok-fried Asian greens, fried cuttlefish, grilled chicken turmeric curry... just to name a few. Plus, you’ll get to end the night with either a chocolate tart or a cooling coconut sorbet depending on the menu – yes please!