What’s new in food in 2026

Alsahwa Estate

ēthos at Alsahwa Estate, Palmwoods, Sunshine Coast

Best for: fans of farm to fork dining.

From the moment your car cruises between the avenue of enormous traees welcoming you to Alsahwa Estate in Palmwoods, you’ll feel right at home. Surrounded by lush gardens and nestled close to a small lake, Alsahwa Estate’s onsite restaurant ēthos knows a thing or two about the makings of a memorable meal. Pull up a seat at the table here and savour a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates farm-to-fork deliciousness. Think spiced whitebait with a lime pickle aioli, free-range chicken breast with asparagus and hazelnut truffle pesto, and a burrata caprese with tomato, balsamic pearls and basil gelato.

Young Giants

Drinks at Young Giants Brewing, Marcoola, Sunshine Coast

Best for: a great brew with local vibes.

There’s a reason the Sunshine Coast is known as Australia’s Craft Beer Capital... and now we’ve got another epic spot to raise a glass to. Enter Young Giants Brewing: Marcoola’s ground zero for some seriously good brews. Escape the heat and catch up with mates around a cold one or dial up the fun with a frozen ‘largerita’ - a delightful Margarita/beer hybrid.

Glasshouse Plantation

Coffee at Glasshouse Plantation, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast

Best for: coffee lovers.

You'll get a side serve of spectacular views alongside your next meal at Glasshouse Plantation. As you tuck into a plate of waffles and sip on a cup of Australian grown coffee, you’ll catch glimpses of the Sunshine Coast’s iconic Glass House Mountains peeking through the treetops. Let your eyes wander out from the cafe across to the surrounding farm, where thousands of lush coffee trees rustle in the breeze. Better yet, this gem can be found just down the road from Glass House Mountains Lookout, making it the ideal spot to fuel up before heading out to see the sights.

Playa Mexican

Dining at Playa Mexican, Bokarina

Best for: fans of Mexican fare.

Margarita sips and guacamole dips await at Playa Mexican in Bokarina. Load up the table with as much as you can manage at this buzzing new flavour destination, where hints of coastal-inspired bites light up the menu. We’re talking everything from boneless BBQ chicken with pineapple butter to fish and prawn taquitos. Trust us, this is where the holiday vibes are at.

Fish House Steak & Grill

Dining at Fish House Steak & Grill, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

Best for: seafood fans.

If sitting down to some smoked Mooloolaba yellowfin sashimi or digging into a purebred Black Angus scotch fillet sounds like your idea of a dinner delight, you better check out Fish House Steak & Grill. This fine dining newbie recently opened in Mooloolaba (also known as the home of THAT iconic prawn) and serves up an elevated menu of quality seafood and mouthwatering premium meat. You won’t be far from the ocean, either: the beach is just across the road. Sunset stroll along the shore, anyone?

Uncover even more local food and drink inspiration in this guide.