Follow the Foodie Trail

THERE IS NO denying that over the past few years the Sunshine Coast has become something of a foodie destination. With a diverse geography, fresh local produce at every turn and award-winning chefs, the region can lay claim to a culinary collection of everything from romantic hinterland hatted restaurants to hole-in-the-wall surprises; hidden gems and iconic waterfront dining; cosy destinations for family outings and everything in between. So of course, salt decided to taste test our way down the foodie trail in a bid to uncover some delectable delights. We begin in Noosa, wind our way down the coast to Buddina and then finish in the hinterland.

WHERE: PICCOLINO, NOOSA HEADS

THE VIBE: You enter Piccolino Noosa via an attractive ‘hole in the wall’ on Hastings Street, something that feels very inner city. And the moment you do step inside, you’re transported to a space of Italian elegance. I’m talking sleek and sophisticated meets traditional Italian flare. Black walls and timbers with ambient downlighting are complemented by indoor foliage dotted around the restaurant. Perhaps my favourite feature was the round cut-out windows filled with lush greenery.

BEST FOR: Piccolino is the perfect kick-off spot for a night out with friends over a (delicious!) specialty cocktail, or a date night with a twist of inner-city elegance and a touch of Italy.

FAVOURITE DISH: Something that really stood out at Piccolino is that the dishes are all so beautiful! The Kitchen has taken the typical browns and yellows you get with pizza and pasta and flipped them on their heads by adding vibrant florals and garnish that pop with colour! as for taste, we couldn't go past a hearty antipasto platter to graze on at the start of the night followed by a delicious cheesy pizza to finish.

WHERE: HARRY’S ON BUDERIM, BUDERIM

THE VIBE: Harry’s on Buderim is an iconic restaurant located on the edge of the Buderim Forest Park and surrounded by bushland. And there is no doubting that this 139-year-old heritage-style homestead oozes romantic charm. The dim lighting, open fireplace and wooden furnishings make it a cosy, romantic spot to sit and whisper sweet nothings to your lover as you sip on wine and indulge in course after course of delicious food.

BEST FOR: Harry’s is an incredible choice for a romantic date night. You can sit on the verandah and listen to the sounds of the bush while you enjoy your meal, just as we did on a recent kid-free night out. And it seems we weren’t the only ones who felt that way, especially if the tables filled with couples were anything to go by.

FAVOURITE DISH: This is a tough one because they all tasted so good. We opted for a three-course affair and shared the meals so we could taste as much as possible. I would say for entrée, the goats cheese, pickled blackberries, green beans and avocado sorbet with farro; for the main, it is impossible not to pick the olive oil confit Tasmanian ocean trout with cucumber, celery, potato and crab mousseline and lemon myrtle emulsion; and for dessert, Harry’s take on the sticky date pudding. We left filled to the brim but happy as pigs in mud.

WHERE: PIER 33, MOOLOOLABA

THE VIBE: If you haven’t been to Pier 33, you need to drop everything and go immediately. I think it’s safe to say this has become a new favourite of ours, particularly when we are in the mood for a ‘fancy’ lunch out with the whole family. Located on the riverfront at Mooloolaba, the vibe is very well matched, decked out with a fresh palette of blues and white, larger booths as well as indoor and outdoor dining options. We had our two little ones in tow so we opted for the best of both worlds – a table with a view out to the moored boats and space next to it on the grass for the kids to explore while we sipped on champagne and espresso martinis.

BEST FOR: We loved this restaurant for a family lunch date with a twist of fine dining, but it would make a great choice for a date, or sunset cocktails by the river too.

FAVOURITE DISH: A hard pick, but as the menu is designed to share, we did just that and tried a range of dishes, each as delicious as the next. Standouts were the ceviche, couscous salad and slow-roasted Milly Hill lamb shoulder. The kids loved the Noosa tomato spaghetti.

WHERE: ALL’ ANTICA, BUDDINA

THE VIBE: Unless you are a Kawana local, there is a good chance you haven’t heard of All’ Antica. But I’m more than happy to be bringing it to your attention now. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to snag a table for dinner because trust me when I say it’s definitely a locals’ favourite. You enter the restaurant and feel like you’re in Little Italy. It’s a family-run place, hidden behind the Kawana Shoppingworld with simple decor and a cosy, homely feel. All’ Antica is where you go when you want a good hearty meal of perfectly cooked Italian food.

BEST FOR: We went along as a family and I’d say this is what it’s best for. In fact, it is one of the only restaurants I’ve come across where the kids can actually get involved in cooking their own meals. Our two loved whipping up pizzas alongside the chef then watching him cook them in the wood-fire oven.

FAVOURITE DISH: Being big fans of traditional Italian cooking, we made sure to try as many dishes as we could fit in our bellies. The kids loved their pizzas and we couldn’t get enough of the Chicago-style calzone, house-made garlic and chive sourdough and the fresh mussels and spaghetti. Oh, and perhaps the best dessert tasting plate I’ve ever sampled.

WHERE: DAISY’S PLACE, GLENVIEW

THE VIBE: Tucked away near rainforest off Steve Irwin Way you will find Daisy’s Place. Recently reopened, this hidden gem is well worth the drive out to Glenview. We opted for breakfast, but honestly, you could go any time and the ambience would impress. We sat in the fresh air at a large wooden table flanked by greenery out the back, but we could have chosen a spot inside by giant painted walls, or next to Native American artwork. We might have also chosen to lounge about on plush purple seats or cowhide – Daisy’s Place is certainly eclectic and beautiful.

BEST FOR: You couldn’t go wrong choosing Daisy’s Place for any occasion. We went for a late breakfast without the kids but they could have happily tagged along. With the amount of space and interesting yet elegant decor, a group occasion would suit perfectly here too.

FAVOURITE DISH: Without a doubt, the waffles were my choice, and Pablo loved the slow-cooked Cape Grim short rib. On my next visit, however, I’m definitely trying the house-made doughnuts.

WHERE: THE LONG APRON, MONTVILLE

THE VIBE: The Long Apron is a chef-hatted, French-inspired restaurant located in the stunning Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville. And you do truly feel as though you have left the Sunshine Coast and found yourself in the French countryside surrounded by greenery, trees and wide-open spaces. The restaurant is split between alfresco dining under jacaranda trees, where we dined, or an intimate and elegant setting awaits dinner guests inside the estate.

BEST FOR: Spicers Clovelly is a child-free property, which is the perfect excuse to leave the kids with a friend or family member and get lost in pure romance on a date night. In fact, why not stay the night too? That way there is no need to drive home after a degustation with matching wines.

FAVOURITE DISH: We opted for lunch and the tasting menu so we could enjoy three courses each while sipping champagne in the tranquil garden setting. And with a view that overlooks the lush green of the property, why wouldn’t you? My standout dishes were the fig leaf-infused curd with fig, fried oyster mushrooms and hazelnuts to start, the roasted full-blood Angus beef with grilled baby gem lettuce and spent grain cracker as a main and the artichoke ice-cream with pickle and crisp salted caramel and chocolate mousse to finish. Divine.

WORKED YOUR WAY ALONG OUR FOODIE TRAIL? THEN BE SURE TO STOP IN AT THESE OTHER FANTASTIC LOCAL DESTINATIONS

Noosa Boat House, Noosaville – A waterfront beauty serving some of the freshest seafood on the Coast.

Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, Noosaville – Modern Italian fare with a deliciously local twist.

Periwinkle Restaurant, Peregian Beach – Modern French/ Mediterranean cuisine by the beach.

Glass House Brewery, Forest Glen – Craft beer and pizza in a relaxed friendly setting.

Spice Bar, Mooloolaba – Asian fusion at its best, this is the place to go for that special evening out.

Kiki Bar, Maroochydore – Classic cocktails, wine and nibbles.

Spirit House, Yandina – A tropical oasis with food to die for and the coolest bar this side of Shanghai.

Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba – An Italian staple and a standout on the busy esplanade.

Il Vento, Mooloolaba – Another reason to visit the revitalised Wharf precinct.

Juan Fifty, Alexandra Headland – Modern Mexican offering some of the prettiest dishes on the Coast.

Wood Fire Grill, Noosa Heads – Smoke and fire is used to create clean, hearty meals.

Sum Yung Guys, Sunshine Beach – Asian delights with a menu designed to share.

Copper Head Brewery, Cooroy – Restaurant-quality meals at pub prices make the craft beers taste even better.