Behind the Counter: Local Faves You Need to Try at The Nines

Janice Kuz • August 26, 2025

What Makes Our Local Favourites Special

local favourites - local favourites

Local favourites aren't just menu items that sell well—they're the dishes that locals rave about, visitors remember, and our chefs take genuine pride in creating. Here are The Nines' top chef picks that have earned their spot as true Sunshine Coast classics:

The Must-Try Local Favourites:

  • Eggs Benedict Bacon ($26) - Crispy bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise on sourdough
  • House-made Waffles - Blueberry poached pears with zesty lemon curd
  • Fluffy Pancakes ($21.50) - Maple bacon bits, candied walnuts, vanilla ice cream
  • Roast Pumpkin Salad - The dish that converts salad sceptics

Behind every plate at The Nines lies a story of fresh ingredients, chef creativity, and that little extra something that transforms good food into unforgettable experiences. Our kitchen team doesn't just follow recipes—they craft each dish with techniques that bring out bold flavours and stunning presentations.

This isn't your average café tour. We're taking you behind the counter to find the hidden gems and chef secrets that make our local favourites so damn good. From perfect egg-poaching techniques to flavour-balancing tricks, you'll get the inside scoop on what makes these dishes shine.

I'm Janice Kuz, owner of The Nines Emporium, and after 20+ years in hospitality, I've learned that true local favourites are born from passion, quality ingredients, and a team that genuinely cares about every plate. We've been serving up these chef picks for almost 10 years, constantly refining and perfecting them based on what our Sunshine Coast community loves most.

The Benny Trilogy: A Breakfast for Legends

There's something magical about a perfectly executed Eggs Benedict, and our trilogy showcases exactly why this classic has earned legendary status among Sunshine Coast breakfast lovers. These aren't just dishes; they're a testament to our 'classic with a twist' philosophy, perfected over nearly 10 years.

The Eggs Benedict Bacon ($26) is the quintessential classic, featuring crispy bacon, flawlessly poached eggs, fresh spinach, and creamy avocado on toasted sourdough with a golden hash brown. The secret to our perfect runny yolks is precise temperature control and a splash of vinegar in the water, while our signature hollandaise is whipped fresh daily to be rich, smooth, and perfectly tangy.

For a touch of elegance, the Eggs Benedict Smoked Salmon ($27) uses premium salmon, carefully layered so its delicate flavour shines. Our veggie mates rave about the Eggs Benedict Mushroom ($26), which packs a flavour punch with garlic thyme mushrooms roasted low and slow to deepen their earthy umami taste, all finished with a special pesto hollandaise.

The Definitive Guide to Benny Trilogy at The Nines

The Sweet Spot: Pancakes & Waffles

When you need pure sweet indulgence, our pancakes and waffles are engineered for happiness. These local favourites perfectly balance sweetness with satisfying textures that will make your taste buds sing, proving that we take our sweet treats as seriously as our savoury staples.

Our Pancakes (V) ($21.50) arrive as a towering stack of fluffy goodness, adorned with maple bacon bits (a game-changing combo!), grilled banana, candied walnuts, and vanilla ice cream. The secret to their legendary fluffiness is a light hand with the batter—no overmixing here—creating the perfect canvas for that sweet and savoury adventure.

The house-made Waffle (V) is a work of art, topped with tender blueberry poached pears, zesty lemon curd, and vibrant blueberry compote. We pay serious attention to achieving that ideal crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, assembling each plate so the colours and textures pop. It's a dish that tastes as stunning as it looks.

Image of the vibrant waffle dish - local favourites

Sweet Brunch Favourites at The Nines, Maroochydore

More Than Just Brekkie: Lunchtime Legends

When lunchtime rolls around, we shift gears to serve up local favourites that live up to our "fresh, fun, full of flavour" philosophy. We believe lunch should be a proper meal that fuels your afternoon, which is why we don't mess around with portion sizes or quality ingredients.

Our Roast Pumpkin Salad is the dish that converts even the most dedicated salad sceptics. It’s a vibrant, feel-good experience packed with roasted pumpkin and fresh, colourful ingredients, proving that healthy can be absolutely delicious and satisfying.

roast pumpkin salad

For those craving something more substantial, our burgers and chips deliver an epic feed that hits the spot every time. We craft each burger with quality ingredients, from the juicy, flavour-packed patty to the fresh bun, and serve them with crispy chips for the perfect finish.

This is What Lunchtime Legends Look Like at The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore

The Vibe: Coffee, Community & Culture

A true local favourite is about more than just great food; it's the entire experience. At The Nines, we've cultivated a unique atmosphere inspired by bustling Melbourne street cafes while embracing the laid-back, modern-Aussie culture of the Sunshine Coast. This fusion creates a vibrant space that feels both energetic and welcoming.

Our commitment to the community shines through in every detail. We proudly pour Tim Adams' local Vintage Black coffee blend, with baristas who love crafting everything from a perfect oat latte to innovative cold foams . Plus, we're a dog-friendly space , so your furry mates are always welcome to join you at The Nines Emporium on Maroochydore Road.

Your Sunshine Coast Guide to the Best Dog-Friendly Cafes

Come Find Your New Go-To

There you have it—the inside scoop on the local favourites that have made The Nines a go-to spot on the Sunshine Coast. From our legendary Benny Trilogy to those damn good pancakes, we've pulled back the curtain on the passion and creativity that goes into every plate. We don't do boring, and we're always rolling out new specials, so there's constantly something new to discover.

Next time you swing by The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore, treat yourself to one of these chef favourites—you might just find your new obsession. We're walk-ins only on weekends, so just pop in whenever the mood strikes. Our team is always pumped to help you find the perfect dish that will have you planning your next visit before you've even left.

Ready to dive into our full menu? Check out our complete food lineup here! We can't wait to see you and watch you find why these dishes have become such beloved local favourites on the Sunshine Coast.

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