From Classic to Quirky: The Most Creative Cafe Menu Items You Need to Try

Janice Kuz • February 19, 2026

Opening Up Flavour: What Makes for Truly Creative Menu Items?

At The Nines, creative menu items are the heart of our "We Don't Do Boring" philosophy. It’s about combining unexpected flavours, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation to create dishes that surprise and delight. We don't chase trends; we take familiar favourites and give them that extra something that makes you say, "Damn, that's good," balancing nostalgia with novelty and comfort with surprise.

Here's what makes our menu items truly creative:

  1. Lifted classics: We take comfort foods like Eggs Benedict and give them a modern twist with additions like our signature pesto hollandaise.
  2. Unexpected flavour combinations: We love creating sweet and savoury mashups, such as pancakes topped with maple bacon bits.
  3. Limited-time specials: Our monthly dishes showcase seasonal ingredients and give our kitchen a chance to experiment.
  4. Dietary inclusivity: We ensure our vegetarian and gluten-free options are just as exciting as the original dishes.
  5. Storytelling through food: Every dish reflects our brand and the passion of our team.

I'm Janice Kuz, owner of The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore. With over 20 years in hospitality, I've built a cafe where creative menu items are what we're known for, from our famous Benny Trilogy to monthly pancake specials that never come back. We stay on top of food trends, from global influences to plant-based options, but we balance that novelty with the familiar feeling of a warm hug from an old mate.

A well-developed menu brimming with creative dishes helps us redefine the customer experience and turn casual visitors into loyal regulars. It's our canvas to paint a culinary vision that always aims for that "damn good" reaction.

Elevating the Classics with a Modern Twist

Classic doesn't have to mean boring. We love taking comfort foods and giving them a modern twist that makes them sing. Our famous Benny Trilogy is the perfect example, lifting a familiar favourite into something special.

Each Benny is crafted with crispy, golden hash browns and fresh spinach on toasted sourdough.

  • Eggs Benedict Bacon : The classic done right. Crispy, golden bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and a generous pour of velvety hollandaise. It's comfort food with a satisfying crunch.
  • Eggs Benedict Smoked Salmon : For something more luxurious, this one hits different. Delicate smoked salmon, silky poached eggs, and rich hollandaise make for a flavourful, indulgent classic.
  • Eggs Benedict Mushroom (V) : An absolute dream for our vegetarian mates. Sautéed garlic thyme mushrooms, tender poached eggs, and a creamy, vibrant pesto hollandaise. That pesto hollandaise is our little secret to making it extra special.

Each Benedict is a picture-perfect example of our "dressed to the nines" approach. They're more than breakfast; they're an experience. Dive deeper into what makes them epic at The Benny Trilogy at The Nines.

Our Aussie Burg (GFO) also gets the star treatment. We've turned a true blue classic into a legend: a juicy beef brisket patty, melty cheese, beetroot, a fried egg with a runny yolk, grilled pineapple, and fresh lettuce, all with our house tomato relish on a toasted milk bun. Served with shoestring fries, it’s a full send of flavour!

The Magic of Monthly Specials and Seasonal Ingredients

Our monthly specials truly capture our "We Don't Do Boring" spirit. They're a playground for our kitchen team and baristas, who listen to what our customers are craving and put their own creative twist on it. It's their chance to experiment and create something amazing.

These limited-time offers (LTOs) are designed to be fun and exclusive, letting you try exciting new flavours. We love basing them around pancakes, with past hits like our decadent chocolate creations and Oreo Pancakes. Playful, unique combinations are a fantastic way to generate buzz and keep things fresh.

The secret sauce? Our monthly specials are only available for that month, and they won't come back! This creates a genuine sense of urgency and excitement, making each visit a unique adventure. Your feedback helps us keep the creativity flowing, and we love seeing your reactions to our delicious treasure hunt each month.

Beyond the monthly magic, we're huge advocates for seasonal ingredients. Using what's fresh from our local Sunshine Coast suppliers means better flavour, less waste, and top-notch quality in every dish. It's a core part of our menu development and a win-win for everyone. To see some of our sweet creations, check out our Sweet Brunch Favourites at The Nines Maroochydore.

More Than a Meal: Weaving a Story into Your Food

At The Nines, food is more than sustenance; it's a story. Our "We Don't Do Boring" philosophy is about infusing every dish with personality and passion, from the ingredients to the picture-perfect presentation.

My journey in hospitality led me to open The Nines to create a cafe that was bigger, bolder, and more fun. This personal touch is woven into our menu, so we're not just serving food; we're sharing a piece of our heart.

We also put a huge emphasis on supporting our Sunshine Coast community. Partnering with local suppliers isn't a trend for us; it's a core value. It ensures our ingredients are fresh and allows us to highlight the incredible produce our region has to offer.

And let's talk coffee! We proudly pour the local Vintage Black blend by Tim Adams. With over 20 years of coffee experience, our team ensures every cup is top-shelf. This dedication to craft, in both coffee and food, is what sets us apart.

Our menu reflects our values: good intentions, great food, and solid value. This commitment to quality and creativity is why diners choose us. We want every customer to feel the passion and leave with a full belly and a happy heart. Learn more about Why Dine at The Nines: Classic Menu with a Modern Twist.

Your Guide to the Most Creative Menu Items on the Sunshine Coast

Looking for a foodie adventure on the Sunshine Coast? You're in the right spot. Maroochydore has a buzzing food scene, and we're proud to be at the heart of it, serving up some of the most creative menu items around. Our goal is to offer something for everyone, from hearty brekkies to fresh lunches and sweet treats. We're talking Instagram-worthy food that tastes even better than it looks!

We know modern diners want experiences, authenticity, and options for diverse dietary needs. That's why our menu is packed with vegetarian and gluten-free choices, ensuring no one misses out. We've poured our hearts into creating memorable dishes. Get a taste of what's on offer with From Brews to Bites: The Essential Maroochydore Foodie Tour.

Savoury Standouts: Creative Menu Items for Brekky and Beyond

When it comes to savoury dishes, we bring the flavour, freshness, and that little extra something.

Our Corn Fritters (V) aren't your average fritters. These house-made corn and zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a poached egg, avocado and tomato salad, minted yoghurt dressing, dukkah, and rocket. It's a fresh, flavour-packed local favourite.

For something with a kick, our Fish Tacos are a winner. Two battered fish soft tacos are loaded with house-made thousand island dressing, fresh avo, and a zesty fennel and grapefruit salad. They're light, fresh, and capture that Sunshine Coast vibe.

Our Pumpkin Salad (V, GFO) proves that healthy can be delicious. It features roasted pumpkin and beetroot, pearl couscous, feta, cherry tomatoes, and avocado with a refreshing dill dressing. It's a celebration of fresh produce and a local favourite for a reason. Read more about our Fresh, Vibrant, Full of Flavour: Why The Nines Pumpkin Salad is a Local Favourite.

And for Italian-inspired comfort, our Meatball Sub is calling. House-made beef and pork meatballs, whipped feta, house pesto, Napoli sauce, torched mozzarella, and onion jam in a toasted baguette. It's indulgent, rich, and utterly satisfying.

We offer plenty of delicious vegetarian options and ensure many dishes can be made gluten-free, because everyone deserves an epic feed.

For the Sweet-Tooths: Next-Level Pancakes and Waffles

If you have a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat. We turn our sweet options into indulgent, next-level experiences that are almost too pretty to eat.

Our fluffy pancake stack is legendary. A generous stack is loaded with crispy maple bacon bits, grilled banana, candied walnuts, vanilla ice cream, and golden maple syrup. It's the perfect sweet and salty combo and one of our most popular creative menu items .

Then there's our show-stopping Waffle (V) . Blueberry poached pears on a house-made waffle, complemented by zesty lemon curd, blueberry compote, meringue snow, and vanilla ice cream. It’s a visually stunning, dessert-worthy brunch option that makes for an unforgettable experience.

These dishes are crafted to be memorable, making every bite a celebration.

Come and Try Our Creative Menu Items for Yourself!

So there you have it—a peek into what makes our creative menu items at The Nines Emporium so special. We craft experiences and pack every dish with flavour and personality, all driven by our "We Don't Do Boring" philosophy.

Whether you're a local or just passing through Maroochydore, we've got an epic feed waiting for you. Our cafe is at Shop 17A, Sunshine Homemaker Centre, 100 Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore. We're open 7am to 3pm every day.

We're all about good food and good vibes. Bring the crew, bring your furry mates (we're dog-friendly!), and experience the difference passion makes. We can't wait to see you!

Ready to dive in? Check out our full menu of damn good food and plan your next visit. We promise it'll be anything but boring!

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