Your Guide to the Sunny Coast Lunch Scene

Lunch spots Sunshine Coast offer everything from fresh seafood by the water to hearty pub-style feeds and creative cafe fare that hits different. Whether you're chasing a quick bite between beach sessions, a proper sit-down meal with mates, or something light and wholesome, the Coast has you sorted.

Quick Answer: Top Lunch Spots on the Sunshine Coast

• For Hearty Feeds: Loaded burgers, all-day brekky, and subs packed with flavour
• For Fresh & Light: Salads, corn fritters, and fish tacos with a zesty kick
• For Alfresco Vibes: Dog-friendly patios with sunshine and people-watching
• For Families: Kids' menus, relaxed atmosphere, and dishes everyone will actually eat

The region's culinary scene has seriously levelled up. You've got hyper-local restaurants showcasing incredible local seafood and farm-fresh produce, fusion spots putting creative spins on global flavours, and cafes serving up everything from Mexican street food to Korean-inspired dishes. Grab-and-go options are everywhere for those hitting the trails, while sit-down spots offer patios with sunset views and curated beer and wine menus.

But let's be real: the best lunch isn't just about location or Instagram-worthy plating. It's about food that delivers, portions that satisfy, and a vibe that makes you want to come back.

I'm Janice Kuz, and I've been slinging coffee and building vibrant cafe experiences on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years, launching The Nines Emporium almost a decade ago as one of Maroochydore's go-to lunch spots Sunshine Coast locals genuinely love. In this guide, I'll walk you through what makes a legendary lunch on the Coast, from hearty feeds to fresh bites, family-friendly spots, and why sometimes the best meal is the one you can enjoy with your dog by your side.

When we first opened The Nines almost 10 years ago, our goal was simple: create a cafe that was bigger, bolder, and more fun than anything else around. We wanted to offer flavour-packed, feel-good food that people would crave, all served up in a cozy, busy, and fun atmosphere. We believe we helped raise the bar for the local cafe scene, and we’re still here, still buzzing, and still grateful for every customer who walks through our doors. We’re all about good intentions, great food, solid value, and a fun workplace where our team genuinely loves what they do.

The Sunshine Coast's food scene is in a renaissance. Young creatives, self-starters, makers, and farmers are all contributing to a vibrant food landscape. This means diners can find anything from hyper-local restaurants to fusion spots influenced by global cuisines. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the local culture, the fresh produce, and the passion that goes into every dish. Whether you're after a quick coffee, a relaxed brunch, or a hearty lunch, the Coast has options that truly hit different.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lunch Spots on the Sunshine Coast

Looking for the perfect lunch spot Sunshine Coast wide? Whether you're craving something hearty, fresh, indulgent, or family-friendly, we've got you covered. At The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore, we've spent almost a decade perfecting the lunchtime feed. From loaded burgers that hit different to fresh salads that never bore, we're all about serving damn good food that leaves you satisfied and planning your next visit.

Hearty Feeds for a Full Belly

Some days, lunch isn't just a meal; it's a proper feed that powers you through the day. At The Nines, we've mastered big bite energy with pub-style meals that have a cheeky modern twist.

Our Aussie Burg is a perfect example. This isn't your average burger. We take a juicy beef brisket pattie and pile on house tomato relish, sweet grilled pineapple, earthy beetroot, melty cheese, and a runny fried egg. All this goodness sits in a toasted milk bun, creating a modern classic that celebrates iconic Aussie flavours. It's the kind of burger that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. You can check out more info about our burgers and chips to see what else we've got going on.

Then there's our Big Boi Brekky , proving all-day brekky for lunch is always a brilliant idea. This plate is seriously loaded with two crispy bacon rashers, two fried eggs, a cheese kransky, golden hashbrown, our rich housebeans, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and toasted sourdough. It's the ultimate pick-me-up when you need all the good stuff. This is what lunchtime legends look like at The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore , and this brekky is living proof.

For sub lovers, our Meatball Sub is next-level good. We make our own beef and pork meatballs, smother them in rich Napoli sauce, and add whipped fetta, house pesto, and torched mozzarella, all tucked into a toasted baguette. It's Italian-inspired comfort food that's rich, satisfying, and makes you savour every bite. Each dish blends classic comfort with modern twists, inspired by what locals crave. We don't just serve food; we serve damn good feeds.

Fresh, Fun & Flavourful Bites

Not every lunch needs to be a beast. Sometimes you're after something lighter that feels fresh and flavourful without weighing you down. Healthy doesn't mean boring. Our lighter options are some of the most exciting lunch spots Sunshine Coast has to offer, proving nutritious can be delicious.

Take our Pumpkin Salad . This vibrant bowl is a feast for the eyes. We combine roasted pumpkin and beetroot with pearl couscous, fetta, cherry tomatoes, and avocado, all brought together with a refreshing dill dressing. It's colourful, nourishing, and seriously satisfying, showcasing local produce. Light but filling, it's perfect for a sunny Coast day.

Our Corn Fritters are next-level good. Made in-house with corn and zucchini, they're crispy outside and tender inside. We serve them with a poached egg, a fresh avocado and tomato salad, zesty minted yoghurt dressing, and a sprinkle of dukkah and rocket. It's a vegetarian-friendly flavour bomb that showcases fresh ingredients and culinary creativity. You can find more info about our veggie options if you're after something green and delicious.

For a taste of the sea, our Fish Tacos are a must-try. We take battered fish and pair it with our housemade thousand island dressing, avocado, and a crisp fennel and grapefruit salad, all in soft tacos. It's zesty, fresh, and slightly indulgent. These dishes make your next lunch an adventure in taste: Fresh, Fun, Full of Flavour: Your Next Lunch at Nines Emporium. Our kitchen team puts their own fun twist on what's trending and what customers crave, using fresh, wholesome ingredients every time.

The Perfect Alfresco Lunch with a Side of Sunshine

The Sunshine Coast lifestyle is all about soaking up those rays and enjoying laid-back vibes. What better way to do that than with an alfresco lunch? We reckon we've got one of the best outdoor dining setups, making us a prime choice for lunch spots Sunshine Coast locals love.

Our outdoor seating area is a little slice of paradise where you can soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and watch the world go by. There's nothing like sipping a coffee or enjoying a meal while people-watching or catching up with mates. The Nines is your go-to spot for alfresco dining on the Sunshine Coast , and it's a vibe you have to experience.

And for those with furry mates, you'll be stoked to know we're a dog-friendly spot! Your four-legged pals are always welcome on our patio. We love seeing happy pups enjoying the sunshine alongside their humans. It adds to the relaxed, community feel we're all about, making us a brilliant casual date spot too. Our patio perfection is something we're proud of.

A great meal is improved by a great setting. Our outdoor area captures that quintessential Sunshine Coast charm, offering a comfortable, stylish backdrop for your lunch. Whether you're after a quick coffee, a leisurely brunch, or a hearty lunch, enjoying it outdoors just hits different. It's a space where families, friends, and solo adventurers feel right at home. The Nines is all about good intentions, great food, and a space where everyone feels welcome.

Family-Friendly Lunch Spots on the Sunshine Coast

Finding lunch spots Sunshine Coast wide that cater to the whole family can be a mission. But at The Nines, we've made it easy. We're a truly family-friendly restaurant, welcoming little ones and their parents with open arms and delicious options everyone will actually eat.

Dining out with kids can be tricky, so we've crafted a dedicated Kids' Menu that's a hit with the younger crowd. For the little brekky lover, we've got Bacon & Eggs with one crispy bacon rasher, a fried egg, sourdough, and a hash brown (GFO!). For a sweet tooth, our Mini Pancakes are a dream: two fluffy pancakes with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup. For classic comfort, you can't go wrong with Nuggets & Fries (six chicken nuggets, fries, and tomato sauce) or Fish & Chips (two fish pieces, fries, and tomato sauce).

We have high chairs, and our atmosphere is relaxed and busy, so a little happy noise from kids is just part of the charm. We want parents to feel at ease, knowing their kids are enjoying their meals while they relax and savour their own. This commitment to a welcoming environment for all ages makes us one of Maroochydore's lunch and brunch hotspots.

Our team genuinely loves what they do, and that extends to making sure every family feels right at home. We believe sharing a meal should be a joyful experience for everyone. So gather your crew, because we've got something for every member of the family, ensuring a stress-free and delicious lunch outing.

Your Next Lunch Legend is Waiting in Maroochydore

So there you have it. When you're hunting down the best lunch spots Sunshine Coast has to offer, The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore should be right at the top of your list. We're not just another cafe; we're a local hotspot where every dish tells a story and every visit feels like coming home to mates who genuinely care about what lands on your plate.

Almost a decade ago, we opened our doors with a simple but ambitious mission: to create something bigger, bolder, and way more fun than anything else around. We built The Nines on a foundation of good intentions, great food, solid value, and a workplace where our team actually loves showing up every day. The name itself is a cheeky nod to being "dressed to the nines," reflecting our commitment to presentation and personality in everything we do, from our vibrant, picture-perfect plates to our warm, busy atmosphere.

We're open 7am to 3pm every single day, ready to serve up flavour-packed, feel-good food that truly hits different. Our menu is all about that sweet spot between classic comfort and modern twists. You'll find epic feeds like our loaded Aussie Burg with its juicy beef brisket pattie, grilled pineapple, and runny egg, or the always-satisfying Big Boi Brekky that powers you through the whole day. Craving something fresh? Our Fish Tacos bring that zesty kick, while our famous 'Benny Trilogy' (Bacon, Smoked Salmon, or Mushroom Eggs Benedict) is available all day because some classics are just too good to limit to mornings.

We love keeping things exciting with our monthly specials . Our pancake stacks are a big deal around here, born from a blend of what's trending online, what you're craving, and what our incredible kitchen team dreams up with their own fun twists. Think past legends like Dubai Chocolate Pancakes or Oreo Pancakes. These limited-time creations are why locals keep coming back, never quite knowing what delicious surprise we'll drop next month.

And it's not just about the food. We're constantly experimenting with new drinks too. We pour local Vintage Black blend by Tim Adams , and we're always playing with wild cold foams, creamy milkshakes, fresh juices, and cheeky beers after 10am. Cocktails are coming soon, so watch this space!

The Nines is all about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Families love us for our kids' menu and relaxed vibe. Mates gather on our dog-friendly patio to soak up the sunshine. Solo visitors feel right at home with a good book and a damn good coffee. We offer next-level giveaways and a coffee loyalty card because loyalty genuinely matters to us. We've poured our hearts into raising the bar for the local cafe scene, and it's your continued support that makes it all worthwhile.

So, for your next lunch legend, head on over to The Nines Emporium. We've got your Maroochydore lunch sorted. Check out our full menu of epic feeds and see what tickles your fancy. Every dish is crafted with classic comfort and cheeky modern twists, inspired by what locals are craving and what's trending online. Our team genuinely loves what they do, and that passion shines through in every plate and cup.

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