On the hunt for the best cafe region on the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi country? The bustling Maroochydore cafe scene is a top contender with smooth, expertly crafted coffees, impressively presented breakfasts and unique takes on the humble weekend brunch.
If there’s something we can all agree on, it’s that Sunshine Coasters enjoy starting the morning right with a good cafe feed. And we think Maroochydore is up there with the best, with everything from large brunching institutions to tiny hole-in-the-walls brewing up a quality coffee. Read on for 11 of the best Maroochydore cafes in 2024.
The Nines
Sunshine Homemaker Centre, 17A Maroochydore Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Image Credit: The Nines | Instagram
The Nines Emporium has been levelling up the Maroochydore breakfast game since 2015 with dishes as delicious as they are colourful and loaded to the max. We’re talking pure indulgence in the form of pancake stacks, their famous waffles and loaded shakes.
The menu is stuffed with one-of-a-kind dishes, like the Sophisticated Benny—grilled teriyaki salmon, poached eggs, miso hollandaise, edamame and Japanese pickle salad, all on toasted sourdough. Pair it with a taro latte and you’ve got yourself a winner (but make sure to wear stretchy pants). Keep up to date with their ever-changing monthly specials via their Instagram.
Glass Wholefoods
80/82 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Image Credit: Glass Wholefoods | Instagram
Ah Glass, the quintessential coastal cafe, bringing the chilled, beachside vibes we know and love. Harnessing premium local ingredients, the team serves up tasty (and seed-oil-free) whole food dishes every day from 5:30 am. In true Sunshine Coast fashion, you can enjoy your brew while perusing their selection of locally made surfboards.
For a sweet treat, try the vegan matcha and mixed berry muffin, complemented by their chai latte. If you require something a little more filling, you can’t go past the chilli scramble with chemical-free bacon. Glass recently underwent a very slick renovation, so swing by and show the crew your support—keep in the loop here.
John Kyle Espresso
Shop 2/9 First Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Image Credit: John Kyle Espresso | Instagram
John Kyle Espresso started its humble journey to cafe stardom in 2018 at its Buderim location and was embraced by tourists and locals alike. Luckily for us, they opened a second location in Maroochydore last year and what a delight it is.
JK serves up the Coolum Beach-sourced Slide speciality coffee alongside a very impressive menu featuring the much-loved sriracha chilli scrambled eggs and the crowd favourite JK Smashed Avo, topped with feta, fresh pomegranates, house-made dukkah, turmeric and fennel glaze. We can’t go past the Roastie Toastie because 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder—need we say more?
Wax Espresso
35B Duporth Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Shaking up the Sunshine Coast cafe scene, Wax Espresso is the OG vinyl cafe on the Sunshine Coast. There’s just something about specialty coffee and records that go hand-in-hand. While you wait for your top-notch caffeine fix, browse the records that line the cafe, with everything from new releases to vintage vinyl.
It would be remiss of us not to mention the delectable local eats and treats on offer too, particularly the raspberry cheesecake cruffins and the haloumi sliders. Run, don’t walk.
Murray’s Cafe
Unit 1/78 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
If you fancy taking your four-legged friend out for breakfast or lunch, you won’t want to skip a visit to the dog-friendly Murray’s Cafe. This laid-back cafe perfectly matches the slow Sunshine Coast vibe, offering up a relaxed environment perfectly paired with a bangin’ all-day menu.
The Big Breakfast is a popular choice but if you have room to come back for lunch, we’d suggest The Gav-a-tron burger, a wild combination of Angus beef patty, caramelised onion, double cheese, fried egg and BBQ sauce on toasted Turkish bread. If you're after a little spice, an extensive selection of boozy brunch cocktails are available from 10am.
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Flinders Lane Cafe
Unit 2/31 Flinders Ln, Maroochydore QLD, 4558
Tucked away in a back street, Flinders Lane Cafe is a hidden treasure that ticks all the boxes with their ethically sourced, locally roasted brews, the fine-tuned dishes and pretty little outdoor seating area. The menu features all-day breakfast and impressive sandwiches. We recommend the miso mushroom toastie with braised mushroom, caramelised onion and dill cashew cheese on sourdough—you can add fries and a locally crafted beer to your order too.
Flinders Lane truly brings some tranquillity to the bustling Maroochydore area. Make sure you purchase a jar of their house-made chutney, relish or jam on your way out. You can thank us later.
The Milkbar Coffee Co
68 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Image Credit: The Milkbar Coffee Co | Instagram
Maroochydore has no shortage of exceptional coffee locations but The Milkbar Coffee Co has to be one of our top picks. Not only can you take a seat and relax with a perfectly created caffeinated beverage, but you're spoiled for choice from their downright delicious menu. Sweet delights star alongside savoury classics on the menu, from the pistachio and honey granola to the black truffle and roasted mushroom toastie.
And of course with 'milk bar' in the name, you expect some damn good cookies and you'd be right here. We're currently obsessed with Milkbar's 'Le Crookie'—a TikTok viral treat consisting of a croissant topped with a decadent cookie. The location is nothing short of prime too; situated one block back from the beach, you can grab your coffee to go and enjoy it watching the waves.
SIP Espresso and Eats
100 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Simplicity and class make for a beautiful interior but trust us, SIP Espresso & Eats offer up a menu that is anything but simple. A diverse and exciting menu, a standout has to be the Maple Sweet Pot, with roast sweet potato, goat's cheese, dukkah and house-made infused bacon jam.
Open for breakfast, and lunch every day, even the little ones are spoilt for choice here with eight mouth-watering kid-friendly menu options to pick from.
Urban Garden
4 First Avenue, Maroochydore QLD 4558
One of the many charms of Urban Garden is that it occupies the beautifully restored ‘old courthouse’ building in the heart of Maroochydore. Another charm is the top-notch specialty coffee—their unique house blend and single origin blends that’ll impress even the most dedicated coffee connoisseur.
The selection of cabinet food on offer will not disappoint, grab one (or two) of their assorted danishes for a particularly tasty treat. They also have a roster of exciting food trucks throughout the week so keep an eye on their socials for updates.
Fuel Maroochydore
HomeCo Homemaker Centre, 100 Maroochydore Road Maroochydore QLD 4558
From the day their doors opened, Fuel Maroochydore has been wowing Sunshine Coasters with wholesome and delectable creations. With the aim of fuelling our bodies with only the good stuff, the whole menu is made fresh in-house daily.
We’re talking protein bowls, super smoothies, wraps, granola cups and toasties—some of the best on-the-go menu items you can poke a fork at. Everyone deserves a sweet treat too, so make sure you pick up a ginger spice cookie for the road.
Little Blackbird Cafe
10 Aerodrome Rd, Maroochydore QLD 4558
There’s so much to love about the casual Little Blackbird Cafe; from the adorable white picket fence and cosy outdoor seating to the breakfast menu that’s simplistic but hits all the bases.
The loaded banana bread with seasonal fruits, roasted walnuts, honey and topped with ice cream is a winner, or if you’re after something heartier we recommend the bacon eggs benedict. Enough said. And your furry friend doesn’t need to miss out as Little Blackbird is very dog-friendly.
Looking for more Sunshine Coast cafes? Check out:
Main image credit: John Kyle Espresso | Instagram
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