Mill St. Kitchen & Pantry

The Verdict

Mill St. Kitchen & Pantry may not be the brand-new kid on the block but it’s been serving the local community well ever since it opened in October 2019. Owner James Ostridge—previously Head Chef at Brouhaha Brewery—really wanted to open a local cafe and pantry that would benefit both the environment and patrons’ health, as well as serve the local community by supporting local Sunshine Coast farmers and businesses.

“We decided we wanted a real community driven shop and kitchen specialising in using local produce,” says James. “My passion has always been that from a very young age working in a kitchen at home in the UK.”

Mill St. Kitchen & Pantry really succeeds in serving the small but growing local community: from coffee to lunch menus, to small plate dinners, local produce and even basics like toiletries, you could easily get away with skipping the supermarket and just get all your stuff at Mill St.

The all-day menu consists of all sorts of fresh dishes like pan-fried Noosa scallops and chorizo on sourdough, three-cheese brunch gnocchi, smoked Yandina tempeh with cashew cream and lots more. They’ve also just rolled out a small plates menu for those of you who like to rock up late; highlights include Fraser Island Spanner Crab Crostini, crispy garlic potatoes, seared Maleny Wagyu steak and lots more.

Not only do they stock bulk wholefoods like organic baker’s flour, rice, chia seeds, fresh bread and heaps of produce, but they also make fresh ready-to-eat meals you can take away or get delivered. Best part? You can order online and pick your stuff up via car park pick-up, or just get everything delivered straight to your door.

When COVID hit full force, Mill St. stayed open and pivoted to doing takeaway and delivery. Now with the easing restrictions, they’re slowly getting back to being a wholesome, sustainable cafe and pantry and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

From the dark timber floors to the mismatched chairs, Mill St. Kitchen & Pantry really exudes a familial cosiness that will have you returning time and time again. The cafe is open Monday through Saturday, with varied hours. Bookings are available for sit-down meals, so make sure to book ahead and pay them a visit.

Image credit: Mill St. Kitchen & Pantry