A Plant-Based Foodie Guide to the Sunshine Coast
Have you ever gone to a family dinner, a gathering with friends or a workplace night out, and sighed at the lack of vegetarian/vegan options on a menu? As faithful as a bowl of chips is, sometimes you just crave something a little more creative. Don’t stress, those days are over! We’ve rounded up the best restaurants and cafes at the Sunny Coast which offer Plant-Based Folk more bang for their buck. Here’s where to satisfy your veggie/vegan, or Kosher/Halal appetite.
A local vegan hotspot, Elixiba is a vegan-plant based dream. Their entire menu - food and drinks - is completely vegan! With a wide variety of dishes, inspired by flavours from across the globe, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re feeling a little intimated by their extensive menu or just feeling indecisive, pick their banquet option where you let the chef choose your four savoury dishes for you. Also comes with your drink of choice and a dessert!
Open 7 days a week, Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 8.30pm | Saturday and Sunday 12.00pm to 8.30pm
Plant-based folk that enjoy living life a little more adventurously need to book a table at DeeDen ASAP. With a foodie fun interaction map on their menu, you can explore their veggie delights in a unique way. Their standout vegan star goes to their Turmeric Coconut Curry served with roasted Japanese pumpkin, eggplant, sweet potatoes and soft tofu. Quite literally melts in your mouth! Stay tuned, a menu update is planned for late September/early October, meaning more creative plant-based bites are on our way!
Open 6 days a week, Tuesday to Sunday 11:30am - 2:30pm | 5pm - 8:30pm
Nestled in the quiet suburb of Buderim, Cafe Vie is 100% vegan - meaning no matter what, you’ll be treated to a plant-based brunch. Full of unique products, such as ‘vegan’ calamari, you’ll find all your favourite meaty dishes, just plant-based. Even the meat-eaters rave about their burgers, where you’ll find stuff like ‘Korean Fried Chycken’ and of course, you’ll want to wrap your hand around their ‘Great American Challenge’ Burger.
Open 7 days, 7.00am to 3.30pm.
Food made with love, you can expect a hearty meal from Gopals! A little gem in Maroochydore, you’ll find plenty of tasty vego bites at your choosing. From Italian flavours to Indian curries, no matter what you’re craving you’ll find it at Gopals. On Wednesdays, they dedicate the day to serve an entirely vegan menu - which features a new dish every single time. If you can choose to dine in their modern, funky space or takeaway enjoy near the Sunny Coast beaches.
Open 6 days, Monday to Saturday 11.00am to 8.00pm (3pm on Saturday).
Slurp your way to P’Nut and experience all the deliciousness of street-style Asian noodle markets right at the Sunny Coast. With a blend of authentic Asian flavours and Aussie favourites, you’ll find a bursting menu of flavoursome treats. Their entire menu features a vegetarian option, picky eaters will also be delighted to hear about their vegan, gluten free and egg-free menus!
Open 7 days, Sunday to Wednesday 11.30am to 8.30pm | Thursday to Saturday 11.30am to 9.00pm
If you’ve got a raging sweet tooth that just won’t seem to shut up, let Soul Kitchen Bakery help you. A cute little bakery in Buderim, you’ll find a selection of vegan and gluten free goodies at your disposal. All bakes are created from locally sourced ingredients, all handmade, so you can expect a your sweet treat of choice to be made with love and passion. Whether you’re a cupcake lover or prefer the fruity treats, make sure to stop in soon.
Open 7 days, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 2.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 2.00pm, Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Who said salads were boring? Banana Blossom gives you all the leafy-goodness packed into a bowl you’ll want to lick clean. Originating in Sydney, you’ll find that luxury edge in all their rice and salad bowls. With a range of vegan bowls, you can munch down on some crispy tofu with your choice of dressing. If you have a particular friend who vows to hate salad, you can show them the meatlovers range.
Open 6 days, Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 7.30pm
Family owned and operated, CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods brings the concept of creating nourishing food from local ingredients, with a wholesome family approach. If the option to ‘create-your-own’ breakfast, you can select whatever you desire to be on your brunch plate, or you can grab one of their menus creations. Either way, you’re guaranteed a hearty brunch.
Open 7 Days, Monday to Saturday 7.00am to 4.00pm | Sunday 7.30am to 4.00pm
Written by Megan Turner