The Best Restaurants In Caloundra For Coastal Cuisine

Going coastal? Caloundra’s the place to be! On the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is best known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, whale spotting and surf spots. To make your next beach getaway extra relaxed, we’ve taken the hard work out of holiday planning by curating your guide to the best restaurants in Caloundra. From beachfront hotspots to quiet bars, we’ve discovered the best places to eat after a long day of sun, surf and sand.

Chinese Holiday Restaurant

Family-owned and operated since 1982, Chinese Holiday Restaurant are passionate about sharing Chinese cuisine with Caloundra locals and holidaymakers. Trading for lunch and dinner, opt to BYO bottle of wine to enjoy with your dine-in meal, or opt for a takeaway if you’re blissed out after a busy day and keen to enjoy some delicious bites in front of the television. With an enormous menu covering all of your favourite traditional Chinese dishes (and desserts!), you’ll be spoiled for choice when you dine at this Caloundra restaurant.

106 Bulcock Street, Caloundra

Greedy Gringo

Have a hankering for some vibrant Mexican eats? This restaurant in Caloundra will hit the spot! Head down to Greedy Gringo on The Esplanade, and revel in the colourful decor and atmosphere whilst chowing down on some serious tasty nachos, tacos, burritos and more! This restaurant’s frozen margaritas also go down a treat after spending the day in the sunshine, exploring all that Caloundra has to offer.

Shop 1/30 The Esplanade, Caloundra

Kings Beach Surf Club

With a prime position along the gorgeous coastline of Kings Beach, the Kings Beach Surf Club is a top contender for our best restaurants in Caloundra edit. The unparalleled ambience of beachfront dining makes for the perfect backdrop to your lunch or dinner. The menu is extensive, dishing up the surf club classics you know and love. Some of our highlights are the North Queensland Barramundi, the Veggie Burger and the Chilli Prawn Linguine.

This friendly surf club caters to a variety of dietary requirements and crafts dishes from fresh local ingredients, so we suspect you’ll be back for more after your first visit to this Caloundra restaurant.

1 Spender Lane, Kings Beach

Drift Bar

Enjoy ocean views whilst you sip on a drink and soak up the ambience at this relaxed venue along The Esplanade. Drift Bar is one of the best restaurants in Caloundra to visit when you’re looking for a quick and casual bite to eat on your coastal getaway. Offering up a menu of modern Australian menu with favourites like burgers, toasties and fish and chips, Drift offers the exact lowkey ambience and comfortable dining that you’re searching for on your holiday.

30 The Esplanade, Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Wildflower Kitchen

You’ll find Wildflower Kitchen tucked within the Mercure building, and it’s well worth heading down to this hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast. With a gorgeous outlook over Lake Kawana, Wildflower has been serving top-quality dishes made from local produce since 2015. What we love about this restaurant in Caloundra is the presentation of each dish. Even the humble avocado on toast looks like a total work of art when you dine at Wildflower.

Make sure you put this restaurant on your radar for your next visit to Caloundra!

9 Florey Boulevard, Birtinya

Three Restaurant

There’s a reason why locals tout Three as one of the best restaurants in Caloundra! Building a loyal following from their conception in 2015, Three Restaurant dishes up a menu full of the finest cuts of Australian prime beef and contemporary plates of local seafood. Their wine list is a standout, covering a wide range of varietals to pair perfectly with whichever dish you choose. Seating up to 100 diners, there’s indoor and outdoor seating, so you can soak up the sea breeze or the cool air conditioning while you dine.

You won’t be disappointed when you visit Three Restaurant on your next Caloundra getaway.

Unit 1/115 Bulcock Street, Caloundra

Acqua Restaurant & Bar

Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Caloundra, we found it impossible to argue the fact when presented with the gorgeous view from Acqua Restaurant & Bar. Cast your gaze across the Pumicestone Passage while you dine, enjoying the friendly and welcoming service at this modern restaurant. The menu showcases regional produce and flavours, ranging from Black Angus beef to chilli bugs and prawns. The seafood platter is the perfect choice for date night, and don’t skimp on the cocktails. Our choice is the Mango Fashionista, a gin cocktail mixed with mango liqueur, milk, cream, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Corner of The Esplanade & Otranto Avenue, Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Tides

Dreaming of dinner with a view? Book a table at Tides! Enjoy 180-degree views over the Pumicestone Passage or watch the sun set over the Glasshouse Mountains when dining at one of the best restaurants in Caloundra. The menu here has a strong focus on local seafood and are fabulous at what they do… and they’ve got numerous awards on their shelf to prove it! Not only did they secure Caloundra’s first Chef’s Hat in 2015, but they’ve also held a 1-glass rating for their wine list, from Australia’s Best Wine List. If you’re searching for a fresh, fun and contemporary restaurant to book in Caloundra, Tides should be high on your list.

26 Esplanade, Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Now that you’ve explored the best restaurants in Caloundra, why not find more things to do on the Sunshine Coast to enjoy on your holiday? Don’t forget to pack plenty of SPF for your trip - we’ve found the best sunscreens to pop into your beauty bag.