Sunshine Beach is no longer just home to one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches and arguably the district’s best surf club, but the township has just welcomed a modern eatery focused on Asian fusion. Sum Yung Guys is the passion project of former Masterchef star Matt Sinclair and his friends Dylan Campbell, Jeremiah Jones and Michael Rickard. The casual eatery has created a share-based menu as vibrant as its neon-laden interiors, with a playful cocktail menu to match. (Just don’t forget to order the short ribs). 8,46 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach; sumyungguys.com.au, @sumyungguys.

This Noosa River locale has been a go-to for locals for years. This is thanks in part to its waterside location (perfect for watching boats saunter along while the sun sets), as well as (of course) Rickys’ penchant for simple but contemporary fare. Local produce is at the forefront here, and why shouldn’t it be when you have a bevy of ingredients like Mooloolaba prawns and Moreton Bay Bugs to choose from. Nestled riverside, the restaurant comes equipped with its own jetty to ensure that guests are able to make an entrance by boat (or on the river’s iconic gondola) if you should wish. 2 Quamby Place, Noosa Heads; rickys.com.au.

Nestled in the Yandina hinterland is a restaurant that is well worth the drive. The Spirit House resembles a Thai village; boasting a collection of traditional buildings that host both a beloved restaurant as well as an accompanying cooking school. As for the fare, the award-winning venue is passionate about sharing the beauty of fresh Asian cuisine, with fare served next to a tranquil pond amidst a tropical garden (which is just a rather picturesque bonus). 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina; spirithouse.com.au/restaurant, @the_spirithouse

If this isn’t one of Noosa’s most iconic restaurants, then what is? Sitting smugly on the corner of main beach, Sails is a must-visit for anyone new to the Sunshine Coast and is fast becoming the most popular space for weddings. This is fine dining space that will cement any special occasion as truly memorable thanks to its unbeatable outlook over the ocean, partnered with refined contemporary fare. Menus here are seasonable, uncomplicated, and well worth the expense. 5 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads; sailsnoosa.com.au, @sailsbeachnoosa.

Another riverside hot spot is Thomas Corner Eatery, which is perched on an unassuming corner opposite the riverbank. The haunt is frequented for afternoon drinks but is equally adept at turning out a tasty meal courtesy of the efforts of its head chef and owner David Rayner (formerly of Berardo’s and The Savoy Hotel fame). Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bar snacks are all available here with fare largely focused on Sunshine Coast produce which of course includes seafood galore. 1/201 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville; thomascorner.com.au.

Fancy some southern comfort? Then head straight to Mooloolaba where Dirty Moes sit. The casual eatery is a den of drinking and hearty soul food simultaneously, dressed with a heavy lean towards the industrial. As for the food itself, the specialties here are American, ranging from mouthwatering brisket and rather decadent burgers, designed to be partnered with cocktails, cocktails, and more cocktails. Shop 8/11 Landmark Resort, Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba; dirtymoesmooloolaba.com.

After eight years at Sofitel’s Noosa Beach House, cookbook author and SBS cooking show presenter Peter Kuruvita has gone big with a new venture. The multipurpose enterprise with a clubhouse feel opened last December and combines Kuruvita’s interests with a studio kitchen for filming, a cooking school, cafe, pizzeria, restaurant, bar and providore. New are pizzas, the bases using a sourdough starter Kuruvita began in lockdown, including one topped with slow-roasted pork belly, another with Queensland tiger prawns and a Noosa red tomato margherita. A little off the beaten track, Alba is well worth the detour. 3 Alba Cl, Noosa Heads QLD. albanoosa.com.au

Locale is hard to spot, tucked away at the southern end of Hastings St just where it bends to head to the National Park. But step inside the low-lit Italian diner and discover that this is no shrinking violet on the plate. The menu works its way from tastes such as ricotta and mascarpone-filled zucchini flowers, through raw items like oysters and wagyu carpaccio to antipasti. There, grilled lamb ribs with sheep yoghurt and lemon, blueberry and buckwheat crumb are chunky and appealing, and Fremantle octopus with chargrilled eggplant puree, ginger and chilli dressing is a winner. Service is adept and the wine list is massive, with an emphasis on Italian selections, listed by region. 62 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD. localenoosa.com.au

From the warm, cheerful welcome and the on point bistro food to the comfortable, bustling vibe, this is an outfit that brings its A-game day after day. Situated in the heart of the under-construction new town centre of the Sunshine Coast’s Maroochydore, Market Bistro offers a broad yet tightly themed menu. Start with snacks, breads and oysters, entrees including duck liver parfait, a delicious mushroom and onion tart or house-made pasta. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous, while the wait staff are knowledgeable and jovial without overdoing it. Supplemented by an adjoining bottle shop where diners can make selections, the drinks list is strong. Market La, Maroochydore QLD. marketbistro.com.au