The Sunshine Coast is well known for its beautiful beaches, world-class surf breaks, and wildlife-rich national parks, but did you know it’s also becoming a vegan dining destination?
From an innovative breakfast spot dishing up plant-based eggs benedict, to a wholefood hangout with herbal cocktails and elixirs, the Sunshine Coast has it all. Gone are the days when vegan restaurants were just for vegans! Read on to learn about the downright delicious plant-based offerings that are satisfying the taste buds of meat-eaters, flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans alike.
Elixiba
Maroochydore
elixiba.com
This fully plant-based eatery has exquisite hand-made meals as well as curated cocktails bursting with rare and wonderful botanicals. They make almost everything from scratch here, so you definitely won’t be feeling a lack of love or personal touch. Their humble burger is loved by all, and has been a feature menu item since the beginning. This lofty stack comprises their house-made patty smothered in southwest sauce, caramelised onions, juicy tomato, local greens, a grain-free bun and a side of hand-cut spiced chips. The Happiness Elixir is a must-drink when visiting Elixiba, because who doesn’t want happiness in a glass? This refreshing one-of-a-kind drink is made from cranberry juice, lemon, mint, soda and damiana extract – a happy herb! Peace, plants and positivity is at the core of everything at Elixiba.
Cafe Vie
Buderim
@cafeviebuderim
If you’re after an epic plant-based brekkie, Cafe Vie is where it’s at. As one customer said, “The Veggs Benedict is what dreams are made of.” Cheezy tofu scramble, vegan bacon or salmon, hollandaise sauce and a freshly toasted croissant make up this wow-worthy number. If you’re not sold by that glowing recommendation, they’ve also got braised mushroom brisket with vegan poached egg and hollandaise on an organic English muffin. Or perhaps you might go for the sticky date and caramel pudding pancakes, with caramelised apple and lemon vanilla custard, crumble and coconut caramel sauce. Are you drooling yet? If you’ve got room left after all that, order up a doughnut (or two). Even if you are too full, grab some to go – you won’t be disappointed.
New Earth Cafe
Coolum Beach
@newearthcafe
This organic cafe and wellness store is more than just a place to eat and shop – it’s an institution! They regularly host sound healing and breathwork sessions, and have created a like-minded community in the process. Owners Ben and Sarah have been on a health-enhancing journey for over 11 years, mastering the art of making raw, nutrient-dense food taste amazing. Practically everything on the menu is hand made to ensure the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used. Both the cafe and store are 100 percent organic, gluten free and plant based.
Nurcha
Birtinya
nurcha.com.au
From the vegan cafe featuring local seasonal produce, to the accompanying store selling cruelty-free groceries and eco-friendly cleaning products, Nurcha is all about sustainability. The extensive vegan menu features seasonal local produce, with a range of gluten-free options available. All of Nurcha’s meals and desserts are made from scratch by the dedicated team. Impressively, they don’t use a deep fryer or microwave at all, which means the chefs have to think extra creatively. The Nurcha Nachos come highly recommended. Consisting of spicy and saucy black beans and corn, home-made almond cheese, chilli jam, fresh salsa, guacamole rainbow apple slaw, vegan sour cream and corn chips, they’re a firm favourite. The raw cakes and desserts also reel in the rave reviews – the banoffee pie and carrot cake in particular.
Roro Pizza
Various locations
@roro_pizza_
Pizza lovers rejoice! This plant-based wood-fired pizza trailer is here to make all of your cheezy baked dreams come true. The must-try? The Stromboli Calzone. This pocket of deliciousness is filled with home-made nut cheese, spinach, San Marzano tomato sauce, vegan parmesan and fresh basil, finished with a drizzle of olive oil. They’ve yet to run into a customer who doesn’t love it. And just who is ‘they’? ‘They’ are pizza-loving dream team Madison and Gianmarco. Madison has been vegan for nearly a decade, and makes their aforementioned homemade nut cheese. Gianmarco is from Sicily and has been making pizza since he was 11 – so you know it’s the real deal! You can find this passionate duo slinging hot pizzas at Alley Cat in Coolum every Wednesday from 5:30pm till 8:30pm, at Chiggys indoor skatepark on Fridays, at Mooloolaba Sunset Markets on the first and third Saturday of the month, and at Noosa Farmers Markets every Sunday.
Cover image: Elixiba
