A handful of Sunshine Coast restaurants have been recognised among the best in the country by scoring Chef Hats in the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide.
Nineteen local venues have made the list for 2025, with the majority of them in the Noosa area.
See the full list of local winners below
The awards have recognised the top chefs around the country since 1982, similar to the Michelin model of rating overseas.
Bella Venezia at Mooloolaba has retained its Chef Hat for 2025, after first making the list in 2023.
Director Kristine Young said the honour was a testament to the dedication and passion of its talented team, led by executive chef Ben Achurch.
“Thank you for your unwavering support – you inspire us to continually raise the bar,” she said.
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“To the Australian Good Food Guide, we are very grateful for this incredible recognition of our team’s hard work.
“Here’s to continuing unforgettable dining experiences in 2025.”
Hatted restaurants receive a rating up to 20, and each year a fresh list is released with new venues.
They are judged on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency by anonymous expert judges over 12 months.
“Each recipient has earned their place through tireless dedication to their craft, judged against the strict criteria that make the Chef Hat Awards the gold standard in Australian dining,” the AGFG website says.
“From cutting-edge tasting menus that celebrate native ingredients to neighbourhood bistros with next-level charm, the winners represent the full spectrum of Australian dining at its finest.
“These are the restaurants and chefs who invite you to not just dine, but to experience, celebrate and savour the creativity that defines our culinary culture.”
2025 Sunshine Coast Chef Hat winners
- The Long Apron – Montville
- Sum Yung Guys – Noosaville
- Bask – Peregian Beach
- Locale – Noosa Heads
- The Tamarind Restaurant – Maleny
- The Spirit House Restaurant – Yandina
- Lanai – Noosaville
- Rickys River Bar and Restaurant – Noosa Heads
- Honeysuckle Restaurant – Buderim
- Sails Beach Restaurant and Bar – Noosa Heads
- Noosa Waterfront Restaurant – Noosaville
- Dee Den – Buderim
- Bang Bang – Noosa Heads
- Lucio’s Marina – Tewantin
- Embassy XO – Sunshine Beach
- Bella Venezia – Mooloolaba
- Orleans Restaurant and Bar – Maroochydore
- Soka – Maroochydore
- Spice Bar – Mooloolaba
