100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Celebrating chefs: local venues earn recognition in prestigious Australian Good Food Guide

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Report reveals options for future of bustling precinct

A report has provided insight into potential options on striking a balance between residential amenity and the success of hospitality venues within a busy More

Weather-worn bridges to get long-awaited revamp

Two ageing wooden bridges to the north of the Sunshine Coast are set to be replaced with more durable, flood-resilient structures. The Harrys Creek Road More

Going strong: popular parkrun notches milestone

Runners residing in one of the Coast’s newest residential estates have hit a big community fitness milestone. Active residents at Harmony in Palmview celebrated the More

Jane Stephens: surprises in store for second-class shoppers

“The customer comes first” is a business philosophy that puts clientele at the centre of decision making, creating positive experiences at every touchpoint from More

Member spotlight: legal know-how and community connection

In partnership with the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Coast News is featuring the group members who are driving our local economy forward. From entrepreneurs More

Photo of the day: hanging out

“Love is in the air and dinner time approaches,” writes Margaret Wells. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must More

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.

Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.

“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.

The Long Apron restaurant is a favourite among visitors to Montville.

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

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share