The biggest problem you’re going to face when you visit Yeppoon is finding enough time and tummy space to eat at all the fantastic restaurants, cafes and eateries dotted around town. Before I visited, I hadn’t quite known what to expect, so imagine my surprise and sheer delight when I discovered there was so much great food on offer in Yeppoon. Aside from being an idyllic beachfront destination, it’s also a food-lovers haven. To help you and your taste buds make the most of your visit, here are 15 amazing places you absolutely must eat in Yeppoon.
A quick pre-feast note: I’ve only included places I’ve had the pleasure of eating at and can personally vouch for. Any spots not included aren’t due to them being bad, I just haven’t tried them… yet! Also, the order of this post is entirely random and mostly led by the order in which my food memories came rushing back to me. Need some more inspiration? Be sure to check out my epic guide to 23 awesome things you absolutely must do in Yeppoon.
1. Megalomania
From the outside, Megalomania looks like a pretty normal restaurant. In fact, the goat logo and simple brick facade might even make you question whether you should eat at this seemingly regular restaurant. You should. Trust me, you should. Be sure to book yourself a table outside in the courtyard, under the gorgeous fig tree, if possible. We tucked into the tapas and loved trying all the different things! The food is so delicious and really well done, it’s a great spot to try perfectly prepared, super fresh seafood, like barramundi spring rolls and golden kataifi, wrapped scallops.
2. Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant
I sure as heck didn’t expect there to be an amazing, authentic Japanese restaurant located in one of Queensland’s gorgeous beach towns but there is and it’s awesome! You’ll find Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant 15 minutes drive from Yeppoon, located, oddly, in a resort that has been all but abandoned, except for the restaurant. It’s strange and completely wonderful. The food here is fresh and beautifully prepared, authentic and full of flavour. It’s a little more on the pricey side but well worth it for a memorable meal, especially if you love Japanese food.
3. Food For Thought Cafe
If you love a genuinely warm, welcoming, homely experience, Food For Thought is the perfect spot! Matt and I felt like we’d been welcomed into a friend’s home, a mindful space serving up delicious food and great coffee. I want to say something like, ‘in a sea of hipster cafes, Food For Thought stands out,’ because it really does. Run by a lovely husband and wife team for 12 years, you’ll find yourself loving the food here – it’s like home cooking made cafe quality! It’s perfect for those mornings where you just want a really yummy breakfast or lunch without any fuss.
4. Flour
Visit gorgeous, local favourite, Flour, for fantastic service, yummy food, and great coffee. The menu includes unique (and freakin’ delicious) options, like crunchy smashed potatoes or pumpkin fritters topped with perfectly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise. Do yourself a favour and get stuck into the incredible cake cabinet – you won’t regret it! It’s probably my favourite breakfast/brunch spot in Yeppoon (woah, big call!)
5. Coffee from Chapter
Love coffee? Be sure to wander down to Chapter for your morning cup of get-up-and-go. A low-key hidden spot, it’s adorned with warm lights and a chilled-out atmosphere. The constant stream of visitors let you know the coffee is great. Sit and while and sip your brew or take it to-go and start your day with a stroll on the beach.
6. Ferns Hideaway
Locals told me to expect a great night at Ferns, but nothing prepared me for just how great it is. Owners, Marto and Gen, are absolutely lovely and their genuine passion and love for their business (and lives) radiates through every part of the property. The restaurant is open for lunch Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but it’s Saturday night’s live music that really takes the cake! Be sure to book a table and make the drive – the music is absolutely fantastic, the service is exceptional and the food is really good too. Definitely one of my favourite experiences in Yeppoon and an absolute must-do! Trust me, you’ll love it.
7. The Waterline Restaurant
While The Waterline serves great food daily, Sunday’s are when things really kick off. Book a table for lunch, where you’ll be treated to live music and a friendly, fun, laid-back atmosphere. The seafood here is fantastic and if you’re keen to try a steak while in the heart of cattle country, this is the spot to do it. The Waterline’s owners also own Banana Station, a cattle farm, so the eye fillet you see on the menu comes directly from their farm and is, by Matt’s account, extremely tender.
8. The Attic Espresso Bar
Hidden up a staircase at the back of a gorgeous old building in the heart of Yeppoon, The Attic Espresso Bar offers a cosy space with outdoor seating. A tranquil space with a beautiful boutique attached it’s the ideal spot to sip a delicious coffee and nibble on a tasty sweet or savoury treat. It’s the kind of place you might just sit for a few hours, catching up with a friend or simply starting the day off right with a bit of caffeine and fresh air.
9. Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant
Pop into Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant for a fantastic dinner and really, really good wines! Set right along the main street, Vue offers gorgeous beachfront views of the ocean and is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We visited in the evening and got stuck into delicious tapas, the star of which was an out-of-this-world fried feta. You’ll love the stunning feature wall artwork, excellent service, delectable wine menu and tempting desserts.
10. Lure Living
Stop in at Lure Living and get your hands on some of the best coffee in town, as well as freshly made counter-top treats, vegan bites and snacks to-go. If you’re keen to sit a while, grab a seat in the welcoming interior and get cosy, watching locals come and go. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet a few friendly dogs, keen for a belly rub or ear scratch.
11. Whisk
Start your day at Whisk, where you can get a great cup of coffee and delicious food, served with a friendly smile. Tuck into the smashed potato with gooey, poached eggs, avocado, and tomato relish or tuck into the insanely good banana bread waffles (they’re every bit as good as you want them to be!) It’s a popular spot, so get there early to miss the crowd.
12. Keppel Bay Sailing Club
For a midday tipple look no further than the Keppel Bay Sailing Club. Offering sweeping views of the beach, it’s the perfect spot to get cosy with a cold drink (BEER!) and a delicious lunch. The seafood here is fantastic, just be warned the portion sizes are very generous so you’re probably going to need your stretchy pants (no complaints from me!).
13. Koorana Crocodile Farm
Ever wanted to try crocodile? Take yourself directly out to the Koorana Crocodile Farm. It’s here you can join a guided a tour of the property and spot some absolute monster-size crocs, if you like, then settle in for lunch. On the menu is a whole lotta croc, including crocodile ribs, satay sticks, kebab and a hearty croc pie, just to name a few.
14. The Strand Hotel
An iconic part of Yeppoon for over 60 years, The Strand offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where the beers are cold and the food is delicious. Pop in during the day for lunch with a view, making the most of the pub’s beachfront location, or duck in for dinner and get stuck into the fantastic menu, bursting with seasonal favourites and fresh seafood options.
15. The local weekend markets
Visit the Yeppoon Community Market, held each Saturday from 6am to 10am, where you can unearth fresh produce and other yummy goodies (there’s plenty to see, do and eat!) You can also visit the Fig Tree Markets, held on the first Sunday of each month from 9am to 1pm, showcasing all things home-made, home-grown and home-baked. It’s a great opportunity to really get a good feel for the local flavours.
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