Last updated: January 31, 2020
I moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2018 and have been slowly exploring the dining scene ever since. When visiting family or friends ask for restaurant recommendations, these are the places I typically recommend.
Note: This list is mainly about the Lower Sunshine Coast communities of Gibsons and Sechelt right now and is a work in progress.
Buono Osteria
One of the nicer sit-down restaurant experiences in Lower Gibsons, Buono serves seasonal Italian and Neopolitan pizza in a warm, rustic yet contemporary space that overlooks the water. They also have a nicely-curated list of local craft beer, wine, and spirits.
The 101 Brewhouse & Distillery
This Upper Gibsons brewery has the best food out of all breweries on the coast. Everything I’ve had has been excellent, but the Hot or Not Fried Chicken sandwich (with pickled honeydew) is a standout. Their Pilsner is also tasty.
Tip: This place becomes a popular nightlife destination in the evening.
Lunita’s Mexican Eatery
This waterfront Mexican restaurant in Lower Gibsons does fantastic street tacos, burrito bowls, and cocktails in a colourful and fun contemporary setting.
Note: They close January until March while the staff brush up their skills in Oaxaca.
PKLS Burgers
In downtown Sechelt, PKLS make the best burgers on the coast. Get the double burger with their sauce and all the fixings. Be prepared to eat it while sitting on a bench outside as there are only a handful of bar stools in this tiny, narrow space.
The Basted Baker
One of the best breakfasts in all of the Sunshine Coast, come for the coffee but especially their eggs benny on their generously-portioned house made biscuits. Order the half-portion or be prepared to take home leftovers if you order the full.
Persephone Brewing
The first craft brewery to open on the Sunshine Coast, Persephone’s a Certified B brewery located on a working farm where they grow hops and raise chickens right outside the door. The beer’s always good and if you time it right, you can get a meal from Farmhand Food Truck. A quiet place in the winter, their acreage turns into a garden party in the warmer months with groups of families and friends picnicking outside.
Smoke on the Water BBQ
Located in an open-air shack at the end of the wharf at Gibsons Landing, come here for their smoked pork and brisket. It’s the best BBQ on the coast.
Note: They close for winter from January to mid-March.
Smitty’s Oyster House
This waterfront seafood restaurant is famous for its oysters and always has a vibrant busy scene. Located in a former marine repair shop at the bottom of the stairs from Molly’s Reach, if you peer down into the water next to their front entrance, you’ll see thousands of oyster shells.
Note: They close every year on Christmas and reopen on Valentine’s Day.
Beachcomber Coffee Co
This hip cafe is good for locally-roasted organic coffee, whether you get it in Lower Gibsons or their satellite location at the Sunnycrest Mall.
The Butcher
Not a restaurant, but a great place to pick up made-to-order charcuterie boards and other meaty snacks for a picnics or dinner later on. Their Upper Gibsons is a must for foodie omnivores, but their satellite location in the Gibsons Public Market packs a lot for its tiny size.
The Blackfish Pub
Come to this neighbourhood pub for its unexpected gem: the Breakfast Platter. Don’t order the bacon, get the bratwurst. The hash browns are baby potatoes, fried crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. The bratwurst and hash browns take this diner breakfast to the next level.
The Gumboot Cafe
This Roberts Creek landmark is hippy bakery cafe in a ramshackle building, part art gallery, music venue, and part community hub. Enjoy the diversity of hippy dessert bars or their comforting bowl of dal with slices of homemade multigrain bread.
The Wobbly Canoe
Overlooking Davis Bay, the Wobbly Canoe must be the busiest patio on the Sunshine Coast, but for good reason: their craft beer list and their tasty locavore pub food.
Lonewolf Bakery
Come here for coffee, flaky croissants, and artisan sourdough boules. Don’t look for a sign because they don’t have one.
Tip: They’re located next to the music store in downtown Sechelt.
The Bricker Cider Company
Tucked away in rural residential West Sechelt, Bricker’s is where you can enjoy flights of seasonal apple cider while sitting around an orchard while snacking on delicious Mexican street tacos from visiting food truck, Salt & Swine. For a picnic lunch destination in the warmer months, it’s one of my favourite local secrets.
What restaurant is missing from the list? Where should I eat next? Leave me your suggestions in the comments below!