TNQ Writer
Home to an endless summer, it’s a breeze to relax in balmy Mission Beach. But after the day is done, and you’re relaxed to the max, you’ll love exploring this tiny town with your tastebuds. To make finding a feed easy, we’ve popped together a list of Mission Beach restaurants and cafes that’ll satisfy any craving.
Something casual
Joeys Mission Beach
Joeys Mission Beach
Shanti Cafe
Shanti Cafe
Barefoot and looking for the perfect bite to eat? Pop up to the town from the beach and settle into one of the spots below.
Mission Beach Tavern
For the quintessential pub feed, the Mission Beach Tavern does the job with bells on. Donning classic options like chicken parmigiana, fish and chips and steak and salad, you’ll also find a few speciality items like garlic prawns and rice too. Grab a cold drink and sit roadside, shoulder to shoulder with the vibrant locals.
The Garage
If locally-brewed craft beer is up your alley, you’ll love this local’s favourite. A hop, skip and a jump from the sea, The Garage is open from 3pm ‘til the locals go home Thursday to Monday, serving up wood-fired pizzas, share plates and thoughtfully created cocktails to boot.
The Pirate Den
With fresh meat and seafood featuring across the entire menu, The Pirate Den is a local’s secret with an affinity for well-cooked food. Home to a meat smoker that makes meals melt in your mouth, you’ll love dipping into The Pirate Den. Whether you’re drooling for dinner or lunch, choose from a range of eclectic meals including Egyptian koshari, crocodile koftas and spicy smoked wings.
Shanti Cafe
Home to good coffee and good food, Shanti Cafe is the perfect little haunt when you’re after something that will satiate the soul. Whether you go for a loaded croissant, a freshly baked slice of cake or a cheeky midday mimosa, there’s no better spot to unwind from the heat of the sun than Shanti.
Joey’s Mission Beach
If you’re after a quick morning bite to eat and a coffee stat, Joey is your man. Joey’s Mission Beach is set up just a few short steps from the beach and their toasted sandwiches and cappuccinos are a town favourite.
Something to Munch On
Looking for something a little bit naughty? Head to the same spot where Joey serves up coffee in the morning and nestle in for an afternoon of American-Mexican fusion. Featuring flavours that will blow your mind, you’ll love their loaded hotdogs, quesadillas and nachos galore.
A little bit fancy
If delicious food and inspired taste combinations tickle your fancy, you’re in the right spot.
BUKO
Focused on fresh, local produce and inventive menu items, the chefs at BUKO know how to party with their prep. With a seasonally-evolving menu, a range of scrumptious cocktails and an unbeatable beachfront view, you’ll love kicking your feet up at BUKO.
Plenty Restaurant and Bar
As one of the new kids on the block, Plenty Restaurant and Bar is a cosy family-run establishment that’ll put a pep in your step. Perched right on the beach, you’ll feel right at home while munching on thoughtful menu items like their beloved antipasto platter, arancini meatballs, coconut prawn with nam jim sauce and laksa soup. They also feature an array of gluten free and vegetarian options, making lunch here a breeze for all.
For tastes of the world
Head to Mad Pizza Mission Beach or Cafe Rustica for the tastes of Italy
Fancy a feast from afar? These eateries will do the trick.
Spicy Thai Hut
Love authentic Thai food? You’ll be right at home at Spicy Thai Hut. With a menu filled to the brim with classic meals like pad thai, green curry and pineapple fried rice, you’ll also be drawn to speciality items like their crispy fried pork and Thai shooters.
Mad Pizza Mission Beach
If sourdough is your thing, you’ll have to give Mad Pizza a whirl. As an icon in Mission Beach’s foodie scene, Mad Pizza serves up freshly made pizza that’ll take you right to the cobblestone streets of Italy. Try and convince us that eating a freshly cooked pizza on the beach at sunset isn’t the greatest thing in the world.
Cafe Rustica
For a wider range of delicious Italian options, try Wongaling’s favourite Caffe Rustica. Donning a menu filled with pastas, pizzas and salads galore, this forest-fringed eatery feels like something out of a dream. Hot tip – don’t forget to save room for their homemade gelato or mousse!
For a humble lunch with a view
Iced chocolate at Dunk Island View Cafe
Iced chocolate at Dunk Island View Cafe
Dine with ocean views
Dine with ocean views
Dunk Island View Cafe
Nestled in the quaint village of Wongaling, Dunk Island View Cafe at Dunk Island View Caravan Park boasts million dollar views of the tropics’ most beloved island. Serving up a traditional lineup of fish and chips and other deep-fried goodies, this should be your pick if you’re after a mid-tan pick me up.
Beachcomber Coconut Cafe
With a vibrant new pair of owners and a new menu to go with it, this long-loved South Mission Beach favourite is the best place to eat if you have a soft spot for seaside views. Beachcomber Coconut Cafe features favourites like fish and chips and thoughtfully-assembled burgers, you’ll also love their affinity for all things homemade – think chicken noodle soup, banana pancakes and jam and Nutella donuts.
For something cute and quirky
Bingil Bay Cafe delivers all the good vibes
Bingil Bay Cafe delivers all the good vibes
GLOWS' Garden Cafe
GLOWS' Garden Cafe
Home to an electric and loveable bunch of locals, you can’t miss checking out some of these local watering holes.
Bingil Bay Cafe
Lovingly referred to as the ‘community’s loungeroom’, Bingil Bay Cafe is the heart and soul of the area. Come for the local, fresh food, and stay for the live music and good vibes. With a cute, shady garden out the back, you’ll love sipping on freshly squeezed juices before meandering down to Bingil Bay Beach.
GLOWS Garden Cafe
For something a little bit different, head to a GLOWS Garden Cafe, pop-up food haven situated in Mission Beach’s one and only garden centre. From yiros, to garden-fresh fried zucchini, you can’t beat a quick feed here.
Mission Beach Blues Bar and Cafe
Home to humble food and a brilliant vibe, choose the Blues Bar and Cafe every time you’re in the mood for something a little bit funky. Featuring an evolving range of local, live musicians, there’s nothing like a lazy afternoon with a beer in hand here.
