For a delicious start to the day or for those times in between meals, Redcliffe’s Flour & Chocolate patisseries is a must-visit. Pick up buttery pastries, crispy cronuts, sourdough breads, quiches, and cakes to enjoy a picnic in the sun by the water. 

From early morning coffees to wines at sundown, Sunny’s Margate Beach is more than a rooftop bar. In its café-meets-restaurant, visitors can indulge in reviving meals – from breakfast dahl with a poached egg and roti, to fish tacos and a ‘Massaman Osso Bucco’ later in the day.  

Beginning at 6am every day, Told You So café serves up alluring coffees and sweet goods - think decadent donuts with inventive glazes from its North Lakes shopfront. Here, you can also pick up a bag of coffee, take-home treats, bagels, crumpets, and homewares. 

In Bongaree, Annie Lane Café surprises diners with its ever-evolving menu of vibrant, creatively adorned dishes and drinks that deserve a place on your social media feeds. And though these dishes may look too good to eat or drink, we recommend you try them too.  

An unassuming locale in Clontarf, Neli Coffee is where the coffee aficionados go for their caffeine fix. From its industrial space, the speciality coffee roasters brew excellent coffee to suit varied tastes, alongside a selection of tarts and pastries to accompany your sips of choice.  

For more coffee wizardry, Cleanskin Coffee Co in Brendale is a go-to for ready-bagged roasted beans, take-away coffee, and a bite to eat. And, on Fridays, pick up a Doughluxe donut to pair with your choice of coffee. 

Away from the water, in a lush, leafy patch of the Moreton Bay region, you’ll find Samford Valley’s Little Tree Bake and Brew House. The café and bakery prepares memorable meals – try the beetroot gnudi and the crispy wild-caught barramundi tostada – delicious pies and popular savoury pastries, freshly baked breads and more from its scenic setting.  

Also in Samford is Indigenous owned and operated Kakadu Organics, where visitors can learn about native foods, drink organic juices, feast on flavourful dishes – including the café’s famed pumpkin, wild garlic and wattle seed soup. Expect to spot treats in the cabinet, alongside the café’s own brand (Kakadu Tucker) jams, chutneys, pickles, and more, plus bush tea and giftwares.  

When the sun’s out, the ultimate place to sip a cocktail and enjoy what’s become known as Brisbane’s best charcoal chicken rotisserie is The Komo. Decked out with cacti, pink umbrellas and a Palm Springs air, The Komo is open for flavoursome breakfasts, lunches and dinners, seven days a week.  

In Scarborough, head to Morgans Seafood Market and Takeaway to pick up locally caught, fresh picnic and culinary necessities, or grab lunch at the fresh sushi and oyster bar on-site. 

For breakfast, lunch and afternoon antipasti – with a short siesta in between – Burpengary’s Basil and Vine café presents its laidback Italian fare. Choose from breakfast treats, pizza, pastas, fresh focaccias, calzones, breads, salads, sweets and, come afternoon, sip on refreshing cocktails and refined wines.  

Further inland, Ocean View Estate, with its award-winning restaurant and thriving winery, the emphasis may be on the vines, but the sophisticated yet approachable food menu is not to be missed. Contemporary Australian cuisine sees local produce sing on the plate, and a picnic menu allows guests to roam the grounds with premium dishes and wines in hand. Better yet, the banquet options include a vegan banquet menu, for plant-based wine lovers. 

To taste more of the region’s best drops, pick up a bottle of gin or perhaps a shiraz barrel-aged vodka by Copper and Cane Distilling to sample the fruits of this small-batch craft distillery.  

Or if you’re more of a beer drinker Scarborough’s Showcase Beers is a craft beer café that highlights the best of Australian micro-brewery’s pours. And, for those joined by non-beer drinkers, Australian wineries’ drops are available on-site too.

Also in Scarborough is Tempest Seafood Restaurant and Teppanyaki Grill. Here, diners devour fresh seafood by the water, and enjoy the theatrical dining experience that comes from watching a teppan put to work.  

If you’re in the mood for substantial fried food and robust dishes, The Dayboro Drop specialises in wings (both chicken and cauliflower types), schnitzels, deep-fried snacks, burgers, steak sandwiches, and indulgent desserts.  

For take-aways, in-house dining and wine degustation, The Golden Ox in Margate is a popular venue. The bistro-style a la carte menu may see seafood at the forefront, but a separate, dedicated seafood menu is where diners can discover five courses of fresh, seafood-focussed fare.  

Those craving Italian cuisine can select from the impressively extensive menu of The Rustic Olive on Redcliffe Parade. This traditional Italian eatery is open for lunch and dinners (offering take-away too) and has all your essential Italian food hankerings covered. Go with an appetite and leave room for dessert.  

End the evening with locally brewed beers, locally fermented wines and more with a drink at Jumping Goats Bar, Margate. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this neighbourhood bar offers something to drinkers and non-drinkers of all tastes.  

Ready to discover your food-centric escapade? Start planning your Moreton Bay foodie adventure now.