Where to gather for great food and drinks on Redlands Coast this festive season

Image credit: Straddie Brewing Co.

Redlands Coast is the place to relax and recharge, so when it comes to the busy festive season, there’s no better place to keep your cool.

Of course, the real magic of the holiday season happens around the table, with friends, sharing dessert with family, and reflecting on a great year.

So, gather your favourite people and book a table at these top restaurants, bars and cafes that call Redlands Coast home.

CITRON BAYSIDE, WELLINGTON POINT (CULLEN CULLEN)
The hottest tables this festive season will be at Citron Bayside, a colourful all-day coastal eatery inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. Recently opened by hospitality pros the Venzin Group, Citron promises a laidback atmosphere, cool vibe and solid wine list.

Celebrate Christmas with family or friends the Aussie way, and tuck into a menu loaded with fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled king prawns with lemon chickpeas, dukkah and chili oil. If you have a group, the $55 family-style lunch banquet centres around a delicious confit lamb shoulder. Book ahead, this one will be popular.

STRADDIE BREWING CO, NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND (MINJERRIBAH)
Hop over to Straddie Brewing Co, the home of island-crafted beer and embrace the relaxed island vibes of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). This great brewing company boasts a three-storey brewhouse and taproom in Dunwich (Goompi), where you will find a range of craft beers on tap and a locally sourced menu that features Straddie’s abundant seafood. Time your Christmas catch-up to witness golden hour from the sunset deck together.

THE MAILMAN, ALEXANDRA HILLS (NANDEEBIE)
If your Christmas party style is more coffee and cake, lock in a table at The Mailman. New to Redlands Coast, this Alexandra Hills cafe opened in mid-October, and it’s fast making a name for itself with its elevated brunch dishes, such as cinnamon fried baos with peanut brittle and salted caramel, and garlic mushrooms with romesco and crispy enoki mushrooms. Santa would no doubt approve.

WELLINGTON POINT FARMHOUSE, WELLINGTON POINT (CULLEN CULLEN)
Celebrate the farming heritage of Redlands Coast at the Wellington Point Farmhouse Restaurant and Coffee Shop. Book a long table on the veranda and enjoy a calming panorama of leafy green and red earth fields as you tuck into wholesome food that makes the most of local produce.

KOPASZ & CURLY @ WILLOW AND OAK CAFE AND KITCHEN, MACLEAY ISLAND (JENCOOMERCHA) 
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands’ best-kept secret might just be a humble and homely café known as Kopasz & Curly. This locally-minded cafe is a comfortable spot for casual meet-ups and coffee, as well as providing a dinner service on Friday nights.

On Saturday mornings, the café transforms into a local market with fruit, vegetables and fresh meat where you can find anything from lemons and limes to ginger and edible flowers.

WARRA WARRA CAFE, VICTORIA POINT (WARRER WARRER)
Warra Warra is the traditional name for Victoria Point, and this light and bright cafe draws inspiration from the past, present and future of the Quandamooka region.  Gather your crew for a local twist on the brunch classics – from the Traditional Crumpets to the Warra Beef Burger.

ALEXANDRA HILLS HOTEL, ALEXANDRA HILLS (NANDEEBIE)
Need a festive family-friendly spot where you can let the kids rock the night away? Alexandra Hills Hotel has an extensive restaurant menu and great kids’ play area where they can let loose while you mix and mingle with mates in the spacious outdoor garden.

Embrace your competitive side with the brand new 48-hole, 12 green, fully licensed putt putt course for the whole family to enjoy, with kids, beginners, intermediate and advanced options at every green. Plan your visit to coincide with live music on weekends.

SIRROMET WINES, MOUNT COTTON (JUNGALPIN)
Looking for a real “treat yo’self” way to end the year? Lock in a tour, tasting and lunch with your favourite people at Sirromet Wines.

Go behind-the-scenes at Sirromet’s state-of-the-art winery, then taste some of the most popular Granite Belt wines before sitting down on the Tuscan Terrace for a relaxing lunch surrounded by bushland and vines. Now that sounds like the perfect way to wrap up the year!

For a more casual experience, grab a picnic to enjoy on the lawn or enjoy the extended trading hours and weekend live entertainment at the Cellar Door. There’s something for everyone – with cooling Spritz, buckets of fresh Queensland tiger prawns and antipasto platters.

BACCHUS BREWING CO, CAPALABA (KAPALLABA)
Deepen your appreciation of craft beer at Bacchus Brewing Co – a Redlands Coast micro-brewery that crafts more than three new beers every week.

Bring your more adventurous friends along to taste interesting and diverse styles, from the award-winning Peanut Brittle Gose to the White Chocolate and Raspberry Pilsner. You will find 20 taps and dozens more beers available by the can or bottle to enjoy at the brewery or give as a gift this Christmas.

Food trucks pop-up from Thursday to Sunday, and the other days you can BYO food.

ELYSIUM RESTAURANT & BAR, VICTORIA POINT (WARRER WARRER)
Looking for a festive restaurant that won’t break the bank? Jingle all the way over to Elysium Restaurant & Bar at Victoria Point Lakeside, where the modern Australian lunch menu offers a great range of dishes between $15 to $18.

As the sun sets and the weekend arrives, enjoy live music on the deck plus a huge menu packed with crowd pleasers from tapas to pizza and seafood to steak. Live music continues Sunday afternoon for the ultimate end to the weekend. Enjoy an extensive craft beer and wine list, plus a cocktail list sure to satisfy every festive occasion.