Nestled along The esplanade, with stunning river views, Cotton Tree Beach Bar is one of those places you visit not only for the delicious, fresh food but for the beautiful ambience and atmosphere.
Known for their super friendly service and relaxed, chilled vibe, it’s obvious the staff have been hand-picked to ensure you have a great experience from start to finish, which was certainly the case during our recent visit.
The Beach Bar’s story began in 2018 when two local guys, Jonny and Gavin, stumbled across a beachfront opportunity at Kings Beach and recognised the great potential.
Their vision continued to unfold as they created another great beachside dining experience in 2022, this time at Cotton Tree. Six years on from that first day of dreaming, they are set to open a third restaurant in Coolum. Watch this space!
From the moment we arrived, we were in great hands with passionate operations manager Ky Graham, who made us feel very welcome.
Ky grew up on the Sunshine Coast and is a true gem of the local dining scene. With deep roots in the community, his passion for using fresh local produce and commitment to fair prices shine through every aspect of Cotton Tree Beach Bar.
His warmth and dedication enhance the overall dining experience, making each visit feel like a special occasion.
We had the perfect vantage point from our outside table to soak up the glorious sunset, which painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink.
With so many options on the exciting menu vying for our attention, we were delighted with Ky’s recommendation to kick things off with a memorable starter of honey-baked brie. The cheese was perfectly gooey, its sweetness harmonising beautifully with the rich, creamy texture.
Enjoyed with a smooth glass of red, it was a great start to what was to come.
For our entrée, we chose the seared ocean scallops. They were cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside, tender and succulent inside, with a subtle sear that enhanced their natural sweetness. It was a dish that truly showcased the quality of the local seafood.
When it came to mains, we were not disappointed. The braised lamb shoulder was a standout: incredibly tender, with a savoury depth of flavour that spoke to the care and skill in its preparation. Complementing it was the seafood risotto, brimming with a generous assortment of fresh, flavourful seafood. Each bite was a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and masterful cooking.
Other delights on the favourites menu include seared ocean trout, Thai calamari salad, satay chicken, and firm favourite – the poke bowl.
If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing beverage and some share plates with friends after work or on the weekend, Cotton Tree Beach Bar has a great range of dishes, including hot honey chicken, calamari, fish tacos and warm marinated olives. Their burgers look delicious, too!
That brings us to the cocktails – another highlight of our visit! It’s obvious each delectable drink is made with care, using fresh ingredients and keen attention to detail.
We couldn’t go past the beez kneez, which tasted as good as it sounds. The combination of barrel-aged gin, guava, Diddillibah honey and bush lemon really hit the spot and was the perfect end to our meal.
We were too full to indulge in dessert, but the menu was tantalising enough to make us wish we had more room in our tummies! The options were decadent and innovative, promising a sweet finish that will have to wait for our next visit.
Cotton Tree Beach Bar is a must-visit beachside destination that offers a perfect blend of great views, great food and awesome hospitality.
We can’t wait for our next visit to indulge in that tempting dessert menu, try a few more of their delicious cocktails and experience more of what this delightful spot has to offer.