Lola's Pantry

Sunshine Coast


Prioritising personal values over fame, Alejandro Cancino resigned as executive chef at Brisbane's lauded Urbane to open this simple, outdoor vegan cafe. While the setting is underwhelming, the mostly organic food is not, with a knockout meat-free burger even omnivores will drool over. Indeed, Alejandro's succulent, lust-inducing patties are making serious waves, with clients as far flung as China.

Come mid-2019, Alejandro plans to open an eight-seater, omakase-inspired vegan restaurant next door. No doubt it will become the coast's latest culinary hot spot.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sunshine Coast attractions

1. Wildlife HQ

4.07 MILES

Located at the Big Pineapple, this 8-hectare zoo houses native Australian, African, South American and rare Asian critters, among them binturongs, red…

2. Big Pineapple

4.1 MILES

Sprouting 10km west of Maroochydore, the 16m-high, fibreglass Big Pineapple is one of Queensland's most iconic and thoroughly underwhelming tourist…

3. Sea Life Sunshine Coast

4.28 MILES

Kids will love this tropical oceanarium, complete with an 80m-long transparent underwater tunnel for close-up views of rays, reef fish and several species…

4. Mt Coolum

7.11 MILES

Looming 4km south of Coolum Beach is Mt Coolum (208m), an ancient volcanic dome whose peak offers spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast and its…

5. Ginger Factory

9.44 MILES

Great for young families, this isn't so much a factory as a veritable temple to that most glorious of spices: ginger. Factory tours offer insight into how…

6. Queensland Air Museum

10.01 MILES

Occupying two hangars beside Caloundra airport, the volunteer-run QAM houses about 100 civilian and military aircraft, including a mid-century Douglas DC…

7. Caloundra Regional Gallery

10.86 MILES

When you're done with catching rays and waves, sidestep to this small, sophisticated gallery. Rotating exhibitions showcase quality local and national…

8. Caloundra Street Fair

11 MILES

On Sunday mornings, crowds flock to Bulcock St to browse Caloundra's market stalls. You'll find everything from international street food to local art,…