John Kyle Espresso - Buderim — Restaurant in Sunshine Coast Regional

After traveling through Europe and experiencing diverse coffee cultures across different countries, I settled on the Sunshine Coast about a year ago. I moved here from Seoul, where I loved the vibrant coffee culture, filled with unique concepts and outstanding cafés. Some cafés even introduced Australian-inspired drinks, like flat whites and long blacks, on their menus. But what truly sets Australian cafés apart, in my experience, isn’t just the coffee itself—it’s the friendly small talk and interactions between staff and customers that make it feel so welcoming. In that sense, John Kyle Café is the best café.

And I’m a cappuccino person, and their cappuccino here is something special! Instead of the usual chocolate powder, they top it with freshly grated dark chocolate, adding a rich flavor and personal touch. At the Buderim branch, they have a great outdoor table on the terrace, which is my favorite seat! After a morning run, enjoying a coffee there is just the best! With consistently high-quality drinks, beautiful latte art, and my favorite baristas—Grace at Buderim and Ben at Maroochydore (though I’m not the best with names; all the staff are fantastic!)—this café feels like the perfect blend of quality and connection.

It’s truly a special place to me, as it’s where I start my day with my...

This is one of those cafes that you make your home, your regular! It’s not just the awesome coffee and incredible food that keeps you coming back day after day. It’s the warm smiles and being greeted by name, the feeling of warmth the minute to step inside. With cafes in Buderim and Maroochydore (did I mention air-conditioning) both have a plethora of A+ menu choices catering to just about anyone, it is no surprise that these cafes are always pumping with clientele at any given time of the day.

In saying that though, I have seen many a cafe struggle to clear tables quickly upon their customers leaving. Not here, once the table has been vacated it is cleared and cleaned so that wait times are kept to a minimum. If you are looking for the above average breakfast, a hearty lunch or even a cheeky cocktail and tapas (Go research Cheeky John, trust me!) you will never be disappointed with John...

JK Espresso is my little slice of heaven. From the moment I walk in, I’m greeted with smiles and the kind of banter that turns any bad day around. The staff are absolute legends— they remember my usual order and make me feel like part of the family. The regulars, who have now become friends, make every visit feel like a mini-reunion.

But let's not forget the main event: the coffee. It’s absolutely top-notch, and the food is equally fantastic. JK isn’t just about satisfying my caffeine needs; it’s about the genuine connections and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it my go-to spot every day. It’s more than a cafe—it’s...