The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Has a New Farm-to-Table Destination with the Arrival of Ethos at the Alsahwa Estate
Aiming to transform this patch of abundant farmland into a productive agritourism destination, hatted chef Sophie Phipps is guiding a new restaurant's purpose-driven, farm-to-table cuisine.
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is ripe for farm-to-plate cuisine, thanks to its abundant subtropical warmth. In late June, the Alsahwa Estate relaunched with a new restaurant — ēthos — bringing a new level of hospitality to the mix and making the most of the region's fertile conditions. Now situated on a 30-acre regenerative agritourism destination brimming with food, nature and community, the estate recently shifted from its original Verrierdale macadamia farm to forge a new chapter in Palmwoods.
Guided by hatted local chef Sophie Phipps (Spice Bar), the restaurant's highly intentional concept features a menu focused on fresh, organic and spray-free ingredients. Harvesting produce straight from the surrounding gardens or sourcing it from local farmers, each dish is made to be shared, while reflecting a more conscious approach to top-quality dining.
"The restaurant is a reflection of our values — to tread lightly on the earth, support our community, and nourish our guests with food grown in healthy soil," says Phipps. "We're cooking with intention, with produce that speaks for itself."
Inside the restaurant, natural light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering enchanting views of the property while allowing the fresh coastal breeze to flow uninterrupted. Immersed in landscaped gardens, palm trees and thickets of wildflowers, the estate's dams are another serene highlight, primed for sun-drenched long lunches and intimate dinner gatherings that see golden-hour sessions transition to after-dark stargazing.
Yet ēthos is just one aspect of the Alsahwa Estate. The broader vision speaks to a regenerative agritourism venue, where curated picnics, seasonal dining, weddings and workshops all form part of an experience designed to help people forge deeper ties with their natural surroundings. A jam-packed events program will also convey this mindful message, from Bees & Brunch sessions that delve into the inner workings of the hive to curated food festivals that reveal the community's best cuisine.
"We'll be continuing to follow our 'Mind, Body, Planet' philosophy and look forward to sharing our Wellness in Nature and Estate Exchange events, as well as community conscious movie nights over the coming months," says Alsahwa Estate Founder Jo Walker. "We're excited for the Sunshine Coast to discover Alsahwa Estate at Palmwoods and see it bloom in this botanic garden-like location."
Alsahwa Estate's ēthos restaurant is open Wednesday–Sunday from 11am–9pm at 20 Rifle Range Road, Palmwoods. Head to the website for more information.
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