Mariella Mexicantina

Mariella Mexicantina brings a Mexican cantina concept to the Sunshine Coast, with its website giving the address as 2 Kingfisher Drive, Peregian Beach, while the venue is listed for Coolum Beach. The offering centres on traditional and contemporary Mexican street food, including antojitos — the small, craving-driven dishes associated with Mexican street eating. Rather than presenting a fixed menu, Mariella describes its food as ingredient-led and changing over time, with regional Mexican flavours shaped by local, seasonal produce.

The venue’s approach extends to its sourcing. Mariella says it works with sustainable suppliers, including farms, local fishermen and artisan producers, with a focus on quality and a health-conscious menu. It also states that around 90 per cent of the offering is gluten free, making the restaurant a potentially useful option for diners looking for broader dietary choice. As the menu changes with available ingredients, the website does not list specific signature dishes, so the appeal is more in the style of cooking and the evolving selection than in a set list of staples.

Drinks are a significant part of the experience. The bar is described as farm-to-table and features rare Mexican agave spirits sourced through fair-trade arrangements, alongside organic and biodynamic wines from Australian producers. There are also beers, giving the drinks list a clear Mexican influence while retaining a strong local wine focus. For anyone interested in agave spirits or natural and sustainably made wine, this is one of the more distinctive elements of Mariella’s offer.

Set in what the venue describes as a surfside village, Mariella is intended as a relaxed place to step away from the beach surroundings and settle into a more colourful Mexican-inspired setting. Its changing menu and wide dietary positioning may suit diners who enjoy trying something different, as well as groups with varied preferences. The website lists evening service from Monday to Thursday and daytime-to-late service from Friday to Sunday, with bookings available. For current food options and availability, checking directly with the restaurant is sensible because the offering changes with the ingredients.