The Story Behind our Food

Key Restaurant Maleny brings you the tastes of Africa, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond.

Tastes of Africa

Our Chef, Simone Butler, is a culinary artist known for her accomplished cuisine which is a masterful blend of African, Caribbean and Mediterranean culinary influences.

Simone is a Ghanaian who has settled on the Sunshine Coast with her husband Luke and she has devised a fascinating mix of international flavours.

“The cuisine that I am used to,” says Simone, ”uses a lot of different spices. I gravitate towards food that has a big spice hit and it influences my cooking. It’s always fascinated me – using spices and herbs to make food interesting and delicious and different.”

“One of the things that intrigues me,” adds Simone, ”is that places that are geographically far apart can have similar tastes. Like the Balinese who have a paste made from dried fish or prawns and it’s something very similar to a paste that we have in West Africa.”

New Menu & matching Wines

To our valued customer of Key Restaurant Maleny.

Since its opening, Key Restaurant Maleny has continued the evolution and development not only of its authentic African, Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine, but also its comprehensive wine list. Now including over 150 wines, Key Restaurant Maleny enjoys one of the most extensive and varied wine lists on the Sunshine Coast, showcasing numerous wines and varieties to suit palate and plate.

A considerable amount of research has gone into the creation of the latest menu with our valued contributors no doubt enjoying their tasting experience! Winemakers and representatives from around Australia including Cameron Ashmead from Elderton in the famous Barossa Valley, Damien Shaw, Philip Shaw’s sons from the very well known Orange region, Robin Brockett with its fantastic range of Cornelius from Bellarine Peninsula, John Lamb with Coriole from the McLaren Vale in South Australia or Clémence Haselgrove from Forest Hill Vineyard from the Great Southern in Western Australia, Andrew "Ox" Hardy winemaker from Petaluma and direct descendent of Thomas Hardy, they all brought their knowledge and expertise to the table, along with a few samples, culminating in a wonderful and fresh new menu for your summer culinary adventures.

To celebrate the release of the latest wine list, we would love for you to join us on Thursday nights with an evening of wine tasting accompanied with an array of sumptuous cheeses, meats and tapas.

Or, when you dine in, why not try the new lobster dish with a refreshing bottle of Vasse Felix Chardonnay, the Mozambique Chicken with a bottle of Pink Billy Rosé, or the Lamb Tagine with a Bush Vine Grenache. And we can’t forget to mention one of our new Rieslings - the ‘This is not your Grandmother’s Riesling’ from Eden Valley South Australia. Your options are almost endless.

Thank you for your continued patronage and we look forward to serving you a glass or two soon.

With regards,

Clement DEMARAIS

General Manager

Download our last up to date Menu

Tastes of Africa Friday Night Buffet

A special feature at the Key Restaurant Maleny is the Friday night "Tastes of Africa" buffet, which is already appealing to locals and short stay visitors. The buffet presentation gives them the opportunity to try new tastes from throughout Africa, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, India and Asia.

Adult - $35 per person including a 3 courses meal.

Kids (under 12 YO) - $15 per kid including a 3 courses meal.

Download our New Friday Night Buffet Menu

Sunday Lunch Live Music

Come & enjoy Sunday Lunch with friends & family while you are listening to Smooth Music on our airy and spacious veranda or next to the fire place.