The Best Restaurants, Food and Eating in Noosa

Lucky enough to be visiting Noosa? Well you’ve come to a foodie paradise. The quality of cuisine is as good as anywhere in Australia and a number of Noosa restaurants are truly world-class.

You’ll find renowned eateries, celebrity chefs, innovative kitchens, cafes bursting with inventive brunch options, boutique breweries, pricey fine-dining and value bistros. All this, as well as organic produce and farmers’ markets selling the freshest of ingredients.

Take a look at a map of Noosa and you’ll see that the town is dazzlingly perched on the sea and surrounded by National Parks, rainforest, canals and rivers. Hastings Street is Noosa’s main hub and is just a short hop from the beach and the National Park.

Undoubtedly, Noosa has one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the country. Hastings Street, in particular, has a seemingly endless choice of cafes, bistros, eateries and culinary experiences.

Noosa is one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest drawcards. Like a magnet, you’ll be lured to its white beaches, crystal-clear waters and eclectic array of boutique shops, luxury accommodation and splendid restaurants.

If you love your food, you’re in for a treat. You’ll also find great coffee too, and a wonderful laid-back vibe to relax into. Enjoy.

Pier 11

Location: Shop 1A, Noosa Marina, Tewantin, QLD 4565 Ph: (07) 5474 4799

Pier 11 is dramatically situated at the Noosa Marina with picturesque views of the Noosa River. This location alone would make it a candidate as one of the best restaurants in Noosa. Fortunately, the food served here is also outstanding.

The restaurant specialises in modern Australian cuisine and is a great waterfront option for all dining occasions.

The stylish and warm decor of the main restaurant offers diners a picturesque setting and the River Lounge is an excellent place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine. There are endless river views and the natural surrounds are both beautiful and calming.

With its spectacular setting, flexible floor plan, attention to detail and quality of service, Pier 11 is often used for special occasion events and business functions. The venue regularly accommodates wedding functions, anniversaries, Buck’s & Hen’s nights, corporate functions, birthday celebrations, Christmas Parties and more.

Editors note: Pier 11 has been reported as closed (July 2022). We will advise when we know more.

Sails

Location: 75 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5447 4235

For many Noosa regulars, their annual trip to this gorgeous vacation spot isn’t complete without either lunch or dinner on the deck at Sails.

The location is iconic. A shaded deck, tables dressed in pristine white and unrivalled views of Laguna Bay, merely a step away. But it isn’t solely being within touching distance of the white sand beach that brings diners back again and again. The food is as memorable as the outlook.

Executive Chef Paul Leete oversees a Modern Australian menu which is proud to showcase local seasonal produce. Dishes are fresh and clean and there is, as you would expect, plenty of wonderful seafood on offer.

In the Entrees, the Sashimi Plate of features Hiramasa Kingfish, Petuna Ocean Trout and Mooloolaba Tuna. Or perhaps you’d prefer Sandcrab Lasagne where the sweet crab meat enhanced by a sprightly raw tomato sauce.

The Mains include Coral Trout and Barramundi, though personally, I can never resist the allure of a Moreton Bay Bug. Here, they come shelled, butter poached and accompanied by the house caesar salad. Carnivores are also catered to with Short Rib, a slow-roasted Shoulder of Lamb, Eye Fillet and Wagyu Rump to tempt them.

Lastly, we have to mention the awesome wine list. After all, you don’t win 3 Australian Wine List of the Year Awards unless you know your way around a cellar.

Admittedly, Sails isn’t a cheap dining option. However, it is arguably one of the best restaurants in Noosa. And in this foodie haven, that is setting the bar high.

Beach view of Laguna Bay, Noosa - Best restaurants in Noosa

Locale

Location: 62 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5447 5111

Locale has a moody, sophisticated vibe. Especially when the sun drops in the evening and the dark decor and subtle lighting weave their magic. For me, it’s what a hip Melbourne bar/restaurant would look like if it set up business in a subtropical setting. And believe me, that is no criticism!

But Locale is far from being all looks and no substance. This is an authentic Italian restaurant serving superb food. In fact, they are so serious about their produce that they even have their own farm to ensure the quality of their ingredients.

The small plate Assaggini move from Olive Marinate and Bruschetta to Gamberetti (School Prawns with Romesco Mayo) and a lush-sounding Nodini Mozzarella paired with Pistachio Pesto and Aged Balsamic. Following this there are Oysters, Marinated Globe Artichokes and the umami hit of Venison Tartare, Smoked Aioli, Pickled Beets and Charcoal Lavosh.

Next up is Antipasti. Excitingly, it includes an Eatability favourite, Cotechin (Pork Sausage) here matched with Chickpeas, Apple and Pecan.

The Pasta is as silky as you’d hope from an Italian kitchen. However, if you like you carbs in a different form, there’s also a Classic Saffron Risotto with Veal Ossobuco or a vegetarian-friendly Potato and Goats’ Cheese Gnocchi to entice you.

If you still have space, for Secondi there’s Fish and Pickled Mussels, a Chicken and Mushroom Rotolo or an Eggplant and Potato Gratin – amongst other options. And sides, of course.

Again, a full-blown meal at Locale will cost you, but with food this good and such a wonderful ambience, it’s worth it.

Sumi Open Kitchen

Location: Shop 4 The Pavillon, 19-21 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

A quick stroll away from the bustle of Hastings Street lies a real gem of a find.

If you love Japanese cuisine, then you really should check out Sumi Open Kitchen whilst you’re in Noosa. Online reviews consistently rave about the food here with many diners stating it’s the best, most authentic Japanese food they’ve eaten outside of Japan. Wow!

As the name suggests, the restaurant has an open kitchen – perfect for adding culinary drama to your dining experience.

The current menu offers to ‘Trust the Chef’ options. You can either choose 4 courses ($75 pp) or 6 courses ($110 pp), but whichever you decide on, the food highlights fresh, local produce, treated with respect. Open with the Beef Sweet Potato Croquette, revel in the quality of the Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi and delight in the crisp batter on the Prawn Asparagus Tempura. And everything is a pretty as a (mouth-watering) picture.

If you like a drink with your meal, try the matched sake pairings.

Sumi Open Kitchen doesn’t have an ocean view, but it is still one of the best restaurants in Noosa and dinner here is an experience you won’t regret.

Light Years

Location: 1 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: 0466 974 601

Just down the road from Sumi Open Kitchen, Light Years Noosa is the Sunshine Coast outpost of 3 East Coast restaurants, promising modern Asian food.

This is the kind of spot that’s great to hit with mates as the sunsets. Ideally after an exhausting day sunbaking or surfing. Order a cold beer or, even better a round of cheeky cocktails (The Geisha is Eatability’s kind of tipple – Ink Gin, Umeshu Plum, Lemon, Bitters and Foam), a stack of share plates and while the evening away.

Bao Buns are having their moment as a menu favourite and at Light Years there are 4. Try the fab sounding Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Cucumber, Lettuce and Ranch Dressing.

Feeling adventurous? Then order the intriguing Eggplant Katsu that comes with ‘Strange Flavour Sauce’. If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will!

Ever fancied giving Korean-style BBQ a go at home? Check out these Korean BBQ Grills and accessories and maybe even treat yourself!

That sauce comes up again with the vegan-friendly Cumin Spiced Cauliflower, or perhaps you’d prefer the Miso Caramel Eggplant? For the omnivores, there’s plenty to tempt hungry stomachs. The Mee Goreng spiced Fire Cracker Chicken, 5 Spice Roasted Duck Pancakes and Turmeric & Coconut Fish Curry all get great raps.

And if you can’t decide, there are 2 ‘Feed Me!’ selections at $65 or $85 pp. What more could you ask for?

Mojito Cocktail Ingredients - found at the best restaurants in Noosa

If the food at Light Years excites you, why not try their sister restaurant – Light Years Newcastle? You can read about it here

El Capitano

Location: 52 Hastings St Upstairs, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5474 9990

Ah Pizza! Surely no family holiday is complete without at least one meal based around this much-loved Italian winner?

Noosa’s El Capitano boasts 72-hour fermented sourdough pizza bases made from organic Australian flour. Fortunately, the love shown at this stage is well-worth the effort – resulting in tasty, crispy exterior/soft interior bases. These are topped with fresh, local produce. In fact, even their Mozzarella and Salumi are handmade in the area and the kitchen staff are well-versed in fermenting and curing.

Here, the Pizzas are divided into Rosso (red – tomato sauced) or Bianco (white – no tomato sauce). Classics like Margherita, Pork & Fennel Sausage and Quattro Formaggi make the cut. However, if you want to branch out, there’s also Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder (with Olives, Goats’ Cheese and Gremolata) or Sweet Potato (with Caramelised Onion, Cashew Nut Puree and Dukkha).

It’s always great to find an eatery that’s happy to cater to different dietary requirements. Pleasingly, at El Capitano, Pizzas can be tweaked with the minimum of fuss.

So for plant-based dieters, there’s the Sweet Potato and a Vegan Butternut Pizza. If diary doesn’t agree with you, all Pizzas can be finished with Vegan Cheese. Moreover, the team at El Capitano can prepare Gluten Free Pizzas for an extra $3 and their Dessert list includes a Dairy Free/Vegan Strawberry Coconut Sundae.

All this, served by attentive staff in a vibrant, busy pizza bar. No wonder El Capitano makes our list of the best restaurants in Noosa.

Bang Bang Noosa

Location: The Sebel Noosa, U 9 Lot 6, 32 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 3924 1757

We stay in Noosa Heads and move a little further down Hastings Street for the next of our best restaurants in Noosa – the Asian fusion Bang Bang.

Now an Asian fusion restaurant sounds great on paper, but in reality can sometimes be more Asian confusion. Well, there are no such fears at Bang Bang Noosa. Fortunately, the kitchen have had the smarts to construct a dynamic menu featuring dishes from South East Asia, rather than blending those cuisines into clashing plates.

As a result, you can graze your way around the region, popping into Thailand, Korean, China and India along the way.

Kick off your meal with the Little Bangs. Perhaps the Soft Shell Crab Slider ($16) or Seared Scallops ($24 for 3) with their addictive Brown Butter and White Soy Dressing.

Move through the Big Bangs – who could resist Crispy Master Stock Duck ($39)? – to some delights From The Wok. Maybe the Mushroom Fried Rice ($29) with its Mushroom and Asian Greens pimped Egg Fried Rice appeals? After that, finish up with The Curries. Personally, we can never say no to a Braised Beef Massaman ($39).

If you fancy knocking out some Asian fusion at home, this Carbon Steel Wok for Electric, Induction and Gas Stoves has everything you need to get started.

If you still have room, Desserts include the fun Chocolate & Banana Spring Rolls ($16). These tempters come with Chocolate Ice Cream, Butterscotch & Peanut.

Not surprisingly, this is the kind of place where turning up with a group and ordering a pile of plates to share makes a lot of sense. With this in mind, Bang Bang Noosa offers 2 set menus. There’s the Bang-Quet ($59pp) – oh how we love a pun! – or The Big Bang ($79pp), as long as there are at least 2 of you.

In addition to the fab food, Bang Bang Noosa is a seriously cool restaurant and bar. The staff are friendly, the cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is conducive to a good night out. With a large, vibrant, open-plan dining space, plenty of lush greenery and some seriously impressive chandeliers, you should book at least one dinner at Bang Bang whilst you’re in Noosa.

Costa Noosa Espresso (now known as Entity Coffee)

Location:  24-26 Duke St, Sunshine Beach QLD 4567

Costa Noosa Espresso gets our vote as serving the best coffee in Noosa. Established in 2004, and now rebranded as Entity Coffee, this cafe serves up excellent coffee and pastries from a 6.00am every day to its loyal clientele of dog-walkers, cyclists and locals.

Located in beautiful Sunshine Beach, with an awesome deck (complete with heaters for chilly winter mornings), this is a lovely spot to kick off the day with a great cup o’ Joe.

Costa Noosa/Entity has a chilled, friendly vibe, with welcoming staff who know their stuff when it comes to coffee. The cafe does its own in-house roasting and is passionate about creating ethically sourced, specialty coffee blends.

Roasting is performed daily to ensure freshness and consistency, and the cafe works closely with its green bean suppliers to purchase only the best “A grade” 100% Arabica coffee from around the world.

Expect a coffee as flavoursome, fragrant and aromatic as anything you’ll find in the big smoke. Relax and savour a little slice of paradise.

Aromas Noosa

Location: 32 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5474 9788

Part of the Ogilvie Group (that also owns nearby Locale), Aromas Noosa cafe and restaurant is a local institution.

Situated right in the heart of buzzing Hastings Street, it’s a friendly French-style bistro that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a modern European influence in a leafy, al-fresco atmosphere. It’s truly a great spot.

The staff are welcoming, the food is tasty, seasonal and locally sourced, and the location is hard to beat. There’s a reason that this place has become an iconic and famed Hastings Street favourite.

Aromas sources its fresh, organic produce from the Ogilvie-owned farm in the Noosa Hinterland (Maravista) and, wherever possible, sources only heirloom vegetables and meat from natural farming practices.

Aromas Noosa is open from 6am daily and is a definite must-do for breakfast, as it has probably the most extensive breakkie menu in town. Our fave is the Lime and Chili Scramble with Blue Swimmer Crab.

As Aromas is only open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll need to book early to secure your table. There’s an excellent collection of cocktails to choose from, and Aromas has been known to stay open late to keep both diners and drinkers happy.

Tea Tree Bay Noosa Heads - Best restaurants in Noosa

Providore on Hastings

Location: 71 Hastings Street, Noosa, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5447 4722

Providore on Hastings is not so much a restaurant, but is rather an excellent place to grab a quick gourmet snack to eat-in or takeaway. It’s also particularly useful for restocking the fridge and sourcing quality local produce to take back to your apartment.

You can kick off your day with a healthy breakfast (try the Granola Pot) or drop in for a light lunch. The Providore Plates are recommended, particularly the charcuterie board and local cheese plates (there’s a delicious house chutney).

And the coffee is very good too (roasted by Little Cove Coffee, another local Noosa producer).

Lucio’s Marina

Location: The Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin, QLD 4565 Ph: (07) 5470 2331

Noosa restaurants, as you can see, cover a wide range of cuisines and budgets. However, few come with the impressive pedigree of Lucio’s Marina.

After more than 40 years, the iconic Lucio’s in Paddington, served its final bowl of pasta in 2021. But Sydney’s loss became Noosa’s gain, with the Galletto family reappearing with a new establishment in Noosa – Lucio’s Marina.

Fortunately for lovers of fine Italian cooking, Lucio’s Noosa incarnation continues to create the wonderful food and warm hospitality that has been synonymous with the Galletto’s for generations.

Describing itself rather modestly as a modern Seafood Restaurants and River Lounge, the striking riverfront location, exquisite service and divine menu make Lucio’s Noosa the ideal spot to soak up the sunset. With a cocktail in hand, of course. And whilst you’re there, why not make the most of the sophisticated, yet relaxed, ambience and share the Seafood Platter? It’s a dish worth trying for the Bug Bon Bons alone.

In a menu of stellar dishes, it’s hard to pick must-haves. However, the Carpaccio di Polipo e Patate is stunning – tasting a good as it is Instagrammable.

And we really admire a chef’s palate and technique when they can take a classic dish and give it a distinctly Australian twist. At Lucio’s Marina the Tartare Classico incorporates all the expected condiments, but serves them with carefully diced kangaroo. It’s a brilliant switch.

If you’re not sure what to order, ask the wait staff. They’ll be more than happy to guide you.

Whip up healthy meals with ease – and at a fraction of the cost of using an oven – with the COSORI 5 QT 9-in-1 Air Fryer. You’ll wonder why you didn’t buy one earlier!

Rest assured that if you’re searching for somewhere a little extra to celebrate a special occasion whilst on holiday, you should book this pick of Noosa river restaurants. Lucio’s Marina continues the legacy of the original Lucio’s restaurant by paying homage to great Northern Italian dishes with the highest quality local ingredients. And that makes it a truly memorable place to dine.

Sum Yung Guys

Location: 1/205 Weyba Rd, Noosaville, QLD 4566 Ph: (070 5324 1391

We’re back to Noosaville restaurants for our next vibrant eatery and, like Bang Bang Noosa (see above) its all about Asian fusion.

Founded by MasterChef Australia alumni Matt Sinclair and 3 mates – one of whom, Dylan Campbell, had worked in a cocktail bar specialising in Chinese medicinal tipples – it’s a definite dining hot spot.

And rightly so.

Hitting the beach, but missing a few things? Do you have a Sunshade? Are your towels bright and absorbent – or a little tired? How about the latest beach game for the kids? Well, don’t worry. Click here for all the current beach holiday essentials.

The open and airy restaurant is buzzy without feeling cramped. What’s more, it has a funky Asian vibe, without resorting to cliched decor.

And the food? Here, we’re back in the world of Small, Medium & Large plates which make sharing food such a joy.

The Mooloolaba Prawn Toast with Gochu Mayo is a smart mash-up of sweet local seafood and Korean chilli heat. Meanwhile, the Fragrant Lemongrass Salad with Pork Belly, Apple, Mint & Peanuts does that sweet, sour and aromatic thing that good Asian fusion does so well.

Happily, if you’re unsure what to order, the Sum Yung Guys crew have a Feed Me menu for $79pp which ticks off a number of their most coveted dishes.

Drinks-wise, beers and wines are all there, as you might expect. More unusually, there’s also a pretty broad Whiskey list. And yes. There are cocktails. After all, you’re probably on holiday, right? For us, the Smoke Bomb – Green Tea-Infused Mezcal, Campari & Yuzu Vermouth sounds like heaven in a glass.

ALBA Noosa

Location: 3 Alba Cl, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5211 1555

ALBA Noosa is less of a restaurant and more of a multi-faceted food empire in one sun-kissed package.

Renowned chef Peter Kuruvita overseas this slice of Sunshine Coast perfection. Within his orbit there’s a Cafe and a Pizzeria for those in search of more casual dining. If you fancy a pre-meal drink, there’s a bar. And there is, of course, the ALBA Restaurant which showcases Kuruvita’s signature Sir-Lankan-influenced dishes.

But that’s not all. ALBA by Kuruvita also encompasses a Providore, which stocks many of the items found in the restaurant. And there’s a state-of-the-art Chef’s Kitchen which fills a number of roles, such as a Cooking School and a sleek space for Private Dining.

If you choose to eat at the main restaurant, the kitchen curates a pair of Banquets, as well as a la carte. Happily, everything if designed to share.

Why not open with the rich Smoked Ocean Trout Pate ($16) and a feisty dish of Devilled Cashews, Curry Leaves, Pepper, Chilli & Salt ($12)? After that, the Seared Yellow Fin Tuna, Twice Cooked Pork Belly & Ruby Grapefruit ($28) is an addictive tropical take on surf ‘n’ turf. If seafood sets your heart racing, you really should order the Sri Lankan Snapper Curry ($45). This delight comes with Spiced Potato Dumpling, Coconut Sambal, Tamarind & Raita.

However, the ultimate treat is arguably the Mud Crabs. We recommend trying them with the Black Pepper Curry Leaf. Honestly, the flavour punch is a revelation.

Yes. All-in-all, ALBA is quite a foodie destination and, not surprisingly, one of Noosa’s top restaurants.

If you love your food with plenty of spice, see our guide to the Best Indian Restaurants in Brisbane

Bistro C

Location: 49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5447 2855

Noosa restaurants cover a variety of cuisines and range from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. But whatever your preference, it’s hard to go past a genuine beachfront restaurant and bar. Especially when is serves award winning food.

Bistro C is the full package. A stellar location looking out onto the beach. Generous windows perfectly framing those waterfront views and offering a cooling breeze from the ocean on a hot day. Stylish, summery decor, attentive, friendly staff and a chilled ambience. And great food.

For lunch, the Atlantic Salmon ($42) is divine with a frosty glass of white wine. Matched with Grilled Lemon Myrtle Polenta, Scorched Tomato, Asparagus, Shaved Fennel, Radish and a Green Oil, the dish is given texture by an addictively good Macadamia Pesto. Continuing the native ingredient influences, the White Chocolate & Davidson Plum Cheesecake ($16) is a stunner of a dessert. The astringency of the indigenous plums is softened by the sweetness of the white chocolate and the result is heavenly.

If you’re lucky enough to nab a table for dinner, there’s lots of exciting flavours in the Sticky Char Sui Pork Belly ($40). Accompanied by Prawn Fried Rice, a brilliant Pineapple Kimchi and a lively Plum & Tamarind Glaze, the whole dish dances on the palate. Similarly, the Karaage Bug Tail ($29) is full of surprises. Whilst still honouring its Japanese heritage, the Bistro C version leans more towards South East Asia with Green Mango and a Thai Basil & Chilli dressing.

Of course, Bistro C gets plenty of business as the sun begins to dip. After all, what could be nicer than sitting with an iced beer or a Chilli Coconut Margarita ($22) and an appetiser of Pacific Oysters ($30/58) as the sun sets?

If you find a better spot to soak up those holiday vibes, book us a seat.

Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co.

Location: 2/50 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5455 4378

Betty’s Burgers seem to have new outlets cropping up across Australia on an almost daily basis. But did you now that the original Betty’s Burgers and Concrete Co. hails from Noosa?

Yes, Noosa’s best known export is named for Betty Wallace’s legendary sandwich shop, which dished out her stellar “Betty’s Burgers” for a mere $1.

These days, Betty’s Burgers cost a little more, but the quality is still high and the range has expanded. From the Betty’s Classic through to the Spicy Chicken, everything is fresh and tasty.

Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co. - 2 Burgers on Table

Our to go is the Spicy Chicken ($15.60) – a winning combination of Fried Chicken, Tomato, Lettuce, Cheese, Bacon, Pickles and lively Sriracha Mayo. However, if you’re not a meat eater, no worries. The team at Betty’s Burgers will happily whip you up a Shroom Burger ($14.90) or even a Betty’s Classic Vegan Burger ($14.90).

Finally, make sure you check out the ‘concrete’ for dessert. Not sure what we’re talking about? Well, ‘concrete’ is the affectionate term for Betty’s frozen custard-based ice cream. And believe us – it’s delicious!

For a detailed review of Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co., see here.

Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant

Location: 2 Quamby Pl, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 Ph: (07) 5447 2455

Blissful calm.

That’s the ambience at Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant.

Whilst Hastings Street is the place to go for buzz and people watching, at Ricky’s it’s all about slowing down and taking in the sights. And what sights they are. For this classy eatery has truly show-stopping views over the Noosa River.

Food-wise, the menu is sophisticated Modern Australian, with a French spin here and there. Ricky’s actually has it’s own farm, tucked away in the glorious Noosa Hinterland, and the ingredients harvested there are matched in the kitchen with the finest local produce.

Entrees don’t get much better than the Baked Local Scallops, Vadouvan Butter, Cauliflower & Lardo ($29). Served on the half-shell, the seafood is beautifully pearlescent in the centre.

Amongst the Mains, the Whole Roasted Fish, Seaweed Butter, Pickled Fennel & Herb Salad (MP) is a perfect marriage of land and sea veg with fragrant fish flesh. In Contrast, the Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Mountain Top Mushrooms, Parmesan Crisp, Sage & Brown Butter ($39) balances sweet and earthy flavour profiles with ease.

Now call me indulgent, but I dare you to resist the enticing wobble of Ricky’s Passionfruit Souffle ($20). Paired with White Chocolate, Creme Fraiche & a just-tart-enough Passionfruit Curd, it’s divine.

As you might expect at a fine dining restaurant such as this, the Wine List is careful and considered. Similarly, the Cocktails are created for sipping on the deck and taking in the sunset, before settling down to a tranquil, delicious meal.

Ricky’s Noosa is a treat for all the senses – not least your eyes and taste buds. For a special meal, this is definitely one of the finest restaurants in Noosa.

Barangaroo in Sydney is becoming a dynamic precinct for food, drinks and more. Click here for our piece on the Best Restaurants in Barangaroo.

Noosa Boathouse

Location: 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, QLD 4566 Ph: (07) 5440 5070

Now, if you want to make the most of the natural charms of the beautiful Noosa River, it’s hard to go past the Noosa Boathouse.

What is the Boathouse? Well, it’s a 3 level destination restaurant, literally floating on the water. Not surprisingly, it’s extremely popular for weddings. After all, if you want somewhere romantic and unique for your reception, this classy bistro ticks all the right boxes.

But let’s go back a pace and talk you through the options at the Noosa Boathouse.

First up, there’s Little Boaty Coffee Bar. Handily situated on the front deck, this is the spot to grab a morning coffee and something simply like a Toastie or a house-baked Quiche.

In contrast, the Restaurant offers both Lunch and Dinner dining. Settle in with your waterfront view and enjoy the Smoked Chicken Salad ($22/32) with Pearl Cous Cous, Pecans, Grapes, Feta & more. Amongst the Mains, the Seafood Experience for 2 ($179) is a stand-out dish. This impressive 3-tiered offering includes Moreton Bay Bugs, Mooloolaba Prawns, Oysters, Chips and plenty more to tempt you.

Finally, if you’re anyway near this spot come sunset, head on up to the rooftop Sunset Bar. Whilst a cold Beer is always nice, we recommend diving into a Cocktail. Happily, the Noosa Boathouse a signature tipple that really captures the tropical Noosa vibe. A fruity mix of Bombay London Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, Pineapple, Cranberry, Lime & Soda – the Noosa River Sling ($19) slips down nicely.

Seriously, the beach is lovely, but sometimes, the River is better. Check out the Noosa Boathouse and see if you agree.

For some of the top Rooftop Bars in Brisbane, see our recommendations

Noosa & Surrounds

Noosa’s signature style is laid-back but invigorated, mixing the relaxed pace of beach living with a buzz created by the constant flow of visitors from all over Australia and the world.

Happily, the Noosa Council prides itself on its respect for and appreciation of the environment and has banned high-rise apartments and further development. As such, you can enjoy simple pleasures, like playing on the beach till the sun sets, without dodging looming shadows cast by apartments.

Noosa is also one of Queensland’s party towns, with popular events such as the Noosa Triathlon and the Noosa Long Weekend staged annually. However, you don’t need a big event to give you an excuse to visit Noosa for a holiday. What’s more, thanks to the all-year-round sunshine in Noosa, you can visit at any time for a fabulous break.

The closest airport to Noosa for international flights is in Brisbane, just a two-hour drive south, or if you are flying in from airports around Australia, there’s a domestic airport at Mooloolaba, just 30 minutes from Noosa.

Noosa isn’t just an idyllic beach and a couple of ‘eat streets.’ The Noosa Hinterland is dotted with great places to eat and drink with communities like Kin Kin and Eumundi (home to the popular Eumundi Markets) are well-worth a trip. There are breweries, distilleries and farmhouse kitchens, as well as charming cafes and bakeries, all waiting to be explored:

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Dylan Cole

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