Noosa is known for its quality dining, with many of its restaurants waterfront and featuring local produce. In fact, the 2023 Australian Good Food Guide recognised a whopping 10 of the area’s restaurants for their food offering.
But with so many restaurants to choose from in Noosa, not to mention cuisines offered, it can be tricky to choose where to eat, particularly if you’re visiting only for a weekend.Â
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of local’s favourites, from a refined Italian a few steps back from Noosa Main Beach, to a venue institution serving Modern Australian and a wine list with drops from no less than three working wine cellars.
Bistro C
Positioned beachfront at Noosa’s Laguna Bay, Bistro C lets you look out onto the crashing waves as you tuck into lunch or dinner. Both menus are mainly seafood, but also feature Asian dishes like Chana Marsala, Tom Kah Talay curry and Mandarin Glazed Duck. If you’re not keen to eat here, head for a post-swim cocktail, and catch a pink and purple beach sunset.
Locale Noosa
Locale Noosa is surrounded by gardens, just a few steps from Noosa Main Beach, along main drag Hastings Street. The menu here draws heavily on Italian tradition, but changes seasonally – think dishes handmade foccacia, burrata with carrot marmalade, and squid ink tagliatelle tossed with spanner crab, chilli and butter.
Lucio’s Marina
Lucio’s Marina is the next chapter of the Galletto family’s long history in hospitality, which began with a restaurant in Northern Italy in the 1950s and, most recently, an eatery called Lucio’s in Paddington that closed in early 2021. Set on the waterfront at Noosa Marina, Lucio’s Marina features a mainly seafood menu designed to transport you to Northern Italy.
Sails Beach Restaurant
Sails Beach Restaurant and Bar on Noosa Main Beach is an institution, serving a Modern Australian menu that’s inspired by the ocean and fresh, local produce. The restaurant is ideal for a long lunch or romantic dinner, and has a wine list that taps into its three working cellars.Â
Alba by KuruvitaÂ
Tucked away in Noosa Heads, Alba by Kuruvita has a cafe, pizzeria, restaurant and cocktail bar, as well as a kitchen that hosts cooking classes and private chefs’ tables. The restaurant’s menu is a blend of global flavours, but celebrates Sunshine Coast produce and the chef’s childhood, growing up in Sri Lankan.Â
Bang BangÂ
Bang Bang along Hastings Street showcase Southeast Asian cuisine in a sharing-style menu. Chandeliers hang from its high ceilings, dimly lighting the restaurant. The menu is extensive, offering curries, noodles, seafood and salad. For drinks, grab a cocktail, cocktail or beer.Â
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