So it unfortunately rained 90% of the time I was in Noosa this year. Benefits of this included not being able to do anything else except eat. Negatives of this included the fact that I had a toddler in arms who discovered the art of tantrum in high chairs. Live and let die though right? When in Noosa and its raining = eat. Thus I bring you my go-to list of deliciousness for the “sunshine” coast.
Locale for a dimmed dinner date
If you’re OK with spending $40 for a bowl of pasta, pretend your in an underground bar in Sydney and drinking your way through the cocktail menu then this won’t disappoint. It’s a stretch of the imagination to assume this is Italian as the ‘authentic’ lines are very blurred. High chairs, kids menu and booking required = yep. Ricky’s (fancy)
O ren for when you’re sick of ‘Modern Australian’ and crave Umami
Craft beer first, South East Asian fusion second but somehow the food trumps the beer. I don’t know whether it’s because after a week of Australian fine dining I was in desperate need for sweet, sour and salty and O Ren definitely delivers for the old time favs like massaman, dumplings, spring rolls and basically anything from the East.
Betty’s for when your curiosity over the length of the line gets the better of you
A Betty’s burger is basically like the Shake Shake of Noosa. Guilty thick shakes and American burgers with super quick and smiley service and a pretty good wine and beer selection. You’ll struggle to only go once… fortunately or unfortunately… that’s up to you.
10 Hastings for a chilled start to your morning with great service and menu
Think of a surfy Byron meets Bondi vibe for 10 Hastings. Giant breakfast burger that and all you need acai smoothie bowl kinda place with great coffee. Also if you’re finding yourself hibernating to one end of Hastings street it’s not a bad idea to wander up the road.
Bistro C for when a $20 fruit plate doesn’t bother you because you need to be surrounded by that interior design
Let’s not beat around the bush, Bistro C menu isn’t the greatest value for money but remember the number one rule for beach holidays: if you can see the ocean, be prepared to spend. Putting the blow out aside and how busy it can get, this is just gorgeous. Gorgeous interior, gorgeous staff, gorgeous menu. Just gorgeous, darling.
Tanglewood for the takeaways
Morning or afternoon tea for probably my favourite coffee in Noosa and $10 toasties made from the freshly baked bread. Sold.
Happy hour (that doesn’t really exist) at The Surf Club
It may be an insane frenzy trying to find a table, get a drink and order food but it’s one you probably won’t regret. OK.. so this is not for the ones who like a quiet space. This is hectic. Nothing more, nothing less. Just the hectic overlooks the most stunning view and makes you immediately feel like you’re living the best kind of Queensland surf life saving club life. Note: no ID, no entry, no matter the age on this one. Random, I know.
Belmondos Organic Market for when it’s pouring with rain
Need to get in the car and go do something or just over the beach? Belmondos is like a co-op of cool people in Noosa doing cool things. Bakery, butcher, supermarket, cafe, skin care etc etc etc.
250 Grammi for seriously some of the best pizza I’ve had in Australia
Served by a cheery thickly accented Italian, told the produce comes twice a week from Italy, imaginative yet authentic menu of handmade pastas, risottos and breads but the pizza… the pizza… oh man that pizza. You gettin my drift? Worth the little drive to Noosaville? YES.
Sails Restaurant, Ricky’s River Bar & Season Restaurant for Modern Australian at its finest
I combined these guys for a few reasons. 1) similar price tag (that being very, very high) 2) similar wine menu (all the deliciousness starting at $60-$80 mark) but mainly because 3) similar menus. I say this as I literally ordered Spanner Crab Spaghetti at all three places in the space of four days. All three were nothing but pure, white table cloth yum.
Last but certainly not least, Sum Yung Guys for you know, Matt Sinclair
Book your table at Sum Yum Guys the second you book your flights and still keep your fingers crossed you can get a table. This is in major hot demand and it’s warranted. Think the love child of anything cooked by David Thompson with a Chin Chin coolness attached and smack that among Queensland produce and you’ve got yourself a meal that you will truly not forget.