Tingirana Noosa - Luxury Beachfront Noosa Accommodation

Breakfast at Tingirana

Wonder no further than our very own guest lounge for your morning fix! Offered daily from 7am, a fresh variety of croissants, chia pudding & fruit cups.

Rock Salt

Perhaps part of Rock Salt’s allure is the neighbourhood it sits in, tucked away a few doors up from the famous Rickys River Bar & Restaurant on Quamby Park. Overlooking the green space of the park, the river and its boats discernible through the trees and a large open indoor dining area dominated by long banquette style seating creates and immediate sense of tranquillity and space. Dining outside by candlelight is also a wonderful option, especially for those with children: the Quamby Park playground is within polite yelling distance.

But! The food!! Chef and Co-Owner Stuart Webster has taken decades of classical training and experience in French restaurants and manors to create a menu that oozes sophisticated bistro charm. Of course, being located smack bang in the middle of the Sunshine Coast’s gastronomic produce bowl, Chef relies heavily on local ingredients rather than oodles of truffle and snails, and he certainly isn’t beyond influences from our closest Asian neighbours. The result is a refined and inspired menu delivered with precision. Are you drooling yet? No? Get a napkin, quick.

For those who love a two (or three) entrée meal instead of the standard Entrée + Main, Rock Salt is an absolute delight. Tempura Fried Fresh Asparagus with hollandaise sits next to Twelve Hour Braised Beef Cheeks with penang curry, roasted coconut, peanuts and kaffir lime, whilst the Moreton Bay Bug Ravioli of confit garlic, chervil, lemon butter sauce and crispy capers is divine. The French cuisine dominates the Mains, with Chef Stuart’s signature dish of Crispy Roasted Duck, garlic spinach, orange and thyme jus and crispy onion rings an absolute standout. Of course, the French are also very well known for dessert: Butterscotch Schnapps Crème Brulee or the cooked to order Raspberry, Almond and White Chocolate Pudding? Be prepared for a long decision making process here.

Thankfully, a shortish yet comprehensive wine list covers all bases with some excellent tipples. Best of all, if you’ve been saving that special bottle of pinot, Rock Salt are happy to pour for a reasonable corkage fee.

As the nights get warmer and afternoons begin to stretch out, Rock Salt is an excellent option for families. Whilst there’s no printed menu, Chef Stuart and his team are happy to create made to order steak, pasta or fish with the same level of care and style as the rest of the decidedly adult menu. Located right next to a large green space and just a short ride from Tingirana on the Noosa Ferry, Rock Salt is an outstanding choice for an early dinner out with the family, or a special bistro meal for two.

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Noosa Waterfront Restaurant

Tucked behind the Noosa Yacht Club on a quiet stretch of water off the river is arguably one of Noosa’s best options for incredible food in a beautiful and calming setting. Just entering Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar is itself a little magical. Stroll along with hands clasped via footbridge or through a stand of gnarled fig trees to the large dining area, one embracing the outdoors with views to the water, lawn, trees and glimpses of the Noosa River just beyond. Understated and elegant styling, high ceilings and the lapping of water as a boat slowly cruises by completes the luxuriously relaxed feeling: Noosa Waterfront is an experience to sink into.

This is high-end Italian cuisine hitting the sweet spot between tradition and modern technique. Owner and Chef Andrea Ravezzani knows Italian food intimately as a Milan native, has trained in some of Europe’s finest culinary schools and restaurants, is the recipient of gastronomic awards abroad and, most tellingly, is consistently on national gong lists here. Excellent technique, seasonal local produce and the simple knowledge of what tastes good have propelled Noosa Waterfront into Italian cuisine royalty.

Lunch and Dinner offer slight variations, but follow the traditional Italian style. The Schiacciata all’ aglio (Garlic Pizza Bread) is about as un-fancy as it gets on this menu, and yet true to Italian style, remains a standout. On the Stuzzichini course, the Tortina di Funghi of buckwheat tart and wild mushroom pate or Pesce Spada, a swordfish cheeseburger, suggest early on that this menu is more than Napoli sauce and different kinds of pasta. The Spaghetti isn’t just covered in a Bolognese, but tropical north Queensland lobster, grilled cherry tomatoes, preserved lemon and bisque. And on the pasta, it’s made in house, along with the bread. Secondi Piatti range from Cacciucco, a Classic Tuscan seafood stew, or Vitello of Veal tenderloin stuffed with figs and chestnuts. Still not convinced? The Tingirana team can say with absolute conviction that if the savoury section of the menu doesn’t have you convinced, the sweet will. The Tiramisu and Gelato are executed with precision, but stray from the norm and you will be rewarded with some of Noosa’s best desserts. The Cioccolato features dulce de lece, piedmont hazelnut chocolate cremaiux, milk skin and dark chocolate cake. There are sublime moments with lemon tarts and Italian meringue, or strawberry, elderflower and the softest of vanilla cakes. The Tingirana team implores you: just leave room for dessert, okay?

Then there’s the award winning and carefully curated wine list spanning the globe and vast (delicious) cocktail menu. By its own admission, the Noosa Waterfront also has a ‘healthily large’ range of gin. But perhaps the other element which makes this elegant dining experience superb, is the staff faultlessly maintaining excellence in service from the front of house to the back.

This is fine, yet relaxed dining at its absolute best and it is a perfect experience regardless of whether it’s a lunch with friends or family, a romantic dinner or simply a congratulatory stop for a glass of prosecco and a little caviar on your afternoon walk. For those with children, there is a large grassed area out the front of the restaurant and staff who are more than happy to indulge polite little humans. Best of all? There’s no need to drive: take the Noosa Ferry up and back to complete the la dolce vita experience.

Sum Yung Guys

You know a restaurant is good when it opens up bookings for the first time in months and the following reservation frenzy breaks the phone line, literally.

Yes, Sum Yung Guys has been missing from the Noosa culinary scene for a few months as these talented boys move to bigger premises, and oh how locals and visitors alike have missed them. Once high on the Sunshine Beach hill, this popular restaurant can now be found on Weyba Rd alongside those greats of the Noosa coffee and bread scene, Little Cove Coffee and The Bakers Pantry, the waters of Weyba Creek just discernible through the mangroves. Granted, the view isn’t as pretty as the Sunshine Beach luxe we’re used to, but on the plus side, there’s a lot more elbow room and a much bigger kitchen to pump out those SYG favourites.

The physical maturation represented by this move is one of the most exciting things about SYG 2.0. Heavy wooden doors at the entrance hint at hidden Japanese izakayas, an uber sexy club lounge has been designed with bucketloads of the exotic Far East, while the profusion of plants and alleyway graffiti nods to the heat and steam of Asia in monsoon. It’s less cosy than before, but in these COVID times, that’s not necessarily a bad thing and besides, it also means less chance of someone swooping in on your roti #notsharing.

The SYG team have taken the time off to refine the big hitters on their Asian-fusion menu, whilst adding a few new delicious creations. SYG 2.0 still features the roti (thank heavens!) and Hiramasa Kingfish but new dishes like Black Pepper + Turmeric School Prawns with Makrut Lime and BBQ Bangalow Port, Sour Apple and Cucumber Relish are sure to impress. Aromatic cocktails remain a feature, with spritzy The Katut reminding us of those heady Bali days with house made jamu, bourbon, amaretto, pineapple and ginger beer. The Squirtle nods to more Australasian flavours of gin, lemon myrtle and lime.

As always, book far far far in advance to avoid looking mournfully from the pathway like a stray Bangkok hound, with nothing more to remind you of SYG 2.0 than the heady aroma of ginger, chilli, coconut and all the good things to you didn’t get to eat.

This is not a child friendly outing. Please see our friendly reception for childminding options.

Dance away at Rococo on Hastings street

There’s something about Rococo that puts a little swagger in your hips, a shine in your sunglasses and perhaps, a cheeky grin on your lips.

Chic and beachy umbrellas, alfresco dining and Mediterranean décor dominate the interior design at Rococo’s, with a turfed area front and centre adding a charmingly kitsch stage for performers. From DJs with wonderous haircuts, to gifted jazz artists and talented musicians, there’s always music to get your shoulders swinging here. It all sounds very grown up, but one of the most endearing aspects of the Rococo ethos is its cognition within the menu that yes, some adults have children and yes, those adults like to eat at bars and restaurants that are stylish too.

Lance McKenzie, of ex- Vue De Monde in Melbourne and the Four Seasons Shanghai fame, has headed the culinary team at Rococo’s for over a decade, proving yet again that great local produce and excellent technique is a match made in foodie heaven. Covering all dining options from hearty breakfasts with all the usual suspects, to coffee, cake and stylish bar snacks, it is the lunch and dinner menus that really stand out. Built upon an Italian base with Mediterranean influences, this is where the true essence of Rococo style and excellence shines.

Catering to ‘light’ lunch options such as Frittata with smoked ocean trout, leek, asparagus and chive, as well as salads, a delicious Ploughman’s Antipasto and Zuppa of spiced pumpkin and chickpea soup, pancetta, parmesan and bruschetta, even a quick bite here is a delicious turn through Europe. There’s also a traditional Italian menu covering Lunch and Dinner with Antipasti, Pasta, Secondi and Contorno, all showcasing excellent local produce like Bindaree Farm Eye Fillet, Fraser Isle Spanner Crab and local Heirloom tomatoes.

But wait, there’s more. The Hastings St after dark scene has some heavy hitters when it comes to providing just the right ambience of mood lighting and chic romance: Rococo is one of the best! Open till late with a dizzying range of wines, whiskeys, beers, liqueurs and everything in between (local and international), it’s their cocktail list that really titillates. How about a Rococobana Beach, a Spice Up My Wife or a Wake Me Up Before You Coco?

Lounging on an outdoor table or perching up at the bar and pretending you’re on some exotic, uber stylish European island is really not that hard at Rococo’s!

Dining delights at Ricky's River Bar & Restaurant

Elegantly cool, stunningly beautiful and gazing out over the Noosa River with an approachable smile, Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant continues to be an immovable force on nation’s dining card. A constant in culinary awards, magazines and Insta feeds, the team at Ricky’s are never far from the minds (or stomachs) of locals and visitors alike.

Cool white and warming wood interiors complement serene and expansive views of the Noosa River. Crisp linens grace the tables along with clean-edged glassware, juxtaposed against the more earthen and organic lines of bespoke dinnerware. Above, ceiling art floats in the breeze and around the table exceptional wait staff tread the line between innocuity and professional watchfulness. Before a menu is open, the scene is set for a stylish and memorable experience.

With the kitchen under the hatted experienced of Josh Smallwood (ex Mecca, Grossi Florentino and Interlude) and as a beneficiary of the Ogilvie Group’s famed Maravista Farm, food served at Ricky’s is an earthy blend of hero-ed produce and exceptional technique. Entrées like Baked Noosa Scallops, vadouvan butter, cauliflower and lardo or Roasted Butternut Pumpkin, pepita milk, black sesame labna, padron pepper and coriander oil stand out in a perfect blend of Modern European and Australian cuisine. The Pasture-fed eye fillet is paired with hassleback potatoes and red wine jus. The Casarecce is a vegetarian triumph of truffle butter, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, creamed ricotta and pangratatto. And in the meantime, Ricky’s signature dish, the Spanner Crab Spaghettini remains the a bowl of goodness punters try again and again to replicate at home, an homage to that heady afternoon or evening spent in the warm embrace of comforting excellence.

For Tingirana guests, getting to Ricky’s and indulging in a long culinary experience couldn’t be easier. The Noosa Ferry drops patrons off at the Ricky’s jetty. Romancing? Book the Gondolas of Noosa for a luxurious touch. And for those travelling with little ones, rejoice. There is space for legs to run and even a wonderful park within eyeline of your Sunset Martini or Special G&T.

Enjoy Noosa river views at Gusto

Elevated slightly to take advantage of those gorgeous Noosa River views, Gusto has been lauding it over the Gympie Terrace dining scene since 1999. A favourite with locals because of its robust and seasonal Mod-Med menu, excellent service and relaxed atmosphere, Gusto delivers. Consistently. Their inclusion in the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival this year, with their Duck and Pinot Noir Lunch on the 12^th and 13^th of March speaks volumes: this is not a tired outfit clutching at loyal straws, but a restaurant deserving of its status as Noosa Dining Royalty.

As mentioned, the menu is seasonal. Moya Valley Chicken Pate might be a regular, but Fresh Local Figs and Burrata will be gone next month. Mains are traditional, with Eggplant Parmigiana sitting beside Grilled Eye Fillet with a Café de Paris Butter, whilst the Sunday Pork Roast is a crowd favourite. And for dessert? All the usual suspects are in attendance, including Crème Brulee and a wonderful plate of chocolate done four ways.

The Cocktail List is fresh, but it is the Wine List which will send those with a semblance of sommelier about them into quiet nods of approval. Australian and New Zealand wines are well represented, but of varietals the French do exceedingly well in, the menu reflects this expertise. Oh for a rosé that’s bone-French-dry! Speaking of which, Gusto also runs a number of weekly dining specials, including a Bottomless Rosé Lunch every Saturday (book this one in! Oh, and catch the Noosa Ferry or an Uber before returning to bliss out at Tingirana).

With white interiors showcasing the green and blues of the Noosa River, this is the perfect spot for a long lunch or lazy evening watching the colours change as you sip on an excellent drop, waiting for well plated and delicious food. There’s no pea foam or strangely flavoured globes of jelly at Gusto, just great Mod-Med cuisine using local produce, served well in a beautiful location.

Whilst children are welcomed and catered for, bring your distraction of choice- this is an upmarket restaurant and there is limited room for little legs to move.

Bang Bang Noosa

Asian fusion, as a cuisine, has certainly infiltrated the Australian dining scene, a boon for those with spice driven palates everywhere. Not all menus are created equal however, with Bang Bang standing out from the pack. Following on from its Byron Bay success, Bang Bang has launched its second creation in Noosa, bringing explosive Asian fusion flavours whilst fitting right in with the high end feel of Hastings St.

Located in the courtyard directly behind Aromas, Bang Bang’s huge chandelier and high lead glass windows lend a decidedly luxurious element to the rest of the décor, which features the kind of weathered walls you’d find in an Indonesian warung. Don’t be fooled though, this superlative, modern restaurant is delivering delicious and artfully prepared food.

Adhering to the custom of shared plates, the menu is divided into portion sizes, from ‘Little Bangs’ to ‘Big Bangs’ and a range of curries, stir fries and salads. Perhaps most comforting of all is the familiarity of the dishes: Salt and Pepper Tofu or Squid sits beside Crispy Master Stock Duck, Pad Thai and Braised Beef Massaman. The finesse is in the delivery however, with dishes spiced to perfection and presented like a painted Asian masterpiece, a feast for eyes and the taste buds. There’s also a number of different Bang-quets to choose from, including those catering to vegetarians and pescatarians.

The drinks list is similarly expert in its delivery, but with an Asian flavour. Miyagi’s Margi is a fresh and chilli inspired margarita, while the Sumatran Bounty Hunter is a play on an espresso martini. Don’t worry, Aperol Spritz in its usual form is present, along with lagers and wine.

Making the most of open airy spaces, this is relaxed coastal dining at its best. Situated as it is next to the Sebel courtyard, there is room for children to move and with lots of non-spiced options on the menu, there’s sustenance for the little people as well.

O’Ren Brew House and Modern Asian Restaurant

Up a short flight of stairs, set back from the road and with enviable views over Hastings St, O’Ren has flown under the radar as far as excellence in mod-Asian dining in Noosa goes. Quietly delivering fantastic food and locally crafted beers, this restaurant and brew house is a favourite amongst locals.

Brought to you by the same slick team from Copperhead Brewery in Cooroy, O’Ren is relaxed, with a more authentic nod to our SE Asian. With a profusion of paper lanterns, homely decor and serpentine dragons, the unpretentious atmosphere allows the food presented here to really shine.

There are all the usual suspects based on the size of your appetite, from Prawn Crackers or Lotus Chips, to Karaage Chicken or Salt and Pepper Cuttlefish, Tempura Prawns or Pork Belly with a pineapple caramel. The Red Braised Lamb Shoulder is a stand out, as is the Clay Pot of Seafood in a delicate turmeric coconut curry. This tour of the Asian continent is not what separates this restaurant from the pack however -this is mod-Asian cuisine after all- but rather the consistently high quality of each and every dish, across a range of epicurean localities each and every time. There’s even a Kids Menu with slight Asian variations on the usual Aussie fare, like Chicken Fried Rice and Karaage Chicken and fries. For those of us who cut our teeth on Chinese banquets in cavernous red tasselled dining halls, the dessert of Fried Ice Cream is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but without the thick coated, MSG laden stir-fries beforehand.

There’s a relatively brief but well thought out wine list, including French rose (dry only- thank heavens!) and other varietals from regions where they grow best. For the beer lovers, order a tasting paddle of Copperhead’s best brews, or just work your way through the comprehensive menu. From easy drinking mid strength to the Gogo Miso, a Japanese rice lager or the aptly named Bald Guy (a classic pale ale), a session at O’Ren offers some of Noosa’s best mod-Asian and locally brewed beers.

Whilst there is a children’s menu and the vibe is relaxed, there are few spaces for little legs to stretch. Bring some ‘sitting still’ entertainment.

La Vida

There’s something attractively Mediterranean about dining al fresco under big white umbrellas, with crisp white linen and a slight breeze cooling you off as the promise of summer starts to heat up the air. La Vida Seafood Restaurant, on Hastings St is one such establishment, providing effortlessly cool dining vibes with the added bonus of people watching. Oh! And with the benefit of an award winning chef presenting excellent food too!

After not one but several incredibly successful ventures in Tasmania, Sarah and Nicholas of La Vida have made the move to warmer climes. Bad for Hobart, great for Noosa. Here at La Vida on Hastings St, seafood is served in the Italian style, with the menu divided into traditional Primi, Secondi, Contorni and Antipasti elements. Try the Fior di Zucchini of flowers, Mooloolaba prawn mousse and tomato oil for starters, Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon, roasted pistachios, tomatoes and olives for main with a side of locally sourced Caprise salad. Just want pasta? The Fettucini di Mare is the stuff of seafood and carbohydrate dreams. Meat eaters are also well taken care of, with a Cape Grimm eye fillet paired with charred broccolini and smoked potatoes. Even the olives have their own heritage with a local twist, with the warm green, ligurian and Spanish olives and Meredith farm goats cheese a perfect way to start the your love affair with La Vida.

The wine list makes a long nod to Tasmanian grown varietals, as well as additions from Italy, France and a smattering of Australian wines. In this, just making the time to sip on a glass of the Musselroe Sav Blanc from Tasmania or an NV Canti Prosecco DOC Brut, direct from Veneto, Italy over a dozen of La Vida’s excellent oysters (from Tasmania of course!) will have you humming Volare in your best Italian accent.

This is Italian excellence without any of the heaviness in décor nor cuisine, right on Tingirana’s doorstep.

Explore Noosa Junction night life

Starting at the Noosa Hill end of Sunshine Beach Road, two Noosa dining icons set the scene early. Bombetta serves up yummy Italian fare with their usual slick service, whilst next door’s Light Years Asian Diner continues its efforts to inject high-level chic into their particular brand of tiki-asian fusion. Further along, the Village Bicycle remains the stalwart of Noosa Junction’s drinking scene with its Melbourne laneway inspired beer garden and good vibes feel. However, it’s the new kids on the Junction block who are creating a growing sense of interest and patronage from locals and visitors alike.

Just around the corner from Bombetta and Light Years on Sunshine Beach Rd is Somedays Pizza, where a 48hr ferment results in chewy crusts and crispy bases paired with sustainable, organic and locally sourced toppings. The drinks menu is very well rounded, with a wine list covering both Italian and Australian varietals. Inside, it’s all frosted glass and dark woods, while an enormous traditional pizza oven sits presiding over the fun from the rear. On the pizza side of things, there’s a refreshingly small selection, with some old favourites like Capricosa and Peppe&Roni, but also a host of ‘blond’ pizzas like Lost In A Forest with its wine and butter sauteed mushroom, spinach, balsamic onions and goats cheese, as well as the aptly named All The Cheese pizza which is pretty self-explanatory with the addition of walnuts and local honey comb. The salads and charcuterie plates are also delicious, but if you’d rather explore a more equatorial theme for dinner, you don’t have to walk far from here.

Mr Drifter is a wonderful little ‘hole in the wall’ bar and eatery completely punching above its weight in funky vibes and delicious fare. Based on local street foods found throughout Asia, you can expect Kadai Pakistan Chicken to sit beside Sri Lankan beef cheek and Bombay Loaded Potatoes or Togarashi Squid. The Drinks Menu is equally strong, with beer and cocktails featuring large. The Nam Tam Tipple of pampero rum, pomegranate molasses, vietnamese mint and lemon juice is like a walk along the fine streets of Hanoi, whilst a host of local and imported beers are excellent foils to the spicy asian plates. The wine list is spartan, and begins with the aptly named ‘White Plonk’ by the glass, which is an excellent reason to get out of your Chardonnay and Pinot rut, and try something deliciously new.

If you’d prefer something a little more sleek, Pucca, Noosa’s (and possibly Australia’s) only Indian and Gin Bar is a sophisticated addition to the eateries along Sunshine Beach Rd. Identifying with Modern Coastal Indian cuisine, for those without a PhD in Indian food, a handy glossary at the back of the menu explains the less mainstream foods such as puchadi, balachung and puchka. This is fine dining with spice and as you’d expect, the service, cocktail and drinks menu are of a calibre to match. Pucca is a definite favourite with the Tingirana team.

Have a bite and a sip at each of these newcomers, before finishing the night at the ‘Bike or stop for a cocktail at Eddie Cheeba’s on Arcadia St. Either way, you’ll be feeling completely on-trend after a night out in the Junction.

Wasabi Restaurant and Bar

Location: 2 Quamby place, Noosaville

Opening Hours: 5pm until late

The imposing concrete, glass and wood façade greeting visitors as they enter the riverfront building housing Wasabi is a clever statement about the kind of luxurious, deceivingly minimalist and oh so precise Japanese cuisine contained within. From the tableware hand-thrown and individually glazed by a local artisan, to the homage to seasonal flavours guided by produce from Wasabi’s very own Honeysuckle Hill Farm right down to the ancient traditions involving Bincho-Tan, water specially filtered onsite through Japanese white charcoal, this is not simply a restaurant but a complete aesthetic experience.

With a plethora of accolades including being awarded Two Chef Hats every year since 2014 by the Good Food Guide, this is hallowed ground for any gourmand worth their freshly grated wasabi. The wine list is exceptional too. To that end, whilst children are not discouraged from accompanying parents to Wasabi, little darlings may be better off left with a babysitter and less meticulous surroundings.

Vanilla Food

Location: 2/10 Lanyana Way, Noosa Heads

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 7.30am - 5pm / Sunday - closed

The Noosa Junction has begun to come alive with cool, fresh eateries, homewares and boutique shopfronts, with the addition of an entire space devoted to nourishing food with a ‘rustic twist’ in Vanilla Food yet another feather in the retail precinct’s on-trend cap. With its flagship eatery housed over in the Noosaville industrial estate is Belmondos Market, the Lanyana Way embodiment of this organic, wholesome ‘food is medicine’ way of eating is not just good for your body, but a pleasure for all the senses.

High white ceilings, long share tables, coastal décor and a scandi-inspired faded wood theme spills seamlessly from next door, where Noosa’s darling of the interior decorating scene, Clo Studio, is housed: their influence in Vanilla Food’s outfit is everywhere and it is soothingly beautiful. Just like the food.

Perhaps making a morning or lunch here in this beautiful space even more enjoyable is the knowledge that Vanilla Food is a passionate advocate for the environment, evidenced through strong recycling and composting systems and the minimisation of waste by limiting single use plastics. Even better, if you feel like communing with nature (or just your luxury holiday apartment) while eating their flavoursome dishes, Vanilla Food have, quite arguably, one of the most nutritious catering menus in the country.

The Spirit House

Location: Yandina, Sunshine Coast

Opening Hours: 7 days - lunch & dinner

Part of the appeal of holidaying at Tingirana is its proximity to everything Noosa, from the cafes and boutiques of Hastings St to the spectacular natural beauty of the Noosa National Park. One dining experience which completely justifies a 40-minute drive away from Main Beach however is the Spirit House in Yandina. Situated on an unassuming country road just outside of this small hinterland town is a space which so clearly evokes a sense of Thailand, its cuisine, décor and ambiance that, if not for the Australian accents, might trick you into believing you’d landed in Chiang Mai, not Yandina. With tables cloistered around a large picturesque water feature and a menu which has inspired several bestselling cookbooks, an unbelievably popular cooking school (book at least a month in advance) and numerous sell-out South East Asian food tours, Spirit House is a must dine in the Sunshine Coast restaurant scene. A recently opened bar on site is yet another feather in the Spirit House cap, a wonderful space to work up an appetite for a menu featuring local produce with a distinctly Thai flavour. Unfortunately, Spirit House does not cater to children, but good news is never far away: the friendly staff at Tingirana have access to many qualified babysitters. With consistently excellent fare and impeccable staff, Spirit House is a definite must for any Sunshine Coast stay.

Season Restaurant

Location: 25 Hastings Street
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 9.00pm daily
Located at the entrance of Tingirana Noosa on Hastings Street.

Season Restaurant offers Tingirana Noosa guests breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Great service and fresh seasonal food Season provides casual beachfront dining overlooking Noosa Main Beach and Laguna Bay. Everyone loves their afternoon cocktails with a late lunch!

Bookings are recommended during peak season. Visit the Season Restaurant for more information.

Sails Noosa Restaurant

Opening Hours: 12pm until late

Nestled in the crook of Main Beach’s warm sandy arm and with 180 degree views of Laguna Bay, Sails Restaurant is a dining institution exuding everything associated with the beach side town.

It’s the freshness of an early morning plunge and a brew from the coffee cart, the refreshing breeze and sounds of the beach as a creative, ethically sourced modern Australian lunch is served and the romance of sunset with a special loved one, sipping on champagne. Yes, location is everything here but it is substantiated with an understated elegance, an award winning wine list and a menu paying homage to local growers, organic methods and clean, thoughtful plating.Sails’ direct access to the beach also makes it perfect for families with a number of dining options for children on the menu.Yes, any time of day at Sails Restaurant is magical, but be warned: for a table that’s front and centre, especially over the ethereal sunset hour, book well (perhaps months) in advance.

Rickys River Restaurant and Bar

Location: Quamby place, Noosa Sound

Opening Hours: 12pm - 12am

With views of the river and hinterland stretching endlessly outside and clean coastal decor enveloping patrons in soothing whites, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant demands relaxation. This high end establishment is a Noosa stalwart for good reason: chef and staff provide guests with one of the region’s best dining experiences available. An extensive wine and cocktail list, old favourites such as Spanner crab spaghettini and passionfruit soufflé as well as a seasonal, local produce led menu and quietly exceptional service make for a lunch, afternoon or evening to remember. The menu also caters well for children with a grassy area and playground nearby perfect for giving little legs room to move.

Pucca Restaurant

Location: 19 Sunshine beach road, Noosa Junction

Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 5.30pm until late

Housed in Noosa Junction’s newest dining and retail scene, The Pavilions, Pucca sits front and centre overlooking the bustling panorama like a chic Indian Maharaja, ready to hand down edicts of the best eats and drinks from across the land. It’s safe to say that Pucca represents the first Indian restaurant to also moonlight as a gin cocktail bar, but just like saffron and mango together might twang in your ears, on the plate and as an experience in this wonderful restaurant, it is a culinary awakening.

Tropical plants, an abundance of cane furniture and a large glass wall showcasing the chefs in action lend a decidedly coastal opulence to the space. But it is the menu which steals the show here. Divided into small, medium and large dishes and replete with a glossary of ingredients (hallelujah!), offerings such as Masala Buffalo Fillet which is spiced and seared with fermented chilli paste and toasted garlic, or house made Paneer Stuffed Eggplant with tamarind jaggery caramel and green chilli are far beyond standard Indian cuisine. For those purists, there are a number of curries on the menu (we can highly recommend the Keralan Fish Curry) whilst to finish, the Mango Kulfi Popsicle is an absolute delight: sweet, cold and with echoes of saffron and pistachio, this is a beautiful way to end the meal.

Another delightful and surprising addition is a Kids Menu with Mumbai Pizza, Butter Chicken or Fish and Chips, as well as more than your average room to move in a restaurant of this calibre. Pucca definitely represents an Indian experience beyond the norm of Chicken Kormas and Garlic Naan.

Embassy XO Restaurant

Location: Sunshine Beach

Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday

With an impressive interior of reds, oranges and moody dark furnishings in Sunshine Beach works seamlessly in this wonderful space overlooking the Norfolk Pines of what is an exclusive ocean side enclave. The menu is equally impressive and far from suburban Australia’s version of Chinese, with the Peppered Wagyu Porterhouse, its honeyed pumpkin cream, pearl onion petals and black pepper caramel a far cry from the ubiquitous ‘sweet and sour beef’ of old. Refreshingly, vegetarians are amply catered for with a full menu devoted to non-meat eaters. The accompanying wine bar is a destination in itself for stylish cocktails or aperitifs before dinner whilst Yum Cha over weekend lunch times provides a delightful diversity of dishes for a few hours out of the midday sun. Whilst Embassy XO welcomes children, there are no menus specifically designed for them: dishes must be ordered from the Dinner or Yum Cha Menu.

Pitchfork Restaurant

Location: Peregian Beach, Noosa

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 12 - 2pm / 5 - 8.30pm

Located in an unassuming corner facing the Peregian Beach Village Square, Pitchfork has that magical quality of being both high end and luxuriously casual. After a delicious light lunch of seared tuna carpaccio, tomato, roast olives, green bean and gribiche washed down with a glass of buttery chardonnay after a hard morning of browsing the boutiques? Perhaps you’re waiting for your partner to finish just that: why not start with the crowd favourite of green olives stuffed with merguez sausage or a baked goats cheese with honey walnut truffle dressing and crispy toast? They’ll probably shop faster next time!

Owners Kim and Craig Galea are long time Sunshine Coast locals and now heavy hitters on the dining scene, with a swag of awards and a huge local following. With simple, rustic décor featuring muted colours of driftwood and coastal sand and tables facing the green and open expanse of the square, dining here over lunch or dinner is a special occasion; one where kicking your shoes off under the table is completely acceptable. Children are also very welcome, and with the square and its stage perfect for playing on just enough far away enough to enjoy an adult conversation, but close enough to watch and observe your little ones, Pitchfork is perfect for a delightful family outing.

Noosa Gin Distillery

Location: 19 Venture drive, Noosaville

Opening Hours: 7 days

The newly opened Noosa Heads Distillery has changed the brewing landscape into a place for all. Housed in the Land & Sea Brewery (yes, beer lovers are still catered for), the Noosa Heads Distillery is a one exuding the luxury of wooden speedboats in Biarritz with the distinctly local flavours of Queensland in a variety of award winning Vodkas, Gins and Whiskey.

The ubiquitous juniper and citrus florals are paired with clever flavour profiles of finger limes and ginger in the Navy Strength Gin or honeydew melon, lavender and coriander in the Signature Gin. The Fortune Vodka is also a nod to locality, with Australian wheat and filtered Noosa water allowing the subtlety of crisp pear and coconut flavours to come through. The White Malt Whiskey has ‘a soft caramel chew, a clean light malt aroma and dried fruit sensation,’ and is made with Australian malt. Still not feeling the local vibe? Why not try a gin composed for (or poking fun at) one of Noosa’s best restaurants, Sum Yung Guys, the Pho Gin. Containing asian botanicals, fish sauce (not joking even a little) and designed with ‘clean distinct flavours such as Spring Onion, Bean Shoots, Chilli, Seaweed and for some “meatiness,” the inclusion of Porcini Mushrooms.’ Uber cool, buying a gin or two to take home comes with a further souvenir, a woven patch perfect for sticking and sewing onto hats or adventure bags acting as the hand labelled brand on each bottle.

Beautiful cocktails showcasing the liquors are served by moustached mixologists in the airy and industrial-chic styled Noosa Heads Distillery next to gorgeous polished vats, with the scent of Land & Sea hops only barely discernible.

Noosa Boathouse

Location: Gympie terrace, Noosaville

Opening Hours: 7 days 10am - late

The Noosa Boathouse complex is, upon first glance, a little jarring amongst the resorts, sails and eucalypts of Noosaville. This three storeyed rectangular shaped building juts out over the Noosa River from Gympie Terrace, surrounded by small jetties and boat hire shops. But come a little closer, cross over the gangway and the beauty of this loved Noosa eatery becomes glaringly apparent. Situated on the bottom floor, the combination of understated nautical décor, dining just above the water, large windows opened to the salt air whilst the river traffic glides by… this is a magical way to savour a long lunch or dinner.

Seafood dominates the menu, but a wide range of proteins served in a modern Australian style will satisfy a vast array of palates and diets. The Noosa Boathouse also serves one of the best shared seafood experiences in Noosa with a three tiered platter showcasing the best local and Australian seafood. A comprehensive cocktail menu and wine list showcasing a wide range of varietals means a trip up the river to the Boathouse is well worth the effort.

Best of all, getting to and from the Noosa Boathouse couldn’t be easier or more picturesque, with the Noosa Ferry servicing a stop right at the Boathouse jetty. Catch a sunset cruise from a long lunch or to an early dinner from the Hastings St terminal and maximise your day of dining by the river.

Locale on Hastings Street

Location: Hastings street, Noosa Heads

Opening Hours: 12pm - 12am

In a protected corner of Hastings St surrounded by lush gardens with a brooding interior, Locale Ristorante and Bar is a beautiful place for delicious cocktails and excellent modern Italian cuisine. Baroque touches throughout give an intimate feel to Locale; cocktails and cicchetti served in the glamourous lounge bar is the perfect start to a romantic evening. Woodfired pizza caters for children big and small, whilst the extensive Italian menu featuring the highest quality local produce, organic and imported goods rivals the best of its kind in Noosa.

The Little Humid

Opening Hours: 12pm - 2pm / 6pm - late, Closed Sunday

Some restaurants just ‘get it’ and Little Humid on Noosaville’s hallowed Gympie Terrace dining stretch is one such establishment where the recipe of excellent food and fantastic service is produced again and again. And again. Mary and Michelle are iconic Noosa personalities, with the door to their exemplary restaurant, Little Humid, open for over 14 years across two different premises, weathering economic downturns, quiet winter seasons and everything in between with seeming ease due to their popularity with locals and visitors alike. With bifold doors opening from white interiors splashed with occasional colour out on to Gympie Terrace and the river beyond, this is an exceptional location for a long lunch or a relaxed (and booked ahead) dinner.

The food is distinctly mod-Australian, with unpretentious dishes such as Seared Scallops, the perennial Confit Duck Leg and crowd favourite, Veal Parmigiana, gracing a menu paying homage to excellent produce and Michelle’s honed cheffing techniques. A small but thoughtful wine list complements a dining experience where excellence is not displayed in pushing the boundaries of avant-garde cuisine, but rather in delivering outstandingly executed dishes. The fact that the service, led by Mary, is a heady mix of complete professionalism, attention to detail and warm friendliness completes what is always an outstanding dining experience.Children are welcomed and their menu is unsurprisingly devoid of chicken nuggets, but instead hosts dishes such as pasta, calamari or duck. And whilst their tummies will be filled with nourishing food, be warned: there’s not much room to move for little legs at Little Humid - bring your preferred babysitting device to keep them amused.

Boardwalk Bistro on Hastings

Location: 49 Hastings street, Noosa Heads

Opening Hours: 6.30am until late

There are many places in this world where looking over a beach and some sparkling blue water with a coffee, glass of wine or cocktail in hand would force you to emit a relaxed sigh and the smile of someone who has wholeheartedly flung themselves into holiday mode. In Noosa, that place is Boardwalk Bistro, where cool white interiors and sumptuous mod-Australian cuisine combine with a stellar view across Laguna Bay to launch you right into the decadence of an unhurried coastal sojourn.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and every conceivable bite and sip in between are catered for with the same attention to detail. Locally sourced seafood and produce feature on the menu, with fantastic seasonal flavours matching beautiful plating, ensuring your need to photograph is well taken care of. Children are welcomed with their own gourmet menu and with the beach mere steps away, there’s plenty to entertain them while parents sit back and smile. For those looking for a bite of Boardwalk Bistro without leaving their spot on the sand, The Kiosk serves up takeaway from the very same kitchen with the very same eye for detail.

Belmondos Organic Market

Location: 59 Rene street, Noosaville 4566

Opening Hours: 7am - 5pm / closed on Sundays

Walk through the front doors and look straight into the excellence that is Eumundi Meats and its range of organic, ethically farmed meats before you turn into Bishop Grocers, where the highest quality organic fruit, vegetables and small goods are neverending. You’ll be following your nose by this time past the cabinets stocked with the seriously good-for-you breakfast, lunch and snacks of the renowned Vanilla Food outfit and just ahead, the divine grain filled offerings from Tanglewood Bakery. It’s a good idea to order some food now. Get your table number and head through the Clandestino Roasters and choose from every kind of conceivable coffee brew you can think of. With a small plane suspended from the roof and a science lab of cold drip coffee festooning the tables, sitting down with something to eat and your brew of choice here is simply delightful.

Other nourishing outfits include Yukti Botanicals, perfect for potions and lotions, the excellent Voodoo Bacon and Spoonful Catering. Whilst it is located away from the scenery of Hastings St and Main Beach, a trip out to Belmondos early in your stay will set you up for foodie heaven (and a delicious sneaky break while you’re there) that not only tastes amazing, but is good for you!

Aromas Noosa

Location: 32 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads

Opening Hours: Open Daily From 6am

It’s hard not to notice Aromas. With a distinctly French feel in everything from the Parisian chairs facing Hastings St theatre-stall style, to the opulent furnishings, mirrored back drops and gold-gilt display cabinets, this Noosa stalwart delivers a relaxed dining experience with a touch of old world elegance. In a nod to more modern trends, breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in a seamless day-long transition, featuring organic, seasonal and locally grown produce from the restaurant’s own Maravista Farm, located in the Noosa Hinterland. Bacon and eggs, steak and frites or beetroot vichyssoise are Aromas classics, while a clever coffee, juice, cocktail and wine menu completes the ‘anytime’ dining experience. With Hastings St frontage on one side and a delightful square with water fountains and enough room for little legs to move, this old world restaurant will please any modern day appetite.

250 Grammi Italian Restaurant

Location: 1/203 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville

Opening Hours: 11.30am until late Wednesday - Sunday

With notes of dark mood complementing rustic woodwork and a woodfired oven big enough to set any pizza aficionado’s heart aflutter, the space has the romance of Rome with the coastal vibe of Noosa: river views and the passing parade are enough to keep any diner entertained. The menu tips its hat to the contemporary dining mode fashionable at the moment, and consists of a variety of interesting dishes, designed to be shared “like an Italian Sunday lunch with friends and family.” However, this is not simply piles of Spaghetti Bolognese, Margarita Pizza and limp garden salad. Think Costolette D’Agnello, marinated lamb cutlets , rainbow chard and lamb jus …Fagottino All’Inchiostro, squid ink pasta parcels filled with local reef fishand a porcini mushroom sauce … Capesante Gratinate, beautiful scallops with a gratin, orange and thyme butter and Queensland blue pumpkin puree. For the purist, there’s Gnocchi Al RaghoutDi Manzo or gnocchi and beef ragu, and an extensive and authentic pizza menu. The international wine list draws heavily on Italian varieties from the mother country, though there is also a fun cocktail menu including the drink of the season, Aperol Spritz, and gin in many different forms.

Children are well catered for on the menu with lots of variety that’s inoffensive to small taste buds. Space for kiddly-wink hi-jinx is limited: bring your device of choice.