An inherited classic from the streets of Sydney, Lucio’s Marina is the second generation of the famed Paddington restaurant, Lucio’s. The same art-wall remains, set within the elegant interior space overlooking a bend of the Noosa River, making it the ideal spot for an afternoon aperitivo with sunset views. An equally perfect location for an early kid-friendly dinner, long lunch, or grown-up dinner, the menu transports you to the Italian seaside, while honouring some classics from the original Lucio’s menu, and the well-curated wine list temps with everything from new-world skin contact offerings to classic European vintages.
Wednesday – Saturday, lunch & dinner. Sunday, lunch. Bar open Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – late.
Inventive plant-forward dishes, fabulous cocktails and bang-on trend interiors make this excellent addition to the Noosa Junction dining scene a real winner with in-the-know diners, who dig into plates of crumbed baked eggplant, charred cabbage, tomato tartare, and a side of Smoked Waygu Brisket, with the twinkling fairy lights and wafting music from the atmospheric nearby Arcadia Walk buzzing in the background.
Herbert. Monday -Thursday 5pm- late. Friday – Sunday, 12 – 3pm and 5pm – late.
Get in early to nab a table at this tiny hole-in-the-wall gem, that sits peacefully overlooking the Sunshine Beach village, on Duke St. With small plates and Middle-Eastern influences, you'll feel like one of the family as you tuck into one of their curated degustation menus, with matching wines, homely service and plenty of devoted regular diners as your backdrop.
Thursday - Monday, 5pm - late. Saturday lunch from 12pm. Bookings recommended.
This long-time Hastings Street staple has received a refresh, courtesy of new chef George Francisco, who has taken the reins after a long stint by Peter Kuruvita. Best known for the revival of the infamous Jonah’s at Whale Beach, Francisco has set about transforming the well-loved space with his no-waste philosophy and commitment to preservative-free, local, and seasonal produce. Look out for the return of the bottomless Champagne lunch, offered on Sundays.
Noosa Beach House. Wednesday – Sunday, 5:30 – 10 pm, bookings recommended.
Expansive Main Beach views and classic Modern Australian seafood dishes are the hallmarks of this Noosa institution, and the restaurant’s recent renovation did well to capitalise even further on the epic outlook. The neutral, nautical aesthetic remains, because, why change when you’re onto a good thing, after all? And Sails can certainly lay claim to that, having been dining and delighting committed regulars in Noosa for decades. Don’t miss the Charred Ciabatta with House Smoked Trout Butter, or the local Sandcrab Lasagne.
Sails. Daily from 12 noon. Bookings recommended.
Front-row seats to the stunning Laguna Bay don't come any better than this, and with incredible dishes to back it up, Season is an absolute must-do Noosa dining experience. Laidback, coastal interiors and fresh seasonal seafood are the stars here, don't miss the Seafood Yellow Curry, which has been a long-time menu favourite, or a Lemon Myrtle Dirty Boocha on a warm day in the chic bar area.
Open daily. Lunch from 11am and dinner from 5pm. Coffee cart open from 8am daily. Bookings recommended.
Tucked away peacefully against a calm canal inlet of the Noosa River, Noosa Waterfront is a laidback Meditteranean haven, that pumps out incredible Modern Italian eats to devoted regulars and visitors alike. With friendly service and a sprawling grassy area surrounding the dining and bar areas, this Noosaville favourite manages to strike the delicate balance between family-friendly, and fine-dining.
Open Wednesday - Sunday for lunch and dinner, from 12pm. Bookings recommended.
No foodie guide to Noosa would be complete without mention of the runaway success story that is Sum Yung Guys. Now in new premises in an unassuming pocket of Noosaville, Sum Yung Guys continue to pump out inventive, and downright delicious Modern Asian eats to hordes of devoted diners, lucky enough to secure a reservation (often months in advance). The new digs are stylish and suitably hip, and old favourites like the Crying Tiger Short Rib, Hiramasa Kingfish and Mooloolaba Prawn Toast gratefully remain on the menu.
Daily, 12:30 – 2 pm and 5 – 8:30 pm. Bookings essential.
