Winter is upon us now. Well, Noosa winter is nothing like any southern state winter; we still have warm, sunny days. Now that it’s winter, why not enjoy some of the local cafes and restaurants. There are so many to choose from, where to start?? Hopefully, this list will help you. Special thanks to my friend Louise (again) for giving us tips on her favourite places around town.
Breakfast
Jimmy Fox
7/203 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
7am – 2pm
This restaurant is all outdoors but with an undercover seating area, so it’s perfect for families. Finally, somewhere you don’t have to worry about the kids being too loud. Better yet, the restaurant is right on the Noosa River, so after a delicious brunch, you can walk it off and take the kids to the Pirate Park. Louise has rated Jimmy Fox’s coffee as the best in Noosa. Clearly, this place is a must for all you coffee addicts (I mean…… connoisseurs). Bonus: no reservation needed.
Aromas
32 Hastings Street Noosa Heads
Monday – Wednesday 6am - 2:30pm
Thursday – Sunday 6am – 10pm
This is another place which may suit the more spontaneous diner as reservations are not required. Most seating is outside, and with the famous European seating out the front you can people-watch to your heart’s content. Aromas have delicious brekkie options. The fresh juices are heavenly, and are really a meal in themselves. Of course, it’s not just great for breakfast, but any meal including lunch, dinner and dessert.
Bronte’s Cafe
257 Gympie Terrace Noosaville
Wed – Sunday 6am -1pm
Bronte’s Cafe is our brand new bread & breakfast café. It’s in a lovely location on Gympie Terrace, is family friendly with a kid’s menu. You can eat in, or, as it’s also a bakery, you can pop in and grab some yummy bread and pastries for take away. It’s definitely on my to-do list, but Louise has already checked it out and given it a thumbs up. So take her advice, check it out!
Lunch
Barefoot Bare and Grill
269 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
Tuesday – Friday 11:30 – 9pm
Saturday 7am - 9:30pm
Sunday 7am – 8:30pm
Is highly recommended by Louise if you like to share food. Her suggestion is to order Sashimi of Swordfish and Thai Beef Salad that makes your mouth water. It’s the perfect place to relax with a beach feel.
Periwinkle
2/216 David Low Way Peregian Beach
Everyday 8:30am -8:30pm
I just love visiting the Peregian Beach Village, with the playground and skate park for the kids, the beach, the shops, and of course, the numerous restaurants and cafes. Periwinkle is a French inspired restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere. The main drawcard for Louise is the cold and crisp Chardonnay, but the steak and salads come a close second!! It overlooks the center of the village out to the band stand, so if you have restless kids let them run and play in safety.
Betty’s Burgers
2/50 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
Sunday & Thursday 10am -8:30pm
Monday – Wednesday 10:30am – 2:30pm
Friday and Saturday 10am - 9pm
Betty’s Burgers is always a winner with our family, not only for lunch but dinner too. I reckon the ‘must order’ is the crispy chicken burger, it’s the best!!! Seriously, their buns are just so yummy and light, nothing you’ve ever had before. I love sitting on the bench chairs facing out to the people walking by on Hastings Street while eating my chicken burger and fries.
Dinner
Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant
2 Quamby Place, Noosa Heads
Everyday 12pm - 9pm
Ricky’s is a very formal restaurant that you need to dress up for. It has amazing views as it’s right on the Noosa River looking out to the Spit (where the river meets the sea), so it’s best to go during daylight hours. Louise assures me everything on the menu is delicious, so no one should be getting food envy. Better still is the excellent hospitality and there is a playground next door if those restless kids need to run off steam before and/or after your meal.
Spirit House
20 Ninderry Yandina
Wednesday – Sunday
Lunch sitting starts from 11:45am
Dinner sitting starts from 5:45pm
Another one to get dressed up for is the Spirit House. This restaurant is so popular that you need to book well in advance. Children are allowed, but it’s best to leave them with the sitter as the set menu can take 3-4 hours. Louise’s recommendation: the absolutely heavenly signature crispy whole fish. Louise says it’s an amazing dining experience, as it’s set amongst the breathtaking gardens. Locals tip: book a taxi to get home as you can also spend time in the bar area, and the cocktails are a must.
Bang Bang
32 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
Monday – Friday 12:30pm – 12am
Saturday 12pm – 12am
Sunday 12pm – 11pm
Bang Bang is another great dinner option. It is an Asian-inspired menu with amazing flavours. They also serve wicked cocktails, so it’s best to leave the kids (and car) at home again. Louise suggests the banquet as it never disappoints. Locals tip: make sure you arrive with an empty tummy.
Light Years
1 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads (Noosa Junction)
Monday – Thursday 4:45pm – 11pm
Friday – Sunday 12pm -10pm
The modern Asian restaurant is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s all about sharing plates, so it’s best to go with a group to really order up and experience all the dishes.
Sum Yung Guys
1/205 Weyba Rd, Noosaville
Everyday 12pm -11:30pm
This restaurant moved from Sunshine Beach Village to Noosaville. They managed to secure a bigger venue, and as soon as they opened up the bookings again, they were flooded with over 4000 phone bookings on the first day! Amazing! I know! Well, it’s one very popular restaurant here. Now, with the larger restaurant and kitchen, the menu has grown as well. I can’t wait to get a booking. Yes, *sigh* bookings are required.
Also, this weekend the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival has now started and goes until 13th June. Even if you didn’t buy tickets, it’s always nice to be part of the atmosphere around the venues.
Enjoy your next dining adventure in Noosa. And if you take up some of our recommendations, you just might catch Louise, myself and our families eating, drinking and appreciating all that Noosa has to offer. Come and say ‘Hi!’.