Your hair is full of salt, your skin has been kissed by the summer sun, and you’re feeling the kind of hazy euphoria you get from a day spent at the beach. All that’s left now is to find somewhere close-by to grab a bite to eat and something ice-cold to drink.
It’s not just the excellent surf, abundant coastline, and nature reserve that draws people to Noosa Heads in Queensland, it’s also the small seaside-town charm. Packed as it is with beachside eateries and bars, the suburb will overwhelm you with choice when it comes to seeking out a laid-back spot to quash the post-saltwater-swim hunger.
Many of the best Noosa restaurants embrace the area’s location and serve an array of classic seafood dishes, but we’ve thrown in some pizzerias, bars, burger joints, rooftop sundowners spots, and health-conscious cafes to help you find your ultimate after-beach refresher.
Our experts at Westpac Concierge can secure tables at restaurants across the country – no matter what you’re in the mood for. We’ll provide recommendations for the best places to eat and help manage your reservation if you’re a Westpac cardholder and, if you aren’t, you can check your eligibility below.
Paradise Arcade
Best Noosa restaurant for margaritas on tap
After a sun-drenched day, there’s nothing that hits the spot quite like a margarita – and Paradise Arcade has the tequila-infused classic on tap. With more than 130 tequilas and mezcals on the menu, this laid-back Mexican cantina’s agave spirit selection is as extensive as its cocktails are varied – there’s a concoction to cater for any palate, just pull up a stool at the bar and let the bartender get creative. The food is Cali-Mex fusion, with classics such as tacos, burritos, and chips and guac on offer, as well as tapas dishes better suited to sharing with friends. The decadent chilli chocolate churros here come highly recommended.
📍 8b/14 Arcadia Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Locale
Best Noosa restaurant for Italian cuisine
Italian cuisine might not seem like an obvious fit for a post-beach bite to eat but Locale’s reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in Noosa (known for authentic dishes and an extensive local wine selection) makes it a must-visit. Hidden away in leafy coolness on the edge of Noosa National Park, this venue beckons sun-wearied patrons with promises of respite from the heat – along with a selection of antipasti, pizzas, and handmade pastas. The menu here changes seasonally as the kitchen uses only the freshest local produce, but no matter the time of year, you’re always guaranteed an exceptional culinary experience from this local institution.
📍 62 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Moonstruck
Best Noosa restaurant for coffee and gin
Reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk cafe (right down to the striped awning), Moonstruck is a popular local hangout specialising in something a little different: coffee and gin. By day it’s the place to go for light lunches, pastries, and a cup of joe; by night this spot transforms into a social hub where sharing platters complement a collection of innovative gin and tonics. The cafe’s cocktails are a love letter to boutique Australian gin, while its passion for homegrown ingredients shines through, with nearly everything on the menu sourced from small-scale producers.
📍 5 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
VanillaFood
Best Noosa restaurant for healthy bites
Bright and breezy, with simple white walls elevated by natural wood furnishings, VanillaFood is your healthier, but by no means less delicious, alternative to seaside dining. Vanilla doesn’t always mean bland – at this cafe it means colourful, flavourful, and wholesome. Dishes here are packed full of organic ingredients sourced directly from surrounding farms and suppliers, with the fresh produce working wonders to maximise flavour – without unneeded additives, preservatives, or artificial flavouring to dampen the health kick.
📍 2/10 Lanyana Way, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Noosa Boathouse
Best Noosa restaurant for sundowners and riverside dining
Trade the beach scenery for the equally picturesque Noosa River (located in Noosaville) when dining at the aptly named Noosa Boathouse, an iconic three-storey venue that sits atop the water. For a quick bite, grab a seafood classic from the takeaway window, or find seating in the main restaurant to enjoy the fresh seafood on offer. The roof deck is a popular spot for sundowners, offering uninterrupted river views and a mixologist to whip up your favourite cocktail. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, the eatery also offers extensive veg and kiddies’ options to keep everyone happy.
📍 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566
Season
Best Noosa restaurant for a laid-back lunch
Located just off Noosa Main Beach, Season is ideal for stepping off the beach and into the shade for a glass or two of chilled rosé or a gin-infused cocktail. Grab a table on the terrace, where you can watch the waves lap the shore while sampling from the diverse menu offering everything from classic fish and chips to freshly made gnocchi. And let us be the first to tell you: the locally sourced oysters here are a treat – especially when washed down with a glass of Clover Hill Cuvée.
📍 5/25 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co.
Best Noosa restaurant for burgers and shakes
The place to call when hunger strikes mid tanning session, Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. will bring your burger and fries directly to your spot on the sand. A true Noosa institution, this eatery started its life as a beachfront burger stand and is now the epitome of laid-back Aussie dining. The burger selection is unmatched – with every topping, sauce, and side you can think of – as is the value for money. If you’re wondering about the ‘concrete’ – it’s the burger joint’s home-mixed custard ice-cream creations, which come in an array of flavours (such as cookie butter), and offer the perfect solution to the searing summer heat.
📍 2/50 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Bistro C
Best Noosa restaurant for boardwalk dining
Sample the flavours of Noosa to the sounds of excited swimmers, crashing waves, and chattering sunbathers at this boardwalk bistro. With a terrace overlooking the beach, to get any closer to the sand you’d have to be standing on it. Location isn’t the only thing this relaxed spot has going for it; it has an award-winning menu created with local ingredients in mind. Dishes are devised by the crack culinary team to correspond with the seasons, so keep an eye out for what’s new and fresh.
📍 49 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
El Capitano
Best Noosa restaurant for crisp sourdough pizza
Pizza is a favourite casual lunch go-to, and the team at El Capitano take the art of pizza-making to the next level. Using the time-tested technique of fermenting freshly milled organic sourdough for 72 hours, they’ve perfected that chewy yet crispy texture (with a slightly sweet undertone) that pizza lovers go mad for – and this includes the vegan and gluten-free options. The best part? The toppings used here are home-grown (the salumi and mozzarella are handmade by local families) and farm fresh.
📍 Upstairs, 52 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Village Bicycle
Best Noosa restaurant for beer on tap
If you’re looking to take your party from the beach to the beer garden, then Village Bicycle should be at the top of your restaurant to-do list. There’s nothing quite like washing back an ice-cold beer after a day of baking in the sun, and this bar and restaurant has an extensive selection of craft beers on tap. Pair that with the perfect bar-style eats – burgers tacos, and potatoes in their best form: doused in cheese and gravy – and you have a winning formula.
Sundays at Village Bicycle – a popular spot throughout the week – are a favourite, with live music performances taking place in the garden, where you can sip your beer in the shade of vintage umbrellas and palm trees.
📍 6/16 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
