The 7 BEST Places to Eat in Noosa: Must-Try Cafes, Restaurants & Gelato Shops

When I visited Noosa, I only had two days, which is definitely not enough time to eat my way through all the spots I had bookmarked. So I had to be picky. I spent way too long reading reviews, checking menus, and narrowing it down to a shortlist that I was very excited about.

Now, I’m not claiming these are the absolute best restaurants in Noosa; there are way too many good ones to make that call. But these are the seven places I personally tried and loved. From coffee to cocktails and waterfront dinners, each of these spots stood out and made my short trip feel pretty unforgettable.

So, if you’re looking for places to eat in Noosa, this list is about to give you everything you need. Let’s get into it!

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The 7 BEST Places to Eat in Noosa: Must-Try Cafes, Restaurants & Gelato Shops

Best Places to Eat in Noosa – My Personal Recommendation

Before coming to Noosa, I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. My friend Estelle had lived there for a year and would not stop talking about how much she loved it, so I knew it had to be good. But once I actually started researching, I realized there are so many places to eat in Noosa, like, way more than I was prepared for. Coming from Fremantle in Perth, I’m used to a few great restaurants and a handful of solid coffee spots… and that’s plenty. So yeah, I quickly realized I needed a plan.

I asked Estelle, dug through Reddit threads, and created a very detailed shortlist (any other type-A planners out there?). In the end, we actually managed to try all the spots I had my eye on, thanks to some careful scheduling and, well, budgeting. Noosa’s not the cheapest place to eat out.

My personal faves were Bang Bang, it absolutely delivered on the funky Asian fusion front, and Moonstruck’s coffee was so good I actually skipped my second cafe I had marked and went here twice! So with all that said, let’s get into my favorite Noosa Restaurants & Cafes.

7 Amazing Places to Eat in Noosa

If you aren’t quite sure where to eat on your holiday, here are seven places in Noosa that I personally tried, loved, and highly recommend.

1. Moonstruck Noosa // Best Cafe in Noosa

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
6:30am – 1:30pm & Friday, Saturday & Sunday 6:30am – Late
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

If there are two drinks I love, it’s coffee and gin (okay… and Diet Coke, but we’ll leave that out for now). Moonstruck is a boutique coffee and gin bar right on Hastings Street, and the second I saw that combo, it went straight on my list. I had a cappuccino because the chocolate dusting looked too good on someone else’s cup, and it was so good and creamy.

Their homemade bagels are the perfect post-surf snack, and in the afternoon, the place transforms into a funky little cocktail & wine bar with great drinks and dreamy cheese and charcuterie boards. Come for a slow afternoon, stay for a dirty martini.

2. Lightyears // Best Place to Eat in Noosa for a Group

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 5:00pm – late & Friday to Sunday 12:00pm – late
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

This spot in Noosa Junction is easily one of the best dinner options in town, especially if you’re into bold flavours and fun cocktails. We had a few different dishes, but the kingfish ceviche and tuna tartare were our favorite, they were absolutely to die for.

Most of the menu is share-style plates, perfect if you’re with a group (or just indecisive like me). The vibe is jungle-themed meets retro cool, with both indoor and al fresco dining. Definitely book ahead or show up right at opening as it fills up fast, and for good reason.

3. Lanai // One of the Best Places to Eat in Noosa with a View

Opening Hours: Tues to Thurs 5pm – 9pm & Fri & Sat 12pm – 9pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

You can’t visit the Sunny Coast and not have some insanely fresh seafood, and Lanai delivers. Right on the Noosa River, this spot serves Pacific Island–inspired cuisine using ethically sourced ingredients.

They offer a set menu for $109 per person, which sounds like a lot, but the portions were super generous and every dish was worth it. Our favorites were the saltwater barramundi and the poke of the day. If you’re not up for the full menu, you can easily order a few plates à la carte and still get a great taste of what they do.

4. Bandita Mexican // One of the Best Places to Eat in Noosaville

Opening Hours: Tues – Sat 11:30am – Late, Closed on Sunday & Monday
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I was honestly shocked by how much I liked this place, and so was my family visiting from Texas, which says a lot considering how tough they are on Mexican food. Their Instagram had us hooked, and thankfully, it delivered.

We ordered the birria tacos (amazing), tuna tostadas, ceviche, fried chicken, and a basket of chips with guac, and of course, we had to have a round of salt-rimmed margaritas. Everything was fresh and seriously tasty. I think it was my favorite happy hour in Noosaville!

5. Noosa Boathouse // Best Casual Dining Noosa Has to Offer

Opening Hours: Everyday 6am – 9pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Floating right on the Noosa River, this three-level spot is all about sunset views and classic coastal eats. My mom was set on getting proper fish and chips while in Australia, and this was the perfect place for it. It was crispy, flaky, and made for a squeeze of lemon. Yum!

On Friday afternoons, they host live music on the Boathouse Lawn from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. It’s a free event, and such a vibe. People were there with friends, kids, and even some dogs. You can grab takeaway fish and chips with a prosecco or beer, and enjoy the music as the sun goes down.

This is one of the cutest spots in Noosa, in my opinion. It nails those easy coastal vibes with delicious food and drinks to match. I highly recommend the Boathouse be at the top of your list!

6. Bang Bang // Our Favorite Noosa Dinner

Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday 5pm – 10pm & Thursday – Sunday 12pm – 10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Bang Bang was the place I heard about the most when I was doing my research, and after eating there, I totally get the hype. It’s a modern Southeast Asian spot right on Hastings Street, but way more vibey and relaxed than some of the more upscale spots nearby. We had the sticky pork belly and the khao soi noodles, and both were packed with flavour and absolutely hit the spot.

It’s stylish, lively, and perfect for a fun night out. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but the energy, food, and cocktails make it feel totally worth it.

7. Massimos // Best Dessert Spot in Noosa

Opening Hours: Everyday 10am-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

If you know me at all, then you already know dessert was definitely going to make this list. Massimo’s is a Noosa staple and for good reason. You’ll probably spot the line before you see the actual shop, but don’t let that scare you off. It moves fast, and the gelato is 100% worth it.

I got the mango sorbet and it was so fresh and flavourful like biting into a real mango on a hot day. They change flavors daily, and they’re always fresh and creamy. One thing, though… ice cream prices in Australia are kind of wild. It was $7.50 for a small with a cone, which feels criminal, but yes, I still bought it. And yes, I’d do it again.

FAQ: The Best Noosa Restaurants

Cheap places to eat in Noosa

For tasty food without the splurge, check out Mr. Fish for classic fish and chips done right, or swing by Rick’s Artisan Pies & Sourdoughs for a grab-and-go bite that won’t disappoint. And of course, Betty’s Burgers on Hastings Street is always a solid, affordable option.

Places to eat in Noosa on the water

Noosa Boathouse takes the crown here. It’s floating on the river with three levels of dining and sunset views. On Fridays, they’ve got live music on the lawn and a takeaway window for fish and chips, prosecco, and good vibes.

Where to eat in Noosa Hastings Street

Bang Bang is my pick for a vibey dinner, Moonstruck is great for a cappuccino or martini break, and Massimo’s is where you have to stop for gelato. Hastings Street has no shortage of spots, but these are the ones I’d go back to.

Best place to eat at Peregian Beach Noosa

The Captain’s Daughter is a casual fave for fresh seafood and coastal vibes. For something a little more elevated, Periwinkle does amazing French-Mediterranean dishes right in the heart of the village square.

Where to eat near Sunshine Beach Noosa Heads

Humble on Duke is a cozy, intimate spot doing creative modern Australian—definitely book ahead. For something more casual, Frankie’s Pizza is a local go-to with great slices and a relaxed feel.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Eat in Noosa

I only spent two days in the Noosa region, but I packed a lot in, especially when it came to food. From morning coffees to late-night cocktails and shareable lunches in between, every spot on this list totally hit the spot. No doubt there are heaps of other incredible places to eat in Noosa, but these were the ones I tried, loved, and would 100% go back to.

Save this for your trip so you don’t waste a single meal, because trust me, the food scene here is that good.