If you’ve ever stood on Gympie Terrace and felt mildly overwhelmed with the amount of Noosaville dining options there are, you’re really not alone. Noosaville is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most underrated food scenes, with a string of relaxed waterfront restaurants and long-lunch venues that make it hard to choose just one. Here at Noosa Place Resort, we like to think that we know our neighbourhood quite well. Here’s a list of where we’d point you if you’re after a pretty fantastic meal in Noosaville.
Noosa Boathouse
Floating directly on the Noosa River, Noosa Boathouse is the name most locals mention first when asked where to eat in Noosaville. The multi-level building means you can choose your own pace, whether that’s fish and chips on the lower deck or sundowners up top at the Sunset Bar, which looks straight down the river. The seafood is the clear drawcard, and the morning coffee from Little Boaty downstairs is always a good idea. It does get busy most evenings, so booking ahead is definitely worthwhile.
Gusto Noosa
Positioned right on Gympie Terrace with sweeping views of the Noosa River, Gusto Noosa is a modern European restaurant that has become a staple of the local dining scene for over 2 decades. The menu is guided by seasonal produce and French-inspired technique, featuring everything from seafood and spaghettini to slow-cooked meats and elegant desserts. It’s a popular choice for long, leisurely lunches and an afternoon aperitivo hour that inevitably turns into a dinner to remember.
Lanai Noosa
Lanai Noosa sits right on the riverfront and feels like it was intentionally made for sunset dining. With spanning views across the Noosa River, it’s our go-to for long afternoons that drift effortlessly into the evening. It’s ideal for everything from date nights to relaxed catch-ups with friends. The menu blends modern Australian flavours with a focus on fresh local produce and seafood. If there’s one reservation we’d encourage you to make, let it be at Lanai Noosa.
250 Grammi
250 Grammi is a contemporary Italian restaurant in the heart of Gympie Terrace, offering a polished take on traditional pizza and Italian classics. With a focus on quality ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list, it strikes the balance between quintessential Noosaville dining and something a little more elevated. It’s an easy choice for date nights or long, unhurried dinners. Ensure you sample one of the famous ‘Wooden Boards’ complete with prosciutto, burrata, focaccia and everything else scrumptious and Italian that makes you salivate at the thought.
Bandita Mexican Cantina
Bandita brings the energy up a notch on Gympie Terrace, with wood-fired tacos, fresh ceviche, and a solid margarita list driving a buzzy, social atmosphere most nights of the week. It’s a good fit for groups for a livelier midweek dinner. We warmly recommend their ‘make your own taco kit’ to create a customisable and fun experience that even the pickiest of eaters are sure to enjoy. We also think they’ve got the best Tommy’s Margarita in Noosa (huge call, we know) so make sure you pop into this hidden gem when you’re staying at Noosa Place Resort.
La Vie en Rose Noosa
La Vie en Rose is a charming crêperie bringing a true slice of France to the heart of Noosaville, with Parisian-style bistro tables out front for people-watching over coffee and crepes. The menu focuses on sweet and savoury crêpes made to order, alongside classic café favourites that make it just as appealing for a light lunch as it is for a leisurely brunch. The hospitality is also second to none, which is a true cherry on top of what’s already an exceptional experience on the riverfront.
Stay Where The Restaurants Are
One of the major advantages of staying at Noosa Place Resort is not needing a car once the sun goes down. Every restaurant on this list sits within easy walking distance along Gympie Terrace, so you can move from sunset drinks to dinner to dessert without a single Uber. Book your stay at Noosa Place Resort and have all of these Noosaville dining options just moments away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Noosa Boathouse is widely regarded as the best restaurant in Noosaville, offering absolute waterfront dining directly on the Noosa River. Gusto is another crowd favourite for Mediterranean inspired dishes in a relaxed, atmospheric riverside setting.
Yes. Noosa Place Resort is located in Noosaville within easy walking distance of Gympie Terrace. Most of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in Noosaville are reachable on foot in just a few minutes.
Yes. Several restaurants along Gympie Terrace sit directly on the Noosa River, offering outdoor seating with water views. Noosa Boathouse is the most well-known waterfront dining option, with multiple levels of river-facing seating.
Noosaville is renowned for some exceptional coffee. Our go to places for a morning pick me up include Depot Noosa, Laneway and the kiosk at Noosa Watersports, all of which are just moments from Noosa Place Resort.
Definitely! Many of the restaurants on Gympie Terrace are angled west overlooking the Noosa River, making them ideal for sunset dining. The aptly named Sunset Bar at the Noosa Boathouse is one of the best spots, offering 180 degree views of the river and sky at dusk.
Gympie Terrace is Noosaville’s main dining strip, running directly alongside the Noosa River. It’s best known for waterfront restaurants, cafes bars, and casual eateries. The tree-lined street and river access make it the social and dining hub of Noosaville, all just steps from Noosa Place Resort.
