The Sunshine Coast is quickly becoming home to many hatted and regionally awarded restaurants, all with a drive for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If dining in waterfront restaurants on the Sunshine Coast seems like an ideal way to spend your time, then look no further. We have found the top waterfront restaurants on the Sunshine Coast for you to enjoy the next time you’re in town.
Wasabi Restaurant and Bar
Noosa’s only two hatted restaurant, Wasabi, boasts sleek, Japanese influenced decor with unrivalled views of the Noosa Sound. This contemporary Japanese restaurant is co-owned by Danielle Gjestland and Zed Gilbert, and has been named Hottest Regional Restaurant 2017 and the Australian and Regional Restaurant of the Year 2015 by Gourmet Traveller. Wasabi boasts a creative and authentic Japanese menu with a love for locally sourced produced proudly growing their own rare Japanese ingredients at the restaurant’s farm at Honeysuckle Hill. Here you can dine on sake poached spanner crab with zucchini blossom, kinome leaf and crab liquor or try the Bincho-tan charcoal roasted Rhodavale pork collar cured in barley orange miso, shisito pepper and kinome leaf. To top it off, Wasabi’s staff will help guide you through their extensive wine and whiskey list as you sit by the water for an unforgettable dining experience.
Noosa Boathouse
Sitting at the end of the Jetty, Noosa Boathouse is a three storied, glass panelled bar, bistro and event venue owned by Sarah and Phil Bradford. The Boathouse offers four unique dining experiences, each reflecting the relaxed Noosa lifestyle. Swing by Little Boaty in the morning for a locally sourced coffee and snack by the water. Grab some fish and chips from the takeaway window and head down to the waterfront with the kids. Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails and listening to live music at the rooftop Sunset Bar. Or, enjoy a long lunch in the bistro, drinking wine and dining on fresh local food. It’s a great location, offering river views from any table and most importantly, it has something for everyone, including separate kids and vegetarian menus for those who need it.
Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar
Owned by the award-winning restaurateur Marino Maioli and chef Craig McCabe, Noosa Waterfront is an elegant, beach style restaurant. The fit out combines dark rustic wood with splashes of white and housing glass panelled walls that provide sweeping views across the lawn to Noosa River. This chic establishment has perfected the balance of serving tantalising Italian cuisine in a laid back environment.The wine list is extensive, offering both locally and internationally sourced wines and the menu offers both classic Italian dishes such as prosciutto wood fired pizza and creative modern remakes like Tonno, spiced tuna loin, watercress sponge, watermelon radish, orange and smoked capsicum. It’s a perfect spot for lunch or dinner with charismatic staff and a refreshing feel.
Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant
Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant offers a stylish and relaxed coastal vibe, reflecting Noosa’s iconic style – think polished wooden floors, white table cloths and splashes of greenery. With its own Jetty, diners can choose arrive by boat, water taxi or gondola and enjoy uninterrupted views of Noosa River. Ricky’s specialises in farm to table, modern Australian cuisine, with a choice of a la carte, or their highly regarded six course tasting menu with paired wines. Their menu boasts fresh favourites such as moreton bay bug rolls, North QLD Cobia with parsley puree and charred leeks, or freshly shucked oysters with lemon, grapefruit and bush pepper vinaigrette. The River Bar is a perfect spot to unwind with drink in hand and their skilled team regularly host cocktail master classes and exciting culinary events.
Tides Waterfront Dining
Caloundra’s only chefs hat awarded restaurant, Tides, is an upscale seafood joint with 270 degree views over Bullcocks beach. After years of reliable service, Tides has become somewhat of an institution in the Sunshine Coast, owned by Michael Mulhearn. The menu is versatile, constantly adapting to seasonal produce. For a memorable meal try the seared scallops with cauliflower, wild mushrooms and black garlic or the barramundi with soubise, charred squid and mojo verde. Of course there are plenty of seafood free options available too and a chef’s tasting menu featuring paired wines.