Eat. Drink. Noosa

It’s home to some incredible beaches, beautiful weather and damn good food. During our recent visit we were overwhelmed with so much choice when it came to cafes, fine dining and coffee houses (not like I’m complaining!).

Here are a few of the places we visited, tried and tested, and all come with the Jess tick of approval. Prepare to drool, and when you visit, make sure you wear your stretchy pants!

Jam Cafe– Great coffee using Toby’s estate, a damn good vibe and excellent tunes. There’s also smoothies, fresh juice, salads and rolls up for grabs, as well as an epic all day brekky menu. You got me at mushroom bruschetta and brekky muffins!

The Deck– Offering a delicious brunch menu and pretty good coffee. Fab fresh juice combos and plenty of cover on the deck for when the sun has a bit of bite to it! We had the Vegemite on toast (with the addition of avo) and the healthy breakfast and there were no complaints!

Sum Yung Guys– Ridiculously good Asian food made for sharing (you’ll soon realise you won’t want to share anything as it’s that good). We couldn’t fault one thing on our visit- everything was top notch from decor to service. Highly rate the chicken ribs, pork skewers, lamb shank and mango jelly dessert.

Sunshine Beach Surf Club– If you like one hell of a view with your lunch or beer then pop this in your notebook. The surf club offers brekky, lunch and dinner everyday to members and visitors. We’ve had all three meals here and we’re very happy with what came out of the kitchen. Their cheese and shared platters are personal favourites, as is the smashed avo and feta on toast and steak (which is a bargain on the steak night!).

Noosa Surf Club– We didn’t eat here but we had a drink on the deck and the views were perfection. It’s the best way to wind up a long afternoon at the beach and soak in the view.

FOMO– Hidden away in Sunshine Beach, this cafe/bar was our saviour when we first landed in Noosa. Their gourmet toasties are highly rated (and now we are on that bandwagon) and the savoury mince is the perfect late arvo snack. Coffee is by Allpress, so you know you’re in for a good time, and there are plenty of good drinks in the fridge and a few beers on tap for later in the evening.

Betty’s burgers and Concrete Co– Well and truly worth the hype. When the lines coming out the door you know you’re onto a winner. Their original burger is a must, as is their fried chicken burger- the special sauce gives the Big Mac a run for its money. When you visit you have to try a concrete- frozen custard icecream with mix ins. It can get a bit messy but damn it’s delicious!

El Capitano– If 72 hour fermented sourdough pizza bases has got your attention then you’ll be fan girling over this joint. Once you walk through the doors you’ll be spiraling into an nautical oasis, with everything timber and anchors surrounding you. We ordered starters and pizza (when you set eyes on the menu you’ll know why), and we practically had to roll home. We loved the roast chicken, pepperoni and prawn pizzas, as well as the chilli calamari and pork meatballs. I don’t think you could honestly go wrong with anything on the menu though.

Belmondos organic market– This place is a organic food lovers heaven. They have everything on offer here, from a butcher, green grocer, in house bakery (making some seriously good sourdough), a coffee roaster and organic cafe. It’s the perfect place to visit to stock up on all your pantry staples or while you’re on the way to have a picnic- all your supplies are in the one spot.

Costa Noosa Espresso– If you’re looking for a coffee joint that roasts on site and offers a massive bench of all things sweet, then walk up the stairs and onto the deck at Costa. Online I read plenty of rave reviews about these guys coffee, and they are all definitely true. The interior is fun, the deck is large and shady and the cakes are mouthwatering. And the coffee- can’t fault it.

Vanilla Food– Situated in the Belmondos organic market, vanilla food dishes out incredibly, healthy food suitable for all foodies. Gluten free, vegan, Vego- they have you covered. Their smoothies are next level big (and filling) and their smashed avo on sourdough with cashew cheese is also pretty bloody delicious. Be sure to check out their cake cabinet before you leave- it is a hard one to walk away from.

Clandestino Coffee Roasters– This coffee roaster is located inside of Belmondos and churns out one hell of a brew. This place is for the real coffee enthusiasts, with everything from cold drip, filter to espresso coming off of the bench. They also offer healthy options for those looking for something different, with healthy hot chocolates and alternative lattes on the menu. Definitely one to visit!

Humdrum Espresso– We popped into this little cafe before a visit to the Eumundi Markets, and what a great choice it was. It felt like it had just jumped out of the side streets of Melbourne, offering a really casual and fun vibe. There’s some epic artwork on the walls and a florist on site if you’re after some fresh blooms. If you’re after baked goods then turn your attention to their pastries and baked in house sourdough. They use local Clandestino beans and their coffees don’t need sugar- enough said.

Eumundi Markets– One seriously big market that you could get lost in for hours on end. With everything from clothing to local produce, fresh blooms and pottery, it’s a must visit while in Noosa. As always, I chose to eat my way through the market. Favourite stops included coffee and turmeric lattes from Flying West roasters, rainbow bagels from Bright side bagels, iceblocks from frozen Sunshine and jam donuts from The Donut Kitchen. Make sure you get in early here to get yourself a park and have plenty of time to peruse the stalls.

Jimmy Fox– If a damn good lunch menu and strong coffee tickles your fancy then pop this name down. Located in Noosaville, this cafe makes a mean brew and makes it the perfect place to stop to kill the hunger pains. I only had coffee when I visited but were eyeing off the spicy chicken tacos and haloumi burger. YUM!

Massimo– Rich and oh so tasty frozen treats located on Hastings Street. The scoops are massive and there are plenty of flavours to suit every icecream and gelato lover! We had the Toblerone and it was a chocolate lovers heaven!

Providore on Hastings Street– If you love local products then this place is for you. Providore offers a variety of produce, from locally made Noosa Brie, honey, ice-blocks, Fudge and pasta sauce in their gorgeous little shop. It’s the perfect place to pop into before heading out for a picnic, or if you feel like eating it, check out their cabinets for a range of salads, sandwiches, cakes and even cheese platters.

Nitrogenie Icecream– Icecream made with nitrogen right in front of you- yes please! We stumbled across this icecream shop on Hastings Street and it’s well worth the wait. Apart from having your own magic show, the end result is absolutely divine. We opted for the lemon meringue and the cheesecake and were not disappointed.

Noosa Boathouse– Takeaway fish and chips or beautiful seafood and mains overlooking the river, Noosa Boathouse has you covered. This restaurant floats on the Noosa River, boasting a fish and chip shop, takeaway cafe, rooftop sunset bar and a beautiful restaurant with huge glass windows overlooking the river. If you love your seafood then go for the huge seafood for two tower or their salt and paper calamari or fish of the day. If you are after something a little different then opt for their mushroom gnocchi or Thai beef salad- easily two of the best things on the menu.

Cafe Le Monde– Fuelling surfers since 86, and now I know why they keep coming back. Offering a cracking breakfast and lunch menu, with a range of bevvys bound to keep you happy. I’m a big fan of their pancakes and local Noosa Cold Press Juice, as well as their lattes made with locally roasted beans. This is a must for breakfast when in Noosa.

Bistro C– Fine dining, ridiculously good food and a great wine list. We couldn’t fault this restaurant, with everything down to the service being top notch. Their salt and pepper calamari is one of the best I have ever eaten, and their seafood spaghetti comes highly recommended. A must when Noosa, especially if you are looking for something rather fancy.

Noosa Hot Bread Shop– The name pretty much sums it up- Fresh, delicious bread and pastries. I was too full to dabble in the carbs and opted for a coffee. These guys make a mean brew using Padre beans and i’m sure they would pair perfectly with a almond croissant!

Depot– Delicious pancakes, house made beans, fresh juices and plenty of healthy options- you’ve got Depot. This cafe overlooks the Noosa River and has plenty of indoor and outdoor dining- the deck is the best place to be in the sun. You can expect plenty of hearty and nutritious food, as well as protein shakes, pancakes and bliss balls here. They also make a mean coffee using local roasters Clandestino, so you know you’re in for a good time.

Little Cove Coffee Co– Coffee lovers this is the place for you. Little Cove coffee co is tucked away off a busy road and dishes out some seriously good brews. They also have local brekky pots on offer, as well as a small selection of muffins and treats. The coffee was so good we bought some bags of beans for the road- if you have a coffee machine I recommend you do the same!