Sips & Bites: Winter 2025
What’s brewing, cooking and happening…
ESTATE OPENINGS
After relocating from Tinbeerwah to Palmwoods, the restaurant at Alsahwa Estate officially opens on 27 June and is taking bookings now. Think true paddock-to-plate ethos with a modern Mediterranean twist in lush, leafy surroundings. Get in quick to be one of the first to experience this amazing new offering, led by Head Chef Sophie Phipps of Spice Bar Mooloolaba fame.
GONGS GALORE
Congrats to Heidi Walker of Walker Seafoods who recently won MSC’s Sustainable Fishing Hero Award for her leadership in sustainable tuna fishing – making Heidi the first woman to receive the prestigious award!
Maleny Dairies have cleaned up at the 2025 DIAA Australian Dairy Product Competition, taking out nine medals including gold for their drool-worthy custard + an impressive eight silver across various entry classes.
Noosa Black Garlic has taken out the Champion Trophy for Savoury Preserves at the 2025 Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards for their Black Garlic Cloves — topping 15 classes and cementing their place as one of the country’s most awarded artisan producers!
A record 310 Sunshine Coast operators were accredited as the Best of Queensland Experiences including 59 Sunshine Coast tourism businesses who scored a perfect 100%! A shoutout to some of our faves Sunshine & Son’s, Bandita, Bella Venezia, M.V Catalina Noosa, Netanya Noosa, Noosa Boathouse, Noosa Ferry & Cruise Company, Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort + course, Park & Cove Noosa, & Sofitel Pacific Noosa Resort!
Finalists have been named for the 2025 Restaurant & Caterer’s Award – Qld & NT with a few of our favourites making the cut, including Lucio’s Marina for best Seafood Restaurant as well as best Italian Restaurant – Formal, along with Bella Venezia Mooloolaba, who are also finalists in the category of Premium Dining. Sunshine Beach Surf Club are again finalists for best Restaurant in a Pub/Club and Trattoria Benati are in the running for best Italian Restaurant – Informal. Good luck!
WINTER WARMERS
Thursdays is Pasta e Vina at Lucio’s Marina – enjoy any pasta from their menu for just $29! Plus, it’s $5 BYO day so bring your favourite bottle, get cosy and treat yourself to a relaxed riverside Italian feast, bookings essential!
Grab a daily bite or heat-up-at-home winter warmers from VanillaFood and Nilla’s Pantry – your one-stop-healthy go-to for all things wholesome!
Nothing says winter more than a cosy, intimate lunch or dinner at Bella Venezia! Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with perfectly matched wines and views to match! Bellisimo!
SAVE THE DATE
Unleash your inner Francophile and enjoy Bastille Day on 14 July. Do it with Gusto where Timothee Lepoutre and the team are offering a 2 or 3 course lunch, live music and traditional French fare and flair. Dressing up is encouraged!
Also at Gusto, don’t miss Christmas in July on 27 July; the Adriatic Coast Italian Wine Night and Weekday Winter Warmer with two courses and a glass of wine or beer for just $55. Aaron Bailey has just been appointed Executive Chef working alongside Head Chef Sacha Ryan.
In addition to a special Bastille Day-themed dinner at Flo’s Crêperie on 14 July, go with the Flo for Bastille Day weekend from 12-14 July when French flavours, festive vibes & good times collide!
LOCALS LOVE
For just $49, Chinadina’s all-you-can-eat Yum Cha (2-hour sitting) is the place to be Friday + Saturday or make it bottomless for $75 including spritz, wine or beer!
Noosa Waterfront offers an irresistible lunch special paired with a glass of wine. Choose from 1 course for $39, 2 for $59 and 3 for $69! Meanwhile, head chef Simone Zambetti and sous Matteo Stefanoni continue the Italian Long Lunch tradition on the last Sunday of each month. Salute!
Wednesday night is member’s night at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, enjoy 20% off all steaks for members!
Park & Cove are spicing things up with Spice Nights every Friday and Saturday with a special menu, DJ to get you moving and why not try the Chilli Gin Fizz or Native Negroni Heat cocktail? In breaking news, Andrea Ravezzani, formerly of Noosa Waterfront will be joining Andy Wilcox and the Park & Cove team as Head Chef from August, bringing Italian flair to their Sunny Coastal Kitchen.
A GOOD CATCH!
Congrats to Woody Ramsay and mum Janete for achieving 25 years of Noosa Harbour Fish Market! Janete might have retired last year but Woody is ensuring the catch of the day still lands, oysters are shucked and local producers are part of the broader effort through ingredients used in the homemade sauces and pickled onions. And the chips? Gluten free and superb!
SAVE THE DATES
Don’t miss the action in the Cooks Garden Marquee at Qld Garden Show, 11-13 July with the likes of Matt Golinski, Sophie Phipps of Alsahwa Estate, Peter Kuruvita, Cameron Matthews and Spirit House’s Tom Hitchcock!
Noosa Eat & Drink have announced NEW dates for 2026: 12-14 June! See you there!
DON’T MISS!
Sunset Hour from 4.30pm at Bandita with Margys and Tacos overlooking the Noosa River. Delicious!
Fancy a unique feasting experience under the stars, by the ocean, on a farm or at your local brewery?
Don’t miss The Curated Plate from 25 July-3 August and stock your pantry with homegrown goodness at Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry at the Station SC on 25 July! Visit thecuratedplate.com.au for the program and to book!
