Noosa’s dining scene booms as tourists flock to tourist hotspot

Noosa restaurants are experiencing a record start to the year, with some venues now even busier than they were pre-Covid.

After a horror end to last year, when many restaurants temporarily close their doors, Noosa’s dining scene has bounced back with some eateries reporting their strongest first quarter on record.

The Sunshine Coast suburb was caught in a Covid crisis in December, with so many hospitality staff sick or in isolation venues were simply unable to open.

But after the wave ended in January, business has been booming as interstate travellers and Brisbanites flock to the holiday hotspot.

“It’s pumping. We’re flat out,” said Matt Sinclair, co-owner of Noosaville pan-Asian eatery Sum Yung Guys.

“It’s been one of the strongest quarters we’ve ever had. If we could maintain this for the rest of the year it’ll be a good year.”

Sum Yung Guys co-owner Matt Sinclair said business is booming, with his pan-Asian restaurant experiencing a cracker start to the year. Picture Lachie Millard

He said the restaurant had experienced multiple record weeks throughout February and March with up to 35 per cent more diners than the same period last year, while the April school holidays had created an extra surge, with about 30 per cent more booking inquiries.

“It’s nice to see everyone’s become at ease with it and people aren’t scared of it and aren’t scared to jump on a plane or make a restaurant booking. There’s a lot more confidence now,” Mr Sinclair said, with his venue booking out up to five weeks in advance.

At Hastings St’s popular Sails restaurant manager Nigel Lee said they couldn’t keep up with diner demand and could fill the eatery three times over, with average spend also up by as much as 30 per cent.

It was a similar story at nearby Locale.

“February and March were very good months this year – better than 2018 and 2019,” Locale owner Rio Capurso said.

“Traditionally come February it slows down but it hasn’t this year, it’s been a continuous steady pace all the way through.”

Restaurateur Matteo Galleto at Lucio's on Noosa Marina. Picture: Lachie Millard

Matteo Galletto, owner of Lucio’s restaurant along the Noosa River, agreed, reporting a huge influx of diners from interstate and even overseas, which he said was only set to get bigger as school holidays in the southern states kicked off this weekend.

“From next week it’s just crazy already with the bookings and Easter Saturday has been booked up for months,” Galletto said.