How to do Noosaville, according to Aussie chef Adriano Zumbo

Star of Sugar Rush, master of macarons and designer of dessert, Adriano Zumbo says life in Noosaville is nothing but sweet.

Adriano Zumbo is all smiles when it comes to food in Noosaville.

After a decade travelling to Noosa for appearances, Adriano fell in love, both with local, Nelly Riggio (My Kitchen Rules), and the breathtaking region.  The popular pastry wunderkind, author and TV personality now spends his precious down-time exploring his adopted home’s scenic coastline and lush hinterland, inspired by its natural beauty, peace and calm. Zumbo Test, launched recently in Noosaville, is the beneficiary of his step-back from the spotlight, his creations paying ultimate homage to his surroundings’ significant culinary bounty.

Magical trails

Adriano takes his camera for picturesque hikes through Tea-tree perfumed Noosa National Park to Hell’s Gates, a dramatic rock formation with cliff tops made for musing. The circuit takes about an hour. Alternatively, at The Boardwalk Mount Coolum, a popular whale-spotting platform, he strolls the elevated beachfront path for hypnotic ocean views to the horizon, a levelling and restorative experience for the busy chef. 

Day tripping

Side-stepping holiday crowds, Adriano prefers exploring charming Noosa Hinterland villages, Maleny and Montville, during the week.  He’s besotted with the backdrop of velvet-green rolling hills, energising rainforest and cluster of passionate producers. He recommends visiting Maleny Chocolate Company, Maleny Cheese and your pick of berry farmers.   

Backroad culture                                         

Rene Street, within Noosaville’s industrial estate, is a petri dish of culinary creativity and collaboration.  Peppered between mechanic-workshops and pool supplies, vibrant new food and drink producers (as well as a blossoming arts and homewares scene) have followed in the wake of neighbour Belmondos, a respected organic foodie collective, home to butcher (Eumundi Meats), baker (Tanglewood) and (Clandestino) coffee-machine-shaker. In a sweet move, Seaborne Distillery (and super-chic cellar-door) welcomed Zumbo Test to the hood with 10kg of Berry Blush Gin castoff for his wares.  

Zumbo says oui to Tanglewood Bakery's croissants. Photo: Tanglewood Bakery

Farmers markets

Held Saturday mornings (6-12), Yandina Country Markets specialise in fresh local produce, plants and bric-a-brac but Adriano’s eyes remain on the buttermilk-brioche doughnut prize, sold piping hot from the Jam Factory Doughnut caravan. Fillings, such as rhubarb-apple jam, crème brulee, lemon curd and passionfruit are made with market produce. Also available Sundays at Fisherman’s Road Markets.  

Coffee

Little Cove Coffee Co., a speciality roaster on Noosaville’s riverfront, is the goldilocks find for this caffeine aficionado who says the quality and flavour of their espresso is ‘bangin’  - translating as ‘never too milky or diluted, always on point’. 

Eats

Snack attack

When Adriano craves the combination of chilled Asian street food, great music and fun, there’s only one place on his playlist. Rice Boi churns out excellent bao buns, dumplings, fragrant curries, crisp salads, ice cold beers and tropical cocktails, sublimely fitting for the Sunshine Coast’s climate. Plant-based options available. Noosaville gyoza-wholesaler, Blue Plum, serves limited quantities of Japanese fan-favourites like fatty tuna donburi and incredible sushi handrolls, Wed-Fri only.   

Take your pick of delicious dishes. Photo: Rice Boi

Advance Italian fare

Mooloolaba Wharf’s feel-good vibes feed off a heady concoction of cocktail bars, marina views, stylish retail and terrific casual eateries, including Italian Il Vento. Being a chef of Calabrian heritage, Adriano knows a thing or two about pizza and when he tells you this joint has the most authentic slice around, you’d better listen. Even the flour’s from Napoli!  

Talking Italian... 

On date nights, the hard-working couple head to slinky Locale, showcasing classic and original pastas, seafood and home grown produce – bookended by blood orange Negronis and irresistible dolci. With stunning canal views, Noosa Waterfront is perfect for long, Italian-inspired, seasonal lunches whilst drinking in the sunshine. Lucio’s Marina is a beautiful new addition to the dining scene. 

Just desserts

Purists adore Massimo’s Gelateria in Noosa Heads for clean tasting, creamy classics. 

Originally published as How to do Noosaville, according to Aussie chef Adriano Zumbo