South Asian restaurants, cafes among new Sunshine Coast business openings

Summertime business openings across the region have seen a number of new cafes and restaurants hit the market as well as the revival of old favourites. See what is new.

Ra Restaurant & Bar in Sunshine Beach.

Summertime business openings across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions have seen a number of new venues hit the market, as well as the revival of old favourites.

Manager at the new Noosa Sri Lankan venue Ra Restaurant and Bar, Vikum Mahanama, said they had been overwhelmed by the crowds flocking to book tables each night.

“The feedback has just been amazing, people have been really surprised,” Mr Mahanama said.

“120 people came in for the opening night and we didn’t even send out any invitations.”

Co-owners Dushan Illesinghe and Vino Illesinghe opened Ra Restaurant & Bar along with manager Vikum Mahanama and head chef Udee Suradasa on December 21.

Mr Mahanama said he estimated they had served 800 people since the restaurant’s opening, stating the only problem encountered so far was keeping up with the high demand.

Ra Restaurant and Bar is not the only new kid on the block, with a wholefood cafe and an iconic Noosa lodge also opening in time for summer holiday-makers.

Here is what has opened over the past few weeks.

Pucca Restaurant and Gin Bar co-owner and head chef Neale White and fellow co-owner John Forest.

Pucca — Noosa

The much-loved Noosa restaurant and gin bar, Pucca, is back in a new location after temporarily closing their doors in October, promising diners a “rebirth” the iconic restaurant experience.

The restaurant, which delivers a “modern Euro-Indian restaurant and boutique gin cocktail bar”, owned by Neale White and John Forest, reopened in a new spot on Gympie Tce, Noosaville last month.

Previously operating from Sunshine Beach Rd in Noosa Heads, Pucca still promises to deliver a carefully curated menu and local gins.

Pucca’s website teases a supper club is yet to come.

Halse Lodge at 2 Halse Lane, Noosa.

Halse Lodge – Noosa

An Iconic Noosa lodge, first established in 1880, has also officially begun welcoming back guests for food, drinks and nights soundtracked by classic vinyls.

The seaside backpackers and guesthouse reopened on November 30, 2024 after a fresh renovation to the property at 2 Halse Lane, Noosa Heads.

The newly-opened lodge offers dorm rooms as well as private suites to guests just a short walk from Noosa Main Beach and Hastings St.

According the venue’s website, visitors will be able to enjoy a game of pool or table tennis while sipping local beers and natural wines.

“Halse Lodge restaurant and bar serves up local beer on tap, Aussie cult classics in tins, and a thoughtfully curated selection of Australian natural wines,” the website stated.

“Paired with delicious share plates or pub classics, all designed for savouring the easygoing beachside vibes while sipping away in the sun.”

Ra Restaurant & Bar on Duke St in Sunshine Beach.

Ra Restaurant and Bar – Noosa

An exciting new Sri Lankan restaurant has been inundated with bookings after opening in Noosa before Christmas.

The restaurant at 8/48-54 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach opened on December 21, with a fully booked restaurant despite having sent out no invitations.

The menu features a number of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, including a pork curry and mud crab dish, which have quickly become local favourites.

An estimated 800 people have already dined with the new restaurant less than a month after it opened, including a special appearance by celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita.

Many of the authentic Sri Lankan ingredients used by Ra Restaurant & Bar are grown on a local property at Palmview.

Back to Basics Organic Wholefood Cafe – Bokarina

A new cafe that claims to be the healthiest venue in Bokarina has also recently opened its doors at a prime waterfront spot.

Back to Basics Organic Wholefood Cafe has now opened at 10-24 Lake Kawana Boulevard.

According to the cafe’s website, the menu accommodates various different dietary requirements, while focusing on seasonal and fresh produce.

The website also offers a healthy catering service available for private celebrations.

The cafe is open seven days per week from 6.30am to 2pm.

Bombay Bliss – Sippy Downs

A popular Indian restaurant chain, Bombay Bliss, also opened a new store on the Sunshine Coast in time for Christmas, expanding into Sippy Downs.

The restaurant now has locations in Coolum Beach, Sippy Downs, Caloundra, Maroochydore and Tewantin.

The latest restaurant opened on December 16.