Light Years Noosa

A few blocks beyond Noosa’s Sunshine Beach is the northernmost outpost of good-times modern-Asian restaurant group Light Years (you’ll find its siblings in Byron Bay, Newcastle and Burleigh Heads).

Executive chef Robbie Oijvall’s (ex-China Diner, Bondi) plates draw on influences from across Asia. You could start by getting your hands around bao stuffed with spicy Korean fried chicken or eggplant katsu, or proceed straight to an umami punch with corn doused in miso butter. Mains to share might include sticky master-stock pork belly served with chunks of pineapple; DIY five-spice duck pancakes; and a zingy turmeric and coconut fish curry.

Bold flavours power the cocktail list in numbers like the Yuzu Ribena (Chambord, Campari, yuzu juice, blackberry, foam) and a Pineapple Margarita. There’s a decent selection of local and international wines, plus Kirin lager and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale both on tap.

Noosa’s tropical surrounds are referenced in Light Years’ jungle-inspired decor: a brash leopard-print feature wall, tall and leafy potted plants, and rattan and cane chairs. Comfortable banquette seating backs onto elegant arched windows, and there’s a range of seating options available, from intimate two-person tables to large round tables for bigger groups.