The Best Restaurants with views in Queensland

The acclaimed Asian fusion eatery Rick Shores is a stone’s throw from the beach in Burleigh. Diners admire views of the sand and sea, while those enjoying a drink or meal at the right time are treated to an unforgettable sunset. Creative dishes range from small bites like fried shrimp wontons and karaage chicken to more substantial plates of char-grilled wagyu and West Australian octopus. Those finding it difficult to decide might opt for the “feed me” tasting menu for the table. Rick Shores also presents a lengthy wine list and an array of coastal-inspired cocktails.

The sophisticated Italian eatery Locale Restaurant and Bar has an enviable location in Noosa Heads, with its bar right on the surf beach. Diners enjoy incredible beach and water views from the pretty green-tiled, timber-accented space on Hastings Street, which offers indoor and outdoor seating. From noon until late, Locale presents fresh local seafood and hand-made pizzas, pastas and small plates prepared from farm- and market-fresh ingredients. Some stand-out items include a squid ink pasta with king prawns, calamari, garlic, lemon and pistachio, and a veal tartare with grilled artichoke and porcini mushrooms. A dozen wood-fired pizzas are all popular choices too.

Among all the best restaurants with views in Brisbane, Les Bubbles Bar and Bistro has the most intriguing back story. Before the venue became a restaurant in 2015, it was a notorious brothel and illegal casino that got shut down by a government inquiry. Les Bubbles displays head shots of figures associated with that era, along with a neon sign declaring “We regret to inform you we are no longer a brothel.” There’s also a secret staircase leading to a downstairs bar area with a 15-person spa tub. These quirky features might distract diners from the menu, but they never have trouble choosing what to eat. There’s only one main dish on the menu, a delicious French bistro-inspired steak frites with unlimited fries, a green salad and a choice of sauces.

The popular Australian chain of “paddock-to-plate” restaurants Three Blue Ducks opened its first Queensland location inside the W Brisbane in 2018. The brand’s signature cuisine, built around wood-fired, rotisserie and smoked farm-fresh, sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients, is the major draw. But don’t discount the great views at this location. Walls of windows maximise views of the Brisbane River from the casual-yet-sophisticated dining room. Three Blue Ducks is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Expect such tempting options as organic sourdough bread from the wood oven, grilled Moreton Bay bugs and a wood-roasted haloumi and pickled beet salad.

Diners at Rickys River Bar and Restaurant can make a memorable entrance by landing at its private jetty on Noosa Wharf via water taxi or ferry. The experience continues inside the bright dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of uninterrupted river views. The sunsets are spectacular. So is the cuisine by Queensland Young Chef of the Year finalist Braden White. His artistically plated creations take full advantage of the local bounty, showcasing impeccable Queensland seafood along with seasonal produce from the restaurant’s own farm. Choose from a la carte lunch and dinner menus or a tasting menu with optional wine pairings, and don’t miss dessert. There’s even a dessert tasting plate with miniature versions of them all.

There are few finer spots in Noosa to wine, dine and admire views of the bay than the front patio of Sails. The restaurant specializes in modern Australian cuisine prepared with impeccable, locally sourced ingredients. Main courses might be built around roasted Moreton Bay bug, grass-fed steak or North Queensland barramundi fillet. Notable entrees include fresh-shucked oysters from Australian waters, Fraser Coast prawns poached in olive oil, and slow-cooked short rib with artichoke puree. Adding to Sails’ acclaim is its wine collection – one of the largest in Australia. Sails is open for lunch and dinner daily, along with hosting a coffee cart in the mornings.