Hastings Street Just Got A Little More Italian (And We’re Very Here For It)

If your idea of holiday dining involves sunshine, spritzes and pasta worth travelling for, clear your calendar. Hastings Street has officially welcomed a new heavyweight in coastal Italian dining, with Cibaria Noosa opening its doors at the newly unveiled Elysium Noosa Resort – and it’s every bit as buzzy, beautiful and delicious as you’d hope.

Hot on the heels of the runaway success of Cibaria Manly at Manly Pacific, restaurateur duo Alessandro and Anna Pavoni have taken their much-loved Italian piazza concept north, bringing their infectious energy, polished hospitality and crowd-pleasing menus to the Sunshine Coast. The result? A place that feels instantly familiar yet utterly transportive – like stumbling upon your favourite trattoria on the Amalfi Coast, only with better surf breaks.

Designed as a modern Italian social hub, Cibaria Noosa is a 120-seat trattoria that celebrates the European art of eating well and lingering longer. Think clinking glasses, animated conversations and plates designed for sharing. Positioned beside Elysium’s pool, the 60-seat Terrazza is tailor-made for long lunches and balmy evenings, while Bar Capri, facing Hastings Street, is a 100-seat all-day destination for everything from slow morning coffees to late-night Negronis.

In the kitchen, Head Chef Lucas Bach brings serious credentials (including Michelin-starred Meo Modo in Tuscany and Ormeggio at The Spit) and a refreshingly unfussy approach. His philosophy? Let great ingredients do the talking. The menu blends Cibaria Manly favourites with new dishes inspired by Queensland’s coastal rhythm, spanning crudi, antipasti, handmade pastas and wood-grilled classics.

Start at the cruderia, where Yellowfin tuna crudo with green chilli and smoked salmon roe sets the tone, alongside scallops with finger lime and ocean trout roe. The salumeria is equally tempting, starring premium culaccia Parma prosciutto, Wagyu bresaola and ’nduja, served simply with Sardinian flatbread.

From there, it’s onto antipasti like the elevated prawn cocktail (yes, it’s back – and better than ever), buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and peach, and wood-roasted baby eggplant with Parmigiano-Reggiano cream. Pasta lovers will want to linger: standout dishes include a bright, coastal spaghetti aglio e olio with tuna crudo and Pavoni’s signature risotto al granchio, made with aged Carnaroli rice and Queensland spanner crab.

The bisteccheria pays homage to Cibaria’s wood-grilled roots, with dry-aged swordfish, flame-charred Rangers Valley sirloin on the bone and plenty of encouragement to share. Save room for dessert: coconut gelato with mango textures or a zingy Amalfi lemon tart bring things home on a high.

Over at Bar Capri, the mood is relaxed, sun-soaked and unapologetically Italian. Expect classic cocktails done properly (hello, Negroni), Mediterranean-leaning spritzes and a thoughtful wine list spotlighting Italian and Australian producers. Small plates, handcrafted pastas and indulgent desserts make it dangerously easy to stay longer than planned.

Designed by Mitchell & Eades, the interiors channel Mediterranean confidence with sun-bleached textures, citrus tones and coastal blues – a space that feels just as welcoming for sandy feet as it does for dressed-up dinners.

Open seven days from morning until late, Cibaria Noosa is set to become Hastings Street’s new go-to for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and everything in between. Reservations are recommended – and trust us, you’ll want one.

Book now at www.cibarianoosa.au.