Just a 14 minute walk upriver from Noosa Pacific Resort is perhaps one of the most iconic restaurants on the Gympie Terrace strip: Gustos Riverfront Restaurant. When an eating house has been on the scene for over two decades, there’s a very good reason. Three actually: consistently great food, wonderful service and an excellent view. Oh, and it won’t break the bank. Gustos is the kind of place you take your mum for a lovely brunch, your best friend for a deliciously long lunch, or your loved one for a special evening out just because… any time is a good time for Gustos!
Elevated a few steps above street level with magnificent views over Gympie Terrace, the Noosa River and Laguna Bay beyond, the location certainly adds a French Riviera vibe to a meal at Gustos. Inside, the cut mirrors, long lines, individual lamps and white with black accented interior complete the French bistro theme. Settling in for the morning, afternoon or to watch the colours change into evening over the river is very easy to do here.
The Mod-Aus-French menu is chocked full of tried and tested dishes. Ask a local during the cooler months where the best Seafood Chowder can be had, and Gustos will always be the answer. The French influence can be seen throughout, with entrees like the Salmon Ceviche featuring lime caviar and chilli lime dressing, while the Moya Valley Chicken Liver Paté with cornichons, onion jam and brioche, features high quality and locally sourced ingredients. Gustos is also the king of the light lunch. Try the Red Onion and Beetroot Tartlet, spiced almonds, goat’s cheese and rocket salad, or for the veganites, Braised Leeks, cashew cream, farro and chimichurri dressing.
For mains, everything is cooked to perfection and plated to be mouth-watering: Mooloolaba Prawn and Garlic Ravioli with confit leek and beurre blanc, Fish du Jour, a Kingaroy Pork Chop with all the sides or a Brisbane Valley Quail, partly deboned with wilted mixed mushrooms, pumpkin duo and quail jus. Finish off with a Gusto Lemon Tart, Crème Brulee or as the real French do, a selection of Fromages.
The Drinks menu is no slouch either, and includes lots of classic and twisted cocktails, though the Wine List is a standout. Numerous French wines are included in each varietal, along with excellent Australian and New Zealand quaffs. What we love most here, is the accessibility to a selection of great wines, ranging in price from the cheap and cheerful $45 ones, through to the kind of bottle that costs more than your first car.
But wait! There’s more!! The final reason Gustos has stood the test of culinary time is its acute understanding of the average human being. What do they love? A good special. Weekdays, there’s the lunch special which includes a main and a glass of wine for $33 or $43 with a dessert. On Saturdays, extend the lunch officially to loooong with the Bottomless Wine Lunch at $75. And finally, the pièce de résistance: Sunday Lunch Roast including Bangalow pork belly, amazing crackling, cauliflower gratin, green beans, paris mash and apple sauce from noon until sold out for $39.
Gustos is no secret: guests and locals alike know just how many culinary boxes it ticks. Sometimes you get lucky, and walk right onto the best table, other times, the place is full. It’s always best to book. Fortunately for Noosa Pacific guests, the stroll home is just long enough to walk off those last few bites!