Jad A.
Yelp
Some of the best discoveries are unexpected. One such example, is Locale, an Italian Restaurant on 62 Hastings St Noosa. Exploring, & popping in for lunch drawn to its gorgeous upscale fit-out. Clean lines, Lots of dark wood, incandescent lighting, ceiling fans, retractable ceiling, and prominent surrounding plants and rock face. Ambience is relaxed, a nice way to have lunch.
Service is excellent. Friendly, and ever-present, without being overbearing. Lunch Menu is divided into share plates ("Cicchetti"), Mains ("Pranzo"), as well as Salads & Pizza. Cicchetti & Pranzo prices ranged from $8-23, and $18 - $38 respectively. Start with some amazing sweet potato & pumpkin Gnocchi ($8), with buffalo ricotta, rosemary & sage cream. Unique & divine, available only at lunch. Follow it up with prosciutto & sage wrapped scallops with lemon parsley oil ($8). Another top-notch starter.
Continue the gourmet experience with a Filetto di pesce. Snapper with Sicilian green olives, crispy kipfler potatoes, artichoke, white wine & saffron brodetto. Round off with some organic Acquerello Carnaroli saffron risotto, Moreton bay bug, & Gympie baby zucchini. Both mains, are "Wow"! But wait, there's more.
If you have room for dessert, go straight to the heavens with the Bombolini. A hazelnut chocolate crème patissiere centred Italian doughnut, praline, & vanilla bean gelato. Add some Valrhona Chocolate fondant, cherry coulis heart, with Saffron gelato, & you have just completed one extraordinary lunch, both in taste & experience. Locale is a must-try if you want to treat yourself, to modern & upscale Italian cuisine. Definitely one of Noosa's gems on Hastings St. Open daily from 12pm.