Sunshine and coconuts a hit for Leonie Palmer

While the rest of Noosa struggles with post wet weather excesses, Leonie Palmer Fisher and Steve Fisher opened Coconut Grove Bar Bistro with a bang last week. On Saturday night it was standing room only for the popular early sitting as the who's who of Noosa rocked up to check it out.

Located between Marble Bar and the highly acclaimed Wasabi on Sunshine Beach's eat street, you'll find Coconut Grove up two flights of stairs overlooking Duke Street.

The decor is white and simple with a Hawaiian-style girl lamp as an attractive stand out feature. The Hawaiian theme flows through the starters with some very yummy Pu Pu plates (pronouced pow pow). We sampled the coconut prawns and cumin blinis and seared scallops which were both cooked to perfection and truly delicious. There were several other suggestions on this list that deserve tasting but will have to wait until next time.

For mains I tried the wild rabbit cannelloni with chestnuts and mushrooms which I enjoyed but didn't leave lasting memories. My friend went with the local spanner crab saffron risotto bisque. We both expected this to be soup like, but it was a normal risotto with a delicious ring of very thick bisque. Confusion aside, the dish was well received.

Our dessert selection was Greek orange saffron and honey cake with the option of coconut ice cream on the side.

The drinks list includes a good collection of cocktails and there's a choice of several Italian wines amongst regulars on the wine list.

Leonie's expertise is obvious in the finely tuned kitchen which is open to the restaurant, while Steve runs front of house with a team of experienced and attentive wait staff.

Find Coconut Grove at 8/46 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach. +61 7 5449 2333 www.coconutgrovebistro.com