Food: Put another prawn on the barbie

By EWAN McDONALD

In Foreign parts, it pays to speak a little of the local lingo. If you're in Ireland, toilets are often marked "Fir" and ... well, I've never needed to know what the other ones are marked.

Same goes for Australia, where they also speak a different language from us. If you're visiting Noosa go to one of the best fish-and-chip places in Aussie and you'll find it's spelled "NaCl H2O" and pronounced "Saltwater."

But you don't need School Cert chemistry to enjoy the food there or at any of these other places, recommended to Travel readers by John Abbott, an expat Auckland businessman now based in Brisbane: "Some of the best food in Noosa is by Gary Skelton, owner/chef at Season, an unpretentious BYO with minimalist decor, terrific staff, great food and good-value prices. Season is deservedly popular and does not take bookings, so take your bottle and turn up early or stand in the queue. It is well worth it - we have never had a less than excellent meal."

For seafood, a Queensland speciality, go to Saltwater. This place looks and feels very Noosa: laidback, smartly casual, outdoorsy. You can order excellent, upmarket fish-and-chips to take away or eat downstairs, but for the real seafood experience go upstairs and dine under the sail from the full menu.

For a casual, fun night - or a perfect place if you've brought the children with you - try Ma Mensa. Sit outside and enjoy the Italian food, wine and atmosphere in a relaxed trattoria style. The menu includes pizzas, pasta and everything else, done well. It's worth a visit just to watch and listen to Giuseppe, the maitre d'.

Away from Hastings St (the main boulevard ) is Leonie Palmer's deservedly popular Ricky Ricardo's. On Noosa Wharf, this bar and restaurant is a must-visit. Relaxed but upmarket, it is a hangout for the smart set of Noosa locals and Melbourne glitterati. Excellent food, superb water views - go for lunch, and you'll probably be there for most of the afternoon.

ADDRESSES: Season, 30 Hastings St, Noosa Heads. Ph (0061) 5447 3747 - modern Mediterranean.

Saltwater, 8 Hastings St, Noosa Heads. Ph (0061) 5447 2234 - fresh local seafood.

Ma Mensa, 6 Hastings St, Noosa Heads. Ph (0061) 5449 2328 - Italian cuisine.

Ricky Ricardo's Deck Bar and Grill, Quamby Place, Noosa Wharf, Noosa Sound. Ph (0061) 5447 2455 - Mediterranean-based, tapas bar and grill.