Peter Kuruvita opening in Noosa

Noosa is abuzz with the news that chef, author and TV presenter Peter Kuruvita is set to open a restaurant in the Queensland resort village. The Noosa Beach House is scheduled to open in May as part of the ongoing $12 million Starwood Sheraton Hotel refurbishment, taking over the Hastings Street space formerly occupied by Cato's Restaurant.

Kuruvita, former owner and executive chef of The Flying Fish in Pyrmont, has worked with Starwood Hotels and Resorts before, opening the Flying Fish Fiji in 2008.

"Noosa is a place I have always loved and having the opportunity to work with Starwood again in this exciting reopening of a Noosa icon was too hard to pass up," he said.

"The relaxed vibe of Noosa Beach House is my style of place, a casual restaurant that will grow up as the day progresses."

The news of their new neighbour was welcomed by local restaurateurs including Jim Berardo, owner of Berardo's and Berardo's on the Beach, both in Hastings Street.

"It's wonderful and a feather in Noosa's caps that these chefs from all over the country find Noosa of interest and want to set up here," Berardo said.

"Besides which, he's one of the nicest, most down-to-earth guys ever, so of course we're thrilled to have him open here."

Kuruvita is currently filming his television series in Central America but it's believed he'll be in Noosa for the opening of The Noosa Beach House on May 16.