Viva Coochie - Restaurants in Coochiemudlo Island, Queensland, Australia

Redlands Bayside News restaurant review: Island tapas and cocktails done right: Viva Coochie is a must-visit IF you’re looking for your next favourite food spot — whether you’re a Redlands or Bayside local or just after an easy island escape — make a beeline for Viva Coochie. A revamp by Curlew Café owner Joe Alhalaby — a long-time local known for his passion for food and community — Viva brings fresh energy to a much-loved venue that’s long been a social hub for island life. With his wife Irina by his side, Joe has reimagined the space as a welcoming hideaway that mixes island ease with serious culinary flair. I came hungry and dived straight into the tapas menu — and honestly, every dish was a hit. From smoky beef kebabs and herb-crusted stuffed mushrooms to prawn bruschetta and spicy meatballs, the flavours are bold, fresh, and full of heart. Even the ricotta and spinach cheese balls had me going back for seconds. Then came the cocktails — and wow. The Spicy Margarita packed a punch, while the off-menu Piña Colada was whipped up with style by bartender Kylie, who didn't miss a beat. The Jetty Jumper — a spiced rum and absinthe number — channels the island’s free-spirited vibe. But Viva isn’t just about food and drinks — it’s about the atmosphere. The weekly line-up is part of the magic: • Wednesday: Steak and schnitzel night — flame-grilled rib eye or pan-fried schnitzels with house-made sauces, chips, and slaw, all under $20. • Thursday: Global Cuisine night — a rotating set menu from around the world. • Friday & Saturday: Fine dining à la carte with a focus on fresh, local produce. • Sunday: Live music sessions with top mainland acts — from rock to blues and pop — bringing the island to life. And if you’re heading home on the ferry or craving comfort food midweek, check out Joe’s Italian — traditional takeaway pizza and pasta from Wednesday to Sunday. Don’t miss: Viva’s upcoming degustation dinner on June 27 — a multi-course island dining experience that’s already attracting attention from food lovers on the mainland. Tickets are on sale now — but won’t last long. The soul of Viva comes from the front-of-house team—friendly, familiar faces who make every visit feel like home. Behind the scenes, creative Lisa Engeman ignites the venue’s vibe, from branding and social presence, curating Sunday Sessions and crafting signature cocktails, all with a passion for island life. Just a $1 return ferry from Victoria Point, Viva Coochie is the kind of place you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you’re soaking in sunset views, dancing to live music, or lingering over cocktails with friends, this island gem is all heart. Coochie just got a whole lot cooler. Check out menus, events and tickets at Viva Coochie on Facebook.

Great atmosphere - food - team and Staff. Live entertainment / musicians on a Sunday - just fantastic. vibe.. Looking forward to visiting again.

Every meal has been beautifully prepared & presented, fresh & a delight for the taste buds. The restaurant is always immaculate & tables well set out. Staff are well trained & always treat the customer as a priority in a friendly manner. Congratulations to the owners for providing a next level beautiful tasting dining experience. Would highly recommend to all.

I must say my experience as a customer at Viva last Wednesday night was outstanding with Jackie overseeing the delivery of prompt service, food satisfaction and was so focused on keeping customers happy. I had a $20 steak that was cooked to perfection. I will be a regular customer of Viva. .

Visited Sunday afternoon. Awesome vibe and excellent service. Bartender was above and beyond!

Had dinner there the first night we arrived. Food was well priced and the service was good however they seemed to focus on takeaway orders over their diners. Took nearly 1 hr for the food to come out yet the takeaways were being smashed out. Over all I thought the pricing was great for a small island venue and the staff were pleasant the wait was the only part that turned us off dining in again! Guess what we did we bought takeaway no brainer but would cost them because we would have spent more dining in!

Just bought the best Vege Pizza I have ever had at Viva Coochie Friday takeaway Pizza night, Chocka block with roasted Veges. Excellent Value and so Delicious. Thankyou Joe and Co