Mooloolaba, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is renowned for its picturesque beach, lively esplanade and family-friendly atmosphere. But did you know it also has an excellent culinary scene too?
Whether you’re a local looking for a new dining experience or a visitor seeking the perfect spot for a holiday meal, Mooloolaba has no shortage of exceptional restaurants to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the 20 best restaurants in Mooloolaba, each offering a unique blend of flavours, impeccable service and a charming ambience. From seafood delights fresh from the ocean to international gastronomic adventures, these venues showcase the diverse culinary landscape this charming coastal town has to offer.
So join us as we showcase hidden gems tucked away in cosy laneways, waterfront establishments offering breathtaking ocean views and chic eateries that effortlessly blend modern sophistication with a laid-back coastal vibe.
Here are the 20 best restaurants in Mooloolaba for your next meal out.
Bella Venezia
Bella Venezia, located on the Sunshine Coast, has been a renowned Italian restaurant since 1983. It has earned numerous accolades, including an AFGF Chef Hat award. Despite undergoing a facelift, the restaurant’s menu has remained consistent, which has been well-received by customers.
The extensive menu offers many delicious options, making it difficult to choose a favourite. However, the beef cheek slow-cooked ragout which is served with hand-cut pappardelle is a standout dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of Shiraz.
The Florence pizza is named after its Italian namesake and includes Italian tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, spinach, roast capsicum, garlic aioli and pumpkin,. Bella Venezia is one of Mooloolaba’s best-rated restaurants.
Address: 95 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5444 5844
Hours: Sun to Thurs 11.30 am – 9 pm, Fri & Sat 11.30 am to 10 pm
Rice Boi
Rice Boi, located in the Mooloolaba Wharf, serves modern Asian street-style food with the vibe of a Japanese izakaya dive bar. It is definitely a place you will want to come early to as there is always a queue to get in.
Among its delicious offerings, their eggplant fries and sumo-loaded bao buns – available with pork, chicken or duck stand out.
If you’re craving a heartier dish, try the chicken karaage ramen with baby corn, roasted chicken broth, spring onion, egg, bamboo, naruto and nori. It’s a party for your taste buds!
For those wanting a bit more of an experience, Rice Boi Upstairs, located on the second floor, is open from Thursday to Sunday. They have a full menu, delicious cocktails and wine, live music and a great view of the Mooloolah River.
Address: 123, The Wharf Mooloolaba, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5444 1297
Hours: 11.30 am – 9 pm Every Day
Spero
Spero at The Wharf is a restaurant created by Tony Kelly, the successful Sunshine Coast restaurateur behind Rice Boi.
This time, he has collaborated with chef Mitch Smith and restaurant manager Elyza Molloy (who were previously at Rice Boi) to offer authentic Greek cuisine directly from Greece.
The menu includes classics like lamb moussaka, calamari, pork belly, gyros, spanakopita and baklava. But it also features other mouthwatering dishes like pomegranate glazed lamb confit shoulder, lemon potatoes, olive oil and tzatziki. All of which stand up to anything you can get in Athens.
As well as the food, the decor is visually pleasing, featuring a stunning tiled bar adorned with potted plants.
Address: The Wharf Mooloolaba, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5478 4962
Hours: 11.30 am – 9 pm Every Day
Beach Bar and Grill
The Beach Bar and Grill is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal with a tasty local craft beer.
Accessed via a set of stairs that leads you up from the Esplanade, the atmosphere is casual and sports-bar-like. It features a modern and industrial interior, open windows and beautiful greenery hanging down.
This popular spot in Mooloolaba is a great place to hang out and grab pub-style food, with daily deals that will fill even the hungriest beachgoers.
Don’t miss out on their Friday night ribs special!
Address: Landmark Resort & Spa, 11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5444 4498
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues to Thurs & Sun 11.30 am – 9.30 pm, Fri & Sat 11.30 am – 10 pm
Il Vento
Love the rich flavour of wood-fired cuisine? Then head over to Il Vento, one of the top restaurants at the Wharf precinct.
Once there, you should try their classic margherita pizza or indulge in their wood-fired focaccia with mozzarella, garlic and parsley.
If you don’t fancy pizza, their spaghetti con gamberetti featuring wild-caught prawns is sensational.
For those with a sweet tooth, their signature cannoli, filled with honey, pistachio and ricotta is a great way to finish your meal.
After eating at Il Vento, we are sure you’ll agree it is one of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba.
Address: The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 0455 501 480
Hours: Mon to Thurs 12 pm – 2 pm & 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Fri to Sun 11.30 am – 2 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm
Spice Bar
If you’re a fan of contemporary Asian cuisine, be sure to add Spice Bar to your must-visit list.
This beautiful restaurant is situated high up in Mooloolaba, offering breathtaking ocean views by day and a modern, luxurious atmosphere at night to make your dining experience truly special.
Its menu is perfect for sharing, allowing you to savour various dishes and discover the culinary delights of one of Mooloolaba’s finest restaurants. For a wonderful feed, try their red curry lamb shank, Hervey Bay scallops with ginger soy sabayon and edamame with yuzu salt, which are all incredibly delicious.
Address: 123 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5408 4361
Hours: Mon & Tues, Wed & Thurs 6 pm – 12 am, Fri to Sun 12 pm – 3 pm & 6 pm – 12 am
Nouc Cham
Looking for authentic Vietnamese food on the Sunshine Coast can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, Nouc Cham is the perfect restaurant to satisfy your cravings for pho.
They offer a diverse menu that will make you feel like you’re wandering through the lively streets of Hanoi.
You can start with delicious appetisers like the beef wagyu skewers, rice paper soft shell crab rolls and kingfish sashimi. Then, move on to their shared meals, which include tasty options like roasted pumpkin, snake bean tempura rendang curry and slow-cooked mandarin duck legs.
Nouc Cham also offers plenty of vegan and gluten-free dishes for those with food intolerances.
Address: 25 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 0401 185 610
Hours: Mon, Tues to Thurs 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Fri to Sun 12 pm – 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm – 9 pm
Prawn Star Mooloolaba
Experience a one-of-a-kind dining experience aboard a restored fishing trawler in the Mooloolaba Wharf.
Over at Prawn Star Mooloolaba they plate up only the finest wild-caught Aussie seafood, including delicious tiger prawns, bugs, crayfish and oysters.
Indulge in their divine sharing platters, highlighting the best of local seafood. While takeout is available, we highly recommend dining aboard the bespoke timber fishing trawler for the whole experience.
Trust us; you don’t want to miss out on these ocean treasures.
Address: Marina Births, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 0422 186 955
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Every Day
RB Dining
The Tony Kelly Restaurant Group has a reputation for creating exceptional restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, including Giddy Geisha, Spero, Piggyback, Riceboi and Riceboi Upstairs.
Another of their ventures, RB Dining, located upstairs at The Wharf, is a fine dining modern-Asian restaurant inspired by the many Riceboi fans wanting a venue that takes bookings.
RB Dining offers an elevated dining experience while still maintaining the same delicious flavours diners so enjoy at Riceboi. The menu features raw dishes, upscale snacks, small share plates and larger dishes, with specific menus available for those with vegan and gluten-free requirements.
It is Tony Kelly’s tenth restaurant on the Sunshine Coast and has proven to be a phenomenal addition to its impressive collection.
Address: 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Tel: 07 3239 2116
Hours: Mon to Thurs 5pm – Late, Friday to Sunday – 11:30am – Late
Sakana Sushi Bar
According to many locals, Sakana Sushi Bar is the best restaurant in Mooloolaba for sushi. So, it would be remiss of us not to mention it when discussing the top restaurants in the area.
Sakana is located next to Fish on Parkyn and is unassuming in appearance, but it has gained a reputation as a Mooloolaba staple. The restaurant serves fresh sashimi, futomaki, nigiri sushi and several other Japanese dishes made with high-quality seafood sourced from the docks behind
Sakana. These dishes are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Address: 25 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5477 7737
Hours: Mon – Sat 12 pm – 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Sun 12 pm – 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Pier 33
Pier 33 is a beautiful and relaxed place with a Hamptons-inspired decoration that complements the stunning Mooloolaba Marina.
Several dining options are available, including enjoying a meal in the restaurant or finding a spot on its manicured lawn or al fresco settings and ordering signature house cocktails, snacks and wines from their cool panoramic island bar that are seasonally curated.
Fresh seafood is always the star of the menu here, especially the oysters you can enjoy au naturel or dressed with flavours of soy and sesame, cucumber and pickled ginger.
If you’re searching for one of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba for a special occasion, this could be the perfect spot.
Address: Mooloolaba Marina, 33/45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5294 5675
Hours: Mon – Tues Closed, Wed & Thurs 11.30 am – 11 pm, Fri & Sat 11.30 am – 11.30 pm
Ton Khao Bistro
If you’re craving something different from fish, Ton Khao Bistro in Mooloolaba is a must-try Thai restaurant.
It’s conveniently located near the Mooloolaba Esplanade, offering a variety of delicious dishes you can’t go wrong with, like beef massaman cashew nut stir fry and laksa noodle soup.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty night out or a mid-week takeaway treat, Ton Khao Bistro is a top choice in Mooloolaba. It is worth making a booking here, though, as the venue is always busy.
Address: 6/19 Cilento Apartment, First Avenue, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5444 5693
Hours: Sun & Mon 5 pm – 9 pm, Tues Closed, Wed – Thurs 5 pm – 9 pm, Fri – Sat 5 pm – 10 pm
Augello’s
Augello’s is a well-known Italian restaurant with a beautiful view of Mooloolaba Beach.
It has been a popular spot on the beachfront tourist strip since 1995, owned by Billy Moore, the ex-Queensland State of Origin legend.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of pizzas, pasta and wines, and you can sit downstairs for
alfresco-style dining or on the upstairs balcony.
The atmosphere is always friendly and relaxed, and the food is reminiscent of an old nonna’s home-cooked meals.
Address: Peninsular Beachfront Resort, 13 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5478 3199
Hours: 12 pm to 8.30 pm Every Day
The Dock Mooloolaba
The Dock Mooloolaba is a popular and highly regarded restaurant in Mooloolaba.
Located on The Wharf Mooloolaba, it boasts a prime waterfront position. You can relax on the breezy deck outside or enjoy the industrial-chic interior with exposed brick walls and greenery accents.
Executive Chef Chris Sell’s menu is produce-driven and seasonal, focusing on using fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is known for its slow-cooked and smoked meats, such as the Berkshire porchetta with roasted sweet potato and black barley, as well as meats like Cape Grim rump, served with veal glaze and delicious duck fat potatoes. It also offers plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for those who want them.
Address: The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 1300 843 362
Hours: Sun to Fri 11.30 am – 10 pm, Sat 11.30 am – 12 am
Backlane
Discover Backlane Bar & Street Food just behind the main Mooloolaba esplanade.
This casual and enjoyable dining experience is the perfect spot for your next group date night. You can choose between bench-style shared seating or al-fresco street tables and admire the vibrant octopus artwork.
The tapas-style menu offers a variety of dishes, including soft shell crab bao, corn rib and lamb kofta meatballs, which are absolute favourites.
Remember to try their signature Backlane zombie cocktail with whatever meal you choose to order.
Address: Cilento Mooloolaba, 7/19 First Avenue, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5444 0835
Hours: Sun Closed, Mon – Thurs 3 pm – 10 pm, Fri to Sat 3 pm – 12 am
Dirty Moes
Dirty Moes is a restaurant in Mooloolaba that serves delicious and unpretentious soul food.
Inspired by the American Deep Southern culture of sharing good food with loved ones, they
specialise in succulent slow-cooked meat dishes that fall off the bone.
You can enjoy these meals with a nice selection of beers that have been hand-crafted, whiskeys, or even their signature espresso sticky date martini.
Make sure to visit on Wednesdays for brisket night and Thursdays for their epic selection of burgers.
Address: Landmark Resort & Spa, 8 Esplanade Street, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 0435 008 655
Hours: Mon – Thurs 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri to Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
Kinnho Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is an exciting dining experience where vegetables, meats, and rice balls are cooked and served by skilled chefs.
Kinnho Teppanyaki in Mooloolaba is a top-rated spot on the Sunshine Coast that offers a variety of teppanyaki courses, appetisers and banquet menus.
It’s a fun place where they cook your food with flair, flames and theatre and often toss your food to you in the air!
Address: La Balsa, Shop 101/45 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 0426 789 864
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed to Sun 5 pm – 9 pm
Pavilion Mooloolaba
Pavilion Mooloolaba is situated near the beautiful shoreline of Mooloolaba, providing uninterrupted and breathtaking ocean views.
The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with Mediterranean vibes reflected in the terracotta feature tiles, creamy white tones and greenery. The share-style menu is simple yet sophisticated, with various dishes such as forest mushroom arancini, crispy cauliflower tacos and freshly shucked oysters.
The restaurant is renowned for its 72-hour fermented base pizzas. They also serve exceptional drinks, including classic favourites and more inventive cocktail style options.
Sipping a drink while enjoying the stunning sea views and the cool sea breeze is an incomparable experience. It is something you have to do when in Mooloolaba.
Address: Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Unit 26/121 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: 1300 843 728
Hours: Mon to Thurs 7 am – 9 pm, Fri 7 am – 11 pm, Sat 7 am – 12 am, Sun 7 am – 10 pm
See Restaurant
See Restaurant in Mooloolaba offers a unique experience as the only over-water restaurant in town.
Chef Antonio Puelma’s focus on fresh Chilean inspired seafood is evident in the extensive and delicious menu. Indulge in dishes like Mooloolaba coconut-crumbed king prawns with Peruvian salsa, scallopini duck breast with Congo potato puree and chestnut and whole baked snapper puttanesca with rich tomato sugo and creamy polenta.
With its fantastic setting and upscale menu, See Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba and possibly the entire Sunshine Coast.
Address: The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Phone: (07) 5444 5044
Hours: Mon, Tues to Sat 11.30 am – 8 pm, Sun 11.30 am – 2.30 pm