18 Oct 17 of the Best Mooloolaba Restaurants
The Sunshine Coast of Australia is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and a culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Among the coastal gems, Mooloolaba stands out with its exceptional dining options. From fresh seafood to international flavours, this seaside town has something for every palate. In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 17 of the best Mooloolaba restaurants to help you when planning your Mooloolaba getaway!
The Dock
Overlooking the marina, The Dock Mooloolaba is a haven for lovers of seafood and modern Australian cuisine. Located at The Wharf Mooloolaba, is a lively dining and drinking establishment specialising in smoked meats, a charcoal grill, and a curated selection of high-quality beers, complemented by an extensive array of wines and spirits. This restaurant offers a delightful waterfront dining experience that’s perfect for a relaxed meal or a special occasion.
With its expansive 500 square metres of space, the Dock can accommodate more than 300 guests in a laid-back and family-friendly setting that showcases the breathtaking riverside location. The venue boasts three bars and an impressive lineup of 52 beer taps, the most extensive selection on the Sunshine Coast, offering a variety of 16 exceptional beers, with additional options available by the can.
Rice Boi
For those seeking a vibrant fusion of Asian street food, Rice Boi is the place to be. Located at The Wharf Mooloolaba, this eclectic eatery offers a menu that takes you on a culinary journey across Asia, serving dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with flavour. This place offers an unexpected yet delightful blend of grunge, neon lights, and Asian street food in a picturesque waterfront setting. The restaurant, hidden behind distinctive red barn-style doors, exudes a Streetfighter and Karate Kid vibe with its red lanterns, cage-like walls, and an open kitchen where diners can watch their dishes being prepared.
The menu is brimming with affordable and satisfying dishes that are incredibly delicious, leaving you constantly contemplating when you can return for another delectable feast. In short, there’s no such thing as “too soon” to revisit this unique dining experience.
Spero
If Greek cuisine is what your heart desires, Spero will transport you to the streets of Athens with its authentic gyros, souvlaki, and other Greek street food favourites. The flavours here are as fresh and vibrant as the blue waters that surround Mooloolaba.
Located at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, the restaurant features an inviting, light-filled interior with a striking tiled bar, lush greenery, and a spacious deck, creating a welcoming setting to savour some of the finest Greek cuisines. They source quality meats, local seafood, and fresh produce to craft dishes that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
Pier 33
When an exquisite waterfront establishment like Pier 33 emerges on the Sunshine Coast, you pause, express gratitude to the culinary deities, and promptly schedule a visit.Offering an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking views, and culinary and beverage experiences that may set a new standard for your future dining endeavours, Pier 33 truly offers an all-encompassing experience.
With options for lunch, bar snacks, dinner, and drinks, you can select between indulging in a la carte dining in the main restaurant or lounging al fresco at the pristine picnic tables, enjoying substantial bites such as the delectable soft shell crab rolls. For those who consider themselves connoisseurs of cuisine, Pier 33 deserves an immediate spot at the pinnacle of your Sunshine Coast dining bucket list.
Spice Bar
Tucked discreetly upstairs, overlooking the bustling Mooloolaba esplanade, you’ll discover a contemporary pan-Asian restaurant that’s absolutely worth the search.The bustling kitchen seamlessly merges with an atmospheric, oriental-inspired dining area. The space is adorned with crimson-painted walls, intricate lacquered wood accents, and suspended bamboo steamers that create a striking ambiance devoid of any clichéd kitsch.
Spice Bar is a culinary delight that combines the best of Asian and modern Australian flavours. The menu features dishes that are as aromatic and spicy as they are creative and satisfying. Our recommendation: Sample the regional seafood options, such as the Mooloolaba prawns wrapped in betel leaves.
RB Dining
For those in search of modern Australian cuisine with a twist, RB Dining is an excellent choice. Located at the River Esplanade, the upscale modern-Asian restaurant can be found on the upper level of The Wharf. This fine dining establishment presents innovative interpretations of traditional Asian tastes within a refined and uncluttered setting. Deep hues blend with atmospheric lighting and lofty ceilings, fashioning an opulent dining atmosphere.
Begin your evening with pre-dinner cocktails at the sophisticated bar, then proceed to the elegant dining area. RB offers a fine dining experience while staying true to the robust flavours that diners have come to love at its sister restaurant, Riceboi. Executive Chef Mitch Smith champions seafood and meats sourced from local Sunshine Coast suppliers, ensuring that the menu complements the elegant ambiance.
Bella Venezia
Bella Venezia is a charming Italian restaurant that brings the flavours of Italy to Mooloolaba. Bella Venezia enhances their ‘paddock to plate’ ingredients with the freshest locally sourced produce and premium quality imported Italian elements, resulting in a culinary masterpiece. With its wood-fired pizzas, authentic pasta dishes, and a fine selection of Italian wines, this eatery is a slice of Italy on the Sunshine Coast. Accompanying their a la carte menu is a renowned award-winning wine selection.
Backlane Tapas & Wine Bar
Backlane Tapas & Wine Bar offers a unique dining experience for those who appreciate small plates and fine wines. Find a seat either at one of the indoor benches or a sidewalk table, and begin your delightful journey through the tapas menu, a playful and diverse fusion of flavours. Picture Brazilian cheese dip, prawn dumplings, and pork empanadas. The cocktails are vibrant, and the atmosphere exudes relaxation, offering you nothing more to do than to leisurely spend your afternoon.
Pavilion Mooloolaba
Nestled just a stone’s throw from Mooloolaba’s picturesque shore, this venue offers unobstructed ocean views, refreshing sea breezes, and a relaxed, intimate ambiance. Stepping inside feels like a journey to the sun-soaked beaches of Capri, with a Mediterranean-inspired décor featuring terracotta tiles, creamy white accents, and touches of greenery—an idyllic setting for brunch, sunset drinks, or late-night cocktails.
Their thoughtfully crafted menu is simple yet elegant, echoing the Pavilion’s overall style. It showcases a modern European summer experience with a shared-style menu. From freshly shucked oysters, crispy cauliflower tacos, and forest mushroom arancini, to their signature 72-hour fermented base pizzas adorned with delectable toppings like slow-roasted lamb shoulder, vegan butternut, and garlic prawns.
Augello’s
Augello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria is your gateway to the authentic flavours of Italy. This restaurant serves up wood-fired pizzas, traditional Italian dishes, and an ambiance that exudes warmth and cosiness.
Visitors frequent this place for a variety of pizzas, ranging from classic options to contemporary creations such as sweet chilli prawn or tuna salsa on a nori base. The menu also includes delectable sides, salads, and pasta dishes, and an affordable wine list, making it a great choice for regular dining.
Il Vento
Il Vento introduces traditional Italian cuisine to Mooloolaba, offering a contemporary coastal dining experience.
As the sole restaurant in Mooloolaba featuring a wood-fired oven, Il Vento guarantees the community authentic wood-fired pizzas and freshly crafted pasta. Expect genuine ingredients sourced directly from Parma and Napoli, homemade pasta recipes passed down from generation to generation, and the inclusion of beloved local produce known to all Australians. Our advice – try it, you won’t regret it!
See Restaurant
Offering unrivalled sea vistas, See Restaurant stands as Mooloolaba’s exclusive waterfront dining establishment, perched gracefully upon the marina. Guests can relish the vast skies and captivating sunsets either on the chic deck or within the charming nautical-themed dining area.
Their culinary expertise is anchored in modern Australian seafood. Drawing inspiration from the sea and the fresh catches arriving from the nearby harbour, their culinary philosophy centres on natural ingredients and straightforward preparation. The menu caters to seafood aficionados, featuring an array of classics like natural oysters, Tasmanian scallops, and Cloudy Bay clam chowder, alongside contemporary entrées like seafood pasta, risotto, and premium steaks. With a commitment to delivering exquisite seafood in an idyllic location, See Restaurant is a destination not to be missed.
Nouc Cham
Introducing Nouc Chấm, a modern Vietnamese dining establishment drawing its inspiration from the traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce, ‘Nước Chấm.’ The head chef skilfully combines the rich heritage of Vietnamese cuisine with contemporary culinary methods, resulting in a dining experience that’s both distinctive and unforgettable.
Step into their restaurant, and you’ll find yourself transported to the vibrant streets of Hanoi or Saigon, where the scent of sizzling street food mingles with the lively city ambiance, forging an indelible and immersive atmosphere.
The Savvy Squire
Nestled within The Wharf Mooloolaba precinct, The Savvy Squire offers an array of inviting spaces tailored to match your mood. The bistro is renowned for its keg wall and provides panoramic river views, ideal for intimate gathering. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, bask in the sun with a beer in hand on the deck, overlooking the boardwalk.
But that’s not all! They have a bustling beer garden at the entrance – a delightful spot for savouring brews on sunny days. Grab your friends, order a tasting paddle and pair it with a modern pub feed!
El Bigton
El Bigoton, located in Mooloolaba’s new The Wharf precinct, is revolutionising the concept of takeout food. This unassuming canteen-style eatery is on a mission to bring the flavours of Latin American street food to the Sunshine Coast by crafting everything from scratch with authentic and traditional ingredients.
Their menu is a treasure trove of mouth watering, classic dishes and street snacks, featuring Brazilian Picanha, arepas with various meat options, grilled corn with delectable house aioli and melted cheese, as well as beloved favourites like nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Calling all our gluten free friends – their soft tacos and arepas are 100% gluten free. While primarily a takeaway spot, El Bigoton offers relaxed outdoor seating, making it an ideal location for beach gatherings.
Ton Khao Bistro
Ton Khao Bistro is a Thai-inspired gem that delivers the flavours of Thailand to Mooloolaba. The menu features classic Thai dishes, including mouth watering curries, stir-fries, and more. Ton Khao Bistro elevates the Thai dining experience beyond the typical restaurant, all while retaining its warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s also conveniently situated for mid-week lunch gatherings. The menu boasts an array of your beloved Thai dishes taken to the next level, as well as some exciting new options that might become your new favourites.
Flo’s Creperie
Flo’s, a well-loved French eatery in Mooloolaba, specialises in delightful savoury (Gazettes) and sweet crêpes. Immerse yourself in a French culinary experience, complete with exceptional coffee and cocktails, all within a laid-back, beach-inspired atmosphere.
At Flo’s Creperie, every crepe becomes a canvas for culinary creativity. From the intricate folding of the crepes themselves to the delectable combinations of fillings and toppings, each dish receives meticulous attention to blend flavours and textures harmoniously. Whether your craving leans toward a timeless Nutella and banana delight or a savoury masterpiece brimming with gourmet ingredients, the menu caters to diverse tastes and preferences. The inviting creperie exudes a cosy ambiance with a touch of rustic charm, offering an ideal setting for a leisurely morning repast.
Mooloolaba Apartments
Get to Mooloolaba restaurants with ease from all our Mooloolaba apartments, perfectly positioned in the main street, along the Mooloolaba wharf, moments from the beach and throughout the Mooloolaba region.
