Sunshine Dining: The Best Restaurants in Mooloolaba To Book

Less than two hours from Brisbane, you’ll find the holiday haven of Mooloolaba, complete with incredible views, adventures and more than a few pristine beaches. To make your weekend away blissfully easy, we’ve discovered the restaurants Mooloolaba has on offer that deserve a cameo on your next escape. Notes app at the ready? Read on for the best restaurants in Mooloolaba.

Il Vento

Named for the wind that blew them from the shores of Italy to Mooloolaba, Il Vento is one of Mooloolaba’s best spots for some authentic Italian fare.

With the only wood-fired oven in town, if you’re longing for a perfect pizza or handmade pasta, this is the place to be. Boasting sweeping views of the Mooloolaba Marina, you’re sorted for location, too.

Shop 36, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Spero

For that family-owned, beach-style eatery experience, Spero is it. Crafting modern Greek eats from fresh, local meats, seafood and produce, this low-key restaurant is the perfect pit stop to refuel after a day packed with sun and surf.

The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

See Restaurant

The only restaurant in town offering over-water dining, See Restaurant is a must visit when in Mooloolaba!

An intimate space that only seats 70 patrons, See is ideal for a romantic date night or special occasion while you’re holidaying on the Sunshine Coast. With a menu of modern Australian cuisine, seasonal cocktails and an incredible variety of wine, you’re in for a treat.

The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Dune by Pavilion Mooloolaba

Dune by Pavilion offers up the kind of dining scenes you only see in Europe. The Mediterranean menu is just the start, with plates of scallops, impeccably presented beef carpaccio and perfectly grilled fish just a few of the highlights.

As for the interiors, it’s a textural haven with a sandstone palette. They’ve got plenty of fun things going on too, from sunset social hour to bottomless brunches, so do take a peek at their entire offering before you book.

Mantra International Resort, 26/121 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

Ton Khao Bistro

This warm and welcoming family-run Thai bistro is what holidays are all about. Expect friendly service, fun dishes and a tropical cocktail menu.

All of your favourite Thai dishes can be found on the menu, which is packed with locally caught seafood and fresh, seasonal fruit and veg. Dine alfresco to make the most of the afternoon Queensland sun.

6/19 Cilento Apartment, 19 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

Prawnstar Mooloolaba

You don’t have to travel to tropical North Queensland to experience the iconic floating restaurant, famed for its fresher-than-fresh seafood!

One of our favourite restaurants in Mooloolaba is Prawnstar, a floating fishing trawler-turned-restaurant that plates up the best prawns and local seafood that you’ve ever sampled.

Dine on wild-caught crayfish, bugs, oysters and more at one of Queensland’s most unique dining destinations.

The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Rice Boi

A buzzy spot along The Wharf, Rice Boi is a Japanese izakaya-style bar that serves pan-Asian street food. Upstairs you’ll find a dive bar with swish views, live music and the full Rice Boi menu.

It’s a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike thanks to its grungy-cool aesthetic, waterfront views, delicious dumplings and bountiful bao.

123 The Wharf Mooloolaba, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Dirty Moes

Inspired by the grungy, communal feel of comparable Melbourne barbecue joints, owners Hazel and Ben decided to fill the gap in their hometown’s dining scene with the launch of Dirty Moe’s.

Feel the ocean breeze at one of their street-side tables or head inside for bar tables and stools. Slow-cooked meats and burgers are served alongside bourbon, whiskey and cocktails.

Shop 8/11 Landmark Resort, Burnett Street, Mooloolaba

Pier 33

Pier 33 is a fun casual dining restaurant with a modern and eclectic menu. With a waterfront setting, you know the seafood menu is going to be off the charts and this restaurant does not disappoint.

Perfect for long, lazy lunches, sunset drinks and snacks or a sunshine-drenched picnic on their lush lawns, we predict you’ll be chuffed with this choice.

33-45 Parkyn Parade, 
Mooloolaba

Bella Venezia

Bella Venezia is one of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba to pop onto your hit list, with a picture-perfect placement on the Mooloolaba Esplanade.

This charming Italian spot has called this idyllic spot home for over 40 years and has earned a reputation as a local gem. They craft their dishes from locally farmed ingredients, seafood straight from the port and imported Italian ingredients for that authentic touch on their cuisine.

95 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

Now that you’re dining like a local at the best restaurants in Mooloolaba, it’s time to explore more of the Sunshine Coast. Or, book yourself in for the holiday of a lifetime at these luxe Sunshine Coast accommodation options. 

Writer

Lexie Mamo

14 January 2026

Lexie is the Brisbane Editor at Sitchu and has been part of the team since October 2020. Her background lies in fashion eCommerce and content marketing, having worked in digital roles across brands like Lorna Jane, Black Milk Clothing and dk active. A Brisbane native, Lexie covers food, lifestyle, events, and travel guides for the Sunshine State. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, visiting coffee spots or snapping shots of her rescue cat for his Instagram account.