12 Of The Best Mooloolaba Cafes | Australian Traveller

Savour farm-to-fork brunching and creamy coffee at our favourite Mooloolaba cafes.

Slow mornings and brilliantly brewed coffee – they’re my ultimate couple goals. Like most Sunshine Coast beach towns, Mooloolaba delivers the good life in spades. Salty air reliably dials down my stress levels while deep creativity, locally sourced ingredients and magical views make for some of the best cafe culture in the region.

Here, I round up my favourite Mooloolaba cafes, one lazy meal at a time.

In short

If you only dine at one of the best Mooloolaba cafes, make it The Booley for its proximity to the surf, hearty meals and vibrant atmosphere that rolls into afternoon wines.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Luca Cafe
Best pastries: Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough
Best views: De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar
Hidden gem: The Booley

1. The Velo Project

a plate of strawberry crepe at The Velo Project, Mooloolaba — Skip the everyday breakfast classics and go straight to the crepe menu. (Image: Supplied)

A local’s secret, situated in a quiet street behind the well-trodden Mooloolaba Esplanade, The Velo Project is a converted garage that’s always busy. They roll out such consistently good coffee – I’ve never had one that’s too hot, or too milky or too bitter. Focused on showcasing the region’s freshest produce, the Mooloolaba cafe dishes up brekkie classics dressed in delights, like the avocado smash with roasted garlic and red onion, plus left-of-centre creations including the K. Pop Bagel with beef brisket. If it’s your first time, I highly recommend something off the crepe menu, though. Cooked with buckwheat flour, the bad boys swing sweet or savoury, each lashed in whatever ingredients are thriving at the time (and Nutella, because every season is Nutella season).

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Busy

Location: 19 Careela St, Mooloolaba

2. Luca Cafe

breakfast and coffee at Luca Cafe, Mooloolaba — Tuck into egg and bacon muffins.

I wander away from Mooloolaba Beach to its chilled little sibling, the Mooloolaba Spit, for Luca Cafe, one of the newest Mooloolaba cafes making waves. It’s a good thing because their Banana Bread Iced Matcha is wonderful, as are the friendly staff who welcome me. I’m here early enough to grab a patio table overlooking the street, which fills up quickly, before my Coffee Supreme-bean fix (a killer coffee operation out of New Zealand) hits the spot. The menu covers AM basics like eggs benedict, a big (real big) breakfast and avocado on toast but I go for the seasonal Karaage Stack’s honey-glazed fried chicken on a waffle because you only live once. It’s worth noting that if you don’t make breakfast, lunch offers toasted sandwiches, fish and chips and more.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 25 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

3. The Booley

a close-up shot of a brunch plate at The Booley, Mooloolaba — Hit up The Booley for a drool-worthy all-day brunch menu.

While The Booley is located right across the road from beautiful Alexandra Headland, it remains a local’s secret, away from Mooloolaba proper. I love it for that reason, and so many others. Open until 1.30pm daily on the ground level of the Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside, the cafe is a laidback hipster haven perfectly suited to your Instagram feed. A drool-worthy all-day brunch menu includes the standout ‘Booley Bangers’ with free-range pork snags and crispy potatoes, plus there are crispy waffles with lemon curd and berries which I spy on multiple tables around me. If you’re around of an afternoon, they also do wine, beer and cocktails, best enjoyed al fresco with a side of salty sea breeze.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sceney

Location: 188 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland

4. De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar

the croissant special at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar, Mooloolaba — Make your breakfast the highlight of your day with De Ja Vu’s croissant special.

Lean into the most tourist-trodden part of Mooloolaba with a table at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar. Endlessly bustling with holidaymakers as it’s located on the ground floor of Mantra Zanzibar Mooloolaba, one of the best Mooloolaba accommodation options, the hot spot invites ample people watching over generously sized meals. Expect early bird classics including Bircher muesli, omelettes, pancakes, bacon and eggs and corn fritters plus inventive extras like ‘The Mexican’ with chorizo, eggs, peri peri sauce and Manchego cheese. Lunch is just as nourishing as burgers, fish and chips, wraps, pasta and nachos roll out of the kitchen.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Hectic

Location: 4/47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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5. Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough

frappe and burger at Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough, Mooloolaba — Fuel your day with a frappe at Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough.

My favourite pit-stop for a fluffy sourdough loaf and sneaky treats. Tucked away in a set of local shops, Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough is understated but locals are obsessed. Think homemade savoury pies filled with excellent (not fatty) meat cuts and blistered to golden buttery perfection, plus a revolving collective of glazed buns, giant slices and tarts. No matter when you drop in, the sweets are prepared with love and fly out the door fast. Love your cold brew? The talented crew dabble in their own creations, giving you another reason to check this spot out.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Takeaway

Location: 15/130 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

6. Local Social Mooloolaba

ham cheese tomato toasties and coffees at Local Social Mooloolaba — Make a beeline for ham, cheese and tomato toasties at Local Social Mooloolaba.

Indulge in a little retail therapy at The Wharf Mooloolaba before dropping into Local Social Mooloolaba for a light bite and quality caffeine hit. Located in the thick of the entertainment precinct, right around the corner from Mooloolaba Esplanade, the slick spot does great coffee, smoothies and shakes plus grab-and-go meals including wraps, acai bowls, bagels and sandwiches. If you’d prefer to tuck in while seated, pull up a bar stool at the breakfast bar.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

7. 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

a pint of beer at 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba — Enjoy a pint at 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba.

Of course, it’s a brewery but after a big night, I can’t resist 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba’s giant $13 ‘Brekky Special’. Available until 11am on Saturday and Sunday, it’s a heavenly grease feast of bacon, eggs, hashbrown and sourdough toast. Additionally, this Mooloolaba cafe is located on the Esplanade so I’m always grateful for the salty sea breeze that alleviates my morning brain fog. There’s also a long list of morning classics for not-too-many dollars more and several juices and smoothies on the menu.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Pub-style

Location: 105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

8. The Colombian Coffee Co.

Barista at work in Colombian Coffee Co. in Mooloolaba — The popularity of the cafe has seen it expand to a second location.

Sample local roasting at The Colombian Coffee Co., where beans are crafted in-house much to the delight of early risers across the region. Inspired by the rich flavours of Colombian coffee production, and the owners’ roots, this Mooloolaba cafe is adored locally for its coffee but also for its warm hospitality. It’s been such a hit in recent years that the team opened three other stores around the state. Inside, vintage furniture and scattered greenery create a home-away-from-home while a limited menu offers sandwiches, salads, slices and other grab-and-go treats.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Friendly

Location: 4/20 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

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9. Francis Bean

Francis Bean, a local spot in Alexandra Headland and not the famed American nepo baby, dishes up delicious breakfast and lunch favourites including pancakes with ice cream, chilli scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, and bagels. A good option is diving into the $16 breakfast deal which includes a large coffee and one dish. Their coffee hits the spot, too, as Campos beans fill the machine. Even better, you’re right across the road from the beach so there’s always a seat with a view.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Local

Location: 3 Mari St, Alexandra Headland

10. Half Court Coffee

Another of Mooloolaba’s newer offerings, unveiled in April 2025, Half Court Coffee is a slick ode to caffeine and one helluva sport. Before I enter, I catch a very cute tiny hoop hung above a rubbish bin, and once I’m ordering, I spy stools mirroring basketball shades via vibrant orange legs. Also, the counter was made from old basketball flooring, astonishingly. It makes sense that the operation is the brainchild of Semi-Pro coffee, a hyper-creative team roasting beans out of Brisbane. Pair your silky-smooth caffeine fix with a fresh pastry, as I did, and kick your feet up at one of the outdoors tables where locals converge daily.

Cuisine: Pastries

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Chilled

Location: 1-3 Kyamba Ct, Mooloolaba

11. Bleu Bean Cafe

breakfast at Bleu Bean Cafe, Mooloolaba — Savour refined breakfast favourites at Bleu Bean Cafe.

Adored by locals for its seasonal homemade meals and quality caffeine hits, Bleu Bean Cafe is worth venturing just a little further back from the beach for. Take a seat indoors or outdoors and choose from flavour-packed, internationally inspired dishes including a much-loved sweet potato rosti, the Bleu Bean Savoury Mince on toasted sourdough, and a bunch of breakfast regulars. The team also play around with authentic Asian flavours, with a delicious slow-cooked pulled beef pho on the menu during my last visit in June 2025. Visitors can also expect cold-pressed juices blended with healthy spices and herbs.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 3/104-106 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

12. The Good Eats Mooloolaba

Just a few steps down from the Surf Club Mooloolaba, I find The Good Eats Mooloolaba nailing organic plates prepared with love. A coastal fit out sets a serene scene as my chilli eggs with multiple mushroom varieties and pickled chilli slices light up my morning. Consider the ‘Fan Favourite’, too, compiling fresh avocado, tomato, goat’s feta, pistachio dukkah and salsa verde for a total flavour bomb. I’m not a Chai drinker myself, but the table next door is treated to an organic sticky chai with colourful edible petals and I almost order one. A lovely start to any day, just moments from the sand.

Cuisine: Modern Australian and organic

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Calm

Location: 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.

Catseye Pool Club

Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.

The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.

My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.

Sails Restaurant

A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.

The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.

Bommie

Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.

Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.

Pebble Beach

Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.

The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

Beach Club Restaurant

A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.

I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.

Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.

We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.

The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.

coca chu

Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.

Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.

Marina Cafe

Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.

The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.

Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.

12 of the best Mooloolaba cafes for beachside bliss

Savour farm-to-fork brunching and creamy coffee at our favourite Mooloolaba cafes.

In short

The shortlist

1. The Velo Project

2. Luca Cafe

3. The Booley

4. De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar

5. Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough

6. Local Social Mooloolaba

7. 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

8. The Colombian Coffee Co.

9. Francis Bean

10. Half Court Coffee

11. Bleu Bean Cafe

12. The Good Eats Mooloolaba

This hidden stargazing spot in Queensland just joined a list of the world’s best

Australia’s most famous pineapple is getting a glow-up – and it comes with a microbrewery

Is Noosa’s most talked-about new resort actually worth it?

The Sunshine Coast’s brand-new beachfront hotel is worth the hype

A gourmand’s guide to eating your way around Hamilton Island

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Catseye Pool Club

Sails Restaurant

Bommie

Pebble Beach

Beach Club Restaurant

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

coca chu

Marina Cafe

Savour farm-to-fork brunching and creamy coffee at our favourite Mooloolaba cafes.

In short

The shortlist

1. The Velo Project

2. Luca Cafe

3. The Booley

4. De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar

AI Prompt

5. Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough

6. Local Social Mooloolaba

7. 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

8. The Colombian Coffee Co.

9. Francis Bean

10. Half Court Coffee

11. Bleu Bean Cafe

12. The Good Eats Mooloolaba

This hidden stargazing spot in Queensland just joined a list of the world’s best

Australia’s most famous pineapple is getting a glow-up – and it comes with a microbrewery

Is Noosa’s most talked-about new resort actually worth it?

The Sunshine Coast’s brand-new beachfront hotel is worth the hype

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Catseye Pool Club

Sails Restaurant

Bommie

Pebble Beach

Beach Club Restaurant

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

coca chu

Marina Cafe