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15 of the best Mooloolaba restaurants 

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
Slurp up the Sunshine Coast’s freshest seafood and seasonally charged dishes at our favourite Mooloolaba restaurants.

For me, there’s only one non-negotiable in Mooloolaba — washing a famed Mooloolaba prawn down with its heavenly saltwater comrades. Given the impressive collective of Mooloolaba restaurants making magic out of these hero ingredients, I’m faced with the freshest of hauls no matter what time of the day I’m dining. From rich Italian and Mediterranean flavours to the king-hit spices of Asia, teaming fresh seafood with masterful flair is a local prerequisite.

Here, I round up the Sunshine Coast beach town’s culinary stars for your (often waterfront) dining pleasure.

In short

If you only eat at one of the best Mooloolaba restaurants, make it Prawn Star. Sitting on an old fishing trawler while peeling fresh local prawns never gets old.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Fish House Steak & Grill
Fine dining gem: Bella Venezia
Best for seafood: Prawn Star Mooloolaba
Best date spot: Rice Boi

1. Dune by Pavilion

inside Dune by Pavilion with wide windows overlooking the beach
Soak up beach views with a drink in hand. (Image: Dune by Pavilion)

I toast my beach holiday with cocktails and Instagram-friendly plates at Dune by Pavilion . Climbing the stairs to level one where ocean views abound, I’m smacked with the venue’s calming coastal fit-out, all timbers, marble and 50 shades of white, while a Mediterranean-inspired menu features a raw selection, small and large plates and shareable temptations. Unsurprisingly, this Mooloolaba restaurant draws a glamorous crowd especially when the party kicks into gear come nightfall. I devour tropical tipples (yes, plural) over the Mooloolaba prawn and scallop spaghettini with ample chilli and garlic before hitting the dessert menu for a creamy, totally authentic tiramisu. It’s a delicious meal I’ll have to replicate upon my next visit, which I schedule after the final months of 2025 when the team’s expansive Pavilion Rooftop will open.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Party times

Location: 26/121 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

2. Bella Venezia

al fresco dining at Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba
The award-winning Italian restaurant Bella Venezia is situated on the vibrant Mooloolaba Esplanade.

It’s smack bang in the middle of the Esplande i.e. tourist central but I’ve heard incredible things about Bella Venezia ’s handmade pasta, so I don’t let a tourist-trap outset deter me. Thank goodness. This Mooloolaba restaurant is a must-dine for the Moreton Bay Bug Tail spaghetti in prawn and crayfish bisque alone. I melt into the table with every bite — it is seriously that good. My husband smashes his slow-cooked beef cheek ragout tagliatelle (noting the pasta has switched out from 2024’s pappardelle, but it’s no less delicious), offering praise through total silence. Meanwhile, the vibe must also be commended – wine-fuelled and fun – so long lunching and languishing dinners are encouraged. I am also a huge fan of the wine list, which collates more than 500 drops by the bottle and offers me spiritual transportation to the world’s finest regions with every sip.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Cosy

Location: 95 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

3. Fish House Steak & Grill

a table-top view of food at Fish House Steak & Grill, Mooloolaba
The seafood-obsessed will be well looked after at Fish House Steak & Grill.

One of the newer kids on the block, located about five minutes from the main strip, is Fish House Steak & Grill which opened in August 2025. It’s a gorgeous location, inside the once-beloved Fish on Parkyn site which sold to new residents two months prior, but what’s super exciting about this Mooloolaba restaurant is the crew behind it: the Bella Venezia team. Embracing its seaside digs, right opposite Mooloolaba Spit Beach, one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches, they load up line-caught seafood with the most delicate of flavours while throwing Japanese influences into the mix. The tasting menu splits into two options, ‘Land’ or ‘Sea’ — think Miso-glazed toothfish on one and braised and glazed grass-fed Angus short rib on the other.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Japanese influence

Average price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 25 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

4. TokyoTaco

Teriyaki Corn Ribs at TokyoTaco, Mooloolaba
The must-try Teriyaki Corn Ribs at TokyoTaco.

Love the Newtown outlet in Sydney? TokyoTaco headed north in June 2025, opening its second venture right opposite Mooloolaba Beach. While salty breeze replaces big city fumes, fans of this cult snack attack can expect the same clever sushi-taco hybrid combinations, including pulled pork and miso baked salmon, as well as jam-packed sushi rice bowls with all the trimmings. Got little ones with you? Hit up the kids’ menu, offering mini nachos and a mini rice bowl, to put smiles on their dials.

Cuisine: Japanese but also Mexican

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 121 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

5. Pier 33

the exterior of Pier 33, Mooloolaba
The nautical-inspired restaurant is set right off Mooloolaba Marina.

I’m living the high life at Pier 33 , located within the former Mooloolaba Yacht Club right off Mooloolaba Marina. The waterfront restaurant is dressed in nautical-inspired flair (think wall-mounted oars and a solid blue-and-white colour scheme), while its menu drips with seafood delights including the team’s signature prawn roll on a soft white bun with cos lettuce, lemon mayo and a giant onion ring, and the seafood chowder with fresh barramundi and scallops. Keen to make a moment of it? Go for the $140 seafood platter, created in part by Rockliff, one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-loved seafood suppliers, which is seasonal and always stacked with line-caught showstoppers.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Breezy

Location: 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

6. The Dock Mooloolaba

hand holding fried calamari with food and drinks on the table at The Dock, Mooloolaba
Linger over a meal at The Dock and soak up the waterfront views.

Located within The Wharf entertainment complex, The Dock Mooloolaba is a great spot to catch million-dollar views. Yet the vibe here remains delightfully chilled. There are more than a dozen beers on tap, plus stellar cocktail,s but everyone’s here for a quality feed and it’s not hard to see why. Starters span ‘Brisket Burnt Ends.’ which sums up its genius entirely, and vegetarian arancini balls with pesto aioli, while eight unique pizzas, blue swimmer crab ravioli and an entire menu dedicated to seafood (including a bug bun, baked scallops and a bucket of Mooloolaba prawns) further tempt.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Rowdy

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

7. See Restaurant

While you’re exploring The Wharf, treat yourself to one of my favourite spots for seafood, See Restaurant . I’ll get to the food but first, the tables are set right over the water so the whole experience feels as though you’re feasting on a boat. A la carte options are also delivered with consistent finesse but the must-order at this Mooloolaba restaurant is the seafood platter (there’s also a ‘Qld BBQ Seafood Platter’ but you want to choose the Mac Daddy of the two) stacked with hot and cold line-caught fish and crustaceans, hot chips, salads and a fruit selection. They even do oyster shooters at $18 a pop, a dreamy accompaniment to a day on the sea.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elevated

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

8. Rice Boi

hands clinking cocktail glasses over dinner at Rice Boi Restaurant
Vibrant flavours with a hint of Japanese are on offer at Rice Boi Restaurant. (Image: Supplied)

Asian street food is nailed at Rice Boi , another buzzing Mooloolaba restaurant located within The Wharf. The interior mirrors the energy of a traditional night noodle market, complete with red lanterns and neon lights, while the dishes are famed throughout town: piled with fresh herbs and spices to create serious flavour bombs. Plus, there’s water views if you can grab a table at the rear of the restaurant known as the ‘beer garden’. Standout dishes include their bao buns (the pork belly with shiso red onion is especially yummy), the char sui pork with Chinese pancakes, the katsu curry fries with pickled ginger, and a 10-hour coconut braised beef with rice.

Cuisine: Asian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Electric

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

9. Backlane

dinner at Backlane, Mooloolaba
Indulge in Mexican favourites at Backlane. (Image: Kieran Tunbridge)

Whether you’re drawn to Backlane ’s ‘From the Land’ or ‘From the Sea’ menu, tapas inspired by international street food is delivered with total flair. A vibrant venue filled with loud conversation, Backlane also shakes up fabulous cocktails and great beer and wine so there’s plenty to indulge in. On the ‘Land’ menu, you’ll find Mexican-inspired tacos, Karaage chicken and lamb koftas (no corner of the world is neglected), while there’s seafood saganaki and prawn and ginger dumplings floating around the ‘Sea’ menu.

Cuisine: International

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Vibrant

Location: Shop 7, 19 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

10. Ton Khao Bistro

pouring wine into a glass at Ton Khao Bistro, Mooloolaba
Pair authentic Thai classics with wine at Ton Khao Bistro.

Feed your takeaway craving at Ton Khao Bistro , Mooloolaba’s go-to for authentic Thai classics. The vibe is casual and understated, allowing hearty plates to take centre stage. You’ll find usual players including cashew nut and basil and chilli stir-fries, plus scene stealers like a pineapple duck curry, a ‘Beach to Bush’ deep-fried whole barramundi and a spicy roasted duck with beans.

Cuisine: Thai

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Fuss-free

Location: 19 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

11. Il Vento

A group dines at Il Vento, Mooloolaba
Il Vento is located within The Wharf Precinct.

Il Vento ’s woodfired oven, cranking out pillowy-soft red and white-based pizzas, is one of The Wharf’s long-loved MVPs. It’s a total dream weaver as killer cocktails roll out of the bar to help wash down the good stuff. Standout flavour combinations include the Fiamme Verde with pancetta and buffalo ricotta, and Calzone which folds ham off the bone, salami, ricotta and more into a sandwich-style carb load. Aching for pasta? The team will sort you out with traditional favourites including Linguine Al Frutti De Mare, a seafood medley, Gnocchi Al Tartufo Nero with truffled cream and mushrooms, and Spaghetti Ai Gamberi with Mooloolaba prawns.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

12. Prawn Star Mooloolaba

Friends dine at Prawn Star in Mooloolaba
Head to Prawn Star and taste the region’s best prawns. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You can’t leave Mooloolaba without visiting Prawn Star , even if it’s just for a selfie with the sign. But do decide to stay as dining in one of this restaurant’s two restored fishing trawlers is, hands down, one of the most iconic things to do in Mooloolaba. I’m always treated to the region’s best prawns while I’m there, but I make belly room for the menu’s crayfish, oysters and Moreton Bay bugs. It’s an absolutely smashing, get-your-hands-dirty meal out that’s unlike anything else in the region (you can do it elsewhere in the state, however, as Prawn Star’s original operations are found in Cairns).

Cuisine: Seafood

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Upbeat

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

13. The Beach Bar & Grill

the view of Mooloolaba Esplanade from The Beach Bar & Grill
Take in iconic views of the Mooloolaba Esplanade at The Beach Bar & Grill.

Keep things casual with a hearty feed at The Beach Bar & Grill on the Esplanade. Nailing casual pub food and American-inspired classics, the busy Mooloolaba eatery offers chicken parmys with about eight variations – it’s my favourite place for a laden schnitzel on the coast. Elsewhere on the menu, there’s Jamaican Jerk chicken wings, barbecue pork ribs and a kids’ menu with junior indulgences.

Cuisine: Pub grub

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Chilled out

Location: Shop 11, Landmark Resort & Spa, 11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

14. Fisheries on the Spit

the restaurant exterior of Fisheries on the Spit, Mooloolaba
Make a pitstop at Fisheries on the Spit when you’re in the beach town.

Winning my vote for the best fish and chips in town, Fisheries on the Spit is an institution, frying up happy holiday memories since 1982. Flake, crumbed whiting, snapper and Atlantic salmon are all on the menu as is a crowd-pleasing Fisherman’s Basket filled with whiting, a seafood stick, a prawn cutlet, a seafood bite, pineapple fritter, calamari and chips. Burgers, Chiko rolls, battered savs, dim sims – the gang’s all here. Grab your favourites to go and plonk yourself by the beach for the ultimate holiday bucket list achievement.

Cuisine: Takeaway

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 21 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

15. Casa Restaurant

A sibling venue to its elegant next-door neighbour Casita Wine Bar, Casa Restaurant is awash with sophisticated interiors and an equally dazzling crowd. Refined meals with beach views make this Mooloolaba restaurant, which opened in December 2024, a hit with Instagram-loving locals as every angle in this space is photo-perfect. Mediterranean plates keep everyone smiling, all seasonally charged and filled with local ingredients, with popular picks spanning slow-cooked lamb shoulder, a juicy Pappardelle al Ragu, and a porcini mushroom risotto.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Chic

Location: 1/26 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.