The Best Mooloolaba Restaurants For Delicious Coastal Flavours

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

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn .

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters , Four Mile , Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings . To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting . They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum . Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services . Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs . The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.

15 of the best Mooloolaba restaurants

Slurp up the Sunshine Coast’s freshest seafood and seasonally charged dishes at our favourite Mooloolaba restaurants.

In short

The shortlist

1. Dune by Pavilion

2. Bella Venezia

3. Fish House Steak & Grill

4. TokyoTaco

5. Pier 33

6. The Dock Mooloolaba

7. See Restaurant

8. Rice Boi

9. Backlane

10. Ton Khao Bistro

11. Il Vento

12. Prawn Star Mooloolaba

13. The Beach Bar & Grill

14. Fisheries on the Spit

15. Casa Restaurant

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Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

Getting there

Best accommodation in Clermont

Things to do in Clermont

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont