Let’s talk about the most important part of any trip—the food! Beach days are great, but nothing hits the spot like buttery prawns, crispy fish and chips, or a steaming bowl of fresh seafood laksa. Lucky for you, Mooloolaba restaurants know how to deliver on every level.
Looking for a spot to impress? See Restaurant offers elegant waterfront dining where the seafood is as stunning as the views. Craving bold, fun flavours? Rice Boi’s fiery Asian street food has you covered. In the mood for a relaxed meal by the water? You can’t go wrong with Fish on Parkyn or a trip to The Spit for some of the freshest prawns in town.
No matter what you’re craving, this guide will lead you straight to Mooloolaba’s best places to eat.
Why Mooloolaba Restaurants Offer an Unforgettable Dining Experience
Mooloolaba restaurants bring together world-class seafood, vibrant international flavours, and relaxed waterfront dining, making it one of the Sunshine Coast’s top culinary destinations. The abundance of fresh, locally sourced seafood sets this dining scene apart, with prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, and oysters straight from the trawlers.
Beyond seafood, the area boasts a diverse mix of casual eateries, fine dining establishments, and hidden gems serving international cuisine. Thus, restaurants here aren’t just places to eat—they’re places to experience. Let’s explore the best places to eat in this coastal paradise.
Best Waterfront & Seafood Restaurants in Mooloolaba
Few things compare to dining with an ocean breeze and a plate of fresh seafood. The waterfront restaurants in Mooloolaba deliver spectacular views, premium local ingredients, and a mix of casual and upscale dining options.
The Surf Club Mooloolaba
- Location: Right on Mooloolaba Beach
- Best-selling dish: Seafood Tower for Two
A feast for seafood lovers, this towering platter includes fresh prawns, oysters, calamari, and battered barramundi, served with house-made dipping sauces and crisp fries.
See Restaurant
- Location: Overlooking the marina at The Wharf
- Best-selling dish: Moreton Bay Bug Risotto
A rich, flavourful risotto featuring tender Moreton Bay bug meat, cooked in a creamy white wine sauce and finished with fresh herbs and parmesan.
Parkyn Parade Seafood Precinct
- Location: Along Parkyn Parade, near the marina
- Mooloolaba Best-selling dish: Fresh Mooloolaba Prawns
Straight off the trawlers, these plump, sweet prawns are served chilled with fresh lemon and a classic cocktail sauce, making them a local favourite.
Prawn Star Mooloolaba
- Location: Docked at The Wharf
- Best-selling dish: Prawn and Bug Platter
This seafood lover’s dream platter includes fresh Mooloolaba prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, and oysters, served with house-made dipping sauces.
Fish on Parkyn
- Location: Near the Mooloolaba Marina
- Best-selling dish: Grilled Mooloolaba King Prawns with Garlic and Herb Butter
These juicy, locally sourced king prawns are grilled to perfection, coated in a fragrant garlic and herb butter, and served with a fresh salad.
The Boat Shed Restaurant
- Location: On the banks of the Maroochy River
- Best-selling dish: Crispy-Skinned Barramundi with Lemon Butter Sauce
This dish highlights locally caught barramundi, pan-seared to perfection, served with creamy mash, seasonal greens, and a silky lemon butter sauce.
Best Casual & Family-Friendly Restaurants in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba’s casual dining scene offers a mix of bold flavours, relaxed atmospheres, and great value for families and groups.
Augello’s Ristorante
- Location: Mooloolaba Esplanade
- Best-selling dish: Award-Winning Seafood Pizza
Topped with prawns, calamari, mussels, garlic aioli, and fresh herbs, this multi-award-winning pizza blends the best of Italian tradition with local Sunshine Coast produce.
Rice Boi
- Location: The Wharf Mooloolaba
- Best-selling dish: Pork Belly Bao Buns
Steamed bao buns filled with crispy pork belly, hoisin sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh coriander, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.
The Dock Mooloolaba
- Location: The Wharf Mooloolaba
- Best-selling dish: 12-Hour Smoked Brisket
Slow-cooked for half a day, this tender, smoky brisket is served with slaw, pickles, and house-made barbecue sauce, making it a must-try for meat lovers.
Best International Cuisine in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba’s restaurant scene isn’t just about seafood—international flavours thrive here, offering something to suit every craving.
Sakana Sushi Bar in Mooloolaba
- Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
- Best-selling dish: Sashimi Tasting Plate
A premium selection of freshly sliced tuna, salmon, and kingfish, expertly prepared and served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
El Bigoton
- Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
- Best-selling dish: Beef Empanadas
Golden, crispy pastry filled with slow-cooked beef, onions, and Latin American spices, served with a side of chimichurri for extra flavour.
Where Will Your Next Mooloolaba Meal Take You?
What’s on your foodie bucket list? A prawn platter served at a floating seafood restaurant? A fine-dining experience with uninterrupted marina views? Or perhaps a casual feast at a buzzing local hotspot? No matter your craving, Mooloolaba restaurants deliver.
It’s time to start planning your ultimate dining adventure. With your Mooloolaba accommodation just steps away from the best restaurants in town, your perfect food-filled getaway is closer than you think!
Where to Stay?
Great food deserves a great place to stay. After indulging in Mooloolaba’s top restaurants, having a comfortable, centrally located retreat makes all the difference. Aegean Mooloolaba offers the perfect accommodation, just 60m from the beach and within walking distance of the best dining spots in town.
Staying at Aegean Mooloolaba means you’re always just steps away from incredible dining, stunning coastal views, and the best that Mooloolaba has to offer.
Book your stay today!
Image credit: Rice Boi