ITALIAN Fairytale

Like the Italian folktale this award-winning restaurant dishes up a fairytale experience. Carlie Wacker enters the world of Bella Venezia.

Stepping into Bella Venezia makes me feel like Sofia Loren – it’s old school Hollywood meets the romance of Italy. Rich gemstone-coloured velvet seating creates intimacy and luxury but the décor is just one part that makes this award winning restaurant and bar an absolute standout.

The experience of dining out is always special but made even more memorable when it provides a true sense of escapism. One simply forgets they are only metres from the sand of Mooloolaba Beach - a hop, skip and a jump away from wet feet as you immerse yourself in a Bella Venezia affair. This is precisely why it’s a sought-after venue for special events, romantic dates and proposals.

So, with the visual senses delighted as one gets lost in the luxury of the surrounds it is important to note that food and wine is the next sensory adventure you will be taken on. The menu offers a first-class taste of Italy using both locally sourced products and premium quality imported Italian ingredients.

It is clear the chefs are passionate about producing traditional and cleverly curated dishes that carry us through our journey to Italy here on the Sunshine Coast. Signature dishes are coveted by the regulars like Linguine ai Gamberoni with Mooloolaba King Prawns; Tortellini Di Zucca which is a pumpkin, ricotta and macadamia nut-filled, handcrafted tortellini with noisette butter, fried sage and ricotta salata; and the world-famous Tiramisu using Seppeltsfield Grand Tokay.

They offer an a la carte menu; fourcourse tasting menu, vegan and children’s menus plus an extensive and very exciting wine menu that boasts over 400 wines, 60 of which are available by the glass.

This part of the experience is taken very seriously with all wines are stored in temperature-controlled environments and new wines sourced regularly, including purchases from private auctions.

It’s no wonder the wine list has won them a 3 Glass rating at the 2021 and 2020 Australian Wine List of the Year Awards and the 2020 Wine Spectators ‘Award of Excellence’

Bella Venezia Wine Director Todd Young said they were the only Sunshine Coast restaurant to receive such an award from the New York based Wine Spectator Magazine this year.

“The award acknowledges the dedication and investment we have placed into our extensive wine program,” he said. “This recognition is great for both Mooloolaba and the

...old school Hollywood meets the romance of Italy.

Sunshine Coast.

The awards are coming in locally as well having just won the Sunshine Coast Business Of The Year Award – Hospitality (large) and owner Kristine Young could not be any prouder.

“We consistently deliver delicious modern Italian cuisine and outstanding service to over 60,000 customers a year,” she said. “Bella Venezia has won many awards over the past five years; however, this is the award we are most proud of, due to the support from our local Sunshine Coast community.” .

Against all odds, with the Covid 19 Pandemic and challenges faced by the hospitality industry, Bella Venezia is proud to have not only survived, but grown and expanded over the past few years and is open seven days and nights a week with 38 staff, including eight full time employees.

Chef’s hats off to the powerhouse behind this long lasting, iconic and fairytale restaurant, Kristine Young.

“Leadership, professionalism, and resilience drives success in our business,” she said. “We have a highly experienced team who are motivated to