SATISFYING Summer

The Sunshine Coast loves spending summer making happy memories with family and friends. Carlie Wacker discovers the perfect destination to satisfy.

The cafes, bars and restaurants offer a world of wonderful flavours and dining experiences at The Wharf Mooloolaba. A typical weekend sees the early risers grab a coffee and breakfast, followed by the long lunch set tucking into plates and laughter; the cocktail crew and brew hounds sip cold beverages at sunset; and dinner dates and parties carry through into the night.

It’s worth adding every food offering at to your list of must-trys this summer.

To take the guess work out of making a decision I have the curated a list of the fabulous flavours on offer at this Wharf wonderland.

Rice Boi – This joint has a cult following and is arguably one of the most popular places to eat on the Sunny Coast. The cuisine is modern-Asian with ramen, bao, dumplings and the most outrageously good Katsu curry fries. Think Japanese Izakaya dive bar with spectacular water views.

SPERO - Think Greek goodies like spanakopita, calamari, saganaki grilled cheese with a family-friendly home style vibe.

Il Vento – Think woodfire pizza with fresh homemade pasta, this authentic Italian restaurant offers wholesome Italian cooking and dining. Owner and executive Chef Ibrahim (Bob) is hands on in the business - it is his passion and traditional cooking skills that makes Il Vento the success that it is.

The Dock Mooloolaba – A dynamic restaurant and bar that specialises in smoked meats, charcoal grill with quality beers and an extensive wine menu, The Dock has a very cool and welcoming vibe.

Ninth St – Bigger is better at this American-style restaurant with hotdogs, burgers, sundaes and loaded cocktails all on the menu. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, tackle The 3kg Hotdog challenge to win $50 plus a free tee (and bragging rights of course!).

El Bigoton – The owners Ana and Alex arrived on the Sunshine Coast from Brazil in 2016. They make their food from scratch using authentic flavours and ingredients, offering dynamic and mouth-watering Latin food. El Bigoton screams family fun and sharing.

Fudgee’s Lolly Shop – This lolly store is The Wharf’s sweet heart with delicious fresh fudge made on site and a mouthwatering range of ice-cream.

SEE Restaurant – The only restaurant in Mooloolaba that offers over-water dining. From trawler to table you will love the modern Australian cuisine using the freshest local seafood (the seafood platters are amazing) and views that will make for a memorable get together for lunch or dinner or a special event like a wedding. Most dishes are gluten-free (including fish & chips and soft shell crab!) so coeliacs love it!

Boston Shaker Bar – An uber-cool Prohibition-style cocktail bar with art deco décor and a smashing cocktail offering. Owner and local Sunny Coaster Olivia had a vision to create something that was not available on the coast so she made it happen and we love her for that.

Savvy Squire - Epic views, beer garden, keg wall, bistro, this place is pumping. The menu offers great quality steaks, fish and chips, craft beers and so much more. Bookings are required for the dining hall but there are plenty of places within the walls of the Savvy Squire to walk in from 10am-10pm daily.

Fior Di latte Gelateria – Behind the pink Willy Wonka chocolate bar door is Fior Di Latte Gelateria. The smell of freshly-baked cookies, bowls of ripe lemons on display and row after row of creamy, frosty, intensely flavoured gelato, just waiting to be tasted.

Imagine fairy bread soaking in Eumundi Milk; rhubarb poaching for strawberry and rhubarb gelato; and coco pops at the ready to be sprinkled over the best chocolate milkshake you’ll ever taste, the in-house creations are divine! Grownups must try the Campari and orange gelato.

Kick back on the custom-made melting gelato bench seat as your tastebuds live it up!

Lafinca – For a simple and honest breakfast, lunch, tapas and everything in between. The best part about La Finca’s all day breakfast, brunch and lunch menu is that it varies to accommodate seasonal changes and local produce, so you can expect new and exciting dishes with every visit. It’s a really cool, relaxed vibe.

The Booking Box - This locally-owned family business is not only the Number One booking agent on the coast – but the perfect place to grab a coffee, muffin, croissant or wrap and chill out on the waterfront deck, as you contemplate your next adventure.

The flavours are everchanging as The Wharf continues to attract the best in the business and is super excited to announce the news that one of the most ICONIC bakeries on the Sunshine Coast renowned for its 1kg donut challenge and Australia’s first coffee in a donut, the world famous Kenilworth Country Bakery is coming to The Wharf!

This brilliant bakery will bring an incredible range of donuts, pies and they even have a 1kg sausage roll as well as amazing coffee from Solid Ground.

Plus Prawn Star Sunshine Coast is opening soon with an array of fresh local seafood served right off the back of a restored fishing trawler. This floating restaurant moored to the marina is an experience that reflects the Sunny Coast laidback lifestyle and will knock your socks off.

So buckle up for the foodie ride of your life at The Wharf Mooloolaba – where satisfying Summer memories are made.

With the picturesque Mooloolah River and Marina as its backdrop and a variety of dining experiences available, you can embrace a slower pace and take a seat at one of our local eateries at The Wharf Mooloolaba. There’s something for the whole family with delicious options including café’s, bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect setting for you to connect, create and celebrate life’s simple pleasures.