A Taste of Triumph for Bella Venezia
With a new collection of prestigious international awards to its name, this beloved Mooloolaba gem continues to redefine fine dining on the Sunshine Coast. Ida Fink Gundtoft discovers award-winning bliss at Bella Venezia.
On a golden afternoon in Mooloolaba, the ocean hums just beyond the esplanade, and the soft clink of glasses drifts through the air. Inside Bella Venezia, laughter mingles with the aroma of the finest Italian cuisine and the clink of glasses. Every detail, from the crisp white linen tablecloths to the rhythmic dance of plates and wine glasses, feels deliberate, effortless and full of heart.
It’s no wonder then that Bella Venezia has once again captured the world’s attention, winning an extraordinary sweep of awards in 2025, including three (yes three!) World Luxury Restaurant Awards for Australia and Oceania: Best Fine Dining Cuisine, Best Italian Cuisine and Best Luxury Beachside Restaurant.
Presented in Singapore, these accolades join a glittering list of recognitions closer to home: a Three Glass Rating in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 placing them in the top 1% of restaurants globally, a Best of Queensland Experience Award and the prestigious Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide.
Hot off the press, the team were also awarded Champion in the Restaurant category at the Australian Women’s Small Business Awards.
For owners Kristine and Todd Young, this isn’t simply a tally of trophies. It’s the culmination of years of vision, perseverance and love for the craft.
“These awards mean the world to us,” Kristine said. “They represent not just recognition, but a true celebration of our entire team’s dedication and passion.”
Stepping into Bella Venezia is like entering a story. One that has been evolving since 1983, when the restaurant first opened its doors.
Under the stewardship of Todd and Kristine, it has grown from a beloved local gem into one of Australia’s – and now the world’s – most awarded dining destinations, continually redefining what Italian fine dining can be.
The experience is both luxurious and deeply personal. Regulars are greeted by name, first-time visitors are welcomed like family, and every plate tells a tale of authenticity, innovation and craftsmanship.
“We don’t just serve food,” Kristine reflected. “We listen, we learn, and continuously refine what we do based on the feedback we receive. We want Bella Venezia to feel like a home, a place where people celebrate milestones, connect and create memories that last a lifetime.”
That philosophy has earned Bella Venezia something even rarer than awards: loyalty. Many of their guests have been coming for decades, marking anniversaries, engagements and long-overdue catch-ups beneath the glow of pendant lights and the scent of basil and lemon. And now, it’s only a matter of time before international travellers flock to this coastal gem to experience its award-winning brilliance for themselves.
For Kristine and Todd, excellence is a journey. One that often leads them far from home. Their most recent research trip took them to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where they immersed themselves in the region’s culinary traditions and artistry.
“What stood out to us most was how simplicity and quality go hand in hand,” Kristine said. “Everything was about purity and balance; from the vibrant lemons to the cold-pressed olive oils, hand-cut pastas and fresh herbs like basil. The best local ingredients, treated with respect.”
That experience now weaves its way into the Bella Venezia menu, where freshness, authenticity and care take centre stage. Over the coming months, the team will unveil a series of beautiful new creations inspired by the flavours of the Amalfi Coast. Dishes that are elegant, simple and true to their origins.
Of course, no meal at Bella Venezia is complete without a glass – or perhaps a bottle – from their world-renowned wine list. Spanning over 550 carefully curated labels, it’s one of Australia’s finest collections, showcasing both international prestige and the best of emerging Australian vineyards.
“Our travels continually inspire us to evolve,” Kristine mentioned. “Each journey brings new perspectives that help us refine our approach, whether it’s adjusting flavour profiles, introducing new techniques, or reimagining wine pairings to highlight regional authenticity.”
Receiving a Three Glass Rating from the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards is no small feat. It’s the sommelier’s equivalent of a standing ovation.
Behind the impeccable service lies a team whose commitment feels more like a calling than a job. That culture of care, both for the craft and the customer, is what Kristine believes keeps Bella Venezia at the forefront of Australia’s dining scene.
“Great dining is never static,” she said. “It’s about growth, creativity, and staying true to the essence of what we love while keeping things fresh and exciting for our guests.”
It’s also why Bella Venezia remains such a vital part of Mooloolaba’s identity: a restaurant that doesn’t just serve the Sunshine Coast community but helps define its character. The experience is immersive, from the first pour of prosecco to the last spoonful of tiramisu.
After such a glittering year, it would be tempting to rest on their laurels. But that’s not in Bella Venezia’s DNA.
The team are building a similar story around the corner at the newly-opened Fish House Steak & Grill where premium steaks and fresh local seafood with a Japanese twist are served alongside curated wines and relaxed coastal dining.
Kristine brimmed with excitement when asked what’s next, offering just enough to intrigue.
“We’re feeling incredibly grateful for what has been such a remarkable year,” she smiled. “There’s so much more we want to create, explore and share. The best is yet to come!”
As the evening deepens, the lights glow warmer, the laughter a little louder. Plates of handmade pasta glide from the kitchen, each a work of art. At Bella Venezia, excellence isn’t just a standard. It’s a feeling, one that lingers long after the final sip of wine.
For those lucky enough to dine here, one truth becomes clear: this isn’t just Italian cuisine by the sea. It’s a love letter to passion, precision and the timeless joy of sharing a meal well made.
I’d urge you to book a table straight away. But with the restaurant’s glittering array of awards and the heart, soul and care that define this coastal gem, I have a feeling you probably already have.
2025 AWARD WINS
World Luxury Restaurant Awards – Australia & Oceania
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant
- Best Italian Restaurant
- Best Luxury Beachside Restaurant
Additional 2025 Accolades
- Australian Women’s Small Business
Awards Champion – Restaurant
- Three Glass Rating – Australian Wine
List of the Year Awards
- Best of the Best Travellers’ Choice Award – TripAdvisor (Top 1% Restaurants Worldwide)
- Best of Queensland Experience
- Chef’s Hat, Australian Good Food Guide
A huge congratulations to Kristine and Todd, and the entire Bella Venezia team!
