A Mooloolaba dining institution has further cemented its reputation on the national and international stage after securing a prestigious wine industry accolade.
Bella Venezia has received a Best of Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, making it the only Sunshine Coast restaurant and one of just two Queensland venues to receive the honour this year.
Based in New York, Wine Spectator is regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on wine and annually recognises restaurants with outstanding wine programs.
Bella Venezia owner Todd Young said the recognition was a significant achievement for the restaurant and its team.
“We are thrilled to be recognised by Wine Spectator and proud to be one of only two restaurants in Queensland (the only restaurant on the Sunshine Coast) to receive a Best of Award of Excellence in 2026,” he said.
Established in 1983, Bella Venezia has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most awarded restaurants and has earned a reputation for its contemporary Italian cuisine and extensive wine offering.
The latest recognition continues a strong run of success for Todd and Kristine Young, who expanded their hospitality portfolio last year with the opening of Fish House Steak & Grill on the Mooloolaba Spit.
Earlier this year, Bella Venezia was awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for the fourth consecutive year, with judges assessing restaurants on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency.
At the time, Mr Young said the recognition reflected the restaurant’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
“Bella Venezia earning its fourth Hat in a row is a testament to consistency, commitment and care. For Fish House Steak & Grill to receive its first Hat and a 13-point score within four months (of opening) is an extraordinary achievement, and it reflects the passion, standards and professionalism of our entire team.”
Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards, established in 1981, recognise excellence in restaurant wine service across three levels: the Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award.
In 2026, 2083 restaurants received the Award of Excellence, 1830 earned the Best of Award of Excellence and just 99 achieved the Grand Award.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
According to Wine Spectator, restaurants receiving the Best of Award of Excellence demonstrate exceptional breadth across multiple wine-growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, supported by superior presentation and service.
“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” Wine Spectator chairman and chief executive officer Marvin R. Shanken said.
