Moments of Luxury at Bella Venezia
In a region known for fine dining, Bella Venezia’s luxe private dining room truly stands out. Melanie Rosettenstein takes a closer look.
A gastronomic paradise, a culinary icon, an epicurean heaven – the superlatives to describe Mooloolaba’s ever-exceptional Bella Venezia are as endless as the Sunny Coast’s sunny days. Add their lush private dining room into the mix (and their third consecutive Chef’s Hat) and you’ve got an experience that redefines luxury dining, delivering indulgence on a plate like never before.
Bella Venezia Director Kristine Young describes their private dining experience as “really special” and explains the vision behind this luxe offering.
“There are no five-star hotels in the area, so we wanted to offer a luxurious, private space where people can enjoy a complete experience,” she explains. “Including Chef’s Hat cuisine, five-star service, and a refined atmosphere.
“We researched Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide to incorporate their best practices into this private dining offering.”
If our very own IN Publishing’s 2024 end-of-year-lunch (which became a party!) was anything to go by, Kristine and her team have absolutely nailed the concept.
Located in a quiet space behind sheer curtains, stepping into this plush dining room with its super comfortable blue velvet dining chairs, crisp table linen, and luxurious tableware, is like stepping into another world. And that’s exactly the effect that Kristine and her team wanted to create.
“It’s a VIP offering that rivals global standards, giving guests the sense that they could be dining in London, New York or Paris,” she said.
The private dining room, which has hosted top dignitaries, government officials and a few billionaires (ever-savvy Krissy won’t name drop), offers privacy, exclusivity, and custom dining.
Guests enjoy personalised service from experienced staff, including a knowledgeable and welcoming maître d’ at their disposal throughout the experience, ensuring they feel genuinely cared for while creating a memorable dining experience.
The dining room accommodates up to 24 guests who can customise their table layouts and menu options, including à la carte, three-course, or four-course function menus – or the outstanding Chef’s 7 Steps Tasting Menu – always featuring the freshest local and seasonal produce.
To enhance the experience, guests can request wine pairings from the restaurant’s extensive, world-class and award-winning wine list (it’s not just a list, it’s a wine program), either as part of a set menu or separately.
Expertly guided by dedicated sommeliers Stefania who came from Sydney’s Quay Restaurant; and Renato, from Vue de Monde in Melbourne.
“Stefania and Renato are highly experienced and bring world-class expertise to our restaurant and private dining experience by sharing stories about our wines for a deeper, more authentic experience,” revealed Kristine.
About the types of functions that take place in their private dining room, Kristine says they’ve had birthdays, anniversaries, board meetings, networking events and even intimate weddings.
“Our happy couples normally have a simple ceremony on the beach and then walk across the road to enjoy a small but super luxurious reception with us,” she says.
Private dining pricing starts at $95 per person for a three-course shared menu. The four-course option is $110, and the seven-step tasting menu is $129 with the options to add wine pairings or order from the extensive wine list.
“It’s very reasonable for what you’re getting,” said Kristine.
When I quizzed her about Bella Venezia’s third Chef’s Hat awarded by the Australian Good Food Guide, Kristine beams with pride.
“Chef’s Hat inspectors dine anonymously and are looking for excellence across criteria such as ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value, and consistency,” she explains.
“Their ratings are then cross-referenced and evaluated for objectivity before the awards’ annual release.
“It’s this strict and high level of judging that makes us so proud to be winners three years in a row.”
And the best part is that when you dine at Bella Venezia’s private dining room, not only are you getting the highest level of service, but you’re also tasting delectable food from one of the country’s top restaurants.
Now that’s surprising and delicious!
