A man in gang regalia and a woman were caught on video at Salt on The Pier in New Brighton walking away with the tip-jar which contained between $100 to $150.
An empty tip-jar was later found in the lift outside the restaurant.
A police spokeswoman said the man is facing a shoplifting charge in connection to the theft and also "a number of other unrelated charges".
Salt on The Pier owner-operator Sam Alla said the behaviour was typical of the New Brighton area.
"This behaviour is becoming more and more prominent around New Brighton unfortunately," he said.
"We have a cafe downstairs and a lot of people steal ice creams from down there.
"We caught someone once and they were really frustrated and said: 'Hey I'm not paying for this'.
"It is just very disappointing and frustrating behaviour to see around New Brighton."
