Fried until dark golden, its almost paper-thin edges shattering like glass, while its chewy centre harbours sticky glazed pork and peppy kimchi. This is Chinese flat bread Spice Bar-style and it’s terrific. The Mooloolaba pan-Asian eatery sits above The Esplanade, enjoying views to the ocean without the chaos of the main street. Diners can settle into the boldly decorated, Oriental-themed dining room or take a seat on the covered balcony with sea breezes, and choose from a list of small and large plates.

Expert wait staff carefully explain dishes and offer recommendations such as the pickled fish – delicate prisms of Tasmanian salmon and watermelon cubes daubed with a green chilli sauce that builds in heat only to be extinguished with coconut yoghurt. Or perhaps, go a larger plate of line-caught North Queensland snapper in a fiery, viscous sweet potato and pumpkin curry. It’s a winner with one of the price-conscious, food-friendly wines from the well-stocked drinks list, which also includes flights of sake and umeshu, hyper local and overseas beers, and creative Asian-inspired cocktails.

Food purposefully leaves the kitchen slowly, allowing guests to unwind and relax. So finish a long lunch or peaceful dinner with a dessert of possibly honey whisky parfait teamed with white sesame ice cream, puff pastry cubes, frozen and fresh raspberries, sesame meringue and raspberry sauce that delivers refreshment and textural interplay. Whether you’re with family, friends or dining as a couple, Spice Bar delivers refined food and service in a relaxed environment.

Must-eat dish: Chinese flat bread