The evolution of Brisbane’s dining scene in recent years has relied on the roll-of-the-dice bravery of local entrepreneurs and an influx of successful operators from the two big cities south of the border. Where Otto and Aria spawned from Sydney’s successful siblings, the Stokehouse Q emerged from the very heartbeat of Melbourne dining culture.

While Otto and Aria share many similarities with their big brothers, albeit with a touch of Queeenslander, Stokehouse Q is perhaps the very embodiment of what it means to dine Brisbane style – circa 2016. Sweeping panoramic scenery of the city and the Brisbane River help guests settle into all the swagger of casual sophistication where a modern spin on the Mediterranean could have you sitting on its shores if you close your eyes.

Moreton Bay bug stars in a mussel and clam chowder. Seville orange jam calms the textural journey of rich pork terrine. Anchovy butter melts into wonderful charred wagyu intercostal before a white-chocolate parfait provides the foundations for a bombe Alaska. Brilliant.

Must-eat dish: “Fish & chips” – grilled Coral Coast barramundi, vegetable tempura, Caesar aioli