Tucked away at the back of The Ville hotel and casino, far from the dings and flashy lights of poker machines, this contemporary Chinese restaurant offers sophisticated Asian fare in a relaxed but smart setting.

Book a table outside for views of the resort pool or sit inside by live seafood tanks in comfy booths that make curling into a food coma with a full belly a little too appealing.

Staff are enthusiastic and well trained, confidently offering suggestions from the all-encompassing menu, which transitions from Aussie favourites like sweet and sour pork to more authentic offerings such as crispy eggplant, sliced into battens, battered and deep-fried in an unctuous seafood sauce.

Duck pancakes are a must with the meat tender and skin crisp, while the scotch fillet hotplate with Cantonese sauce makes the most of north-Queensland-reared beef, especially when paired with the Miss Songs fried rice, laced with prawns, scallops and lap cheong sausage.

There are also three banquet options, great for groups.

Wine is specifically chosen to match dishes, while there’s a fun cocktail list in play influenced by Chinese flavours.

Exceptional dish: Crispy eggplant and fried rice