A seat at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar offers a divine taste of modern Italy on the plate with a scenic side of tranquil river views. As dusk approaches, fairy lights snap on in the foliage brushing against floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a magical setting for your evening repast. The well-regarded venue has received many accolades — and for good reason — with Italian chef Andrea Ravezzani leading a team of charming, attentive waitstaff.

The kitchen sources seasonal produce from the surrounding region where possible, artfully presented on handmade ceramics collected from around the globe. The award-winning wine list is reason enough to guarantee a return visit; local drops rub shoulders with international heavyweights, while a tempting selection of gins and cocktails vie for attention.

Start the meal with a basket of house bread and the impeccably soft, poached and blow-torched Ōra King salmon with fried capers, Spanish onion and horseradish mayo, before indulging in pillows of fontina-cheese-stuffed ravioli that pop in the mouth, bathed in chestnut cream and topped with Tasmanian black truffle. The menu changes seasonally, offering perhaps a showstopping suckling pig with roast potatoes, and rocket and apple salad. But the signature Tuscan seafood medley stew is a rewarding mainstay. Desserts here are a must — think an indulgent dome of Piedmont hazelnut with milk chocolate, caramel and mandarin, or Italian cheeses.