Dinner at a friend’s house, that’s the vibe at Noosa Waterfront – albeit a friend’s luxurious, water-facing beach house. From the maitre d’ singing to himself as he walks the floor to the casual, cheeky banter between the chef-owner and front of house team, the staff ensures the mood is easy, laidback and personable without compromising on professionalism.

Helping reinforce the relaxed atmosphere are the lofty, Balinese hut-like ceilings, polished timber floors and views over the waterway, which have made the venue a perennial favourite for weddings and parties.

The lengthy menu is Italian, swaying between classics and modern interpretations, incorporating antipasti, stuzzichini (snacks), pasta, pizza, and secondi options such as veal tenderloin with mushroom soil and green tea, or the classic Tuscan seafood stew cacciucco.

Perhaps start with the spiced tuna, gently seared and crusted with black sesame, coriander, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon and star anise, which bring an almost Middle Eastern twang beside puddles of smoky capsicum sauce, sweet watercress sponge and orange segments for a citrus note to complement the fish. Then go traditional with the complex and flavourful goat ragu coating house-made gnocchi.

Desserts hero local ingredients such as oranges and Cooloola berries, plus macadamias from Yandina, which are roasted, turned into a biscuity crumble with caramelised white chocolate, and spun into an ice cream to be served alongside ethereally light sponge, poached pear and a not-too-sweet vanilla cream.

Completing this well-rounded package is a cracker wine list, paying homage to some of Italy and France’s finest, alongside drops from Australia, America, New Zealand and beyond, ensuring plenty of variety at varying price points.

Must-eat dish: Spice-crusted tuna
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