Cicchetti

Cicchetti sits on Alexandra Parade at Alexandra Headland, on the Sunshine Coast near Maroochydore. An acclaimed Italian restaurant — its name evoking the Venetian tradition of small plates — it's earned an outstanding, near-flawless reputation, combining accomplished, authentic Italian cooking with good drinks and a relaxed, characterful setting near the beach.

The appeal is that combination of quality, authentic Italian food, a good drinks offering and a warm, characterful atmosphere in a lovely Alexandra Headland location, ideal for a special dinner, a meal with friends, a date or a sociable night out near the coast. Quality Italian done genuinely well always draws a devoted crowd, and the near-perfect feedback speaks to a kitchen that's delighting its diners.

A 4.9 rating from more than 130 reviews is an excellent result and a strong sign of a kitchen operating at a high level. Menus, drinks lists, opening hours and pricing change with the seasons, and an acclaimed, sought-after spot books out, so it's worth checking current details and reserving a table directly well ahead — particularly for a weekend, a group or a table at a peak time at Alexandra Headland.