Ladybird is one of those places when you know, you know – you know? A gem hidden in plain sight, the luxe waterfront venue opened late last year and has been wining and dining locals and visitors every day since. Nestled at the back of Palazzo Versace, Ladybird is best accessed via Marina Mirage. The expansive wrap-around deck affords a spectacular view over the resident superyachts, providing the perfect perch to while away an afternoon or evening wistfully dreaming about what it might be like to own one (positively splendid, we assume). Inside, the dining room is framed by floor-to-ceiling glass to make the most of the picture-perfect view and is furnished with a selection of impeccably dressed low tables interspersed with a handful of casual high tables alongside the bar. There’s also a private dining room for those extra-special gatherings. 
Okay, that’s enough about decor – we know you’re all here for the food. Ladybird offers a culinarily diverse menu that melds Asian-fusion, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and modern Aussie classics such as steak with a side of crispy duck-fat potatoes and sesame-buttered broccolini. If you’re a fan of fare from the sea, the oysters are an excellent place to start your global food journey with hot and cold options available in the half or full-dozen, followed by a serve of seared-tuna sashimi, wok-fried calamari and Moreton Bay bug-loaded bao buns. The ‘Pots and Woks’ section of the menu is proving popular with diners, boasting unexpected combinations such as the Bolognese Ladybird, where instead of spaghetti, it’s served on fat egg noods and topped with pulled-beef sauce that’s been cooked overnight. Those with traditional tastes will gravitate towards the ‘from the grill’ section and if you believe in the old adage that sharing is caring, tuck into Ladybird’s specialty whole fish. Hot tip – there’s a separate vegan menu for plant-based pals and it’s every bit as delicious as the regular menu.
Fancy a tipple? You’ve come to the right place – Ladybird’s drinks list is seriously extensive. Wet your whistle with a Straight Outta’ Saigon cocktail (lemongrass-infused vodka, lychee syrup, passionfruit, fresh lime and elderflower foam) before making your way through the rest of the list, which also includes the Good Morning Vietnam (spiced rum, espresso, cinnamon and sweetened condensed milk) and the Imperial Rule (apple vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur, yuzu, raspberry and rose water) as well as an entire section dedicated to gin-tails – helloooo happiness! If cocktails aren’t your sip of choice, there’s a sizeable selection of spirits, wine, sparkling, cider and beer. The venue’s own Ladybird Lager is perfect for sipping in the sunshine.
Keen to while away an afternoon with fine fare and fancy cocktails? Skip over to our Stumble Guide for booking details.
