For the past decade, Ioesco at Sanctuary Cove has been amassing legions of loyal fans including the likes of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who once dined here on a trip to the Gold Coast. As a rule, if it’s good enough for Gordon, it’s good enough for us. Owner and chef Max Alfieri showcases true Italian hospitality and is known for contemporary interpretations of classic Napoli cuisine that doesn’t compromise on size or quality. Moreish starters such as local scallops with a cognac mushroom cream sauce and potato dumplings with napoli sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese offer perfect preludes to mains like Barossa chicken breast with king prawns, avocado and garlic brandy cream sauce and a 250-gram black angus eye fillet served with a mound of vegetables. The elegant dining room complete with soaring ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, a marble bar and water views are complemented by a relaxed vibe and alfresco seating in the tranquil Sanctuary Cove surrounds. Ioesco, which translates to ‘I am going out’, is a fitting title for one of coast’s premier Italian restaurants.