A cosmopolitan team with experience in some of Australia’s most prestigious restaurants is behind one of the Coast’s latest dining ventures.
Sopra Cucina opened last week in a riverside space overlooking the bridge at Bli Bli, serving authentic Italian food.
Founder and managing director Luca Ruiu is originally from Sardinia but has been immersed in Australia’s food scene since 2009, working in renowned establishments such as 400 Gradi in Melbourne and Lucio’s Marina in Noosa.
He is joined by head chef and co-owner Marco Liti, whose culinary journey spans from Spain to Italy and Australia. He worked in Melbourne for many years and was most recently at 250 Grammi in Noosa.
Luca’s partner and Sopra co-founder Susanna Mastronardi said the Sopra team was determined to introduce something new to the local dining scene.
“What drew us to Bli Bli and the Sunshine Coast is our desire to introduce an authentic Italian dining experience unlike anything available in the area,” she said.
“We are passionate about sharing our love for Italian cuisine with the local community and believe there is a unique opportunity to create something special here.
“We are eager to meet and collaborate with local producers and artists, and we take great pride in what we have achieved.
“We are thrilled to bring a taste of our culture to the Sunny Coast and look forward to welcoming and serving our guests with warmth and enthusiasm.”
“Sopra” means “above” in Italian and Susanna said the name symbolised their elevated perspective and concept.
“Beyond simply being upstairs, it embodies our aspiration to offer a heavenly dining experience,” she said.
“Sopra Cucina is not just a restaurant – it’s a place where we aim to elevate Italian cuisine to new heights.”
Susanna said the menu was a “celebration of modern fusion with a rustic twist”.
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“Picture freshly made pasta infused with nduja and ricotta, a tantalising array of handcrafted pizzas, decadent tiramisu and a host of other dishes that promise to surprise and delight, featuring ingredients sourced both locally and imported from Italy,” she said.
“We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, offering a curated selection of fresh produce and an extensive wine list that complements our dishes perfectly.”
The team was still finalising staffing plans but expects to be recruiting team members.
The restaurant is part of Bli Bli’s Riverside Centre complex and was formally home to the River View Rooftop restaurant.
Susanna said they had renovated the space to blend “modern elegance with rustic charm”.
“Warm lighting, tasteful decor inspired by Italian aesthetics and carefully curated seating arrangements were chosen to ensure a relaxed and inviting dining experience,” she said.
“We cannot thank enough all the people who helped along the way and made this possible, from our friends, family, landlord and neighbours.”
Sopra Cucina is at 7/311 David Low Way, Bli Bli, and open from noon Thursday to Sunday for lunch, and from 5pm Wednesday to Sunday for dinner.
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