An experienced hospitality couple, backed by an acclaimed chef, have taken over a prominent waterfront site and opened a modern Mediterranean restaurant.
Husband and wife team Ariel and Janene Inigo have opened Bar Cino at the Pelican Waters Marina, bringing a menu with Italian, Greek and Spanish influences.
The site was formerly home to the Marina Bar and Bistro, which opened last year but announced its sudden closure in June.
The pair moved quickly when the site became available, with Ms Inigo saying the location played a major role in their decision.
“We loved the location of the previous restaurant and when the opportunity arose, we decided to bring together our business experience, creativity and past hospitality knowledge to create a dining experience Pelican Waters hasn’t seen before,” Ms Inigo said.
“Pelican Waters Marina is a beautiful new precinct and the existing bones of the former restaurant gave us the perfect foundation to create the venue we envisioned.
“It had the right location, the right feel and the right potential.”
The couple previously worked in hospitality more than 20 years ago and have spent two decades running businesses on the Coast. Ms Inigo said returning to the hospitality industry felt like a natural progression.
“The support has been incredible,” she said. “Even though we’re only two weeks old and still finding our rhythm, locals are genuinely excited to have us here – and many have already returned multiple times.
“Our chef, Sam Wilson, comes with extensive high-end dining experience across the Sunshine Coast, including time in two-hatted restaurants. He has crafted the delicious menu our locals are already loving.”
She said the name ‘Bar Cino’ was a playful nod to their address at The Basin, which translates to ‘Bacino’ in Italian.
She said the offering was modern Mediterranean with strong Italian, Greek and Spanish influences.
“Our polpette (Italian meatballs) and our rigatoni with duck ragu, porcini and pecorino are consistent favourites and receive rave reviews every day.”
Bar Cino has also introduced a curated cocktail list.
“Our cocktail list was crafted with equal attention to flavour and aesthetics. Guests can expect classics with a refined twist,” Ms Inigo said.
“The spicy margarita is a crowd favourite – and I can personally confirm it is delicious!”
She said the waterfront position had helped define the feel of the restaurant.
“Being right on the water naturally sets the tone – cool breezes and a beautiful outlook,” she said. “We’ve built on that with a stylish fit-out, subtle tunes, attentive staff and a warm, relaxed energy.”
Bar Cino has hired 12 staff and early feedback had been encouraging.
“We’re so grateful for the warm welcome. Our goal is to create a place where people can slow down, connect and enjoy beautiful food and drinks by the water – and we can’t wait to grow with the Pelican Waters community,” Ms Inigo said.
Bar Cino is at 6/3 The Basin, Pelican Waters, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am until late.
