Sitting along the water’s edge at Hope Island, Ladybird Local Dining Room & Bar adds a touch of noir sophistication to the northern Gold Coast. A hit among locals, the restaurant has a packed menu that showcases local produce and caters to gluten-free and vegan patrons. Standouts that will have you salivating are the smoking hot linguine with grilled king prawns, calamari, crispy capers, bird’s-eye chilli and grated lemon along with the boneless slow-braised lamb shoulder with pea cream and mint gravy. Save room for dessert as the black-and-white chocolate mousse with vanilla ice-cream and pistachio praline will have you coming back for more. The extensive cocktail, beer and wine list is accompanied by a smaller-bites bar menu in case you’re feeling only slightly peckish.