Need an excuse to book in a weekend trip up to the Sunshine Coast? Here’s the perfect thing: the Tony Kelly Restaurant Group, that’s the team behind Maroochydore venues Market Bistro and Giddy Geisha, and Rice Boi in Mooloolaba, are weeks away from unveiling its newest concept – Bocca Italian in Bokarina. Pairing coastal Mediterranean vibes with the Sunny Coast’s beachy splendour, the group is positioning Bocca Italian as an approachable and generous eatery that aims to make diners feel more like family than guests. The restaurant’s interiors will showcase an array of textures, with timber, stone and rattan forming the crux of the material palette while brass fixtures and rustic tiling add tasteful accents. Tony Kelly Restaurant Group’s executive chef Harry Lilai will be working with Bocca Italian’s head chef Rob Bredhauer to create an array of share-style dishes, with classic options like osso bucco, lasagne and spaghetti carbonara featuring on the menu alongside LP’s smoked mortadella, cotoletta di pollo and a selection of pizzas. The restaurant’s beverage program will highlight wines from Australian and New Zealand makers specialising in Italian varietals as well as some Italian wines from the homeland. A cocktail menu will focus on fresh interpretations of classic Italian concoctions. Get excited – Bocca Italian is opening this month!