Translating to mean ‘dream’ in Italian, the aptly named venue is exactly that for Sushil and Prajwol, who poured their heart and souls into creating the original Sogno Italiano in Mermaid Waters. The new iteration has breathed new life into the space formerly occupied by Rustica Italia, on the outskirts of Treetops Plaza.

Sushil and Prajwol were on the hunt for a second location to better service their customers who were driving from Palm Beach and Reedy Creek when the perfect opportunity arose. While it was the location and the fit-out that initially attracted the pair, it was the striking woodfired oven that really sealed the deal. “We always wanted a woodfired oven in Mermaid, but we only have a small kitchen space,” Sushil says.

Excited by the possibilities that the woodfired oven presented, Sushil and Prajwol, who are both chefs, got to work crafting a new menu. This time around, they were inspired by the coastal regions of Italy and introduced some more seafood options that would complement the cooking method.

“Every time we have a seafood special at Mermaid, it goes really fast,” Sushil says. Among the new flame-cooked fare are entrees of warm Sicilian olives bathed in red wine alongside a seafood platter for two, which is loaded with grilled Moreton Bay bugs, marinated calamari and a house salad. The fire-roasted pumpkin and sage gnocchi is another early standout. Eagle-eyed regulars to Mermaid will spot a few familiar flavours including the Moreton Bay bug linguine and pappardelle ragu loaded with slow-cooked ossobuco ribs with napoli sauce, white wine and parmesan.

There’s also a scattering of pizza combinations that are available on a red or white base. The pizza is made using 72-hour rested dough so it’s light and won’t send you into an immediate food coma. In addition to the expanded menu, there’s an Italian-leaning selection of sips that includes robust reds, fizzy prosecco and floral fiano, alongside classic Italian cocktails. You can also BYO wine.