A Story of Heritage, Friendship, and Flavor
Sopra was born from a shared vision—an enduring bond between friends, and a deep love for Italian culture, cuisine, and the power of food to connect people. For us—Luca and Marco—food has always meant more than what’s on the plate. It’s a memory, a ritual, a piece of home. It’s how we celebrate, how we share our stories, and how we honor the places that shaped us.
Luca’s roots run along the ancient coastlines of Sardinia, where the rhythm of life still follows the seasons and the land. His earliest food memories are filled with the bold, rustic flavors of the island—smoky meats, wild herbs, handmade pastas. Sardinian cuisine, so rich in tradition yet still underappreciated even within Italy, has always been a part of him. It’s a cuisine that tells its own story—one of resilience, of island life, of quiet depth.
Marco, from the hilltop town of Terni in Umbria, brings with him a love for the landlocked heart of Italy. His upbringing was steeped in hearty, soulful dishes—roasted meats, black truffles, and slow-simmered sauces. But his culinary path has taken him far, from Europe to Australia, and everywhere in between. Along the way, he’s brought with him a commitment to craft and a curiosity that continues to evolve.
Our menu is a celebration of where we’ve come from, and where we are now. From house-made tortelli filled with nduja and ricotta, to wood-fired pizzas with garlic prawns and lemon, to striploin with charred baby cos and Parmigiano, every dish is a nod to our heritage—crafted with care and made using the best local ingredients we can find.
At the heart of our concept is a desire to bring a thoughtful twist to modern Italian cuisine—reinterpreting traditional recipes in new ways, while staying true to their soul.
Though our hearts are Italian, our hands work with the bounty of Australia’s land and sea. We partner with local growers, fishers, and artisans who share our values—sustainability, seasonality, and honesty. We believe food should speak for itself, just as it does in Italy, and that the best meals are rooted in respect for the ingredients.
We’ve poured ourselves into every detail of Sopra—from the dishes to the wine list, to the space itself. We wanted it to feel warm, welcoming, and timeless. Blond wood, leather chairs, gentle lighting, and a view of the river remind us of both coastal Sardinia and the relaxed beauty of the Sunny Coast.
This restaurant is our love letter to Italy, written from across the sea. It’s the result of years spent learning, growing, dreaming—and now, sharing.
Sopra is not just a place to eat. It’s a place to gather, to linger, to celebrate. A place where stories are told through food, and where every guest is part of the family.
Welcome to Sopra.
Welcome to our table.
At Sopra Cucina, our team is led by Luca Ruiu, the founder and managing director originally from Sardinia, who has been immersed in Australia’s food scene since 2009.
With a rich background including renowned establishments like 400 Gradi in Melbourne and Lucio’s Marina in Noosa, Luca brings extensive experience and a deep passion for wines, aiming to infuse a touch of Sardinian culture into the Australian culinary landscape. Luca has embraced the Sunshine Coast for the past 4 years, enjoying coastal living with his beloved dog Norman, and partner-in-crime, Susanna.
Marco Liti, our skilled head chef and co-owner. Marco’s culinary journey spans from Spain to Italy and Australia. Having worked in Melbourne for many years and most recently in 250 Grammi in Noosa, where his dedication to creating fresh, scratch-made dishes shines through.
Marco has called Australia home for many years and has resided on the Sunshine Coast for the past 5 years, sharing his passion for cuisine alongside his fiancée, Alba. Marco’s signature dish, his delectable Risotto, is a must-try experience in itself.
7/311 David Low Way, Bli Bli QLD 4560
Lunch: Thur to Sun from 12:00pm
Dinner: Wed to Sun from 5:00pm
© 2024 Sopra Cucina & Bar
Website by Alba D’Eramo
