Say Buongiorno To Bar Monte, Newstead’s New Neighbourhood Italian
Pasta, wine, and plenty of it
By Bianca Licina | 24th September 2025Newstead has a stylish new neighbour – and she’s dressed head-to-toe in Italian charm. Bar Monte, the Gold Coast’s cult-favourite dining spot, has officially made its Brisbane debut at 17 Longland Street. Expect the same warmth and convivial spirit as its Miami sibling, this time elevated with a sophisticated edge made for the city’s cosmopolitan crowd.
From the team behind Light Years, Pixie Byron Bay, and The Smoking Camel, Bar Monte Newstead brings together Italian hospitality and contemporary Australian sensibility. The goal? To create a space that feels just as right for a long, lazy lunch as it does for a sparkling night out. It’s all about relaxed Italian eats, polished just enough to feel special.
On the menu
Italian classics meet modern twists in dishes designed to make food lovers swoon. Start with Ortiz anchovy toast on smoked tomato butter, a mortadella bun with pickled chilli and limoncello aioli, or yellowfin tuna paired with pineapple, green chilli, lemon, and koji.
Pasta takes centre stage, with plates like Pancheri alla vodka with stracciatella, pappardelle Bolognese with wagyu ragu and fried sage, and a prawn linguine with pangrattato that’s destined to be a crowd favourite.
For mains, think flame-kissed diavola chicken with fermented chilli or a dry-aged Bistecca dressed in porcini rub, onion, and marrow butter.
The drinks list is equally enticing. Curated by celebrated sommelier Andrea Martinisi, the wine program spans nearly 100 bottles, highlighting standout Australian, Italian, and French producers. Cocktails bring playful nods to Italian flavours: the Caprese Martini is a witty take on tomato, basil, and mozzarella, while the Celerita puts a crisp, celery-infused twist on the margarita.
A space to linger
Designed in collaboration with Will Rathgeber of Studio Plenty, the 100-seat venue fuses post-war Italian cafe nostalgia with the clean lines of Italian Rationalism. Spotted gum, muted glossy ceramics, sculptural wood pendants, and custom geometric banquettes give the space a look that’s refined yet welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you’ll happily settle in for hours.
With share-style dishes, wines worth toasting, and a fit-out that’s as stylish as it is homey, Bar Monte Newstead is primed to be Brisbane’s next must-visit dining destination. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM, pull up a seat, sip, savour, and soak up the Italian flair.
Round up your pals and book a table now.
