Lúc Lắc Spices Up Queen’s Wharf With Southeast Asian Flair
Wok and roll
Brisbane’s dining scene is on fire, and it just got even hotter with the arrival of Lúc Lắc, the latest Southeast Asian bar and restaurant to open its doors at the stunning Queen’s Wharf. You can almost smell the fragrant spices from the street as this hotspot bursts onto the scene.
Brought to you by the culinary maestros at Ghanem Group—who’ve been feeding Brisbane since 1978—Lúc Lắc is their tenth dining venture, and it’s already making waves.
Let’s talk about the name first – Lúc Lắc (pronounced Look Luck). It’s inspired by the Vietnamese dish Bo Lúc Lắc, or Shaking Beef, a tasty stir-fry that’s all about shaking that wok for flavour-packed perfection. The restaurant’s creative team fell head-over-heels for this dish while travelling through Vietnam and Thailand, so it’s no surprise it’s become the heart and soul of Lúc Lắc’s menu.
What’s on the menu?
The masterminds behind this venture are Ghanem Group Executive Chef Jake Nicolson and Head Chef Dann Rowell, both of whom bring serious culinary clout. Together, they’ve whipped up a menu that’s full of bold, fresh, and tasty flavours. Think of a magical fusion between Southeast Asian classics and Queensland’s finest produce – tropical fruits like dragon fruit and jackfruit, crispy fried shallots, fragrant Thai basil, and sprinkles of toasted rice. Sign us up.
Chef Dann, with his luxury lodge background, knows how to add a little flair. From small bites and share plates to rich curries and broths, the menu is designed to wow diners. Signature dishes? Look out for the Kampot Peppered Beef, a Lúc Lắc twist on the traditional Bo Luc Lac, and the mouthwatering Roasted Red Duck Curry, complete with juicy lychee and crunchy beansprouts. Oh, and did we mention the Whole Crispy Speckled Blue Grouper with tamarind? Showstopper, for sure.
For those with a sweet tooth, the playful desserts are next-level. There’s Viet Misu, a genius Vietnamese twist on tiramisu with coffee, mascarpone, and dulce de leche. And for something fruity, try the Coconut Sago Pudding with pandan jelly and pineapple.
Inside Lúc Lắc
When it comes to design, Lúc Lắc is just as vibrant as its menu. Featuring a mix of floral fabrics, animal prints, and plenty of brass accents, all brought together in a lush, tropical setting. The laser-cut, golden dragon that watches over the dining room really brings the drama.
Space Cubed Design Studio was the crew behind these striking interiors, with Sophia Klemenz Ghanem, part of the Ghanem family, working her magic with the final styling touches. The design is all about layers – bold patterns, contrasting styles, and textures that blend traditional Asian elements with modern flair. It’s a visual feast that mirrors the exciting dishes being served.
Want to try for yourself? Make a reservation here.
