Monthly Digest: What’s New On The Brisbane Foodie Scene
*drooling*
Hey foodies! October has arrived, and Brisbane’s foodie scene is bursting with mouthwatering surprises! New eateries are popping up like confetti, while beloved spots are shaking things up with new makeovers that are downright sexy. Think creative fusion dishes and sustainable delights that’ll make your taste buds dance in a beautiful atmosphere. With local chefs flexing their culinary muscles, there’s no shortage of deliciousness.
So grab your forks—let’s feast on what Brisbane and beyond has to offer this month!
Brisbane
Attimi by Dario Manca
Get ready for an exceptional dining experience as acclaimed chef Dario Manca unveils Attimi by Dario Manca, a chic 28-seat venue poised to redefine fine dining. Taking over the iconic NOTA in Paddington, Manca will follow his impressive tenure at Rosmarino, and introduce a contemporary Italian menu with Michelin-star flair. Weekends offer two dazzling degustation options: an eight-course Quick Italian Tour, showcasing Italy’s highlights, and a lavish 12-course Sensory Exploration that delves into Italy’s diverse flavours. On weekdays, enjoy a sophisticated à la carte menu for a relaxed lunch or dinner. For a casual bite, Attimi’s footpath dining is perfect for a quick snack. Don’t miss their adventurous drink selection – a diverse wine list featuring unique wines and rare beers, ensuring a memorable meal.
Firma Italian
The Emporium Hotel’s Signature Restaurant has been transformed into Firma, under the expert guidance of Chef Alba Rizzo. Firma will take you on a flavour-packed journey to Southern Italy with inventive takes on classic Italian dishes, all made from the finest local ingredients. Delight in à la carte options such as slow-cooked ossobucco, risotto Milanese, and melt-in-your-mouth pork agnolotti. For a truly memorable experience, opt for the $60 or $120 set shared menus. And don’t miss out on dessert – be sure to save room for the show-stopping tiramisu dessert trolley, a sweet symphony of indulgence!
Black Hide Steak and Seafood
The Gambaro Group has raised the stakes once more, securing a coveted spot within the prestigious Queens Wharf complex for Black Hide Steak & Seafood. Formerly Black Hide by Gambaro, this beloved institution has revealed its sleek new digs on the Neville Bonner Bridge landing level. If you know, you know – this isn’t just any steakhouse.
Goodtime
Goodtime, a pan-Asian hotspot in West End’s West Village, has reopened after renovations with a stunning new look and an enhanced menu. The interior is giving 70s, featuring burgundy walls, marble accents, and eclectic decor, creating an inviting atmosphere. The expanded bar serves delightful cocktails like the Purple Daisy and Have A Goodtime, alongside an extensive wine list. A standout offering is the heroes banquet — just $30 per person for a yum cha, main, and snack. Diners can also choose from an array of dishes, including dumplings, si chuan popcorn chicken, and deep-fried ice cream for dessert.
Trove Cocktail Bar
Trove Bar is a chic cocktail spot in Brisbane’s CBD, hidden above Irish Murphy’s in a historic 19th-century hotel. This sophisticated venue features dark wood, exposed brick, bold wallpaper, and luxurious velvet seating, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. The cocktail menu showcases unique drinks made with native Australian ingredients, such as Bush Apple, Davidson Plum, Old Man Salt Bush, and Rosella, each crafted to highlight the country’s natural flavours. In addition to cocktails, Trove offers bush tucker-inspired bar snacks, an Australian wine list, and a selection of craft beers and boutique spirits.
Byblos
After 18 fabulous years, Byblós is gearing up for a fresh start with a full renovation and a brand-new menu this month! As the flagship restaurant of the Ghanem family’s Lebanese spots in Brisbane and Melbourne (including the exciting Lúc Lắc coming to The Star Brisbane), they’re bringing the flavours of modern Lebanese cuisine right to our doorstep. After a trip to Lebanon in 2023, they’re inspired and ready to impress! With a lush interior designed by Space Cubed, the vibe is both luxurious and inviting. And don’t worry—there will still be those fun cocktails and classic Lebanese Lemonade we all love!
À La Bonne Franquette
À La Bonne Franquette, casual french goodness on Brunswick Street, where two French expats bring a cozy taste of home to New Farm. Inspired by the phrase meaning ‘casual and simple,’ this spot combines a deli vibe with takeaway convenience. You’ll find delicious imported treats like pâté and cheeses, plus hearty meals like French onion soup and chocolate mousse. While it’s mainly grab-and-go, there are a couple of small tables if you want to dine in!
DUMBO
The folks behind the popular Red Hook burger joint have just opened a new spot at Portside Wharf called DUMBO! It’s a lively diner-style bar with a fantastic menu featuring burgers, bagels, and plenty of drinks. Co-owner Bonnie Shearston mentioned that they’ve been thinking about expanding for years, but finding the right place was tough. When Portside Wharf offered a spacious location, they jumped at the chance to create a fun new experience for fans. Check it out!
Gold Coast
Moustache
From am to pm, Moustache is on everyone’s lips. This new espresso and wine bar concept is making waves around Mermaid Beach as the latest venture from Brodie Green, the creative force behind beloved local favourites Seadog and Buoy. Tucked in a hidden laneway, this Pinterest-perfect venue is the kind of place that instantly ups your cool factor just by walking in. Maybe it’s the house jazz playing or the European-inspired charm not seen anywhere else on the Gold Coast. Brodie has teamed up with Rodrigo Paraboa Martins, the former sous chef at renowned spots like Paper Daisy and Little Truffle Dining Room, to craft a menu that’s small but oh-so tasty. Start your day with indulgent choices like Eggs in Purgatory, a delicious twist on Italian baked eggs, or dig into the decadent creme-brulee pancakes. As the day winds down, the menu shifts with sharable plates that bring the best of coastal Europe to your table, all made with fresh, local ingredients. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends where the atmosphere is roaring.
JUJU
Get ready for JUJU, the Gold Coast’s newest split-level venue that blends fine dining with vibrant nightlife. Taking over the beloved Hellenika space, this venture by local favorites Trent Redman and Cody Beck promises a lively atmosphere. JUJU celebrates delicious food, exceptional drinks, and great company, featuring a stunning downstairs restaurant and an inviting rooftop bar. Expect playful decor, a DJ-saxophonist mix, and a menu highlighting Modern Australian cuisine, including Tommy’s Tomahawk. “We want a place for those in their 30s to 50s to enjoy cocktails and dancing,” says Beck. Open Thursday to Sunday, JUJU is set to become a must-visit destination.
Eska | Sashimi + Oyster bar
Joining the vibrant lineup of The Oxley Precinct, Eska is a stunning new sashimi bar that brings the essence of the sea to Mermaid Beach. Its wraparound marble raw bar serves as a live culinary theater, allowing guests to watch skilled chefs prepare fresh fish right before their eyes. For the ultimate experience, settle onto a handcrafted wooden stool and soak in the action. Eska also offers elevated takeaway options, letting you enjoy your meal indoors, relax in the sun-drenched outdoor seating, or grab your seafood and head to the nearby beach just steps away.
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