When he opened his semi-subterranean restaurant Exhibition, Tim Scott didn’t just want to serve food – he wanted to deliver an experience. That’s why the venue is a marvel of tactile textures and intangible but invigorating vibes.
Bringing a paddock-to-plate philosophy to the heritage-listed Customs House, Patina serves up local produce and seafood and mushrooms grown in an onsite cellar. Sample the likes of ricotta and pumpkin crespelle with burnt sage butter. Here are some of the best restaurants in Brisbane city to enjoy your dinner.
- Patina
Situated so close to the sandstone splendour of the University of Queensland’s Great Court that you can almost hear the sounds of students lamenting a missed lecture, the glass-walled Patina opened this February and cements itself as one of Brisbane’s most elegant new restaurants. With an interior that references the heritage-listed Radon Laboratory and a menu sourced from local produce, this is the place to go for dinner with a view.
Crafted with sharing in mind, the menu features a wide selection of entrees and mains designed to be mutually enjoyed by guests. Highlights include the mouth-watering pan-fried gnocchi with roasted pine nuts, smoked raisins, kale and salted ricotta, and chargrilled ocean king prawns with black pepper, curry leaf and sugarloaf.
Named after the iconic copper dome atop Customs House that over time has oxidised to develop its distinctive green colour, Patina is set to become a favourite dining destination for those seeking a refined restaurant experience against the stunning backdrop of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. Diners can choose to sit inside the heritage-listed surrounds or out on the terrace overlooking the river.
- Settimo
Taking inspiration from the laneway culture that runs throughout Brisbane’s city centre, this moody and intimate eatery honours Italian cuisine in a way that celebrates and provokes conversation. Enjoy cocktails, artisan spirits and wine with a meal inside this hidden gem within the Brunswick Mall, or head there for pre-show drinks before an evening of music at Fortitude Music Hall.
Two-hatted chef Guy Grossi is no stranger to restaurants (he’s behind Melbourne institutions Grossi Florentino, Ombra Salumi Bar and Arlechin as well as Roman-inspired osteria Garum at The Westin) but his seventh venture in Queensland, Settimo, is one of his most eagerly awaited. Paying homage to the Amalfi Coast (and Sophia Loren), this sophisticated setting transports diners to Italy for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The menu centres around seasonal and locally-sourced produce, with dishes designed to be shared. Seafood lovers will be drawn to plates like impepata di cozze (steamed mussels with pepper) and grilled calamari, while carnivores can sink their teeth into Amalfi lemon chicken or slow-cooked lamb. Desserts include rhum baba with limoncello and heavenly tiramisu.
- Malt Dining
Located in one of the oldest buildings in Market Street that was once Brisbane’s original produce markets from the 1800s, Malt Dining offers rustic and chic fine dining. With a bar downstairs, an upstairs restaurant aptly named “Attic” and a below ground cellar with private dining room, the venue spans across three levels with a delectable menu to match.
Low banquettes adorned with leather menus, backlit bar and grand ebony piano create an environment of classy and comfort. Expect a mix of locals and tourists in the bar area while the restaurant section has more of a family focus.
The chef’s devotion to using close to home produce is clear throughout the menu and the staff are well versed in catering for dietary requirements. From the impressive starters like the inventive Thai shrimp nachos to the main course dishes including the seared scallop carpaccio with celeriac puree and tobiko and the Brisbane Valley quail with peanut curry and smoked lychee, the culinary journey is well worth taking. I rounded out my dinner with a carrot and mandarin panna cotta with cardamom crumble and honey for a refreshing end to the meal.
- Escape to Exhibition
Tucked beneath a graffiti-sprayed set of stairs in the basement of the Metro Arts building, this multisensory degustation-only restaurant is an exhibition in its own right. Expect everything from Japanese culinary instruments to filling the glowing nooks of the exposed brick walls to jars of pickles and preserves sitting like ornaments along the illuminated shelves, plus bespoke crockery that elevates chef Tim Scott’s food into artworks in their own right.
The river city is bursting with culture, thanks to the many restaurants, bars and other cultural spots, with new attractions opening all the time. Check out the latest exhibitions at Museum of Brisbane or go on a 15-minute Clock Tower Tour to get an overview of the city from atop its historic heritage structure.
If a high-octane adventure is your speed, book an escape room with the Austrian-based chain Fox in a Box for high-tech puzzle rooms with themes like ‘The Zodiac Killer’ and ‘Zombie Lab’. Kids’ versions of the popular games are also available.
- Rogue Bistro
Tucked among the warehouses and factories of Newstead’s industrial estate Rogue is a spiffy little beacon of top quality wining and dining. A minimal contemporary black and white interior involving community tables, lounges, down lighting and an open kitchen with bar is a welcome departure from the gritty surrounds.
The brainchild of Daniel Myers and Rach Myers, it’s the place to go for relaxed Modern Australian cuisine in a beautiful intimate escape. It’s available for dinner Tuesday-Saturday evenings.
A small menu features dishes ranging from classics such as wagyu beef burger or spaghettini with chilli crab and mushroom to rib fillet and spatchcock, with a vegetarian menu and plenty of vegan options too. The wine list has had a revamp and there are plenty of new cocktails on offer too. Guests can choose to dine a la carte or opt for the six-course degustation. The menu changes monthly, allowing you to enjoy a different experience each time.
