Blow-torched Hervey Bay scallops on a half-shell, accessorised with burnt peanut cream and fiery nam jim. Teriyaki veal sweetbread nuggets crumbed in panko dotted with puffs of salt and vinegar rice. Crisp-fleshed Mooloolaba prawns brightened with macadamia nam prik, then napped with creamy tom yum poured at the table. Surprise is the tasty name of the game at this far-from-typical gallery restaurant, which artfully embraces its location in Brisbane’s impressive Gallery of Modern Art. Carefully curated ceramics ensure everything arrives as pretty as a picture, a charcoal-hued bowl framing tandoori glazed barramundi to advantage. The tight drinks list squeezes in four Queensland wines, a chance to sip Granite Belt saperavi, or wild ferment pinot, perhaps. Only open lunchtimes, service is aptly up-tempo. A cheesecake using fromage blanc from local camel milk provides a tasty excuse to linger, its creamy richness balanced with tart freeze-dried raspberries, chewy honeycomb chunks sending diners sweetly on their way.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide 2022
Our guide gives a yearly snapshot of the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national Top 80.
Joe Ruckli
