Bistro One Eleven

Arguably Brisbane’s most anticipated opening in the past year, Philip Johnson proved that consistency is a winning recipe at E’cco, and now his ingredient-driven, fuss-free formula has new digs in the heart of the CBD. The glass walls capture views of both the river and vast old fig tree on which the building’s design is based. There’s a retro element to the menu, albeit with Johnson-esque twists – scotch duck egg with curry mayo is a stand-out in the ‘bites’ section, as are oysters gratinee with spinach and gruyere, while a wagyu minute steak with bearnaise, fries and peppercorn and cognac sauce is as classic as you can get. Steaks come with Cafe de Paris butter, English spinach and mushrooms, but it’s the organic chicken, moist and juicy over peas, lettuce, bacon and gremolata, that brings on the plate envy. Almond doughnuts with blood orange and almond ice-cream are about as good an end as any in what will become another Brisbane icon bistro.