The top 10 Brisbane restaurants you should revisit
1889 Enoteca
12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, 07 3392 4315, 1889enoteca.com.au
Classic leadlight, raw brickwork and foot-weathered floorboards balance youthful elegance from the well-stocked marble bar and butter-soft banquettes interspersed with casual tables and trattoria touches. The wine list, with its Italian focus, is justifiably lauded. Long-term signature dishes include gnocchi with black truffle paste and nuggets of pork and fennel sausage or the deliciously minimalist spaghetti cacio e pepe.
Anise
697 Brunswick Street, New Farm, 07 3358 1558, anise.com.au
European bar-style seating encourages sharing - of food, conversation and wine, with knowledgeable staff proving they know their stuff. Pull up a stool and taste your way through the impressive wine list, accompanied by an Australian riff on carpaccio with kangaroo, cress, horseradish and goat's curd or some plump gnocchi with beetroot, chestnut cream and pecorino.
Bar Alto
119 Lamington Street, New Farm, 07 3358 1063, baralto.com.au
This arty industrial bunker is a contrast to the look of usual Italian eateries, but the menu similarly blends contemporary food trends with rustic tradition. Antipasta to share includes pigs' ears and trotters which, though fashionable, manage to be novel, fried crisp and heightened with a sweet and sour sauce. It's hard to pass up the menu staple of a rich, hearty goat ragu over housemade pappardelle though.
Cinco
589 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill, 07 3843 6666, cincobistro.com
Cinco's had a loyal following ever since it opened. And what's not to love? This friendly little suburban punches above its weight on all counts. A signature dish of wild mushroom and foie gras tartlet with a porcini veloute and port wine syrup is rarely off the menu, but chef Peter Stubbs keeps it fresh with frequent changes. Cherry on top – it's BYO.
Citron
3 Macgregor Street, Wilston, 07 3856 066, citronrestaurant.com.au
There's a reason why Citron stands the test of time in a precinct that's seen many restaurants come and go - the pair behind this suburban favourite run a tight ship, both front-of-house and in the open kitchen. Big, honest pan-Asian flavours and friendly, attentive service are order of the day. Try the little packages of betel leaves wrapping sand crab, coconut, chilli and coriander or anything with duck.
E'cco Bistro
100 Boundary Street, Brisbane, 07 3831 8344, eccobistro.com
The fresh facelift of black, white and timber lends a modern freshness to this iconic eatery in a century-old teahouse. Unchanged in its 20-year history, however, is owner Philip Johnson's approach to quality ingredients and attention to detail. Clean flavours and unfussy plating lets the food speak for itself and has earned E'cco a reputation for being the "little black dress" of Brisbane dining.
Grappino
226 Given Terrace, Paddington, 07 3367 0033, grappino.com.au
Grappino nods to typical Italian trattorias but adds a few twists to create a retro rather than old-school look. It's a family affair with chef Theodor in the kitchen, brother Bernhard on the bar and parents Deanna and Freddy greeting regulars and newcomers. The experience is like being at an Italian family dinner, the conversational buzz progressively rising. The menu cherrypicks the best of Italy.
Moda
12 Edward Street, Brisbane, 07 3221 7655, modarestaurant.com.au
Like a chilled glass of wine in a sun-filled piazza, Moda offers a glimpse of romantic escapism amid the frenetic pace of city life. From the warm French welcome to the Catalan influence of chef Javier Codina's menu, life in this little oasis is vibrant, personable and thoroughly authentic. Start with a selection of classic entremeses paired with a glass of sherry while perusing appealing main course options.
Pearl
28 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, 07 3392 3300
Pearl is known for its breakfasts but at night it undergoes a metamorphosis, transforming from cafe into an intimate bistro: the perfect backdrop for the seasonal menu that demonstrates chef Eileen Horsnell's understated flair. Try duck, pan-roasted in aromatics, the classic orange glaze deepened by cherries and anise. Vying for best dish is the Julia Gold lamb shoulder on pumpkin puree, glistening with pomegranate and sprinkled with mint.
Vine
158 Moray Street, New Farm, 07 3358 6658, vinerestaurant.com.au
Vine is not one to be restrained by its oft-bestowed title of well-loved local. Its menu changes as regularly as the seasons and its interior, far from homely, is sleek and smart. Locals and cross-towners will testify to just how good the generous portions of Italianate delights really are. Try the house-made mushroom and veal ravioli or tagliatelle tossed with liberal handfuls of scampi, green olives, almonds and white wine.
Do you have a favourite Queensland restaurant - whether old or new? Vote for them in the People's Choice Award as part of the Good Food Guide Awards this year and you could win a $250 dining experience - every month for a year!
Don't forget to check www.goodfood.com.au on Tuesday June 30 to see which Queensland restaurants received hats and awards at the 2016 Brisbane Times Good Food Guide awards. You can pick up a copy of the guide from your local newsagent from July 4 for $7.99.
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