Coming Soon: West End's Thomas Dixon Centre Is Scoring a New Locally Focused Cafe Thanks to Tom's Kitchen
Queensland Ballet's home isn't just welcoming Shane Delia's first Brisbane restaurant — it'll boast this daytime eatery, too.
As ballet fans are well-aware, heading to the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End usually means seeing a show. Soon, visitors will be able to drop by just for a meal, too. The Montague Road precinct is set to unveil not one but two new eateries: Layla, Shane Delia's first-ever Queensland restaurant, plus just-announced daytime cafe Tom's Kitchen.
News about Delia's addition to Queensland Ballet's home first arrived in 2024, with the venue's name then announced at the end of February. Now comes the lowdown on Tom's Kitchen, which is set to launch first. While you'll be able to hit up Layla from Friday, March 28, Tom's Kitchen will welcome in patrons from Wednesday, March 12.
Operating from 6.30am–4pm daily, Tom's Kitchen will have a clear focus: local ingredients, seasonal menus and a produce-driven range. The aim is to give the precinct the type of place that serves up meals and bites — so leisurely and quick options alike, including at brunch — and sees West End residents, dancers, visitors to the precinct and more stop by.
"Tom's Kitchen is a place where people can connect over great coffee and fresh, approachable food, while the premium dining restaurant — launching later this month — will offer a more refined experience, bringing a different expression of culinary excellence to Brisbane," explains Lisa Summer-Hayes, Director of Customer Experience at Thomas Dixon Centre.
"We like to think of Tom's Kitchen as a place that will fuel creativity, community and conversation," added Daryl Kerry, CEO of VenuesLive, the precinct's hospitality partner.
Angharad Gladding
Patrons can expect Sprout Bakery's bread and ST ALi coffee on the menu at Tom's Kitchen — and dishes such as market mushrooms, 'nduja, salted ricotta and a poached egg atop sourdough; a cheeseburger made with smashed beef patties, provolone and pickles, then paired with house fries; and a potato hash plate featuring smoked salmon and tomato béarnaise.
As for Delia's Layla, the new venture from the Melbourne-based chef and restaurateur will continue his focus on Middle Eastern flavours and rich, bold, spice-fuelled dishes. The restaurant is a partnership with Queensland Ballet, with Delia Group teaming up with VenuesLive.
Angharad Gladding
Tom's Kitchen will open at the Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Head to the precinct's website for more details.
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