Rogue Bistro

Overview

Flanked by industrial neighbours, Rogue Bistro might just be one of Brisbane's best-hidden treasures. Serving breakfast and lunch on weekends, and dinner Tuesday-Saturday nights, Rogue adds an appreciated dynamic to the Brisbane food scene: fine dining without the fuss.

The staff are genuine, welcoming and enormously attentive to their guests needs. The decor has an understated elegance (even in the bathroom), and a canopy of fairy lights adds a welcome sparkle to the neighbourhood. And don't get me started on the food.

A sincere passion for the trade shines through in every meal plated by the kitchen. A recent menu change merely reinforces the chef's talents for combining flavours and techniques to create memorable food experiences. The drinks menu lists well-crafted cocktails next to a range of beers, ciders, wines and non-alcoholic refreshments to keep all thirsts at bay as you try to answer the night's most pertinent question: what to eat.

The dinner menu is a cruel friend, tempting you to order every item listed. To combat food envy that so often accompanies a meal, 'The Ark' ($45pp) gives you the chance to choose three animals and three sides to share between two. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the depth of the menu and delight your tastebuds to no end. Pig, bird and sheep proved to be a winning combination when accompanied by honey-roasted carrots with labna and the braised beetroot salad with candied walnuts and gorgonzola.

Although you'll think you are extraordinarily full after dinner (which you will be), there is always room for dessert. The menu is short but sweet, with only four options to choose from. The staff highly recommend the cherry ripe chocolate fondant ($13), but the lemon tart ($13) was the winner at our table. The balance of the citrus curd, raspberry puree and the playful vanilla floss melt into one delightful spoonful after another. For those lacking a sweet tooth, cheese for two ($18) with quince and dried fruits should certainly satisfy.

However, dinner is not the only thing Rogue gets right. Weekend brunch comes in many shapes and sizes, as can be seen across their Facebook page. Highlights include pancakes with salted caramel and fruits ($16); the spiced mince pot with poached eggs, avocado salsa and creme fraiche ($19); and avocado on toast with chorizo, sweet corn salsa, goats curd and almond dukkah.