Overview
Ten years after setting up shop at Eagle Street Pier, Matt Moran's Aria Brisbane is saying farewell. With the inner-city waterside precinct slated for a huge revamp in the coming years, the acclaimed restaurant is closing its doors when its leases finishes, with Saturday, June 15 marking the last day of service.
Co-owned by Australian hospitality group Solotel, Aria Brisbane opened as a sibling to fellow fine diner Aria Sydney, and quickly became one of the Brissie CBD's must-eat destinations. Moran's ever-changing menu has always skewed both seasonal and local, particularly highlighting Queensland ingredients — which pair well with the site's stunning river views.
"All good things come to an end, and the end of the current lease seems like the perfect time for us to go out on top in Brisbane," explained Moran. "I want to thank our staff and also our loyal guests who have embraced Aria as one of the city's most sought after dining experiences."
Moran also highlighted a selection of his favourite Aria dishes, including the scampi from the restaurant's first years, the confit pork belly and the banoffee with banana and caramel — and, in good news for Brisbanites, they'll all be on the menu until the Eagle Street spot closes its doors. For six weeks starting from Tuesday, May 7, patrons can tuck into Aria's ten-year (and ten-course) tasting menu. On the lineup is everything from goat curd cigars and duck and pea pie to fried brussel sprouts and toasted rice sorbet, available for lunch and dinner with or without matching wines.
Solotel will remain part of Brisbane's dining and drinking scene — it also operates Riverbar & Kitchen, located a little further along Eagle Street, as well as Little Big House at South Bank.
And as for Eagle Street Pier, a new $1.4 billion waterfront hub has been proposed for the riverside stretch, marking the biggest change since it was built back in 1989. If it goes ahead, current plans include two new towers to replace the existing buildings, permanently closing the zone between Charlotte and Market streets to vehicles, and adding apartments, a hotel, retail spaces, and new restaurants and casual eateries.
Find Aria Brisbane at Eagle Street Pier, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane until Saturday, June 15 — open Tuesday–Thursday from 5.30–10pm, Fridays from 12–2.30pm and 5.30–10pm, and Saturdays from 5–10pm.