Overview
When Sky Deck was first announced, the soaring platform at the $3.6-billion Queen's Wharf precinct promised Brisbanites and tourists alike more than just a new place to peer down on the River City. The idea was always that it'd provide a sky-high spot to grab a bite, drink and take in stunning views in tandem, including at multiple venues.
Queen's Wharf opened at the end of August 2024, and launched with not only Sky Deck sitting 100 metres above the CBD, but with resident openair bar Cicada Blu and all-day dining haven Babblers welcoming in patrons heading up. The final Sky Deck piece: signature restaurant Aloria, which will open its doors on Wednesday, October 30.
Centre stage at Cicada Blu on the lofty deck, cocktails are a drawcard, At Babblers on Sky Deck's eastern side, casual meals and coffee are on the menu. Aloria is located on Sky Deck's western end — with dry-aged steak and seafood among its specialties, European and Australian influences flavouring the cuisine, Australian ingredients in the spotlight, and the open kitchen pumping out woodfired and grilled dishes.
Standout menu options include dry-aged beef bistecca as a main, or roast coral trout with almond cream if you'd prefer the ocean's finest. Opt for seafood to start and you'll also be picking between kingfish crudo with pickled rhubarb and buttermilk, plus Fraser Island spanner crab crumpet with finger lime and brown butter — or caviar.
Returning to Brisbane, Michelin-trained Chef Shayne Mansfield oversees all three venues, with Aloria favouring simplicity and elegance in its dishes — as well as sustainability and a minimal-waste ethos.
"Aloria's smoked carrot tartare involves smoking the body of the carrot to create the tartare filling, followed by the sauce from the carrot skin. The green tops are then cooked to form a cracker, with the dish completed by cooking red capsicums over charcoal to produce a sauce. The whole dish is prepared without any food waste, which is something we are immensely proud of," explains Mansfield.
"The Aloria experience isn't just about the food, though. From our considered arrival via an exclusive entrance to unparalleled views from the mountains to the bay and extensive beverage pairings, Aloria offers an elevated and unique dining experience that I cannot wait to share with Brisbane."
Another highlight: a dedicated martini menu that spans classics and inventive variations (think the marguerite, martine, martigny, martina, martineau and the Bradford à la martini). One more reason to grab a glass: a hefty range of wine, with a list curated by Aloria Head Sommelier Damian Danaher that spans 12 pages — which is why it has been dubbed a 'cellar in the sky' — and vintages from Château Lafite Rothschild among the sips.
Overall, Sky Deck features a 250-metre rooftop runway with a glass-floor viewing platform, plus 360-degree views out over the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane River, Mt Coot-tha and Moreton Bay. While Aloria will serve lunch and dinner five days a week, Sky Deck itself is open all day and night, every day and night.
Find Queen's Wharf Sky Deck at Level 23, 33 William Street, Brisbane, with Aloria opening on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 — and operating from 12pm–late Wednesday–Sunday. Head to the Queen's Wharf website for more details.