Overview
When word arrived that NOTA is closing its doors in Brisbane's inner west after six years on Paddington's Given Terrace, bad news thankfully wasn't the only thing on the menu. The beloved restaurant will say goodbye in August 2024, with co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort instead turning their attention to Newstead's Allonda, which they opened in 2022. But when the pair dropped this development, they also revealed that NOTA's site will have a new eatery calling it home mighty soon.
Docherty and de Kort played it coy with specifics about the future of the heritage-listed space that was previously fine-diner Montrachet's old Paddington digs, after the French eatery moved to King Street in Bowen Hills — because what'll reside there next isn't their news to share. Enter fellow chef Dario Manca, who has announced the impending arrival of Attimi by Dario Manca.
Come September 2024, the popular Brissie address will transform into an Italian fine diner that also takes its cues from Michelin-starred dining in Europe. Manca should know a thing or two about the latter, with a total of 16 of the coveted symbols featuring across his career so far. He started out at Villa Crespi under Antonino Cannavacciuolo, in fact, and has worked beneath Gordon Ramsay and teamed up with Heinz Beck. Manca's resume also includes Sydney's Pilu at Freshwater, being mentored by Giovanni Pilu.
"When unique spaces like this become available, you want to do the best thing you can for the community, to make sure it continues to flourish, and that's why I jumped on it when I heard NOTA was looking for a successor to keep the flame on," explained Manca.
His vision for the site is to give patrons an intimate experience, with Attimi set to seat just 28 people, while taking their tastebuds on a tour of Italy. He'll also be pushing boundaries with an experimental menu — and endeavouring to turn every meal in the abode, which'll still keep NOTA's design elements mixed with his own touches, into an unforgettable visit.
Expect two set menus to be a drawcard on weekends, with one described as a "quick Italian tour" with eight courses and the other spanning 12 dishes. Whichever you pick, you'll be sticking with the established lineup, although dietary requirements will be catered for. From Tuesday–Thursday, a la carte dining will also be on offer, skewing more casual. So will stopping by for focaccia and arancini — given an Attimi spin — among other bites on the footpath.
And as for NOTA's bar, it's staying around, but will be smaller and cosier. Drinks-wise, naturally Italy is in the spotlight, covering skin-contact wines and rare beers.
"The idea of no-choice set menus is still a little bit out there for Brisbane, but I really feel like there's been proof in the pudding in other restaurants that have thrived over the past few years. I am really looking forward to showcasing to Brisbane how this can be a great and standard way of dining," said Manca.
"It's very important to me that Brisbane understands we are looking at an experimental way of dining, having fun and enjoying blending tradition with playful innovation."
"I want people to feel like anything is possible when it comes to food when they dine at Attimi, and for guests to enjoy a moment of magic and surprise — and that's why I called my restaurant Attimi, which means 'moment' in Italian," he continued.
Attimi by Dario Manca will open at 224 Given Terrace, Paddington sometime in mid-September 2024. We'll update you with more details, including an exact opening date, when they're announced.
Find NOTA Restaurant & Wine Bar at 224 Given Terrace, Paddington until Saturday, August 3, 2024— open 6pm–late on Tuesday–Thursday (last booking at 7.30pm), then 12–2pm and 6pm–late (last booking at 8pm) Friday–Saturday.
NOTA images: Markus Ravik.