Overview
"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," explains chef Dario Manca. He's talking about Attimi, which is now serving up lunch and dinner at a Paddington site with a long history in the restaurant business. But as NOTA, which closed its doors in August 2024, and as Montrachet before that, the focus at 224 Given Terrace has never been on Michelin-inspired degustations.
Attimi's arrival since early September helps give a sad Brisbane hospitality development a positive spin. When word hit that NOTA was saying farewell after six years — with co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort instead turning their attention to Newstead's Allonda, which they opened in 2022 — the pair thankfully revealed that a new eatery would take over. Attimi now turns the popular Brissie address into an Italian fine-diner, with cues gleaned from Europe's best.
Manca should know a thing or two about Michelin stars, with a total of 16 of the coveted symbols featuring across his career so far. He started out at Villa Crespi under Antonino Cannavacciuolo, 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.
His vision for Attimi is to give patrons an intimate experience, with Attimi seating just 28 people, while taking their tastebuds on a tour of Italy. He's also pushing boundaries with his experimental menu — and endeavouring to turn every meal in the abode an unforgettable visit.
"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 back when Attimi was first announced.
"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," Manca continued.
"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."
NOTA patrons still enter a familiar-looking space, with the exposed brick walls attracting the eye; however, Attimi has put its stamp on the minimalist design touches — think: Italian ceramic sculptures on the tables — and also revamped NOTA's bar to be smaller and cosier.
Patrons can tuck into two set menus on weekends, with one described as a "quick Italian tour" with eight courses and the other spanning 12 plates. Dishes include crispy fish with preserved lemon gel, confit garlic tart with goat's cheese cream, beef tartare-filled savoury cannoli, Limoncello sorbet and Ferrero Rocher ice cream. Whether you go for the shorter or longer degustation, you'll be sticking with the established lineup — no amendments allowed — although dietary requirements will be catered for.
From Tuesday–Thursday, a la carte dining is also on offer, skewing more casual. Caviar bombs, cecina round waffles, beef rump tartare, carbonara burrata and charcoal coral trout are just some of the options — or, you can enjoy truffle mayo arancino and sourdough focaccia with prosciutto butter among other bites on the footpath.
Drinks-wise whenever you pop by, naturally Italy is in the spotlight, covering skin-contact wines and rare beers. Pick between 85-plus vinos, complete with Aussie drops made Italian-style. If you'd prefer a cocktail, there's five house signatures, as well as classics ready to get you saying cheers.
Find Attimi by Dario Manca at 224 Given Terrace, Paddington — open for lunch Friday–Saturday and dinner Tuesday–Saturday. Head to the restaurant's website for more details.