Ovolo The Valley Has Said Goodbye to Vegetarian Eatery Za Za Ta — But a New Rooftop Bar Is on the Way
Named by Billie Eilish as one of her favourite plant-based spots, the Middle Eastern-inspired kitchen and bar has shut up shop permanently.
It might've scored a tick of approval from one of the biggest music stars in the world, but Za Za Ta has closed after almost six years of serving up Middle Eastern-inspired bites at Ovolo The Valley. Next time that Billie Eilish is in Brisbane, she won't be dining at the vegetarian kitchen and bar, which she added to her list of favourite plant-based spots around the planet. The venue has already shut its doors permanently, the hotel announced.
"From its inception, Za Za Ta blended Middle Eastern flavours with contemporary cuisine, creating unforgettable dining experiences. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, followers and team members for their unwavering support," advised the Ovolo The Valley in a statement.
The 240-seat venue opened back in 2019, giving the Ann Street accommodation spot — which took over the Emporium Hotel's old Fortitude Valley location — its first onsite restaurant. While it didn't start out its life with a solely plant-based menu, that became the eatery's focus, also giving the River City one of its best places to eat sans meat.
Some of Za Za Ta's dishes will still live on next door, at Ovolo The Valley's all-day venue Kazba. Thankfully, the halloumi doughnuts and the pistachio ice-cream sandwich aren't being lost to Brisbanites. As for the restaurant's digs, its conservatory dining room is set to become a private event space.
One of the hotel's hospitality joints might've said farewell, but things are literally looking up at Ovolo The Valley, with a new bar set to join the site. For the next addition, patrons will be heading up to the rooftop, to a watering hole that'll be part of the pool deck. A name for the new sky-high spot for a sip hasn't been announced yet, and there's no name for exact opening date so far, either, but it will launch before 2025 is out.
One of Eilish's Brissie faves might be no more, but you can follow in her dining footsteps elsewhere around town — at Spring Hill's Vega Cafe, South Brisbane's El Planta, West End's You Came Again, Riser in Toowong and Neon Ramen in Everton Park.
Za Za Ta has closed at Ovolo The Valley, 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. A new rooftop bar will open on the hotel's pool deck later in 2025 — we'll update you with more information when it is announced, and keep an eye on the venue's website for more details in the interim.
