Riverside CBD Restaurant Patina Has Just Opened a Leafy Second Venue in St Lucia

When Patina set up shop on the river-facing side of Customs House back in 2018, the waterside CBD spot gave diners stellar views to accompany their meals and drinks. Launching its sibling site in the city's inner west, it's doing the same — but this time, it's gone green with its vistas.

Patina at Alumni Court is the newest addition to the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus, which accounts for the tree-lined surroundings and grassy stretch sprawling out in front of the eatery's outdoor area. The vibe: bringing the outside in, while also nodding to the chain's OG venue. Hefty windows peer out over the lawn, while brass and copper-coloured finishes take their cues from Customs House's iconic copper dome, all in a space that also incorporates Alumni Court's heritage-listed former Radon Laboratory.

Open since Monday, February 21, the 90-seater — indoors and out — boasts chef Nick Murtas (ex-Palazzo Versace and Emporium Hotels) in the kitchen, as overseen by Patina's Executive Chef John Offenhauser (ex-Chef de Cuisine and Marco Polo at the Treasury Hotel). On their menu, which doesn't just mimic its sister eatery's offerings: a seafood-heavy range that also heroes seasonal produce.

Highlights from the a la carte selection include ora king salmon tartare with Tasmanian wasabi, smoked soy, avocado, nashi, finger lime and coriander, plus South Burnett pork belly with smoked parsnip, Mooloolaba king prawn, witlof and pickled white grape. Yuzu oysters, octopus with smoked potatoes, steamed duck buns, mushroom tarte tatin and chicken with a shawarma marinade also feature — and the dessert range spans espresso martini souffles with vanilla vodka cream, panna cotta with chamomile jelly, creme brulee with almond biscotti and caramelised banana tarte tatin.

Operating Monday–Friday, Patina at Alumni Court also does breakfast — think: brioche with smoked salmon, maple-glazed bacon or scrambled eggs, plus pork sausage rolls, cheesy vegetable frittatas and Neighbourhood Roasters coffee — and hosts sparkling-fuelled high teas from Tuesday–Friday.

On the general drinks menu, craft spirits are a feature among the cocktail selection, which covers eight boozy choices — and four non-boozy options. Sip a negroni with or sans alcohol, for instance.

The wine list goes heavy on riesling, rosé and champagne; a small spirits lineup covers all the usual bases; and the 12-option beer range also features a non-boozy brew.

Patina at Alumni Court is also home to a private dining room and catering service, and is hosting seasonal pop-ups in its openair space. First up at the latter: a Bombay Sapphire setup that pairs G&Ts with crispy barramundi tacos, among other snacks, while patrons kick back on deck chairs.

Find Patina at Alumni Court at University Drive, St Lucia — open Monday–Friday from 7am for breakfast, 12pm for lunch and 5.30pm for dinner, with a pop-up bar running Wednesday–Friday from 3pm.