Overview
It was first announced last year as part of the Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment, and now Jonathan Barthelmess' new Brisbane venture has a name: Greca.
Set to open by December 2018, Greca brings a taverna-style restaurant to the city's new waterfront precinct underneath the Story Bridge. Taking over a heritage warehouse space, it'll fill its spartan timber and concrete fit-out with an open kitchen and a fire pit — and it'll take full advantage of its prime location with both indoor and outdoor seating.
This isn't Barthelmess' first Greek eatery, with the chef and restaurateur known for The Apollo in both Sydney and Tokyo. For his Queensland spot, he'll even bring a few of The Apollo's favourites to town in remixed versions. That said, Greca will be its own overall creation. Diners can expect a share-friendly menu filled with dishes cooked over fire and wood and in stone-baked ovens, all focused on heroing simple Greek flavours with local produce. Alongside a largely Mediterranean wine list, of course.
Originally from Queensland but making his name down south, Barthelmess describes Greca as "the perfect chance" to come back to his home state. Greca will join a host of other restaurants and bars at the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, including a Hong Kong-inspired Chinese eatery, a Japanese-style haunt, an octagonal bar and Brisbane's first riverside brewery.
Greca will open at Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane sometime in December. We'll keep you updated on the opening.
Image: The Apollo Sydney by Nikki To.