Bar Monte
The Gold Coast fave has made the move to Newstead, bringing with it punchy Italian flavours and a wine list curated by one of the world's best sommeliers.
Overview
A Gold Coast favourite has made the move north, with Bar Monte opening its doors in Newstead. The sibling to Miami's popular Italian-inspired spot offers a more elevated experience for Brisbane's fast-evolving dining scene — it's still warm and inviting like its big sister, but with a touch more edge and sophistication for the big smoke.
Behind the 100-seat venue are James Sutherland, Kim Stephen (Light Years) and Lorenzo Toscani (Pixie, Byron Bay). Designed by Studio Plenty, the space is a refined take on neighbourhood trattoria, with spotted gum timber, glossy ceramic tiles, sculptural wool pendants overhead and curved banquettes winding across the room. The result is a setting that's both welcoming and eye-catching.
Jessie Prince
The menu reimagines Italian classics with contemporary twists, especially with small plates like Ortiz anchovy toast with smoked tomato butter and lemon, mortadella bun with pickled green chilli and limoncello aioli, and yellowfin tuna with pineapple, green chilli, lemon and koji mayo. Pastas and mains are more straightforward but no less considered, with highlights like paccheri alla vodka with nduja and stracciatella, barbecued chicken alla diavola with fermented chilli and bullhorn pepper
sugo and a dry-aged bistecca with a porcini rub, onion and marrow butter.
Award-winning sommelier Andrea Martinisi — whose accolades include a top-ten placing in the Association of Sommeliers International's World Best Sommelier Competition — has curated a tight wine list of just under 100 bottles spanning Italy, France and Australia. His wine program is complemented by a playful cocktail list that leans into savoury flavours — a Caprese Martini, like the dish, is layered with tomato, basil and a hint of mozzarella, while a bright and herbaceous celery margarita is dubbed the Celerita. Together, they set the tone for a drinks list that, much like the food, is at once inventive and approachable.
Jessie Prince
Top images: Jessie Prince.
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