E'cco Bistro

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For 22 years, E'cco Bistro wasn't just a place to eat in Brisbane — it was one of the places to eat in Australia. In 2018, however, it said goodbye to Boundary Street and hello to Newstead, re-emerging with a progressive menu, more casual fit-out and a Brazilian charcoal grill to boot.

That might sound like a considerable amount of change for the classic haunt, but it's still an absolute must-visit. Maintaining the same fresh, simple, produce-driven ethos of culinary mastermind Philip Johnson in partnership with Head Chef Simon Palmer, the grill now takes centre stage where octopus, king prawn, beef tenderloin and even carrots all get the special treatment over the coals.

When it comes to E'cco Bistro's fit-out, it's all about limestone and brick floors, a marble bar and kitchen benchtop, American oak detailing and subtle patterns — plus elements of the original E'cco Bistro, too. Locals might notice that the new banquette seats have details from the old circular seat-backs, so it's basically a part of Brissie history.

The excellent, impressively restrained wine list is always an adventure worth exploring in depth, and if the a la carte lineup is too overwhelming just roll with one of the tasting menus (which include very good options for vegetarian and vegan diners).

Hot tip: do not sleep on the house fries.

Images: Atlanta Bell.

Appears in:
The Best Restaurants in Brisbane