With several restaurant precincts spread throughout and around its parklands, and plenty of grassy sitting spots too, South Bank offers hungry Brisbanites the best of both worlds. Sometimes, you just want to dine in and feast on a fresh-cooked meal that's brought to your table. At other times, relaxing on the lawn and enjoying a leisurely picnic is exactly what the mood calls for.
Enter new Italian eatery Mister Paganini, catering to both scenarios. The multi-faceted venue features a restaurant serving up classic cuisine, as well as a deli for on-the-go and take-home bites and snacks.
Those keen on the sit down, in-house approach does simple, communal fare made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Chef Steve Wildermoth is a veteran of restaurants Sorellina, Ortiga and Moda, and serves up the likes of spaghetti with spanner crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and olive oil, as well as porchetta with crispy pork belly, fried herb potatoes and pear mostarda. Dessert fiends can expect to devour millefoglie with coffee cream, puff pastry, peach jam and chocolate, among other delectable dishes.
If dropping by and taking away takes your fancy instead, you'll can get your coffee fix and pick from traditional pastries and sweets — plus, there's more substantial offerings such as fresh salads and gourmet rolls for lunch. Whichever option you choose, it all sounds delicious. And if you like Italian food, there's really no wrong choice.