OTTO Brisbane

When Otto Ristorante launched in Brisbane back in 2016, it set up shop in one of Queen Street's newest developments. Now, to start 2021, the Italian-focused eatery has made another move — reopening over at South Bank in the striking, ultra-scenic riverfront space that was previously home to Stokehouse.

Open since Wednesday, February 3, the waterside spot has had a big revamp, but it still boasts one of the best views in the city. And, Otto Brisbane is putting to great use. You can now peer out over the water from the venue's three different ventures: Otto Ristorante, a new al fresco bar called Otto Osteria and Otto's own event space.

At Otto Ristorante, head chef Will Cowper still leads the charge. His menu heroes Italian meals made with regional produce, as inspired by the European nation's southern regions. So, you can head by for lunch from Friday–Sunday and dinner from Wednesday–Sunday to tuck into a daily-changing raw seafood dish, Hervey Bay scallops with black pudding, spaghettini paired with lobster, and a spatchcock, pancetta and chargrilled lemon combination. There's also a cheese selection to finish things off, plus affogatos among the dessert offerings.

Brisbanites keen to check out Otto Osteria will munch through a menu inspired by northern Italy, with the walk-in-only joint serving up chargrilled squid, fresh oysters with lemon, mini focaccias, fried artichokes and spaghetti cacio e pepe. Given the outdoor setup, it's a great place for a few drinks with a killer vantage from midday until late between Wednesday–Sunday — so get ready to sip wines from the same area of Italy, plus a selection of cocktails.

For events, three spaces are available for private and semi-private bookings, so you can choose between a spot above the main dining room, or two berths on the ground level.

Otto first started out in Sydney, and still boasts a restaurant at Woolloomooloo — which is also located by the water with an impressive backdrop.