RESTAURANT NEWS

BRISBANE

Hospitality partners in life and work Lauren Smith and Andrea Gatti (ex-Hellenika manager and sommelier respectively) had plans to relocate to Europe last year, but given this dream was put on hold the pair are channelling a little slice of Sicily in Fortitude Valley with the opening of their restaurant and wine bar Rosmarino. Located within the revamped heritage-listed Stewart and Hemmant hub, the modern Italian 60-seater sees head chef Dario Manca draw on his Sardinian heritage. The dining room and sunny courtyard is primed for navigating a menu of cheese, salumi and fresh pasta (including hand-folded culurgiones); joined by an 800-strong wine list, focused on organic and biodynamic wines particularly from Sicily’s Mount Etna region.

James Street has welcomed a two-pronged Italian restaurant and bar by chefs and twins, James and Alec Carney. Gemelli Italian and the adjacent Bar Tano will celebrate wood-fired pizza and aperitivo hour. The menu at Gemelli Italian will be similar to its original Broadbeach location and will draw upon recipes passed down from the brothers’ grandparents, including gnocchi zucca and polpo alla griglia.

Southbanks’ Emporium Hotel will welcome , a flash 12-seat omakase restaurant, alongside a casual whisky and sake