Mister Paganini
South Bank
AS OF FEB 1, 2021 MR PAGANINI HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.
Mr Paganini is a star player in the hit and miss South Bank dining scene – a bustling Italian eatery, bar and deli that serves delicious rustic Nonna style food with a contemporary twist.
Straddling both Grey and Stanley St, Mister Paganini has al fresco tables at both street fronts, a long dining corridor in the middle and an open plan kitchen where diners can view the theatrical antics of the renowned pizza chef, Youssef Ben Touati who has a cult following on YouTube.
The perfect place for a quick meal with the family, a casual date night or evening out with friends, Mister Paganini serves divine traditional pizzas, delicious pastas, a whole range of regional Italian small plates, all manner of Salumi and antipasti, traditional Italian Insalata and some Grande (large) dishes for two or more.
Must try are the (Rosso and Bianco) pizzas, which are up there with Brisbane’s best, and feature topings such as Mare e Monti (tomato, salami, white anchovies and mozzarella), Verdura (tomato capsicum, eggplant, mozzarella and capers), Prosciutto (prosciutto, ricotta, black pepper and lemon) and Funghi (mushroom, taleggio and sage).
From the Piccolo (small plates), recommended are the Vongole (clams, corn, ’nduja*, basil and grilled bread), the sublime Vitello Tonnato (rare veal loin, tuna mayonnaise, fried capers, soft herbs and horseradish) and the Mozzarella Fritta (fried mozzarella slider, basil, tomato and onion jam).
Pasta dishes include Rigatoni (eggplant, saffron, tomato and pecorino), Gnocchi (with rocket and walnut pesto, aged balsamic and parmesan V) and Spaghetti with sand crab, garlic, chilli, parsley, garlic and olive oil. Meanwhile large dishes for 2 or more include pasta Frutti de mare (seafood and pasta shells), Pollo (grilled whole chicken with rocket, soft polenta and marsale souce) and porchetta (crispy pork belly, fried herb potatoes and pear mostarda).
Mr Paganini has a small menu of four delectable desserts such as the highly recommended Millefoglie (coffee cream, puff pastry, peach jam and chocolate) and buttermilk Panna Cotta with Anise Crostoli.
When it comes to drinks, Birra (beers) are a mix of roughly 50% Italian (including Peroni on tap), Corona, craft Australian beers and NZ and UK cider, while the Vino Bianco, Rosato and Rosso lists also feature a 50% mix of Italian and Australian whites, roses and reds. Sparkling wines include Prosecco from Veneto, Italy, NV Jansz Sparkling from Tas, and NV Pol Roger champagne from France.
In addition there’s Dessert wines from Oz and Italy and a selection of Aperitivos including Aperol and Hugo Spritz, Bellini, Negroni (by the glass or carafe), Americano, Bloody Paganini (vodka, tomato and spices) and Vesper Martini (gin, vodka, lillet and lemon twist).
And lastly in the non-alcoholic range, there’s San Pellegrino mineral water and soft drinks (Chinotto, Limonata, Pompelmo and Aranciata Rossa), Aqua Panna (by the litre), soft drinks and juices.
Need to know – Mr Paganini also has a small deli counter at its Grey St entrance and pizzas are available for takeaway.
Nice to know – Gluten free and Vegetarian items are clearly marked on the menu. Pizzas are available Gluten Free for $2 extra.
*'Nduja is a spreadable spicy Italian pork sausage
The menu may have changed since our visit.
See out our full list of Italian restaurants HERE
Discover 15 top free things to do at South Bank HERE
Check out our guide to the best South Bank restaurants HERE
