Vindie Restaurant
Greenslopes
Vindie Restaurant is a homey retro-style restaurant which can be found in an unexpected location, attached to an ex-Motor Inn on a main street of Greenslopes.
Those who recall the suburban restaurants that used to be found dotted around Brisbane' in the 70's and 80's will get a nostalgic vibe upon stepping inside and receiving a warm greeting from the hosts.
Take a seat outside in the pretty fairy-lit courtyard or inside the split level brick-walled, carpeted space, with table covered and with tiny vases of artificial flowers and an old world wooden and glass bar to one side of the entry.
Owned and run by the chef, who hails from Asia and has worked around the world and his wife (the Maitre'D and hostess), it feels as if you've been invited to their house for dinner, with the warm hospitality and scrumptious home-style cooking.
The menu is a fusion of east-meets-west, with starters of spring rolls (Vindie's signature dish and a must-try), crispy chicken wings, prawn salad or smoked salmon.
The eclectic selection of mains includes pan-fried salmon with lemon cream sauce and dill; lamb or beef pie; chicken ballotine; ratatouille; pasta napolatana; confit beef in homemade gravy; BBQ pork ribs; and lamb shanks in mint gravy (the latter 3 chef's specials).
Also recommended is the confit rib-eye fillet with leeks, carrot, celery and herbs; and the house curries (chicken fish, lamb or dahl). It's worth noting that, like everything else, all sauces and gravies are also home-made.
Whilst the meals are comprehensive, there's also a selection of sides including homemade mashed potato, chips, garden salad and seasonal saute greens (another must-try).
Children are made to feel very welcome here and have their own menu (12yrs and under) of fish & chips, chicken nuggets, pasta or crispy chicken wings.
Desserts are as delicious as the rest of the menu - try the house cheesecake, or the panna cotta, or chocolate fondant, otherwise there's ice-cream (strawberry, chocolate and vanilla) with a choice of topping.
Need to know - Vindie Restaurant is awaiting a liquor license and at the time of visiting in December '23 it was BYO. There is street parking available nearby.
Image no 3 (courtyard) courtesy of Vindie Restaurant Facebook page.
