Gordita

GORDITA HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF APRIL 2016.

Gordita is one of those rare bar restaurants in Brisbane that oozes old-fashioned class, from its exquisite food, luxe vintage décor and Mad Men era soundtrack to its warm Euro style service. 

Despite being the latest arrival to the M&A laneway bars and eateries, Gordita (from the esteemed owners of Lefty’s, Peasant and Cabiria) looks as if patrons have been perching on the individually lamplit stools at the curved marble top bar or cosying up in the leather booths since Doris Day was an it-girl. Yet splendidly mixed with the classic retro feel are edgy contemporary touches, like low-hanging copper lights, stunning wall art and twisted metal bases to the bar stools and some wooden communal tables to get down to the serious business of food sharing.

For the food at Gordita is seriously good, with a southern Spanish menu that hails from Andalusia, with a touch of North African. And while this is traditional fare true to its rustic roots, this is tapas like you’ve never had, thanks to the creative tweaking of the dishes by Gordita’s outstanding chefs.

Oysters and nibbles (fried marcona almonds, wild rice grains and sweet pepitas) are served in mini cones, the gazpacho (a must-try) is from one of the Spanish chef’s mother Maite’s secret recipe and the melt-in-the-mouth calamari comes stuffed with garlic fried Calasparra rice and served with squid ink.

Croquetas will never be the same after you’ve tried Gordita’s Bomba Catalina, which comes ball-shaped stuffed with potato, meat ragout and manchego with aioli and salsa brava, nor will salads or small birds after tasting the Quail Salad (quail, escabache, chicory, beans, tomato and pomegranate) or the Andalusian Green (orange, onion, olives, capers and mint).

For something more substantial there are also Large Plates like Pinchitos de Pollo (chicken skewers, Moroccan cous cous and confit garlic) or Fire Grilled Pork Loin Cutlet with tomato, serrano, olives and mushroom sauce.

And every bit as scrumptious are the desserts including house specialty – the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Almond Cake (which commemorates the priest who died on his last steps to see the remains of apostle St James at the Santiago cathedral), served warm with cross on top and ice-cream.

Drinks-wise,  Gordita boasts an extensive high quality wine menu, featuring wines by the glass or bottle from Spain, France, Germany. NZ and Oz, including a special Reserve list. Beers (Spanish, French and craft Oz) come on tap or bottled, spirits are top shelf and ciders, Spanish sherries and ports also feature. There’s also a short but excellent cocktail list ranging from traditional white, rose or red wine sangria (arguably Brisbane’s best) to Moorish Mojitos or Andalusian Summers.

Nice to know: Gordita comes highly recommended for those looking for that elusive first date restaurant bar.