Above Rooftop & Bar

Above Rooftop & Bar is a secret poolside oasis inspired by the rooftop bars of Beirut, located atop Ovolo The Valley in the Emporium precinct at Fortitude Valley. 

Open to the general public as well as hotel guests, access to Above is via the reception desk in the hotel foyer, where, upon request, a staff member sends the elevator to the 7th floor.

A long narrow lap pool runs alongside the edge of the bar, with seating available by the pool and undercover along the wall, with fresh pool towels available from a storage cupboard. From the rooftop, patrons can enjoy sweeping views across the Valley as far as Bowen Hills.

Despite the laidback casual (and by night, party) atmosphere, Above serves food and drink that is seriously good, from the delectable Mediterranean-Middle Eastern menu with an Aussie twist to the bespoke cocktails by an award-winning bartender.

Signature cocktails are a must-try - choose from exotic offerings like Mirage (Belvedere, passionfruit, rose water & desert lime); Sirocco (Tanqueray, pomegranate, strawberry & lime soda0: Byblos (Hennessy, VSOP, coconut water, pistachio & saffron); and Zahara (Belvedere, limoncelli, cocchi americano & peaches). Or try one of their negroni's such as Saffron Al Coconut or Spice Alley' or Margarita's like the Rose Garden or Fig Island.

For wine drinkers, there's a concise curated wine list featuring a mix of Australian and international wines, including a Lebanese red. There's also a small selection of Brandy, Apperitif & Digestif and Greek and Turkish liqueurs. 

The food menu is ideal for grazing, starting with dips and spreads like old school hummus with crunchy chilli oli & green zoug; or beetroot & bourghai, coconut molasses, house pickles & dried olive, served with stone baked pita. 

Small plates include burrata with charcoal salt & sumac dukkah; or crunchy crudite vegetables with tahini yoghurt, soy & spiced pepitas; as well as kingfish ceviche, avocado, pickled cucumber & chilli; or bresaola, kiss peppers, smoked paprika & lemon oil.

Hot dishes include halloumi doughnuts with chilli jam & pomegranate (must-try!); pea and mozzarella croquetas, caper aioli & shaved parmesan; blistered padron pappers, spicy shallots & citrus aioli: and sticky honey harissa chicken wings with lime & labneh.

And for sweets there us a choice of rosewater Turkish delight;pistachio baklava with agave syrup; and dark chocolate torte with creme fraiche chantilly, sumac and dried plum, with a selection of tea and coffee to accompany.

Need to know - There is free onsite parking available within the Emporium precinct, otherwise metered parking on the streets outside.

Menu items may have changed since our visit.

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