Marlowe

Marlowe is a a stunning and unique multi-level Australian bistro and bar located in the midst of South Brisbane’s vibrant Fish Lane precinct.

Housed in a heritage-listed 1938 apartment block once known as the Merivale Flats, Marlowe exudes the warmth, charm and character of its past across a series of intimate dining rooms, bar spaces, and private corners.

The main entrance to Marlowe is via the building's original foyer on Merivale Street and there is also a side entrance on Fish Lane through a heritage-listed bomb shelter that was onetime home to iconic cigar bar Paladar Fumior Salon (with the sign still visible on the exterior brickwork) and is now a bar.

Retaining the original layout of the four 1930s apartments, the venue unfolds across nine distinct dining and bar spaces, a verdant rooftop terrace, and four enclosed sunrooms over two levels.

On the ground level are the bar in the bomb shelter, several cosy high-ceilinged dining rooms and a sun room for two perfect for date nights). All of the rooms retain their original ornate ceilings, with period light fittings and furniture to fit in with the art deco period, including dark timber tables covered with white linen and classic Bentwood chairs.

Take the original staircase to the second level where there are more dining rooms and nooks (including another private sunroom) and to one side, an apartment has been converted into a gorgeous old world bar with alfresco rooftop terrace overlooking Fish Lane.

Here diners can enjoy a pre or post dinner tipple either within the charming lounge area or on the terrace, or simply pop in for a drink or two with a delicious snack.

Creating a sense of place was equally essential for Head Chef and Co-Owner Ollie Hansford (Stokehouse Restaurants, Gauge), whose open-side kitchen is on the ground floor adjacent to one of the dining rooms.

Marlowe’s menu combines inspiration from vintage Australian cookbooks with staples of contemporary dining, and will evolve regularly in line with Hansford’s hyper-seasonal focus and close relationships with local growers and makers.

Highlight dishes include exquisite snacks such as prawn cocktail tartlet in crisp pastry with classic marie rose; cheddar scone & chicken pate; grilled pearl meat & yabby skewer; potato hash & smoked trout with grilled pea mayo; or melt-in-the-mouth curried spanner crab brioche topped with potato and pickled apple.

When it comes to starters, must-try is the braised duck pie on a bed of radicchio jam, with jus poured tableside; smoked cheese souffle with carrot noisette sauce, nduja oil and pickled radish; strawberry clam & saffron risotto with crispy breadcrumbs; and truffled mushroom canneloini with sweet corn velouté & salsa verde.

As for the delectable mains, stand-out is coral trout Wellington finished with a rich caviar butter sauce; while others that are also highly recommended include celeriac schnitzel with Café de Paris butter & tomato salad; spiced pork chop with caramelised apple, garlic & hazelnut jus; and stuffed chicken breast with mushrooms & cherry sauce.

Marlowe is also one of those restaurants where you don't want to skip dessert, with choices including heavenly pavlova topped with pineapple & basil sorbet; sticky date pudding with toasted vanilla ice cream, candied almonds & toffee sauce; and rhubarb and custard trifle to top anything your grandma ever made, layered with jelly, macadamia sponge and cream.

Group Beverage Director Peter Marchant’s 150-reference wine list showcases the breadth and brilliance of Australian wine, honouring the timeless appeal of the classics while championing emerging and next-generation producers. Patrons can taste their way through verticals from iconic estates such as Henschke, Grosset, and Shaw + Smith or explore a 25-drop by-the-glass section with an extensive Coravin program. The addition of French Champagne is the only exception to the all-local selection.

On the cocktail front, native ingredients and nostalgic flavours will bring a Marlowe spin to benchmark serves. Signatures will include a lemon myrtle and eucalyptus highball topped with house-made Granny Smith creaming soda, and the Marlowe Martini – a silky blend of butter-washed gin and macadamia-infused manzanilla.

Keeping in with the Australiana and retro theme, much of the playlist at Marlowe features Oz classics, like INXS, Hunters and Collectors, Hoodoo Gurus and The Church, mixed with retro faves from the likes of New Order, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks.

Good to know - The canny folk behind Marlowe are Fanda Group whose other restaurants are Rick Shores, Southside, Central, Norté & Sueño.

Need to know - Marlowe is located on the cusp of Fish Lane, Merivale and Melbourne St.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

Cocktail image supplied.

A curated guide to the 50+ best restaurants in Brisbane

Discover the best date night restaurants in Brisbane

Explore the best things to do in South Brisbane

Still hungry for more suggestions on where to eat out in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Happy grazing!