Patina at Alumni Court

Patina at Alumni Court is a stunning contemporary St Lucia restaurant tucked away next to University of Queensland's historic sandstone Great Court.

The restaurant is an exquisite and unique vision of glass, stone and wood with copper trim, entered via a lawn bar and overlooking a wall of green rainforest, while annexed to one side is the heritage-listed former Radon Laboratory which has been converted into a gorgeous private dining space.

Views from the ceiling to floor glass walls inside the restaurant are to the lawn outside and to the lush grove of rainforest, creating a spectacular dining setting.  

The menu is a match for setting, starting with an appetiser such as freshly shucked oysters with yuzu and sake granita or steamed duck bun with lemongrass, chilli and coconut.

For entree there's a delectable range of dishes including Ora king salmon tartare, Tasmanian wasabi, smoked soy, avocado, nashi and finger lime or pomegranate glazed lamb belly, smoked yoghurt, eggplant, fig and sorrel.

A tasty selection of vegetarian entrees includes char-grilled pumpkin with chickpea tabbouleh and Tahini whipped coconut yoghurt or the highly recommended Mushroom Tarte Tartin with onion caramel, truffle, herbs and creme fraiche.

For Mains, choices include Coral Coast barramundi, green papaya, sprout salad, peanuts and fragrant coconut milk; Wimmera duck breast, bitter greens, celeriac, beetroot and shiso;  Darling Downs eye fillet, caramelised onion puree, smoked cheddar croquette, pickled red cabbage and shaved asparagus.

Save room for dessert, with delicious offerings such as creme brulee, almond biscotti, yuzu and berries and the house signature - Espresso Martini souffle, vanilla vodka cream and coffee ice-cream. There's also a selection of two or three artisan cheeses.

Before dinner you can enjoy a cocktail at the bar overlooking the lawn or on the garden furniture outside. The bespoke cocktail list includes the likes of Elderflower Gimlet (ink gin, elderflower, cucumber and lime); Mr Black Espresso Martini (Mr Black, espresso & vodka; or Whisky Business (Woodford Reserve, chili, yuzu, bitters and smoked cinnamon).

Patina's impressive wine menu features a curated selection from Australia's leading wine growing regions as well as a smattering of wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina and New Zealand. 

The menu may have changed since our visit.

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