Mosconi

Mosconi is chic 2-level European wine bar and restaurant found in an old war igloo in Fortitude Valley, just off James St.

Occupying one of three ex-World War II surplus buildings in a line, Mosconi would have to be one of Brisbane's most unique and charming venues - a real hidden treasure that is worth seeking out.

Decor at Mosconi is Euro-chic, with curved timber bar, mosaic floors, marble-topped tables, banquettes and Bentwood chairs. On the ground floor is the bar and a handful of dining tables and chairs while upstairs under the curved tin roof is a cosy intimate dining room with timber floors, back-lighting and wraparound wine wall in one corner.

The owners are also behind longtime New Farm Italian institution Vine and they have brought their considerable hospitality nous to Mosconi with its exquisite food menu and impressive wine collection to match the gorgeous setting. Here guests can indulge in some of the best food in the Valley or simply pop in and enjoy a glass or more of wine.

Small plates range from local Danny's sourdough with warmed mixed olive and whipped ricotta to Zucchini flower with  Abrolhos scallop risotto, lemon aioli, yellowfin tuna crudo, scampi caviar, Byron Bay burrata, zucchini, almonds, vine ripened tomato or Fremantle octopus with lemon potato, Sicilian olives & salsa verde.

Other delicious choices include beef tartare, baby capers, parmesan custard, fried shallots, Brisbane Valley quail with gnocchi fritto, balsamic grapes & walnut or Prosciutto di Parma, figs, baked ricotta & garlic focaccia.

Mains are equally delectable with the likes of risotto, Moreton Bay bug, pickled zucchini & saffron; pipe rigate, duck ragu, tomato, sage & 24-month aged Reggiano: Veal cotoletta, sugarloaf cabbage, cannellini beans & speck; or Wagyu beef cheek, polenta, cavolo nero & olive gremolata.

Even the sides are divine - think broccolini with horseradish cream and pepitas; Beef tallow fat kipfler potatoes, roasted garlic & rosemary salt; or roasted beetroot, balsamic onions & macadamia cheese.

And for dessert there's the likes of Tiramisu, espresso anglaise, dark chocolate sorbet & cocoa nibs; Vanilla pannacotta, blood orange sorbet & Amaretti crumb; and Callabaut chocolate tart, corella pear & hazelnut gelato.

Meanwhile the impressive wine list features a curated range of Italian and French wines, as well as Spanish and a smattering of Tasmanian and Victorian wine.

See our full list of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane HERE

Check out our full list of Fortitude Valley bars HERE

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