Osso Bar Italia

Osso Bar Italia is a chic contemporary Italian bar and eatery perched on a corner at the Gardens end of Brisbane's CBD.

The latest venture of savvy Brisbane hospitality veteran Nick Pinn, Osso Bar Italia is a short stroll away from his longtime venues Malt Bar & Dining.

Framed by a wraparound terrace bar, Osso Bar Italia is a prime location to enjoy an aperitivo and spuntini (tapas-line snack) with a spot of people-watching. Indeed, it's the kind of place where you stop for a drink and end up staying for dinner.

The sleek elegant interior, styled in a neutral palette, features seating on leather banquettes along one wall, a stunning backlit centrepiece bar and spacious leather booths perfect for groups.

The tempting menu is a mix of traditional and modern Italian, starting with Spuntini, such as baked oysters with chorizo and onion custard; triple cream brie with toasted bread, quince paste and muscatels; and olives marinated in cipolli, orange and rosemary; and beef carpaccio with gherkin & caper salsa, almond cream and mini corn chips.

Other choices include the highly recommended beef carpaccio with gherkin & caper salsa, almond cream and mini corn chips; focaccia with smoked green olive cultured butter; and Salumi Board (prosciutto di parma, bresaola, focaccia, olives & peppers)

A selection of equally more-ish antipasto includes Byron Bay burrata, bresaola, black olive & truffle dressing with crustini; charred bell peppers with Fior di latte, pickled garlic & pepitas; kingfish crudo with avocado, honeydew melon & horseradish; and free range pork with cauliflower, zucchini & cauliflower glaze.

Larger plates include pasta dishes such as Beef Ragu (calamarata pangrattato, parmigiano, reggiano); Tortellini (pumpkin miso & ricotta, brown butter, sweetcorn & sage); amd must-try Australian Bay Lobster papardelle (with confit tomatoes, citrus and fermented chilli). There's also a small selection of pizza including salami, margherita or pancetta & potato.

Lastly, from the grill, there's a choice of Black Onyx beef with rocket, grana padano & blueberry jus; Pollo alla Diavolla (chicken with fragrant pilaf, Tuscan cabbage & brown gravy; and Local Fish with fregola. black lipped mussels & lemon emulsion.

For dessert, there's heavenly lemon crostata (with vanilla marscapone & thyme syrup); affagato and a small selection of artisan gelato and sorbet. Also child friendly, Osso Bar Italia has a great value kids menu for ages 12 and under with pasta, pizza or fish dishes for $15.

The drinks menu includes a range of craft beers (local with a smattering of international) on tap or packaged; a concise Italian-focused wine list along with spritz-based cocktails (Blood Orange, Lemon Cello or Hugo); lychee martini and coconut margarita as well as creative options like Apple Pie (naked grouse scotch, green apple liqueur, lime, apple & cinnamon sugar); and Panadol (Beenleigh Dark Rum, Campari, pinepple & lime).

There's also mocktails and non-alcoholic beers (on request), soft drinks or juices, tea, and coffee by Fonzie Abbott.

Good to know - Osso Bar Italia offers a great value Chefs Lunch for $59pp and a Chef's Feast for $89pp. 

Need to know - Osso Bar Italia is both family and pet friendly with doggos welcome on the outfoor terrace. There are a number of secure parking stations nearby which have good rates for online bookings after 5pm. There's a taxi rank about 5 minutes walk away in front 0f 111 Eagle St.

A guide to the best bars in Brisbane's CBD HERE.

Still thirsty for more suggestions on where to grab a drink in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Cheers!