Eterna
Fortitude Valley
Leave the streets of Brisbane behind as you enter the enchanted fairylit lane, from where a rustic wooden door leads to a lively restaurant and bar tucked away in the base of an historic Valley building.
The ambient, open-plan space features leather booths along one wall, a bustling open kitchen and bar as centrepiece, and long tables to accommodate communal groups who gather until late for drinks and dining.
With a modern Roman menu bringing good times to the table, at Eterna you will be treated to some absolutely delectable and creative dishes that you won't find elsewhere else in Brisbane. The menu has a focus on shared plates, Roman style, locally sourced produce and handmade pasta.
Start with a delectable appetiser of Italian Street Food such as gin-cured seafood carpaccio, Roman-style fried artichokes, octopus and Mediterranean salad or crackling porchetta bites, which are a twist on a classic.
A fresh take on the beloved originals, the pasta dishes include Gnocchi Tomato and Burrata (3 types of tomato coulis topped with fresh burrata), delectable Moreton Bay Bugs & Pipis Risotto (chef's favourite), or the new signature Tortelli Cacio e Pepe (pecorino & pepper homemade tortelli soaked with brown peppercorn butter and grated truffles).
Mains are also a stand-out and include Angus Beef intercostal and balsamic glaze; crispy skin market fish; crumbed saltimbocca (another must-try) or roasted pumpkin & salted chilli ricotta.
For dessert, it's hard to go past the chef's signature tiramisu, with other choices including pistachio panna cotta; passionfruit & lemon semi-freddo and dark chocolate cake.
Meanwhile, to accompany, there's a cracking wine list showcasing a range of Italian wines (including premium bottles from Tuscany and Piedmont), complemented by a small selection of NZ, Australian and french wines and champagne. There's also a specially blended Eterna house wine.
More than a restaurant and bar, Eterna is a destination, with live music rounding off the experience.
Good to know - Eterna is brought to you by the canny folks behind Salt Meats Cheese.
Need to know - You'll find Eterna in a blink-and-miss-it laneway wedged between BUNK backpackers and Nonbei Japanese. Look for the bicycle out front.
See our full list of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane HERE
Eterna
610 Ann St
Fortitude Valley
