By Kylie Mitchell-Smith www.travellingsenorita.com
Brisbane’s impressive foodie scene has added yet another feather to its blossoming bow, with acclaimed Chef Guy Grossi (Melbourne’s Florentino, Grill and Cellar Bar) migrating North to open Settimo restaurant at the Westin Hotel.
Settimo restaurant an ode to the coast of Italy, is located on Mary Street, in the city centre. The menu pays homage to Amalfi and is inspired by the flavours and culture of Southern Italy. Loaded with fresh produce, it’s a menu Chef Grossi can hang his Italian roots, hat on.
A vibrant space adorned with contemporary, artwork and Italian trinkets, layered with soft, pastel hues and coastal interiors. The result is a relaxed, dining space, a place to indulge in fresh pasta and fine wine. There’s an intimate, private dining room, ideal for a long lunch- Italian style.
Chef Grossi has created an authentic dining experience, and has brought his tightly held, southern reputation to Brisbane. Threading the menu with local produce from the surrounding food bowl and sea- the result is a flavour packed menu that considers Queensland’s, tepid climate.
Styled to impress, the open plan kitchen has been designed for the chefs to interact, as guests watch them weave their talents into each dish. The lively space is a visual splendour, and we are instantly seduced by the aromas wafting across the dining hall.
We choose the ‘Pronto’ lunch available from Tuesday to Friday, it’s affordable and abundant at just $50 per person (minimum 2 people). We start with Pane and Olio-crusty bread and Grossi olive oil, followed by Pizza Fritta-fried balloons of pizza bread with lashings of tomato, spinach and provolone- simple yet tasty.
We can’t go past the ‘Pasta Al Limone’ lemon, butter and parmigiana, for our pasta dish, afterall this is Brisbane’s answer to the Amalfi Coast. Grossi says that the best dishes are quite often the simplest ones, just 3 ingredients and you’ll be transported to Italy.
Paired with sides of local Green Beans and Burrata, we are satisfied with the amount of food on the ‘Pronto Lunch’-but wait there’s more the ‘Dolci’ biscotti del Giorni, cookies of the day, deliciously sweet.
Settimo feels like a place you’ve come home to, a bustling, local’s eatery with a global twist. Brisbane has welcomed Grossi’s signature style, with linen draped tables, a fine selection of wines and wafts of southern Italian flavours-a welcome addition to the city’s burgeoning food scene.
Kylie Mitchell-Smith
Travel Writer/Podcast Host
www.travellingsenorita.com
@travellingsenorita
