33 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane.
+61 7 3369 9500.
The glam refurb of this landmark, purpose-built restaurant is just the kind of place Brisbane needs. It’s a classy but unpretentious and dependable restaurant, seating good numbers and with a well-supplied cellar. And the food must be excellent, “cutting-edge” or not. The as-new Gambaro meets this needed dining option and its specialty, as ever, is seafood – including local hauls such as mud crab, Moreton Bay bugs and Mooloolaba prawns. Among many choices, a classic crab bisque, laced with brandy and cream, is deservedly popular; as is carpaccio of tea-and-sugar-cured ocean trout with truffled pecorino and fig vincotto. A private dining room seating eight to 30 at the back opens onto a small courtyard. A romantic option for two is a table in the glass-walled stellar cellar, with screens drawn for added intimacy.
Open: lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Licensed. Mains $25-$49. Set menus $55-$75. WebsiteSource:
Qantas The Australian Way April 2009