While Brisbane isn't the first place that comes to mind when one considers cities renowned for their fine dining, that doesn't mean that our city doesn't have its fair share of fine dining.
E'cco Bistro (
100 Boundary Street, Brisbane) is considered one of the best.
This restaurant and bar could possibly be Brisbane's most award winning restaurant. Since it's opening in 1996 E'cco has won more than two dozen awards, including the Remy Martin Cognac Australian Gourmet award in 1997 and a Restaurant of the Year award in 2009. In 2001, the Gourmet Traveller Review said that, 'if restaurants were fashion items, E'cco Bistro would be the little black dress'. But does the restaurant live up to the hype?
E'cco is a licensed, modern Australian eatery that occupies a smallish ground floor space on the fringes of the inner city. The interior resembles that of an old fashion bistro, with heavy wooden tables and unpretentious decor. The menu is similarly bistro appropriate, featuring comfort food with a modern twist – liquorice spiced salmon, duck breast with pumpkin puree, roast belly pork and a peanut butter and caramel semi-freddo, to name a few. With prices set at $24.50 for an entree, $42.50 for a main meal and $17.50 for a dessert, this can make for an expensive night out. However, foodies should appreciate the quality and flavours of the meals.
E'ccobar is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5.00pm until late and offers an extensive wine list and light snacks. Like the restaurant, these are a posh version of pub snacks (like the polenta croquettes with truffle aioli).
E'cco Bistro is considered one of Brisbane's best restaurants and is worth a look if you've never had the fine dining experience before.
