Goldfinch has opened its doors, spread its wings, and brought a breath of fresh air to Brisbane’s CBD dining scene.
A one-stop spot for early morning coffee and breakfast on the go, fresh and healthy cafe lunches, long dinners and evening cocktails, Goldfinch is a new-look Mediterranean restaurant and cafe in a relaxed Hamptons-inspired, sophisticated interior. Originally occupied by the iconic Goldfish Bar (the notorious home to Fitzgerald-era deals) on Ann Street and diagonally opposite King George Square, Goldfinch brings a fresh-faced offering to a site steeped in Brisbane and Queensland’s history.
This venue is the latest in Pullman Brisbane King George Square and AccorHotels’ commitment to creating internationally-recognised dining destinations loved by locals. A welcoming, light-filled ground-floor restaurant, Goldfinch is the new “big sister” of Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar. Goldfinch will become a surefire favourite for city workers wanting a reliable venue for true round-the-clock dining, or weary shoppers looking for a quality spot to refuel. Goldfinch Director of Food and Beverage Ahmad Ghaddar expects the clientele at the restaurant to be diverse. “Goldfinch is for everyone – from busy city workers and visitors who come in for a coffee in the morning and an evening cocktail, to families celebrating over dinners and long lunches,” said Ghaddar.
The restaurant’s menu is a Mediterranean-inspired foray imbibed with Pacific flavours, offering a little bit of escapism in the middle of the Brisbane. Even with its international flavours and Hamptons styling, Goldfinch is a proudly local venue at heart and this can be seen on every plate. Local seafood, Brasserie bread, gelato and cheese are given a proud platform to shine. Executive Chef Gary Howieson says “the menu really lends itself to sharing, and while there are classics on there, we’re doing some fresh and really exciting dishes that we’re proud of, like the Mooloolaba prawns with Byron Bay nduja”.
The bustling kitchen is also home to a woodfired oven, turning out pizzas topped with gorgonzola, fig jam, confit potato and rosemary, as well as flatbread with dukkah and tahini – bar snacks sorted. As bold and broad as the lunch and dinner menu is, the café offering (alongside award-winning coffee by local roaster Elixir) is crowd-pleasing, ranging from an acai bowl with fresh berries to a classic eggs benedict with smoked ham, and plenty of grab ‘n’ go options for the rushed city worker or student.
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