Restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess has launched his Brisbane venture Greca, doors officially opened on Saturday 8 December, with the focus on great food and fun. Situated within the heritage Howard Smith Wharves precinct, Jonathan has created an interactive dining experience with an authentic village feel for the city’s new waterfront entertainment mecca.

A contemporary take on the traditional Greek taverna, the menu is focused around communal eating and pays homage to the Mediterranean generosity that sister Sydney restaurant The Apollo is renowned for. Greca offers a menu fitting to the north coast’s warm climate and one that celebrates the abundance of exceptional local produce. Think generous bowls of mussels and pipis, whole spiced prawns by the gram, platters of organic braised vegetables, house-made dolmades and aromatic lamb skewers. The restaurant features an abundant seafood display with waiters roaming the floor with baskets of fresh fish. Guests are able to choose from some of the best produce in the country and then select how they would like it cooked.

In Jonathan’s mind, Brisbane is the place to be right now and having grown up on the Gold Coast, it is an area that is very close to his heart. “We’ve spent a lot of time finessing the menu for GRECA to bring the best of the Mediterranean to the north,” says Jonathan. “With a strong focus on local producers and fresh seafood, we’re looking forward to bringing the GRECA flavour and personality to the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.”

The timeless indoor-outdoor trattoria, designed in collaboration with interior architect George Livissianis, is complete with an open kitchen and fire pit, serving the type of Greek food that conjures thoughts of a Mediterranean island village.

Sitting on the cusp of the bustling CBD and with views over the picturesque Brisbane River, GRECA hopes to be an exciting new destination for locals and a drawcard for visitors to the city.

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