By Saanika Madhwani.
The breeze off the Brisbane River is gently cooling, the city skyline in full view and ferries drifting by - this is the serene and romantic backdrop at OTTO Brisbane, a place where Italian finesse and Queensland ease intermingle effortlessly.
Nestled at South Bank's quieter end, OTTO transforms dining into a lively and glamorous experience, delivering simplicity with an irresistible sense of occasion.
Spaces That Sing in Harmony
The subtle duality of OTTO's charm lies in its thoughtfully designed spaces - OTTO Osteria and OTTO Ristorante - that blend seamlessly. The Osteria's energetic atmosphere invites guests to indulge in wines, creative cocktails and cicchetti amid lively music, an open-air setting by the water and overlooking city lights.
A few steps further, the ambience gently transitions from the vibrant, upbeat setting and small plates to the elegance of polished tables set with white linen, capturing a sense of occasion on the open riverfront at the Ristorante.
Warm, knowledgeable service matches the open kitchen's enthusiasm, making every visit comfortable yet special.
Produce First, Always
At OTTO, Head Chef Will Cowper curates menus driven by strong relationships with local farmers and producers, with a profound respect for seasonality and simplicity.
"My approach is always produce-driven," Will says. "Those relationships are really important because they push me and drive me to be better."
His cooking style is detailed and thoughtfully considered - letting each ingredient express itself, embracing Queensland's abundant local offerings.
The Decadent and the Delicate
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the menu is the 'OTTO Reserve', exclusively sourced from Rangers Valley. This MBS 7+ Black Angus marvel is memorable for its rich marbling and tender texture. Cutting through it reveals the depth of quality and the remarkable flavour; optionally paired with veal sauce and a variety of mustards.
As Will describes, it's the type of steak that compels guests to return: "It's genuinely something you can't find anywhere else."
Equally irresistible, the Champagne lobster spaghettini exemplifies OTTO's refined simplicity through the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Gently infused with garlic, lemon butter, white wine and a dash of chilli, the delicate sweetness of lobster meets housemade spaghetti - balanced, refined, and indulgent.
"The lines down the back of the Champagne lobster is this beautiful bright red, when you actually visibly see this clean lobster, it's pretty special," Will shares, "It's really about trying to let the produce be the hero."
Among the antipasti, the Parmesan cream with prosciutto, fig and pistachio stands out. This dish reflects OTTO's skilful layering of fresh, bright flavours. A thoughtfully plated start to your meal that balances sweet, salty, crunchy and creamy textures.
The Sommelier's Touch
Head Sommelier, Antoine Heurtier curates an exceptional wine experience, championing discovery and delight. Known for his international accolades and award-winning wine programs, he speaks passionately about pairing wines that complement but also surprise.
"Wine pairing is about creating memorable moments", Antoine shares. "It's all about finding unexpected connections and enhancing each dish."
His list draws from classic Italian regions to boutique Australian producers and many more, creating a fluid conversation between plate and glass.
A Lasting Impression
The atmosphere at OTTO Brisbane pulsates with dynamic vibes - refined dining that is luxurious yet approachable and genuinely welcoming. The spacious interiors, open-air setting and riverfront location create an ambience that feels both comforting and memorable, all adding up to an extraordinary experience.
Striking that balance gracefully, it makes the destination versatile - equally suited for romantic dinners, business gatherings, cocktail sundowners and celebratory feasts overlooking Brisbane city.
Before the seasons shift again, catch Aperitivo Fridays, live music and the Pasta Club on Sundays, or come in for a blind wine-tasting experience to test your skill on wines from around the world.
OTTO captures the core of fine dining with simple precisions. It leaves you full, not just from food, but from the care behind the entire experience.
OTTO is truly Brisbane's riverfront love letter to Italian warmth, Queensland ease and produce-driven passion, elegantly articulated through every detail.
