Bacchus
location. 9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane
full REVIEW
The definition of fine dining is open to interpretation but in my opinion, there is nowhere in this city that delivers a classical fine dining experience quite like Bacchus.
The warm accent lighting, the cocoa brown wingback chairs, gold embellishments and peacock blue velvet touches together create an elegant, charming setting. In a world of ‘less is more’, sometimes more is more!
I last visited Bacchus for my birthday in May 2022 and so an invitation to review the current menu under Chef de cuisine Manuele Erriu was welcomed with intrigue.
The food is predominantly Italian with a few hints of Japanese influence and although the amuse bouches didn’t really agree with my palate, this was compensated by all the savoury highlights: the saffron & bone marrow risotto, cobia with celery dashi & Hongarebushi, and Wagyu cappelletti.
There was also an adventurous addition to the menu: Wagyu tongue with pickled vegetables and charcoal oil. Whilst the presentation could have had more finesse, I thought the tongue was exceptionally tender and worked well with the flavours.
Bacchus desserts are always a standout, and the exquisite lychee rose and green apple creations were no exception. I also love the option to choose from a dozen cheeses table side via the cheese trolley for a savoury-sweet finish!
It would be remiss of me not to mention the extensive wine list given the number of accolades it has won since Bacchus opened in 2012. I enjoyed all the pairing suggestions by Sommelier Rory but what impresses me most every time is the quality of the ‘house red’ - a special Kaesler x Bacchus partnership which aptly sets the tone for the curation.
To answer my own question, I do hope there will always be a place for fine dining in Brisbane. I may love my fried chicken but beyond that, I admire and appreciate the immense dedication it takes to deliver a culinary experience where the finer details matter. It’s tougher than ever in hospitality and especially at the premium end - thank you to the Bacchus Team for still delivering after more than a decade of service!
Visit their website: Bacchus
the digest
Location
9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane
Order
The tasting menu
(with paired wines if the mood calls!)
Pay
$140pp for 7 courses or,
$219pp with paired wines
Consider
The 'house red', a collaboration with Kaesler Wines and leave room for the epic cheese cart!
Request
A table with a wingback chair
(suitable for 2 or 3 guests)
Wear
An elegant ensemble
Reserve
Dinner from Thursday to Saturday,
first seating at 5.30pm and the last at 8.00pm
Travel
Train - South Brisbane Station, 300m
Bus - South Bank Busway, 550m
Car - South Bank Car Park (hourly rate) or
$40 valet parking with Rydges
The gallery
