Much noise has surrounded Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves development. And for good reason; the New Farm precinct will be home to a burgeoning group of eateries, many accompanied by well-established reputations from further down south.

Perhaps the most anticipated of the promised eateries is Greca, the Greek restaurant that comes courtesy of Jonathan Barthelmess of The Apollo and Cho Cho San fame. It’s just been announced that the eatery will open its doors on December 8, just in time for the festive season.

The first Queensland restaurant for Gold Coast-born Barthelmess will pay homage to the traditional Greek taverna, albeit in a rather sleek new setting. The menu here will be focused around share plates, heaped with ingredients local to the north coast. Seafood in particular is celebrated, with pipis, mussels, and prawns by the bowl full, showcased in baskets carried from table to table by waiters. From there guests can pick the fish of their choice, to be served alongside house-made dolmades and hefty lamb skewers among the venue’s other offerings.

Food will be cooked over wood and fire, in an oven built from stone as is Greek tradition. And, to the delight of fans of The Apollo up north, some of the venue’s most popular dishes will be making an appearance. Barthelmess promises there will be no exact replicas of dishes on Greca’s menu, but there will be twists on The Apollo’s beloved tarama, lamb shoulder and sakanaki available.

“We’ve spent a lot of time finessing the menu for Greca to bring the best
of the Mediterranean to the north,” says Barthelmess. “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.”

Greca will be housed in a trattoria designed by interior architect George Livissianis. The riverside space will merge indoor and outdoor seamlessly, with plenty of dining designed to be done out of doors (as is the Queensland way). Clean design has been embraced throughout, with the space awash in Mediterranean whites and polished concrete.

Greca is open for reservations from December 8. In February, delicious. readers will also have a chance to enjoy the restaurant in the form of an upcoming reader dinner. Keep your eye out for more details on the event!

GRECA
Howard Smith Wharves, 3/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane
greca.com.au
@grecarestaurant