Bar Monte opens in Newstead, Brisbane - Restaurants

Sep 30, 2025

With luxe pastas and a Caprese Martini, Brisbane’s newest Italian restaurant is made for nights that call for a little extra.

Everybody loves a good Italian restaurant. Old-school hospitality, pasta perfection, and tiramisu to finish? It’s a formula that never fails. But classic trattoria vibes don’t have to feel same-same – and Bar Monte is proof.

From the crew behind Byron Bay’s Pixie, The Smoking Camel, and the now multi-city Light Years (credentials: sorted), Bar Monte has just landed in Brisbane’s Newstead, one block back from the river.

It’s the sister venue to the Miami, Gold Coast original, but with a little more polish. “We see it as the grown-up sibling of our Miami venue – still warm, social, and fun, but with a little more edge and sophistication,” says co-owner Kim Stephen.

Bar Monte interiors, designed by Studio Plenty.

Lorenzo Toscani, who previously worked his magic at Pixie, is adding his touch too. “Brisbane has such a strong appetite for great dining experiences, and Newstead felt like the perfect place for us to grow Bar Monte,” he says. “This new venue is a step up for us – designed with a balance of warmth and refinement, and offering the kind of menu and wine list that makes it equally suited to a casual dinner with friends or a more celebratory night out.”

The 100-seat space, designed by Studio Plenty, blends eras of Italian interiors – think tile, exposed concrete and wood – for a look that’s equal parts chic and welcoming.

Mezze Maniche, Pork Sasage, Tuscan Kale, Chilli, Pecorino.

On the menu, you’ll find Italian staples with a twist: pappardelle bolognese, paccheri alla vodka with nduja, and linguine tossed with prawn, chilli and pangrattato, alongside heartier mains (the dry-aged bistecca is calling our name) and plenty of snacking options.

But the dish most likely to flood your Instagram isn’t edible – it’s drinkable. Bar Monte’s cocktail list leans into the savoury trend with creations like the Caprese Martini, which delivers everything you love about the salad in boozy form. And if tomato isn’t your vibe? The celery margarita might be.