Josh Lopez is undoubtedly one of Brisbane’s biggest talents in the world of food. The chef spent 5 years overseeing the much celebrated restaurant at GOMA, prior to which he undertook stints at both Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Rene Redzepi’s Noma. But most recently Lopez took the position of executive chef of Emporium Hotel’s new Southbank destination.

The luxury hotel first debuted in Fortitude Valley and is now set to welcome a sibling venue across the river at the burgeoning $600m mixed-use Southpoint development on Grey Street. The new build is set to open in July and is promised to be just as swanky as the original. A rooftop pool and bar (flanked by six fully grown date palms), 143 suites, a grand pillar-less ballroom and a host of boardrooms will be available to guests. But more importantly, what are guests going to eat?

Lopez is taking care of both the food and beverage options, revealing his signature restaurant will be called Opal. Slated to open its doors in early August, Lopez will be focused on modern Australian cuisine, celebrating native ingredients through innovative cooking techniques. Visitors can expect a full-size wine cellar in the restaurant, which will be awash in a self-described luxurious blend of stone, fabric and metal finishes. An antique stained-glass Parisian shop-front, taken from Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley’s famed Cocktail Bar, will take pride of place.

Opal is designed to cater to both the business and pleasure crows, with an express degustation option as well as a lengthier full dining experience available. The restaurant will also be open for dinner throughout the week, with opportunities for exclusive bookings. “I have watched Brisbane, it’s dining scene and food culture grow and develop significantly over the years, and I am really excited to be opening this style of restaurant now,” says Lopez of his new role. “Australian chefs are cementing an internationally recognised identity for exciting culinary creations using native ingredients, and I think a lot of people want our chefs to continue pushing the boundaries and offer something that has never been done before and is truly delicious.”

Lopez says the restaurant’s name was a joint decision between himself and Emporium Hotel founders Tony and Francine John. “We really wanted a name that portrays the beauty and richness of our country and, after many ideas were tabled, we decided the name of our national gemstone offered the preciousness and uniqueness we were searching for,” he explains, “I am very proud of my achievements from my time with QAGOMA, and see this next chapter as an opportunity to keep developing and creating a world class venue with outstanding wines, excellent service, beautiful table touches and artisan plates – a platform to showcase the very best of Queensland.”

Anthony John Group managing director and Emporium Hotels founder Tony John is equally excited about the celebrated chef coming on board. “We are looking forward to delivering a fresh, new dining experience to not only our guests, but to Brisbane. We are combining our award-winning service with Josh’s award-winning cuisine, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where we can take it.”