In recent years, share-style menus have become ubiquitous throughout Australia, and yet, at this unaffected restaurant, both its a la carte and set menus (rather refreshingly) befit generously portioned individual orders.

Since 1995, the eatery’s heavily accoladed chef-owner Philip Johnson has set the standard for refined fare in Queensland’s capital, in his open-plan kitchen where flavour pairings may be classic, but never cliched.

A focused, friendly staff member delivers well-presented and satisfying dishes to the table, beginning with petite yet powerful Queensland barramundi croquettes followed by crowd-pleasing gnocchi with truffle sauce and a golden parmesan crisp.

Larger plates feature robust Tasmanian lamb served alongside eggplant, radicchio and seaweed, and a wagyu rump with butternut pumpkin, walnut, and whisky jus. Side orders (here’s where sharing might be permitted), include smoked carrots with hummus and dukkah, and charred broccolini served with shallots and a peanut dressing.

There are also elegant yet simple desserts, say, excitingly indulgent dark chocolate mousse. Of course, no bistro would be complete without an expansive local and international wine list, and e’cco does not disappoint.

To read our full list of reviews for Queensland, head here.