1889 Enoteca

Inspired by the enoteche (wine bars) of Rome, this Woolloongabba favourite opened 11 years ago and has built a reputation for its exceptional Italian wine list, terrific service and reliable Roman food.

1889 Enoteca’s standout sand crab linguine.

10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

[phone]

1889enoteca.com.au

INSPIRED by the enoteche (wine bars) of Rome, this Woolloongabba favourite opened 11 years ago and has built a reputation for its exceptional Italian wine list, terrific service and reliable Roman food.

Choices are difficult here, even deciding whether it’s best to sit out the front, sheltered from the street by vines and hanging baskets bursting with blooms or inside in the characterful heritage-listed 1889-built Moreton Rubber Works building.

Interior of 1889 Enoteca in the characterful heritage-listed 1889-built Moreton Rubber Works building.

Set the scene with a negroni or an Italian beer or dive straight into the wine, which includes a page of “great wines under $70” an all-Italian by-the-glass list as well as a staggering array of Italian, mainly natural wines from small artisan producers.

A crisp farinara, or chickpea pancake, with a scattering of mixed mushrooms and ricotta salata is a terrific starter as is the gnocchi with pork and fennel sausage, parmesan cream and black truffle tapenade.

1889 Enoteca’s Pannacotta with pistachio, raspberry and biscotti

Move on to the classic saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto and sage) or maybe rib on the bone or market fish with shaved fennel, olives and dill mayo.

Dessert could be tiramisu, pannacotta, tortino or cassola, a surprisingly light ricotta and lemon cheesecake with a refreshing strawberry salad.

• Opening: Lunch Tue-Fri and Sun Dinner Tue-Sat
• Bill: E $22-$32 M $32-$55 D$16-$17
• Wine: Licensed Yes
• Chef: Matthew Stubbing

Vibe: mates/partner/kids/parents

Region: Brisbane South

Vegetarian: Yes

Exceptional wine list: Yes

Outdoors: Yes

Child friendly: Yes

Wheelchair access: Yes

Takeaway: No

Exceptional dish: Farinata, sand crab linguine, saltimbocca alla Romana