Best Bites: Racecourse Road, Ascot

BRIDGING two of Brisbane’s blue ribbon suburbs, this road has become notorious for eclectic dining options that cater to all tastes, from pizza to Perrier Jouet.

Open ravioli with NZ diamond clams salmon belly, fennel & scampi caviar at One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery.

BRIDGING Brisbane’s blue ribbon suburbs of Ascot and Hamilton, Racecourse Rd’s dining strip caters to all tastes, from pizza to Perrier Jouet.

ONE FIFTY ASCOT BAR & EATERY

New life has blossomed at the former Baguette restaurant site. An open front bar and adjacent banquette is the perfect place to see and be seen, a private dining room is great for special occasion dinners while an airy astroturfed courtyard is designed for long lunches in the sun with expertly matched wines. Specialty dishes include open ravioli with NZ diamond clams and salmon belly (pictured), Stradbroke king prawns and a crispy-skinned truffle spatchcock.

150 Racecourse Rd

STABLES CRAFT BAR AND KITCHEN

This narrow bar pays exudes an up-market vibe; from exposed brick and dark timber to the golden glow of pendant lighting. Its emphasis on sharing good food and good times with friends is reflected in the menu with plates of duck spring rolls and smoked hickory barbecue dipping sauce to pulled pork tacos. Beer taps are regularly rotated with strong support for local craft breweries.

123 Racecourse Rd

PREGO PIZZERIA

Staying true to its Roman roots, Prego serves up stone-baked pizza on a dense dough base that delivers a resounding crunch. The pizzas are baked into rectangular trays and available by the slice or in large and family sizes. Choose from a rosse (tomato) or bianche (cheese) base with a dozen toppings including pancetta with roast potato and mushroom with truffle oil.

1/53 Racecourse Rd

MILANI HOUSE OF GELATO

Just one lick will confirm how this gelataria has scored a swag of awards. Up to 40 flavours are made each morning, the range now catering for most dietary requirements, from vegan sorbet to gluten-free desserts. If you can work your way past the award-winning dark chocolate variety, try the Greek yoghurt gelato or ginger peach sorbet. Available by the scoop and in takeaway tubs.

4/53 Racecourse Rd

THE LITTLE PERSIAN CAFE

The heady aromas emanating from this compact eatery are as enticing as the ornately tiled interior and glass jars of Turkish delight on the coffee counter. A small breakfast menu shakes up staples such as omelets and bagels and a lengthier lunch and dinner menu really shines. Stews are rich with the flavours of okra, fenugreek, pomegranate molasses and dried lemons while saffron and spice bring to life chargrilled kebabs.

6/33 Racecourse Rd