Big line-up of Qld restaurant openings planned for 2022

As many restaurants and cafes start the new year still battling Covid-19, a number of well-known hospitality figures have revealed big plans for new venues in 2022, in the heart of Brisbane and beyond.

It takes a brave and stoic individual to consider opening a hospitality venture in this climate.

Amid a pandemic that just won’t seem to end, causing crippling nationwide staff shortages as workers either catch Covid or are forced into isolation from being close contacts; food prices set to soar and skyrocketing rents and utilities.

But amid it all there are the brave, bold, dedicated and passionate folk who are determined to continue Queensland’s dining evolution that has seen the state secure its place on the culinary map.

Simon Gloftis (front) with Theo Kampolis and Kelvin Andrews in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Richard Walker

While 2022 is set to be one of the most challenging for the hospitality sector, a stellar line-up of openings is also sure to make it one of the most exciting. Here’s what to look out for.

Top Queensland restaurateur Simon Gloftis, behind big-hitting Brisbane venues SK Steak & Oyster and Hellenika, and his business partners Kelvin Andrews and Theo Kampolis are expanding their mini empire with two new openings.

Vegetarian casual eatery Sunshine is set to launch along Fortitude Valley’s stylish James St at the end of February serving up meat-free Mediterranean fare from soups, salads and potato bakes to Greek desserts available for takeaway or dine-in. While at the end of March, they’ll unveil luxe Japanese restaurant Sushi Room across the road, which will specialise in the finest quality sushi and sashimi.

A nigiri roll away at nearby Newstead, the Long Island site is due to welcome three exciting projects, pushed back after nearly a year of delays.

Evra is predicted to be first - a casual eatery and grocer specialising in healthy yet tasty food available for dine or takeaway, inspired by celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s London shops.

Next door, revered Melbourne baker Daniel Chirico will open his first Brisbane bakery, Baker D. Chirico, specialising in sourdough, Italian breads and desserts set for an April launch. While on the opposite corner of the precinct, Cordell Khoury and Paolo Biscaro – behind hugely popular Brisbane pizzerias Beccofino and Julius – are working on another Italian restaurant scheduled for April.

Daniel Chirico is set to open is first Brisbane bakery. Picture: Josh Woning)

Further north, burgeoning culinary bazaar Craft’d Grounds in Albion will continue its expansion, with a yet-to-be-revealed “globally recognised French restaurant” moving in alongside brewery and cocktail bar Brewtide, Seven Miles Coffee Roasters and Collingwood Black. Patisserie Brass Tacks by acclaimed pastry chefs Catherine Marot and Isaac Hull will also soon move into the site.

Across the river at Woolloongabba, hospitality veterans Vincent Lombino and Jared Thibault are boosting the culinary offering at South City Square, with a feast of new ventures. After igniting Italian Sasso late last year in the precinct, they’ll be adding classic European wine bar South City Wine in February, focusing on natural wines, charcuterie and steak frites. It will grow to include a bottle shop by May. The gents will also open a brewpub with partner Aether Brewing next door, featuring six tanks and specialising in small batches. But if that’s not enough, the pair will then reveal Casa Chino – a 100-seater specialising in Peruvian-Chinese fusion fare popular across Peru.

After opening its first Queensland store in South Brisbane to long queues in August, Melbourne’s famous Lune Croissanterie will now launch a wine bar next door. Butler will specialise in natural, local and sustainable wines and small bites, and is pushing to start pouring next month.

The Gold Coast’s dining scene has come alive the past two years and the momentum is set to continue in 2022 with whispers of a huge line-up of interstate operators moving to the sunshine strip, alongside local restaurateurs expanding.

Amanda Hinds will launch two new venues west of Brisbane.

One of the biggest openings early this year will be Siblings Kirra at the southern end of the coast. Taking over the heritage-listed former Pizza Hut site on the ocean’s edge, the venue is the work of hospitality family the Ciancis (Edgewater and Fish Emporium). Diners will be offered a broad Mediterranean menu encompassing seafood, salads, pasta, risotto and more.

Regional Queensland is not missing out either with the opening of The Nolan’s Block precinct in Crows Nest, near Toowoomba.

Hospo heavyweights Amanda and Larry Hinds will launch two venues in the restored site: Myrtille, their signature restaurant – a stunning European bistro heroing local produce in everything from a beef tartare to twice-baked souffles; and patisserie and cafe My Little Blueberry, offering the likes of French baguettes, doughnuts and rhubarb and custard tarts.

It’s important also not to forget the venues that won’t be with us in 2022.

After becoming one of Brisbane’s most popular and controversial cafes with its straight-shooting approach to business, The Low Road in Windsor served its last meal on December 23 after nine years, deciding not to renew its expiring lease.

At the same time New Farm breakfast and lunch favourite Pablo also pulled the shutters.

Owner Amy Bates said the cafe was due to sell at the end of the year, but after the buyer disappeared without notice, she along with husband Michael, decided to close to spend more time with their young family.