Gemelli and Bar Tano opening in James St, Brisbane, this week

Three brothers have taken over two tenancies along one of Brisbane’s most elite shopping and dining strips with the hope of making their culinary dreams come true.

Humble, family style Italian is coming to one of Brisbane’s most up-market streets with the opening of Gemelli and Bar Tano this Wednesday.

Twin brothers James and Alec Carney will finally launch their first Brisbane restaurant, taking top spot in elite James St, Fortitude Valley, building on their trio of Italian eateries on the Gold Coast.

“We want to have that fun Italian restaurant vibe where you can bring your kids, you can bring your table of 20, it doesn’t have to be over the top, we’ve decided to bring that style of Italian to James St,” said James.

Brothers Alec, James and Paul Carney at their new Italian restaurant Gemelli and Bar Tano in James Street Fortitude Valley. Picture: David Clark

Taking over two tenancies on the famous strip, the venues have been designed by top Brisbane architecture firm Hogg & Lamb.

Gemelli, which takes the place of Lululemon, is sunken from the street featuring wraparound open bi-fold windows, timber joinery and classic wooden tables and chairs, with the heroes a sprawling open kitchen, refrigerated dry ageing and meat and cheese cabinet, and a stunning $60,000 wine cabinet. While Bar Tano, which fills the former Bucci space, stars booth seating and an impressive green marble central bar with its own DJ decks, which will be pumping beats across the weekends.

Gemelli will operate the same menu as its sister venue in Broadbeach with the likes of traditional antipasti, pasta and wood-fired pizza; plus a long list of predominantly Italian wines, with many specially imported just for the Brisbane operation by the twins’ brother and sommelier Paul.

New Italian restaurant Gemelli will serve up classic fare like this wood-fired margherita pizza. Picture: David Clark

While Bar Tano will boast its own unique drinks list heavy with Italian wines, beers and affordable cocktails, including their specialty Tanorosa cocktail mixing Campari, prosecco and house-made peach granita.

The food will also be bespoke, experimenting with Italian street eats like bruschetta, arancini, marinated sardines, stuffed olives, salads, cheeses and their own range of salumi. While Tano will double as a granita and gelato bar from afternoon into evening as well, offering a distinctive array of house-made frozen treats. This will complement a special aperitivo experience running for two hours each afternoon.