‘Longwang’: Is this Brisbane’s most controversial new restaurant name?

A popular Brisbane restaurateur has boldly named his new eatery Longwang. But he insists there is a clean meaning behind the questionable moniker.

There’s a new restaurant coming to town with a name you’re surely not going to forget.

Longwang is the new pan-Asian dining establishment set to open in Brisbane’s CBD from prolific local restaurant Michael Tassis (Fosh, Hamilton, Opa and Massimo, Brisbane, Yamas, West End).

“The name Longwang is sure to get attention, but despite what people may think, it’s homage to ‘Longwang’ the Chinese Dragon King (God) of the Sea,” said Mr Tassis.

A render of the new Longwang restaurant and bar in Brisbane City.

“He is a symbol of good fortune and his favour is often sought by fishing villagers in hopes of a good catch.”

Whether you believe the tale or not, the name is sure to get people talking and that’s all part of the fun of the restaurant, Mr Tassis said.

“The philosophy behind the whole restaurant is to embrace surprise and the unexpected,” he said.

“From the name, to the location and the menu, all limits are being pushed to offer Brisbane diners a truly unique offering.”

A render of the new Longwang restaurant and bar in Brisbane City.

The restaurant will be created in collaboration with executive chef Jason Margaritis, whose resume includes acclaimed venues sAme sAme in Fortitude Valley, Donna Chang in Brisbane City and Spice Temple, Melbourne and Sydney.

Longwang will move into a custom-built tenancy between two buildings at 144 Edward St in the CBD, that sits at 30m long and just 3m wide.

There will be seating for up to 120 guests over two levels with a mezzanine boasting

an elevated, open-air bar all imagined by Clui Designs.

The venue follows the recent opening of Mr Tassis’s Fosh seafood restaurant in Hamilton and the September 29 launch of his new steakhouse Rich and Rare in West End.

Longwang is due to open in February next year.