The big changes set to revitalise major Brisbane dining precinct

A first-of-its-kind bottle shop, a cult gelateria and a multifaceted seafood eatery from a top restaurateur are just some of the new venues set to breathe new life into one of Brisbane’s most talked about retail and lifestyle precincts.

Rose Gelateria in Portside, Hamilton.

A first-of-its-kind bottle shop, a cult gelateria and a multifaceted seafood eatery from a top restaurateur are just some of the new venues set to breathe new life into one of Brisbane’s most talked about retail and lifestyle precincts.

Portside Wharf in Hamilton, in Brisbane’s inner north is in the midst of a $20m makeover, removing the existing cruise terminal and introducing a host of new dining and drinking spots, alongside wellness and retail offerings set to revitalise the centre.

Boutique bottle shop Sense of Taste Portside has doubled its investment in the precinct, expanding its tenancy from 150sq m to 300sq m. It has also launched a new bar area within its premises boasting more than 1000 wines, 1000 spirits, 100-plus beers and a high-end cheese and charcuterie menu so customers can buy a bottle and drink it in store with food.

Store manager Peter Tamblyn at Sense of Taste Portside. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“It’s kind of a cool wine bar, as well as an amazing bottle shop and it’s the first of this type of store in our brand,” said marketing manager Brigitte Monteverde.

“There’s not going to be any other options like that in the area so I think this is a great inclusion into that development and it’s a unique experience.”

Also turning heads at the precinct is new Italian ice cream store, Rosé Gelateria, which developed a cult following with its first store at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast attracting queues out the door.

“We love what they’re creating with the development (at Portside),” said co-owner Diana Prinz, with the store popular for its interesting flavours such as churros, biscotti and their signature rose water.

“It’s very similar with the riverside dining to our other venue at Sanctuary Cove – it’s that boutique feel that we love.”

Top Brisbane restaurateur Michael Tassis will also be moving into the precinct next month, launching seafood restaurant and fish and chipper Fosh, with more venues planned to launch soon.

“Our extensive multimillion-dollar redevelopment will reaffirm Portside Wharf as

Brisbane’s leading dining, retail and entertainment precinct by the river,” said Brookfield

Residential Properties’ managing director Lee Butterworth.

The first stage of the redevelopment is due to be completed by next month, with all works, including new alfresco dining spaces along the river, expected to be finished by next year.