Leading operator opens seafood restaurant at Portside Wharf

A hospitality guru linked to at least six venues in inner Brisbane is set to open a glamorous new diner early next year – this time venturing a little further away from the CBD.

Michael Tassis at Eagle Street Pier. Picture: Richard Walker

A new seafood restaurant will be opened by Michael Tassis at Portside Wharf in Hamilton early next year.

Work will commence shortly on the $3 million Hamptons-inspired fit-out on the site of the former Belvedere Bar n Grill, with a March opening planned.

The restaurant, to be called Fosh, will be the latest venture for the restaurateur and director of the Tassis Group, with a portfolio including Opa Bar + Mezze and Massimo Restaurant & Bar at Eagle Street in the CBD, Yamas Greek + Drink at West End and George’s Paragon.

His restaurants Fatcow Steak & Lobster and Rico Bar + Dining, formerly at Eagle Street, are also expected to reopen in new locations soon.

And the name? “It’s a seafood restaurant with a different take on the way we think about, serve and source fish. It’s fish in a less expected way – and a little bit posh,” he said.

Michael Tassis said Fosh would be “a little bit posh”.

Mr Tassis said Fosh would embrace its riverfront location with a menu that paired perfectly with its position and design.

“The fit-out will include a glamorous island bar, fireplace and generously sized indoor area suitable for entertaining large groups, which will flow effortlessly to the outside alfresco area, where guests can enjoy a meal and uninterrupted views of the river,” he said. “We’ve also dedicated space for a casual yet up-market fish and chip offering, ideal for families and friends looking for a relaxed, tasty and fresh meal to go.” 

Mr Tassis said Fosh was born of his love for seafood, which stemmed from a childhood spent at his family’s restaurant. “My passion for seafood comes from working as a boy with my father, George, who founded George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant in Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast over 30 years ago,” he said. “Fosh’s focus will be on serving fresh, high-quality and sustainable seafood that is on our guests’ plates within 24 hours of being caught, including fish, lobster, mud crabs, oysters and more.

“When I was given the chance to secure a restaurant space with prime river frontage, it was an opportunity too good to pass up, and I now look forward to being part of the precinct’s exciting new future and evolution.” 

An artist’s impression of the wharf’s edge view following the new Portside development.

Brookfield Residential Properties Managing Director Lee Butterworth said Fosh was the ideal addition to the sophisticated waterfront dining available at Portside Wharf.

Portside Wharf lasyt week announced plans to undergo a $20 million makeover.

“We are pleased to welcome a restaurateur of Mr Tassis’ calibre to our vibrant riverside village,” he said.