‘Different to anything in Townsville’: Levanti opens for fine dining on Palmer Street

Levanti on Palmer St is aiming to ‘redefine’ fine dining in Townsville with a new four-course dinner – including Dubai chocolate torte, kleftiko lamb shoulder, prawn bisque, and more

Belmoral Corporate Suites and Levanti on Palmer Street. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Townsville fine dining is getting a whole lot finer with Levanti offering up a new four-course $110 dinner – including Dubai chocolate torte, kleftiko lamb shoulder, prawn bisque, and more.

Property developer George Daoud is the force behind the restaurant, which he describes as a Mediterranean ‘Mykonos and Byblos inspired’ fusion food affair.

“This menu is different to anything in Townsville,” Mr Daoud said.

“We’ve designed it as a banquet-style menu with 20 dishes served across four courses.”

Levanti first opened its doors in May this year, when it popped up as a breakfast cafe inside Mr Daoud’s Belmoral Corporate Suites hotel on Palmer Street.

The plan was to always grow Levanti into a breakfast, lunch and dinner location, and that dream was realised on October 25 when it opened up to fine diners for the first time.

Inside Levanti's new look fine dining venue. Picture: Instagram/Levanti

Mr Daoud said the menu represents years of experimentation to create perfect, unique, fine dining dishes.

“Our mission is simple: to set a new standard for fine dining in Townsville,” he said.

“Levanti is named after the Levant region, a cradle of culinary heritage that stretches from Greece to Egypt. If you come from the Levant, you are Levanti.”

Levanti on Palmer Street has officially expanded into fine dining, opening from 5.30pm to late with a new, unique, menu.

Mr Daoud said he’s hoping to create a bold infusion of old Levanti and modern Australian flavours.

“I’ve always been passionate about fine dining,” Mr Daoud said.

“And I believe Townsville is ready for more elevated flavours and sophisticated experiences. The dining scene here is growing, and there’s incredible potential for it to thrive.”

Levanti on Palmer Street has officially expanded into fine dining, opening from 5.30pm to late with a new, unique, menu.

A dinner at Levanti will cost you $110 – which gets you seven ‘mezze’ dishes (bite-sized food), four entrees, four mains, and four desserts.

Mr Daoud said he couldn’t possibly pick a favourite dish, but was particularly proud of his restaurant’s homemade creations.

Levanti on Palmer Street has officially expanded into fine dining, opening from 5.30pm to late with a new, unique, menu.

“The Dubai chocolate torte is a real highlight,” he said. “It’s a rich, indulgent dessert inspired by the opulence of the Middle East. Another standout is the Moreton Bay bugs, paired with our house-made tartare jus for an unforgettable seafood experience.”

Property developer George Daoud is the force behind Levanti, which he describes as a Mediterranean ‘Mykonos and Byblos inspired’ fusion food affair.

One of his personal favourites, though, is the labne with beetroot molasses.

“It’s a dish we developed ourselves — a robust yoghurt paired with beetroot molasses. It’s just one example of the creativity our team of chefs brings to the table.”

Levanti on Palmer Street has officially expanded into fine dining, opening from 5.30pm to late with a new, unique, menu.

Levanti has a 78-seat dining room – including indoor and outdoor seating overlooking there Ross Creek marina – which can expand out to 120 guests for special events, including corporate functions, birthdays, and holiday celebrations.

Levanti is open 5am to 11am for breakfast, and offers dinner Wednesday to Sunday, 5.30pm to late.

Originally published as ‘Different to anything in Townsville’: Levanti opens for fine dining on Palmer Street