La Costa

La Costa is a glamorous Italian Riviera-inspired restaurant and bar nestled behind the heritage facade of Fortitude Valley's first picture theatre.

Leave Brisbane behind as you step into the stunning old-world meets Euro coastal setting with cool jazzy lounge music and delicious food.

The gorgeous high-ceilinged dining room features Georgian windows, original dark timber floorboards, exposed concrete walls, brick pillars, woven light coverings, European oak tables and seafoam green summer resort style seating. Next door La Costa bar, with live jazz and bossa nova music, makes a perfect spot for a pre or post dinner drink. 

Enjoy a taste of summer with Starters including Arancini of the Day, paprika-spiced calamari with crispy rocket, garlic chips, chilli and aioli, Charcuterie Board (cured meats, pizza bread, pickled veges and olives) or the (recommended) Beef Carpaccio or Gin and Beetroot Cured Salmon Bruschetta.

Pasta dishes include the house signature Moreton Bay Bug Spaghetti, Truffle Pappadelle, Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli, Nduja Linguine Vongole (clams in a nduja, garlic and white wine sauce) or Cavatelli Primavera (peas, broad beans, asparagus & broccolini in a lemon butter sauce with salted ricotta). 

For Mains there's a choice of Whole Baby Barramundi with fennel and citrus salad and salse verde; 300g Sirloiin Steak marinated in chilli and garlic, served with roast kipfler potatoes, balsamic onions and artichoke hearts; Harissa Baked Heirloom Carrots, braised fennel in white wine, with spiced almonds and vegan yoghurt; or the must-try Mussels, white wine, sun-dried tomato and Italian sausage with toasted sourdough.

There's also a selection of traditional Italian pizzas (including Margherita, Diavola, Quattro Formaggi, Basil Italia and Roma Capitale. The small dessert menu features Tiramisu Bombolini (Italian doughnuts filled with tiramisu; Yoghurt Panna Cotta, Gelato or heavenly Limoncello Meringue Tart.

La Costa's drinks menu take you on a trip to the Mediterranean coastline, starting with signature cocktails such as Olive & Tonic (Four Pillars olive leaf gin, Madeira tonic, olive and rosemary); Portofino (Ketel One vodka, fino sherry, watermaoln and lemon agave); Mango Coffee Margarita or Caffeinated Mai-Tai, together with a selection of Spritz.

The wine list features a curated selection of Italian, Australian and New Zealand boutique wines and French rose and champagne. Beer on tap is from local craft breweries including Black Hops, Stone & Wood, Fonzie Abbott and Newstead Brewing while bottled beer also includes offerings from Sea Legs Brewing and Black Hops.

Good to know - La Costa is part of the family of eateries and bars occupying the Brunswick St site, with next door's La Costa Bar and upstairs Cielo Rooftop making the perfect place to make a night of it with pre or post dinner drinks and live music (at La Costa Bar).

The menu may have changed since our visit.