Osso Bar Italia

Osso Bar Italia is a chic contemporary Italian bar and eatery perched on a corner at the Gardens end of Brisbane's CBD.

The latest venture of savvy Brisbane hospitality veteran Nick Pinn, Osso Bar Italia is a short stroll away from his longtime venues Malt Bar & Dining.

Framed by a wraparound terrace bar, Osso Bar Italia is a prime location to enjoy an aperitivo and spuntini (tapas-line snack) with a spot of people-watching. Indeed, it's the kind of place where you stop for a drink and end up staying for dinner.

The sleek elegant interior, styled in a neutral palette, features seating on leather banquettes along one wall, a stunning backlit centrepiece bar and spacious leather booths perfect for groups.

The tempting menu is a mix of traditional and modern Italian, starting with Spuntini, such as baked oysters with chorizo and onion custard; triple cream brie with toasted bread, quince paste and muscatels; and olives marinated in cipolli, orange and rosemary; and beef carpaccio with gherkin & caper salsa, almond cream and mini corn chips.

Other choices include the highly recommended beef carpaccio with gherkin & caper salsa, almond cream and mini corn chips; focaccia with smoked green olive cultured butter; and Salumi Board (prosciutto di parma, bresaola, focaccia, olives & peppers)

A selection of equally more-ish Antipasto includes Byron Bay burrata, bresaola, black olive & truffle dressing with crustini; charred bell peppers with Fior di latte, pickled garlic & pepitas; kingfish crudo with avocado, honeydew melon & horseradish; and free range pork with cauliflower, zucchini & cauliflower glaze.

Larger plates include pasta dishes such as Beef Ragu (calamarata pangrattato, parmigiano, reggiano); Tortellini (pumpkin miso & ricotta, brown butter, sweetcorn & sage); amd must-try Australian Bay Lobster papardelle (with confit tomatoes, citrus and fermented chilli). There's also a small selection of pizza including salami, margherita or pancetta & potato.

Lastly, from the grill, there's a choice of Black Onyx beef with rocket, grana padano & blueberry jus; Pollo alla Diavolla (chicken with fragrant pilaf, Tuscan cabbage & brown gravy; and Local Fish with fregola. black lipped mussels & lemon emulsion.

For dessert, there's heavenly lemon crostata (with vanilla marscapone & thyme syrup); affagato and a small selection of artisan gelato and sorbet. Also child friendly, Osso Bar Italia has a great value kids menu for ages 12 and under with pasta, pizza or fish dishes for $15.

The drinks menu includes a range of craft beers (local with a smattering of international) on tap or packaged; a concise Italian-focused wine list along with spritz-based cocktails (Blood Orange, Lemon Cello or Hugo); lychee martini and coconut margarita as well as creative options like Apple Pie (naked grouse scotch, green apple liqueur, lime, apple & cinnamon sugar); and Panadol (Beenleigh Dark Rum, Campari, pinepple & lime).

There's also mocktails and non-alcoholic beers (on request), soft drinks or juices, tea, and coffee by Fonzie Abbott.

Good to know - Osso Bar Italia offers a great value Chefs Lunch for $59pp and a Chef's Feast for $89pp. 

Need to know - Osso Bar Italia is both family and pet friendly with doggos welcome on the outfoor terrace. There are a number of secure parking stations nearby which have good rates for online bookings after 5pm. There's a taxi rank about 5 minutes walk away in front 0f 111 Eagle St.

A guide to the best bars in Brisbane's CBD HERE

Check out Brisbane's Italian bars HERE

Still hungry for more suggestions on where to eat out in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Happy grazing!