Andrew and Jaimee Baturo are set to launch their latest Brisbane venue in early October.
Four years in the making, modern Thai restaurant and bar, Naga, will open in the Eagle Street Pier precinct. It joins the Baturos roster of venues, which include French-Vietnamese restaurant Libertine, as well as The Gresham Bar, Walter’s Steakhouse and Popolo Italian Kitchen & Bar.
Named after the dragons that stand guard over temples and wats, the venue will plate up Thai dishes featuring Australian produce, such as Moreton Bay Bug Pad Thai. Seafood dumpling green curry and Thai street food like grilled pork neck salad and massaman beef milk buns will also feature on head chef Suwisa Phoonsang’s menu.
The menu paying homage to Bangkok and the former Libertine chef’s upbringing in northern Thailand.
The drinks list will include fresh and fruity stick drinks, a concise and accessible wine list and house specials like lychee wine, Naga Laga and the signature Nagaroni.
Anna Spiro is behind the design, which gives a nod to 60s and 70s through bold colours and fabrics, retro objects, voluminous lamps and a ceiling adorned with more than 150 glowing lanterns. The Naga serpent and the Brisbane River are referenced through the restaurants curvaceous structure,
Diners can choose to sit at the 10m long bar with its own snack menu, the terrace overlooking the Brisbane River and Story Bridge or inside the 150-seat venue.
Residing in the space previously occupied by Pony, Naga will be a ‘long-term pop-up’ while the Eagle Street Pier precinct is reimagined.
Closed on Mondays, the venue will operate Tuesday–Sunday 11.30am for lunch and dinner with late night dining options to come.
Walk-ins will be accepted, with bookings accepted via phone 07 3220 0505 (website bookings will open soon).