Restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess (The Apollo Sydney and Tokyo, Cho Cho San) is heading north, with the opening of Greca in Brisbane later this year.
Located under the Story Bridge and within the revitalised Howard Smith Wharves, Greca is a contemporary take on the Greek taverna and will channel Barthelmess’ philosophy of uncomplicated food and great wine.
“When a space became available on Howard Smith Wharves, the opportunity was too good to say no,” says Barthelmess.
“The positioning of the site and the incredible energy surrounding the development created the perfect chance for me to come back to my home state and introduce something evolved and different — a new village by the water.”
The menu at Greca will celebrate the simplicity of traditional Greek flavours, with dishes designed to be shared. There will be an overall focus on using the best local produce from land and sea, which will be cooked over wood and fire and in stone baked ovens.
Barthelmess will also reinvent some of The Apollo’s original dishes to include in the new restaurant.
Interior architect George Livissianis, who was behind the design at The Apollo and Cho Cho San, will transform the heritage warehouse space into an indoor-outdoor trattoria. The space will also feature an open kitchen and fire pit.
Greca will take bookings and be open for exclusive-use events from December 2018.