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Bretts Wharf is indeed one of Brisbane’s best known seafood destinations. With a creative spin on seasonal seafood favourites, there is much to be said for this established venue. Well-known chef Alastair McLeod lends his culinary flair as executive chef alongside Richard Kindeman. The restaurant itself has been established for 11 years with Alastair having been on board for eight. The menu is changed every month or two, leaving plenty of room for these world class chefs to infuse and incorporate local produce and seafood into it.
One of the most outstanding dishes on offer would have to be the seafood platter, laced with char grilled local Moreton bay bugs, prawn cutlets and salt and pepper calamari complimented with a chilli garlic beurre blanc. Open seven days, Brett’s Wharf doesn’t only cater to the corporate lunch and busy dinner trade, but has also established itself as a popular choice for functions and wedding catering. Another drawcard and popular weekly event is the Sunday Arvo special. Starting in March, Bretts is launching “Paella Passion” – a chance for you to relax and enjoy live music while you sample fine tapas and paella made from local seafood. This Spanish themed afternoon soiree will have you swinging all Sunday.
Ben Upton, March 2008
LOCATION
Bretts Wharf is located on the banks of the Brisbane River at Hamilton.
DETAILS
This is what you would call the quintessential a-la-carte seafood restaurant. Built on the site of the old wharf, the wooden floor, exposed beams and corrugated iron roof combined with the magnificent view creates a relaxed contemporary space - the perfect place to enjoy truly fabulous food.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Here, only the freshest seafood is expertly prepared and presented by award winning Head Chefs, Alastair McLeod and Richard Kinderman (above) who pay particular attention to finding and perfecting complimentary flavours for each type of fish on the menu. Alastair and Richard use use a combination of classic and contemporary methods to ensure the combination of each dish is perfectly balanced.
With an ever changing menu there is always a wide choice and as you'd expect of a restaurant of this calibre non seafood lovers also have plenty of options. Worth a mention is the Nolan’s ‘private selection’ beef medallion, W.A lobster with green olive & lemon -a melt in your mouth, incredibly modern take on the 'Reef & Beef'. A favourite would have to be the Seafood Platter. Served over two courses your table will be brimming with hot and cold seafood, all so fresh you can still smell the sea. The Paella at Bretts Wharf is authentic, using a recipe handed down through the generations of owner Francis Domenech's Catalan family.
SCENIC BAR
Brett's Wharf is one of the few restaurants where you can relax in the bar, without needing to dine in the restaurant. Perfect for a quick lunchtime drink, or an evening with friends relax and take in the beauty of the river.
CATERING SERVICES
Home, office or off-site venue, Brett’s Wharf offers a comprehensive catering service for those looking to make their event something to remember. Let them know what you have in mind and they'll develop something to suit or choose one of the popular packages.
FUNCTIONS & EVENTS
You can book either the main function room - the aptly named River Room, or you can make a booking for groups of 10 or more within the main restaurant or in a semi-private area within the restaurant. It is also possible, on rare occasions, to book out the entire restaurant for private use.
River Room
For corporate dinners, presentations, meeting and seminars, award dinners, birthday parties, weddings or any type of function the River Room provides an elegant space in an ideal setting. Completely private from the restaurant but with the same stunning views of the river, city and mountains beyond, the room holds 120 at tables but is also fine for smaller numbers. For larger numbers the room can hold 250 for cocktails, or a marquee can be added over the adjecent lawn. The food in the private room is as stunning as the restaurant - simply superb.
Tip: Brett's has direct access to the City Cat ferry, so make the day/evening something really special and leave the car at home.