Aria - Bracken Ridge Australia

Have bookmarked Aria for awhile, however quickly made a weeknight reservation for my partner and I when we learnt that the final service for this iconic Matt Moran restaurant would be the 15th June 2019.<br/ <br/ We chose the '10 year tasting menu ', which celebrates iconic dishes over the past ten years of Aria. There was a complimentary amuse bouche of sesame cheese, and bread from Teneriffe 's 'Danny 's Bakery '.<br/ Each dish was flawless textural, clean flavours, well prepared/cooked. A quick run through of the items included: goat curd cigar, kingfish tartare, fried brussel sprouts, scampi, confit pork belly, duck and pea pie, sirloin, toasted rice sorbet, banoffee, and chocolate and honeycomb. The ten courses were a good selection and, for us, it was very filling.<br/ Following dinner, we were also given complimentary madeleines to take home.<br/ <br/ Smart ambience with views of the Story Bridge and river. Prices on the high end (our ten course degustation cost $185pp without drinks). Service was a little slow and a little 'sterile ' to begin with, which was unfortunate as it would have otherwise gotten five stars from me.<br/ <br/ Overall, food meets fine dining expectations.

ARIA Brisbane, located on the Eagle Street Pier, provides the quintessential Brisbane dining experience, with striking views from the restaurant of the Brisbane River. Owned by chef Matt Moran and restaurateur, Peter Sullivan, ARIA boasts a well-balanced seasonal menu, featuring local and Australian produce and an award winning wine list, served in an elegant dining room with stunning views. 'If it 's fine dining you seek, in a split-level expanse of understated elegance that affords sweeping city views, this sibling to Matt Moran 's southern star ticks the boxes. Add a stellar cellar selection, with a thoughtful nod to Queensland wineries, plus accomplished service and you 've hit the right notes, particularly for corporates and lovers of occasion. There 's obvious skill, attention to detail and quality produce on show from opening chords to final flourish. Succulent pork belly has perfect golden crackling, while plump duck dumplings, abalone and mushrooms swim in a Peking duck consomme. Kingfish baked in cedar bark has its wrapping set alight en route to the table, adding a welcome smokiness.

Possibly the finest dining experience I have had in Australia, most definitely in Brisbane. The attention to detail and the combination of flavours in the tasting menu were sensational. Highly recommend for an anniversary or special occasion

I love Aria. OK so it’s a bit wanky and elitist but every dish I have had here has been absolutely delicious. It’s one of those places where you absolutely have to do three courses at a minimum, with the four course tasting menu for $135 being ideal for us. Their menu is usually quite heavily seafood influenced and as I don’t eat seafood, the staff are always helpful in finding me another option.<br/ <br/ The highlights on our most recent trip was the Kingfish, lamb and shortbread soufflé. <br/ <br/ Our tip bookings essential – and keep an eye on the special events. They regularly host wine tasting nights etc which are great value and really enjoyable!

Staff are very friendly. View is nice. Food is only average to my liking. Very small portions. Bit over priced. Overall was ok. Wouldn’t recommend others.