Monal Dining — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Monal Dining – A Newstead Gem That Truly Delivers From the moment we arrived at Monal Dining, we knew we were in for something special. What truly made the evening unforgettable was the lovely woman with the accent who served us – an absolute gem. Her warmth, charm, and attentive service set the tone from the very beginning and carried through until the moment we left. She genuinely made our night. The space itself has a dark, intimate feel – perfect for a romantic date night, but just as suited to a spontaneous “why not” dinner. It's stylish without being over the top, with a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. We started with a cocktail called The Sweet Life, it was light, refreshing, and well-balanced. The wine list is impressive for a venue of this size, clearly curated with thought and care. We went with the Marco Lubiana Pinot Noir from Tasmania – elegant, silky, and honestly, something I’d happily return for on its own. Onto the food – and this is where Monal really shines. The kitchen team is doing incredible work and really kicking goals! From the snack menu, we chose the Hokkaido Scallop with Apple, Green Chilli and Roe fresh, juicy, with a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity. Alongside that, the House Baked Focaccia with Caramelised Onion Butter was the perfect the perfect thing to nibble on while sipping that gorgeous Pinot. For entrée, the Pork Dumplings with Hemp Seed Sauce and Chilli Oil were a real standout. You can taste the care and technique in this dish – bold, flavourful, and absolutely worth ordering. For mains, we had the Bangalow Pork Collar, slow-cooked for over 18 hours, served with a green peppercorn and Vegemite sauce (yep, you read that right). Salty, savoury, and deeply satisfying, a simple but unforgettable dish. We paired it with a side of buttery mashed potato with crispy skins, which was indulgent in the best way. And then dessert if you have even the slightest sweet tooth, do not skip the deep-fried bread and butter pudding, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with brown sugar custard. It was rich, nostalgic, and an absolute showstopper. In short, Monal Dining is a standout. Service was exceptional, the food exceeded expectations, and the whole experience was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommended and I can’t wait to return. Service? Spot on. 👍 Food? Top tier.🤤 Vibe?...

The ambiance of the restaurant reflected tranquility and warmth, thanks to the dedication of both the manager and the owner. Their friendly and dedicated attention throughout the evening added a personal touch that made us feel welcome and cared for at all times. Not only were we taken to our tables, but they also took the time to explain each dish in detail, providing us with expert recommendations on wine and cocktail pairings that enhanced our experience. The variety of dishes we sampled reflected the richness of the culinary offerings here. The starters on the menu were not only delicious, but also carefully balanced in terms of quantity and flavor. Of particular note were the tuna tartare, a delicious introduction to seafood, and the pork dumplings, which were another outstanding choice. As for the main courses, both the grilled chicken with curry sauce and the barramundi left a lasting impression. The spectacular flavors were complemented by generous portions, ideal for sharing and enjoying a more social dining experience. Closing the dinner with a fresh dessert revealed another layer of mastery in this restaurant's cuisine. The combination of sweet and a touch of savory was impressive, culminating the experience with a perfect touch. In short, this restaurant not only offers excellent food, but also provides impeccable service in a cozy atmosphere. Every detail, from the personalized attention to the quality of the dishes, contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. This place is, without a doubt, a must-visit destination for those looking not only to eat well, but also to immerse themselves in a complete...

Went in for the soft opening last night and enjoyed an absolutely divine meal, complemented by fantastic service by Veronica, Christine and Roman. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Could not fault a single thing. Nat (the bartender) kept sending banger after banger cocktails, definitely give the Sea Shanty a try. Don’t even get me started on the food. One word. Cabbage. Never have I had a more perfect dish - crunchy savoury umami such beautiful flavours. If you’re a seafood fan definitely give the oysters, scallops and yellowfin tuna a try. The oysters were fresh and vibrant, colors were popping. Scallop was beautiful with the green chili balanced by the fresh crisp apple and creaminess from the whipped roe. And the tuna on a double-fried potato crisp was lovely - you could hear the crunch in every bite and shaved bottarga that gave it an extra depth of flavour. If you have room for dessert (which we all do), then the white chocolate will definitely hit the spot. It’s a creamy white chocolate yogurt topped with a spiced granola fig leaf oil and a mix of fresh cherries and cherry compote. Chefs kiss. Forgot to snag a pic because I destroyed it. Complements to the talented chefs, I left the restaurant wanting more and dreaming about my next visit.

Lastly I can’t not comment on the interior decor. Everything was simple but stunning with amazing artwork and relaxing earthy olive-green tones. A perfect addition to Newstead, a gem of a place with a great vibe. I’m ecstatic to try the full menu in...