Ombra Italian - Newstead — Restaurant in Brisbane City

My partner and I tried this spot for the first time with high hopes due to the positive reviews and the very cute atmosphere. However we left the experience feeling a bit confused by the very poor service.

I have a dairy allergy and when ordering, asked if the gnocchi dish was dairy free. The server checked and said it was not, so I ordered the olive oil based pasta with chicken added as there were no dairy ingredients listed. My partner ordered the lasagna. The server asked if we had a table, which we didn’t but had noticed a couple who were clearly finished eating and a man waiting for takeaway so said not yet. This is where things started to feel a bit uncomfortable, my partner said we would get takeaway if nothing became available but I asked if walk in seating was possible or if it was reservation only, and if a table cleared if we could sit there. She seemed annoyed by this and firm that there were no tables available but agreed. Less than 5 minutes later a table cleared and we moved to sit at it, stacking the dishes and things to the side. The server came out to clear the table and when we thanked her, she did not make eye contact or say anything which was fine but added to the unwanted feeling that we had.

The food came out on time and looked great, but unfortunately Parmesan had been grated over my dish. In hindsight, I could have said explicitly I can’t eat dairy, or double checked that the second dish was dairy free. I assumed that was implied after asking about the dairy content of the first dish but could have been more clear. My partner very politely explained that the reason I had asked was that I am allergic and the server’s response was very odd. She was very defensive and insistent that I needed to let her know I couldn’t have dairy. I agree but definitely feel that we had by asking about the dairy content. It was very awkward, and after she took my dish away, became even more uncomfortable when I could hear here discussing her feelings on the situation in the kitchen nearby.

One of the chefs brought the remade dish out very quickly and apologized, which was kind. The flavor was delicious and the pasta was al dente, although the chicken was a bit tough. My partner’s lasagna was very good, although a bit on the small side for the price. As we walked out I said thank you, to which she turned away and said nothing. We went over the experience after walking away trying to think of how we could have done to earn the inhospitable vibe. I guess if you do go here and have any dietary requirements be even more clear than you normally would to avoid the lecture and cold shoulder.

Lots of potential here, but unfortunately won’t be back due to the dining experience...

Go here with an open mind and a need to relax.

There's no sense of urgency, which can be stressful for some, but I found it oddly relaxing, if not a bit amusing. The staff, despite being overwhelmed, managed to maintain a calm demeanor and pushed through. Customers hold visible agitation, but the customers also don't appear to know how to respond to such laissez-faire environment.

However, our overall experience left much to be desired.

We arrived very early at 5:40pm for a 6pm takeaway pickup, we were informed that our order hadn't been started yet (totally reasonable), the place being empty, so they happily informed us it would be prepared immediately. Meanwhile, another couple ordered, received their food, and several takeaway orders buzzed through quickly— Then others ordered and left with their food Liz arrived, ordered... "Takeaway order for Liz," who promptly collected hers.

By 6:20pm, half a dozen people were either waiting for orders, trying to place one, or simply looking for basic service like water for their table. The staff was clearly overwhelmed, and while their chilled-out attitude had a certain charm, the service was practically non-existent.

I followed up on our order and was told it was just finishing. However, the truth was that half of our order had been ready at 6pm and was left sitting there (it's all visible). A missing Caprese salad seemed to throw things off, and we were given a Greek salad instead, but nothing was actually packed up until I followed up again.

Once home, just a minute away, we opened our food, and... it was mush. Overcooked, mushy pasta. The flavors were okay, but the pasta had gone far past al dente. Whether it was due to sitting out for so long or a miscalculation in cooking for takeaway, I'm not sure. Typically, takeaway pasta should be slightly undercooked to allow for cooking in the box.

The overcooking wasn't minor either—the pasta literally fell apart when we tried to serve it. It just wasn't enjoyable. The meatballs were dry, and the chicken in the chicken pasta was stringy, almost like rotisserie chicken - which makes me think it was genuinely just well over cooked ...

We really wanted to enjoy this meal, and I'm still considering giving the restaurant another try by dining in, but I’m hesitant.

The vibe is friendly and local. Just as it should be.

NB: We...

I shared in a wonderful experience with friends in this quaint but beautiful small outdoor venue tucked away in Brisbane City, being on a quiet street added to the calm and enjoyable atmosphere. The choice of music being played also added layers of good vibes to the experience.

I can say for certain that the business owner and chef, really knows how to craft delicious and well portioned meals.

Of the food shared between me and my friends, the Cheesy Garlic Bread was perfect, packed with flavour and the sourdough made it all the better.

The Lamb Ragu, both gluten free pasta and normal pasta versions were savoury, hearty and delicious.

Lastly, the carbonara, made the traditional way with egg yolks instead of cream. This was the star of the show, the cheese, egg yolk and pasta water combined to make a rich and natural creamy umami taste and texture that lingered on the taste buds. The choice of Speck in place of traditional Guanciale as the pork meat in the dish was a fantastic decision by the owner. The smokey, lightly salty and powerful flavour gave the dish an even bigger punch to the already great flavours.

I love that the pasta is all hand made by the man himself which further adds to the experience, the owner is a top bloke, kind and wholesome to boot, bless you sir, thank you for the hug after I wholeheartedly praised the experience I am thankful to have shared in. It was truly a pleasure meeting the owner and making another good memory with my buddies.

So to summarise, anyone looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustling streets in the city, searching for a peaceful place to share memories and amazing food. This place may be small, but the service is outstanding and the food is made with love. I would recommend anyone to take the time to have a gander and enjoy the moments to...