Toscano Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Disappointed!! We selected Toscano as it looked busy during the afternoon and seemed to be an intimate restaurant with a good menu and vibe. We were looking for a restaurant to celebrate my wife's birthday and this was our only dinner in Brisbane. Toscano was close to the hotel we were staying at.

On arrival we were greeted and indicated we had made a booking. The lady showed no enthusiasm and lacked a positive approach with us. She did not confirm we had a booking instead got us to follow her to our table.

We were attended to well on arrival by the staff.

My wife and I both ordered the Calamari as a entrée. When it arrived it looked like the food had been dumped on the plate. On eating the dish we found it was overcooked and dry. I could not finish my dish. My wife only eat half of her meal.

For mains, I ordered the Beef Cheek and my wife ordered the King Prawns. I am usually a good eater of any food. But I struggled through my meal finding although the meat had a jus over it it was dry and hard to eat. It was not pleasant and not what I had expected. My wife's prawns consisted of 6 King Prawns and a salad - the prawns were overcooked and dry to the point she had trouble extracting the meat from them. We asked for a finger bowls and received a bowl to put the left over prawn in. We asked a second time for a bowl of water, which we got to allow her to wash her fingers as she struggled to eat this dish!

The service we received from the time of sitting down to the end of our mains was good. Our water was consistently filled up as was our glasses of wine. No issues with ordering or receiving our meals. However once our mains dishes had been taken away, we never saw any of the staff members that were serving us again. I had to ask another member of staff to get our bottle of wine that was not on our table but had been put on the counter beside where we were seated. We were not offered any deserts or the chance to have a look at the desert menu. We got up and asked to pay the bill and left.

Perhaps we did not select the meal options well as the other meals that were coming out looked good (as did ours until we started on them!) or maybe it was a bad night in the kitchen???

We were left underwhelmed and disappointed in a meal and restaurant that should of reflected what we believed to be a great place to celebrate Brisbane and my wife's birthday. Clearly this was not the case. We walked away dissatisfied and frustrated.

I do not normally leave reviews - but we both felt so strongly at how poor our experience was, when we were offered the opportunity by Toscano to write a review...

Toscano Brisbane is a captivating culinary oasis in the bustling CBD, where elegance meets comfort. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by a beautifully designed interior that combines modern sophistication with a warm, inviting ambiance. The decor is tasteful yet unpretentious, creating a perfect backdrop for an enjoyable dining experience. The comfortable seating arrangements allow for relaxed conversation, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings with friends.

The service at Toscano is exceptional where the staff are not only friendly and attentive but also genuinely passionate about the menu. Their recommendations and attention to detail ensure that every guest feels valued and cared for.

Now, let’s dive into the culinary delights. The caprese salad was an exquisite introduction to the meal, featuring impossibly fresh tomatoes and a generous serving of buffalo mozzarella. This cheese was the epitome of what you dream of when you think of mozzarella, creamy, lush, and with just the right amount of richness. Paired with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, this dish set the stage for what was to come.

But the true highlight of our meal was the carbonara, oh, the carbonara, made the traditional way with guanciale. The pasta was cooked al dente, providing the perfect bite. The sauce was a velvety blend that clung beautifully to each strand, with the guanciale adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavour. The balance of saltiness from the cured pork and the creamy richness created a symphony of tastes that danced on the palate. It was comfort food at its finest, a dish that you crave long after the last bite.

Equally impressive were the gnocchi, which were nothing short of yum. Light and fluffy, each piece melted in your mouth, The gnocchi were tossed in a vibrant pesto that was both fresh and zesty, adding a burst of flavour that complemented the dish perfectly. The balance of textures, the pillowy gnocchi with the vibrant sauce, created a delightful contrast that left us wanting more.

We savoured each dish; we couldn’t help but admire the ambiance of Toscano. The combination of soft lighting, elegant furnishings, and the gentle hum of conversation creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a place where you can linger over your meal, enjoying the flavours and the company, without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this restaurant promises a memorable culinary journey that will leave you with a smile and a desire to return. Highly...

Toscana, located on Edward Street in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, is a charming Italian restaurant that offers an authentic and inviting dining experience. With its warm, rustic ambiance and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, Toscana is a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

From the moment you step inside, the restaurant feels like a little slice of Italy. The interior is tastefully decorated with wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting that creates a cozy, intimate environment. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making diners feel right at home from the outset.

The menu at Toscana is a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pasta dishes are a standout, with options like the rich and creamy fettuccine alfredo, or the more rustic pappardelle with slow-braised lamb ragu. Each dish is crafted with care and packed with flavor, showcasing the depth of Italian culinary tradition. For those looking for a lighter option, the salads and antipasti platters are perfect for sharing, offering a variety of fresh and flavorful bites.

The wine list is carefully curated, with an excellent selection of Italian and Australian wines to complement the menu. The knowledgeable staff are more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Toscana also excels in its dessert offerings, with classic options like tiramisu and panna cotta that provide a sweet, satisfying end to the meal. The coffee is also worth noting, with expertly brewed espresso drinks that add to the overall Italian charm of the place.

Located conveniently in Brisbane’s bustling CBD, Toscana is ideal for both a casual lunch or a romantic dinner. Whether you're a fan of traditional Italian fare or simply in the mood for something comforting and delicious, Toscana delivers a memorable dining experience. The combination of excellent food, welcoming service, and cozy ambiance makes it a standout among Brisbane's many...