New restaurant to takeover Aria Brisbane site

A Queensland hospitality outfit is set to launch a new Latin themed venue at the Eagle Street Pier site of the former fine diner Aria Brisbane.

Restaurateur Michael Tassis is behind new venue Rico which will offer a fusion between contemporary Australian fare with the flavours of South America and Spain.

“It's a brilliant spot, prime real ­estate, and Dexus, the landlords, gave me the opportunity to put my concept there so I'm really grateful,” Tassis told the Courier Mail.

Tassis has signed a long lease on the site, with Eagle Street Pier set for a major $1.4 billion redevelopment.

The site is being ­almost entirely gutted, with Brisbane design firm Clui behind the new look of the 260-pax eaterie which will include an al fresco area and upper private dining space.

The share-style menu will include tapas, such as oysters with four types of dressings, three signature paellas including a luxury version with marron kept in the restaurant’s live tanks, chargrilled meats and steak, and an Argentinian-style lamb shoulder.

Chilean, Argentinian and Spanish wines will feature on the wine list while Spanish beers will be on tap and by the bottle.

Sheridan Randall - 20-08-19