After several big launches over summer, Howard Smith Wharves has unveiled their long-awaited riverside dining establishment, ARC Dining & Wine Bar.
Located at the New Farm end of the precinct, and set on the edge of the Brisbane River, this modern glasshouse structure allows diners to feel as if they are floating on the Brisbane River as they take in stunning views of the city and Story Bridge.
At the helm of the restaurant is rising star Alanna Sapwell as Head Chef. Sapwell, formerly of the award-winning and wholly fish-focused Saint Peter in Sydney, has centred her philosophy for ARC Dining and Wine Bar on a broad culinary spectrum, and is focused on making a difference with ethically raised and sourced produce.
To complement Sapwell's delicious dishes, diners can select from the 400-plus strong wine list curated by award-winning Group Sommelier, Ian Trinkle (of ARIA fame). The selection includes a range of eclectic and rare wines from Australia and abroad, focusing on producers who make handcrafted wine with respect to place.
Highlights on the ARC Dining menu include dishes such as Spanner Crab, Gala Apple and Cranberry Hibiscus, Spanish Mackerel, Zucchini, Chilli and Native Ginger and Granny Smith & Sunflower Tart with Lemon and Honey. The smaller plates available at ARC Wine Bar include Lamb Ricotta, Cucumber and Green Almond and Lavender & Lamb Fat Caramels.
On our recent visit, we sampled the Pork & Spent Mandarin Salumi with Coffee Crack, and the Vinegar & Salt Bush Pigs Ears – both were sensational. Is Brisbane ready for Pigs Ears bar snacks? Let's hope so. These sophisticated, re-imagined small plates are unusual yet approachable bar snacks, designed to let each wine speak to its sense of place.
The venue separates the dining and bar areas with an elegant courtyard and interiors are by acclaimed interior designer Anna Spiro. Anna and her team were responsible for the magical interiors at fellow HSW hotspot Mr Percival's.
Inspired by art and culture, the wall at the rear of ARC Dining features modern, eclectic artwork and objects hand-picked by Spiro, giving the restaurant a contemporary feel. Along with the striking art wall, diners' eyes will also be drawn to the large fig tree, which takes centre stage inside ARC Dining, with the tip almost reaching the upholstered fresh green Anna Spiro Textiles fabric panels on the raked ceiling.
"ARC is the embodiment of modern Brisbane: colourful, punchy, eclectic and chic," said Anna of ARC Dining and Wine Bar.
ARC Dining and Wine Bar is another must-visit venue for locals and visitors along Brisbane's thriving Howard Smith Wharves for sophisticated dining and drinking. Fancy a Brisbane vacay? Browse our Brisbane city breaks here for the best Brisbane accommodation.
