It didn’t take Ben Corradini and Theo Roduner long to realise that they’d hit pay-dirt with Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers. Even after the six-month honeymoon opening period had passed, the boys were still dishing out more gnocchi than they could handle – sometimes having to turn away customers due to Paddington’s lack of dine-in seating. Seeing that there was a sizeable demand for their brand of consistent and affordable carb-loaded comfort food, Ben and Theo figured their gnoccheria concept (an Australian first) had potential to be replicated. After testing the waters with some well-received pop-ups on James Street and on the Gold Coast (not to mention appearances at several foodie events), the duo started scouting spots that could boost Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers’ visibility, delivery radius to new suburbs and also increase its ability to cater for more sit-down diners. South Bank proved to be a no-brainer choice for Ben and Theo – a vacant spot on Little Stanley Street (once home to Gandhi Indian Kitchen) opened up the business to local and tourist markets, while the tenancy boasted room for a large dining area, a dedicated takeaway window and bar area. The crew applied a cosy home-style aesthetic to the space, giving it an industrial-meets-country vibe that exudes warmth and friendliness. Last night, Monday October 14, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Bank opened officially, with the scent of saucy gnocchi and the sound of laughter (and the lively tones of an accordion) floating through the air up and down Little Stanley Street.
Going hand-in-hand with the increase in space is an expansion of menu items. Yes, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers is still specialising in authentic Italian gnocchi and yes, it still rules, but the overall menu has been enhanced with extra sides and more beverage options to complete the experience. The entrees and side dishes include the likes of gourmet marinated olives and salt-and-pepper calamari, but now guests can also snack on carrot, beetroot and parsnip vegetable chips, fresh seasonal house salads and free-range Goondiwindi prosciutto from local outfit Borgo Salumi. As for the gnocchi, six kinds are available (seven if you count the monthly special), including the traditional beef bolognese, wild mushroom and truffle, creamy basil pesto, spicy cherry tomato, and the heavenly lobster and barramundi (a special turned menu mainstay). As for sweets, Sicilian ricotta cannolis, classic Italian tiramisu and panna cotta make for fabulous finishers. The beverage selection at Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Bank features a spritz and Bellini from SOFI on tap, light and heavy Peroni variants, and a concise wine list that spotlights some top-notch Queensland labels alongside two premium D.O.C.G. wines from Tuscany. Rounding out the drinks list is a clutch of digestifs, including limoncello, amaro, black sambuca and amaretto. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers has also implemented an online ordering system, with the takeaway window facilitating express pick-ups.
Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Bank is now open. For more information, click on over to the Stumble Guide.
