Any local would tell you that it’s nearly impossible to imagine Bulimba without The Jetty anchoring Oxford Street’s dining precinct. When it opened eight years ago the steadfast favourite boasted one of the only coffee machines in the entire area, and since then it has evolved into a go-to destination for diners seeking terrific riverside dining. Despite this, the Coats Group has made the bold decision to avoid complacency and change things up in early 2017, choosing to reappraise The Jetty’s offering and rejuvenate the space. The retrofit has resulted in Il Molo (Italian for The Jetty) – a fresh and fashionable eatery that moves away from The Jetty’s seafood-focused output and closer towards an Italian-influenced offering. Old-school Italian imagery has been added to the walls, in addition to new features such as mosaic tiles, sturdy marble bench tops and a new-look balcony, which still boasts a stellar view of the Brisbane River.
You never forget your first love and for Jason Coats his heart has always belonged to Italy. For Il Molo’s menu, Jason cast his mind back to his days as a chef making rich, flavoursome Italian morsels. Choosing to take a pure approach to the fare, Jason formulated a tidy menu of Italian favourites made from fresh produce that was complex in flavour. During the week, mornings start with a small coffee and breakfast service that includes toasties, banana bread and avocado on toast, which expands on the weekend to encompass creamy eggs benedetto, delectable ricotta pancakes and moreish forest mushrooms with truffle oil. When the sun sets the kitchen comes alive with activity as it prepares Il Molo’s range of antipasti, pizza, pasta, mains, sides and desserts. Antipasti all-stars include fried and crumbed green olives (we’ll take two dozen), baked meatballs, crispy calamari and beef carpaccio – all perfect for grazing with a Negroni in hand. For a full Italian experience, order from the stellar wine list (we suggest a nice, full-bodied red) and tuck in to porchetta, gnocchi with mushrooms and leek puree, lamb shanks with cavolo nero and parmesan polenta and a Nutella custard cannoli for dessert. We’ve got one word for a selection like this – bellissimo!
For opening hours and contact details, seek out Il Molo in the Stumble Guide.
