Having visited Jamie’s Italian in other cities, expectations were already established and the newly Brisbane delivered and exceeded. Built over two levels, ground level entry and seating and a basement with the main kitchen and more seating, it is regarded as the largest in Australia. Centred in the middle of the ground level seating is a deli-style kitchen serving the cold dishes and cured meats. It is adorned with decorative, but real, meats and various other ingredients that are no doubt incorporated into the dishes and add to the overall homely feel of the restaurant.
Even though it is technically a chain restaurant, Jamie’s Italian offers a unique insight into the creative mind of renowned celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Although it might seem like a staple pan-Italian menu, each dish has its own subtle flair.
On this occasion I had the fried three cheese gnocchi, the lamb and ricotta tortellini and finished off with the orange and almond frangipane tart – three dishes I had not had before.
Starting with the gnocchi, the alternative presentation style was immediately noticeable. Each gnocchi was individually perched on a bed of arrabbiata sauce and arranged along the length of a wooden paddle board. The element of frying added a nice yet subtle crunch to the texture and the sauce was quite flavoursome.
The lamb and ricotta tortellini was similarly presented, in a line along a stretched elliptical plate. Equally flavoursome, however the overall portion size left a bit to be desired for. The pasta dishes each come in a entrée or main size, the main was still a little on the small side and I’m glad I opted for three courses.
Dessert of the orange and almond frangipane tart was easily the highlight of the evening. Topped with what appeared to be the typical vanilla ice cream was instead creme fraiche ice cream and complimented the orange flavours of the tart. The tart itself was well textured with the top layer of almond flakes adding a nice finishing crunch.
No Italian dinner would be complete without wine, the wine list filled with a selection of Italian grape varietals mostly from Italy but a few domestic.
Jamie’s Italian Brisbane sets a new benchmark for Jamie Oliver’s venture into the mainstream restaurant scene and is sure to live up to the success of his other Australian restaurants.