Brisbane has welcomed a new Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant into the mix, with the launch of Za Za Ta at Ovolo The Valley.
Located in Fortitude Valley, the hotel opened in November 2018 after taking over the former Emporium Hotel.
Za Za Ta blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food and drink, with a striking restaurant design by Luchetti Krelle.
The 242-seat venue features multiple spaces for guests to explore, such as 1940s-inspired bar The Parlour and The Library, a luxe lounge space at the rear of the venue.
The heart of Za Za Ta is The Conservatory, a casual yet refined dining space inspired by the iconic conservatories of the Victorian era.
“Details from traditional Queenslander architecture are layered into the Victorian inspired interiors, giving a strong sense of local identity with an international counterpoint to ensure travellers and locals alike will feel welcomed and truly at home,” said designer Rachel Luchetti.
Food and drink
Executive chef Roy Ner (formerly of Nour in Sydney’s Surry Hills) and head chef Dario Manca have created a menu showcasing Middle East and Mediterranean cuisine, weaving in global cooking techniques from French to Japanese.
Israeli-born Ner said they’re having fun making “soulful and dynamic Middle Eastern”.
“Each recipe has a lot of heritage, we’re taking centuries old recipes and bringing them back to life,” he said.
Dishes are all to be shared and highlight Queensland’s local produce. Highlights include fried goats cheese pretzels, with house lamb bacon and yolk aioli and charcoal rainbow trout, with cucumber and chilli salsa and herring tahini.
Za Za Ta’s bar is high energy space for drinks and nibbles while enjoying DJ tunes on select nights.
Area food and beverage director Jared Thibault has also curated a cocktail list that features cold-pressed juices, Middle Eastern spices and fruit-infused spirits.
