9 Best Antipasti and Italian Starters in Brisbane (According to Menus Right Now)
Discover the Heart and Soul of Antipasti
Let’s be honest—some of the best conversations start over a shared plate of antipasti. It’s not just a course; it’s a moment. A glass of wine, a slice of warm focaccia, a little bit of everything in the middle of the table. That’s the Italian way—and it’s something Brisbane’s top Italian kitchens are doing really well right now.
Antipasto literally means “before the meal,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s the opening chapter in a story of good food and even better company. Think paper-thin slices of cured meat, briny olives, roasted vegetables, creamy cheeses, and the odd surprise like crispy octopus or truffle-laced arancini. Depending on where you are in Italy, the ingredients shift—but the philosophy remains: simple, seasonal, and made to share.
Whether you’re sharing a board before mains or grazing your way through small plates all night, antipasti gives you permission to slow down and savour. It’s the perfect excuse to order that second glass of wine, stay a little longer, and turn a simple meal into something truly memorable.
Here in Brisbane, chefs are honouring this tradition while putting their own spin on it. Whether you’re seated by the river or tucked into a candlelit booth, these are the antipasti worth lingering over.
Factory 51 – Coorparoo
If you’re looking for a true celebration of flavour and texture, Factory 51 is the place to start. Their antipasti are designed for sharing—but we wouldn’t blame you if you kept them all to yourself.
Menu highlights:
- Woodfired Focaccia – Choose from truffle & honey butter, garlic & herb, or rosemary with confit garlic.
- Porcini Arancini – Crisp and earthy, served with velvety truffle aioli.
- Antipasti Plate – Truss tomatoes, cured pork loin, olives, pickled zucchini, quartirolo cheese, and house flatbread.
- Sicilian Braised Octopus – With chickpeas and fresh parsley.
With its exposed brick, long communal tables, and warm lighting, Factory 51 sets the scene for a night of laughter and flavour. It’s the kind of place where every meal feels like a gathering.
Olive & Angelo – Brisbane City
Set in a charming inner-city courtyard, Olive & Angelo balances comfort food with a few lighter touches. Their antipasti menu reflects the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen—with a few modern twists.
Try:
- Burrata with seasonal toppings
- Garlic prawns sautéed to perfection
- Roasted veggie carpaccio (yes, it’s vegan-friendly!)
It’s the perfect spot for a casual midweek dinner or a slow Sunday lunch with friends.
1889 Enoteca – Woolloongabba
Walking into 1889 Enoteca feels like stepping into Rome. The cellar-style restaurant oozes elegance, and their antipasti game is strong.
On the menu:
- Creamy burrata paired with silky San Daniele prosciutto
- Stuffed zucchini flowers, fried until golden
- Seasonal crostini topped with pâté or anchovies
Add a glass from their top-tier Italian wine list, and you’ve got yourself a very refined start to the evening.
Julius Pizzeria – South Brisbane
Fish Lane’s favourite pizzeria also knows how to kick off a meal. Julius is buzzy, effortlessly cool, and always satisfying.
Top picks:
- Arancini al Ragu – Golden crust, rich centre
- Caprese Salad – Mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic
- Eggplant Involtini – Smoky, cheesy, and baked in tomato sugo
Ideal for pre-theatre snacks or a casual dinner where good wine and good company are non-negotiables.
Beccofino – Teneriffe
Sometimes simplicity is the secret to perfection, and Beccofino proves it. Their antipasti don’t overcomplicate things—they just nail them.
Standouts include:
- Lightly fried calamari that’s tender and golden
- An antipasto board that’s beautifully balanced and always generous
Pair it with a crisp white wine and settle in. This is Italian dining done right.
Rosmarino – Fortitude Valley
Rosmarino’s menu reads like a love letter to Italian culinary artistry. Their starters are creative and confident, with flavour combos you won’t find elsewhere.
Order:
- Farinata Tartufo – Chickpea flatbread with truffle stracciatella and mortadella
- Hokkaido Scallops – Served with ponzu, finger lime, and a whisper of truffle oil
The presentation is as impressive as the taste—perfect for a special night out.
Settimo – Brisbane CBD
Settimo is coastal Italy brought to life in Brisbane. Chef Guy Grossi has created an Amalfi-inspired menu that’s light, fresh, and full of charm.
Antipasti to try:
- Chargrilled octopus with lemon and herbs
- Soft mozzarella with tomatoes and basil
- Bright, zesty marinated vegetables
Whether you’re perched by the window or soaking up the relaxed vibes inside, it’s a gorgeous way to begin.
Ripiena – Fortitude Valley
Known for handmade pasta, Ripiena also impresses with its small plates. It’s intimate, welcoming, and full of character.
Start with:
- Creamy burrata drizzled with extra virgin olive oil
- A bowl of Italian olives worth every pit
- A charcuterie board featuring the best of local and imported meats
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger—and maybe stay for pasta.
Bar Alto – New Farm
Perched above the Brisbane River, Bar Alto delivers on both views and flavour. Their antipasti menu leans hearty and adventurous.
Favourites include:
- Warm WA octopus with new potatoes and creamy tonnato
- King prawns with a punchy puttanesca twist
- Squid with sausage and salsa verde—unexpected and completely delicious
Come for the antipasti, stay for the sunset.
Why Antipasti Still Matters
In Italy, antipasto isn’t just about food—it’s a pause. A way to connect, share, and savour. Whether you’re tucking into woodfired focaccia at Factory 51 or scallops with truffle at Rosmarino, it’s about enjoying the moment and starting the meal right.
The best part? Brisbane’s chefs are bringing that same sense of community and creativity to their own antipasti menus—while celebrating our beautiful local produce.
What makes Brisbane’s antipasti scene even more impressive is the calibre of local producers behind the ingredients. From artisan cheese makers in the Scenic Rim to boutique charcuterie sourced from regional Queensland farms, these small-batch suppliers bring freshness and character to every plate. Olives are often brined just outside the city, while heirloom tomatoes and organic vegetables come straight from farmers’ markets. It’s this local-first approach that elevates antipasti from simple starters to thoughtful, flavour-packed celebrations of Queensland produce.
Where to Begin? Start at Factory 51
If you’re ready to dig into Brisbane’s antipasti scene, Factory 51 should be your first stop. From truffle arancini to the signature antipasti plate, it’s everything we love about Italian starters—with a Queensland twist.
Book your table now and taste what the buzz is all about.