All good things must eventually come to an end, but it was with a heavy heart that many long-standing regulars farewelled Brent’s Restaurant in December last year. For owner-chef Brent Farrell, however, it was a positive move that has allowed him to open a brand-new restaurant in the same quaint space. Breaking free from the parameters of strictly French cuisine, Brent has ended an eight-and-a-half-year stint in fine dining to offer a more creative menu in his relaxed diner, 85 Miskin St. The crisp white tablecloths have been packed away and the carpet has been replaced by polished wooden floorboards, heralding the shift to a more accessible menu and approachable setting.

Brent has even done away with the traditional bonds of entrees and mains, instead offering a lengthy list of plates that can be shared or ploughed through on your own. New flavours and ingredients will challenge tastebuds – think edible ants and honeycomb dipped in liquid nitrogen. Standout dishes include Brent’s personal favourite of tender, spiced goat tenderloin with hay-baked pumpkin, goats curd and toasted farro, and the market white fish served with crispy confit turkey wing, blush tomato and crushed peas and butter jus.

Bookend the meal with a nibble from the cheese servery or spoon into an ingenious flower-pot-lookalike dessert filled with fresh berries, Madagascan vanilla and edible garden flowers. While the wine list has also been pared back, the line-up still stands around an impressive 250, with BYO available for bottled wine. Cocktails are served in sweet jam jars and soda bottles, while concoctions like the Beez Neez team native honey produced in the adjoining vegetable and herb garden with fresh apples and watermelon soda.

85 Miskin Street
85 Miskin Street, Toowong
Ph: 07 3371 4558
Open: Tuesday 5:00 pm to late, Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 pm to late