Almost one year since OTTO Brisbane opened, blessing us with the gift of its famous blue swimmer crab ravioli, it has decided to spoil us once again with the opening of Bar OTTO. Sitting opposite its older sibling at 480 Queen, the Italian-style bar is bringing aperitivo hour to our fine city, set against the backdrop of the Story Bridge and Brisbane River.

The concept of Bar OTTO is simple – after-work or pre-dinner drinks and assaggi (small bites) in true Italian style from 3:00 pm weekdays, helping to inject a bit of fun and deliciousness into your Monday to Friday evenings. Traditional aperitivos of Aperol spritzes and negronis are of course on offer to get that palate stimulated, but you can also sip classic cocktails including a bramble, old fashioned, sidecar and espresso martini. Much like the restaurant, Bar OTTO’s wine list is extensive, with a key focus on Italian drops. Keeping in mind that you’re likely to eat dinner afterwards (although let’s be honest, we’d be very happy to graze all evening), the menu is concise, with the OTTO kitchen preparing a selection of assaggi all sitting under the $12 mark. Tantalise your tastebuds with bites such as oysters with eschallot and black pepper, arancini, artichokes with garlic breadcrumbs, and mortadella with grissini. Lunch is also served on Thursdays and Fridays, with blackboard specials changing each week.

If you’re ready to embrace aperitivo hour, head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.