According to Lorenzo Nobilio, the genesis of Woolloongabba’s newest bar and eatery Gabba + Co spawned out of unexpected happenstance. With his Yeronga-based Italian eatery Osteria Epoca running at full steam, the chef hadn’t had time to put any thought toward another project until restaurant regular Tom Holohan got in his ear about teaming up. Soon enough, fanciful talk turned into serious discussion and the duo found themselves inspecting a hip and modern space spitting distance from The Gabba. Ideas flowed quickly, and after Osteria Epoca’s manager Simon Lambert joined the fold the preparation for Gabba + Co picked up steam rapidly. In what will be good news for brunch hunters and nightcap seekers alike, Gabba + Co is debuting an all-day offering, extending from breakfast through to late-night drinks and snacks. The space, once home to cafe The Priory, has been given a cosmetic overhaul to facilitate a better bar flow, though the light-filled modern-industrial vibe remains.

When it comes to the fare, Lorenzo and his team have opted for a malleable home-style culinary offering, weighted towards the flavours that Lorenzo grew up with. Lorenzo has parlayed some of his favourite Australian tastes into a menu of eats almost narcotic in their nostalgic potency, with a few technical spins adding a unique lean to the classics. Notable dishes include the avocado jelly and bubble and squeak at breakfast, lunchtime’s baked brie and flash-fried baby squid, hot prawn cocktails and smoked fish pie for dinner, and the signature Gabba Daggas (Dagwood Dogs), which feature on the bar menu. From breakfast through to late-night snacks, Gabba + Co’s menu will fluctuate with the seasons and will also be responsive to public demand. Gabba + Co has singled out Wolff Coffee Roasters for its brew of choice, but if you’re after something on the stiffer end of the spectrum, then the bar has got a host of tipples to tantalise. The venue has partnered with Slipstream Brewing Co. to create a full-strength pilsner and mid-strength beer available off tap, boosted by an assortment of worldly wines, seasonal cocktails and a strong assemblage of spirits.

Gabba + Co is now open from today. Check out the Stumble Guide for all the details you need.