The time-honoured Italian trattoria has been given a modern makeover at The Mero Kitchen & Bar, the latest locale to join the Moubment Group’s stable of venues, which includes Gerard’s Bistro and Gerard’s Bar on James Street, Hatch & Co. in Newstead, Laruche in Fortitude Valley and Lychee Lounge in West End. With a name inspired by the Latin word for wine, the breezy Indooroopilly bistro offers the perfect alfresco setting to sup a glass of Italian red as the sunshine nudges a steaming bowl of pasta. Traditional Italian flavours and cooking techniques meet sleek presentation and an appreciation for Brisbane tastes – think light, fresh mains, oodles of seafood and seasonal antipasti.

Head chef Dale Kronk sources local produce to dish up an assortment of kids’ meals, share plates and mains for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Start with tasty morsels like baby calamari fritti with pimento aioli or grilled king prawns with fennel pollen and chilli, before progressing to pizzas layered with Wagyu meatballs, fontina, pancetta, roasted tomato and oregano, or hot sopressa salami with mushrooms, red pepper and provolone. Gather friends and family for share plates of lamb shoulder with saltbush and yoghurt or a Sardinian seafood stew, or snaffle a main all to yourself. The pappardelle with duck ragu, spinach, peas, green peppercorns and pecorino romano is already a favourite, while dry-aged sirloin served with cavolo nero, wild mushroom, chestnut and red wine jus, and local pan-roasted fish with cauliflower puree, witlof, capers, raisins and pine nut dressing tempt with equal pull. Of course no Italian meal should end without the sweet stuff, so tuck in to chocolate and salted caramel with raspberry and rose petals, or a selection of artisan cheeses with lavosh, fig jam, fresh fruit and honeycomb. The venue will open for weekend breakfasts within the next few weeks.

For contact information and trading hours, check out our Stumble Guide.