Last month, news broke that dearly beloved Paddington restaurant NOTA was closing to the public on Saturday August 3. While locals were deeply saddened by the news, the blow was softened by the announcement that the venue’s Given Terrace home would be reborn as another culinary concept soon after. In September, heralded chef Dario Manca will open Attimi by Dario Manca – a 28-seat experimental fine diner that will aim to give guests a truly bespoke dining experience. With Attimi, Dario (previously executive chef of Rosmarino) will apply his unique culinary lens to contemporary Italian cuisine and Michelin-starred European-style dining. On weekends, Attimi will offer two kinds of set degustation menu – one eight-course offering taking guests on a ‘quick Italian tour’, and a larger 12-course degustation described as a sensory exploration of Italy’s diverse regions. “It’s very important to me that Brisbane understands we are looking at an experimental way of dining, having fun and enjoying blending tradition with playful innovation,” says Dario of Attimi’s approach. “I want people to feel like anything is possible when it comes to food when they dine at Attimi, and for guests to enjoy a moment of magic and surprise – and that’s why I called my restaurant Attimi, which means ‘moment’ in Italian.” From Tuesday to Thursday, diners will be able to pop in for a more casual a la carte experience, with footpath dining available on a walk-in basis for snacks. On the drinks front, expect Attimi to offer a region-spanning wine list encompassing skin-contact wines across plenty of classic varietals, as well as a clutch of rare beers. Dario will look to retain much of the venue’s existing elements, but a quick refit will see the creation of a smaller, more intimate bar area. Keep your eyes peeled for an up-close look at Attimi by Dario Manca when it opens in September.