New Italian Small Plates Restaurant Opens in Bulimba After One-Week Renovation

Simone Presta opened Romeo, an Italian small plates restaurant, at 161 Oxford Street in Bulimba on May 16. The venue is Presta's fifth Brisbane location and occupies the premises previously used by Mede. Presta said the project moved forward after lease negotiations took longer than expected.

Staff had already been hired and supplies pre-ordered, leading the team to complete renovations in seven days.

The menu centers on shareable small plates such as crumbed burrata with cherry tomatoes, savoury cannoli filled with carbonara compote, and charred beef lasagne skewers. A 10-course degustation option includes eight small plates and two desserts. Larger dishes and pasta plates are also available, including prawn risotto with zucchini cream and a white ragu bolognese.

The drinks list features a 100-bottle selection that prioritizes Italian wines.

Presta previously operated Scugnizzi on Adelaide Street and Doughcraft in Albion. He won the 2024 season of My Kitchen Rules with cooking partner Viviana Barile. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday through Saturday from 7am to 9:30pm. On its first Saturday night, the venue was reported as full with local diners.