Customs House Brasserie

Ph: (07) 3365 8921; 399 Queen St, Brisbane 4000 www.customshouse.com.au

Modern Australian, $$ +
Open Mon noon-2.30pm Tue-Sat noon-2.30pm 6-9pm Sun 9-11.30am noon-2.30pm, Closed All public holidays; Licensed; AE DC MC V, Seats inside 60, Outside seats 60, Private rooms 200,18, 10, 60, 40, Kids welcomed
Chef Didier Pollaert (27-12-07) Owner The University Of Queensland (27-12-07)

Mietta's Review
You can sit inside and outside the award-winning conservation and adaptation of what was the Customs House (now owned by the University of Queensland). Because of the number of space the facility uses and it's lack of one big buzzy room, it doesn't feels like a brasserie though the medium-priced European based menu certainly helps. In fine weather it's best outside overlooking the river, the adjoining car park and the uninterrupted panorama of Storey Bridge. In 06 mains averaged $26.

Other published opinions

Courier Mail food and wine guide Queensland 2008 Score: 13/20 "Given such a building and such a view, the sky is the limit for any restaurant here. The gracious customs office built in 1889 predates by half a century the majestic Story Bridge and is the perfect vantage point for it, and also for sweeping views across to the Kangaroo Point cliffs"

Brisbane News Dining Out Guide 2007 "Soak up the grandeur of heritage surrounds or dine outside by the river"

Courier Mail QWEEKEND Food 15 Wine 15 Service 14 Ambience 16 The Score 15 "Along this handsome promenade we passed five or six top restaurants before being drawn to Customs House. We were seated without fuss in a stylish courtyard with a splendid view of the Story Bridge and handed a menu bristling with good ideas. My companion was soon drooling over her entree, a delicious, finely tuned tart comprising tabletalk onion jam, pear and Roquefort cheese, served with rocket and balsamic vinegar. I went for the champagne risotto with prawns, saffron sauce and herb pistou. It was one of the more memorable starters I had eaten all year."

Courier-Mail Goodlife Restaurant Guide 2006 "Operated by The University of Queensland as a cultural, educational and heritage facility, the Customs House is one of the most beautiful buildings in the inner city, whether approached from the river (take the CityCat) or from the street."

Brisbane News Eating Out Guide 2006 "The contemporary menu of chef Didier Pollaert is complemented by the grand surrounds of this heritage-listed building. Sit outside on the newly refurbished terrace, with its unhindered views of the river and beyond."

Courier-Mail Goodlife Restaurant Guide 05 "The old Customs House offers a tough choice: dine inside in beautifully restored heritage surroundings or outside on the terrace with unmatched views of the river and Story Bridge. Owned and operated by the University of Queensland, this is a magic spot"

Brisbane News Dining Out Guide 2004 "Dining in this beautiful sandstone heritage-listed building, you have the choice of sitting indoors or outside overlooking the Brisbane River. Didier Pollaert's menu is contemporary"

2002 Eating Out Guide, Brisbane News ,'menu is likely to include dishes such as Salmon and prawns on sauteed fennel and potato with saffron veloute.'