August, Brisbane: Restaurant review

There’s much to admire about August’s location inside a beautifully refurbished 137-year-old church. The same goes for the light-filled dining room, accentuated by floral arrangements, mid-century furniture and art-lined walls. Importantly, the aesthetics are matched by what’s on the plate. Chef Brad Cooper’s cooking is creative yet classically minded, often inspired by European techniques and dishes. Scallop St Jacques, for example, is finished with grated black truffle to enhance a creamy morel sauce, while omelette Arnold Bennett is dialled-up with Hervey Bay mud crab, velouté, hollandaise and Gruyère. And the fruit and veg? Equally strong. See: thinly sliced celeriac with braised and fresh radicchio on a bed of almond cream, or a crème fraîche-filled brown sugar meringue with rhubarb batons and pistachio custard. With warm service led by Cooper’s partner, Matilda Riek, and a concise, wallet-friendly wine list, August is a lesson in comfort and approachability. Amen to that.

Price Guide

$$$

Bookings

Recommended

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Opening Hours

Lunch Sat-Sun; Dinner Thu-Sat

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

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