The fact that the Brisbane dining is on the up is vindicated by the very exciting results of GT 2011 Restaurant awards. Congratulations to Simon Hill and the team at Ortiga for winning the coveted gong of New Restaurant of the Year for their Iberian dream themed restaurant and bar. Also taking out top place in the awards, Woolloongabba's 1889 ENOTECA, which won the apt award of wine list of the year. Exciting indeed. EAT ME has not had the privilege of dining at the enoteca however had a very pleasing time at Ortiga, whose wine list is also totally divine.

For me Ortiga's upstairs bar is a quintessential Brisbane Friday night experience, take your favourite person, add a delicious glass(es) of wine and graze the bar menu at your leisure as you get cosy for the night. I totally recommend snacking on Char-grilled chistorra – whole artisan Basque country pork sausage while quaffing the divine ‘Orobio’ by Artadi Tempranillo. Also a trip to Ortiga is made worthwhile by sampling the lovely cured meats and Jamon.

Enjoy
Ortiga @ urbanspoon

1889 Enoteca @ urbanspoon