My partner and I just returned from a meal at the Roman Empire Bar and Restaurant. We have previously been mildly disappointed by the calibre of Italian food in Brisbane - most restaurants seem overpriced and the food lacklustre.
Not so with this place. We paid a very reasonable price for an exceptional dinner. We started wih a glass of wine each, accompanied by bruschetta of crispy Italian bread piled high with fresh salsa and a hint of goat cheese. We got two pieces each, but really only required one - it was the most generous serving of bruschetta I've ever seen, and was more than satisfactory to tease the palatte before the main course.
Speaking of mains, I had the Spicy Scollops and Garlic Calamari Spaghetti, which boasts a very fresh marinara sauce, scollops in their shells, crispy prawns and tender calamari on a plate piled high with pasta, topped with shaved parmesan. Everything about this course was to die for, perfectly cooked and seasoned with just a hint of chilli. My partner had the Fettucini al Pollo, a creamy dish of roast chicken, macadamia nuts, avocado, and semi-dried tomatoes in a lemony sauce. We additionally shared the Roman Empire salad, with grilled pesto chicken, warm potatoes, olives, greens, and shiraz vinaigrette.
Everything from the meal to the atmosphere to the service was of the highest quality. The restaurant is small, clean, and bright, and the staff look and act genuinely happy to be there. We were served quickly and cheerfully, the food arrived hot and fast, and the prices were extremely reasonable for a venue of this calibre.
My partner and I will be back, no question. We have a whole menu still to try. We can't wait! read more