1889 Enoteca

Woolloongabba has experienced a real transformation over the past few years and its epicentre has been the cul de sac where Logan Road begins. This little Eat Street features cocktail bar Canvas, breakfast hotspot Pearl, easy-breezy-casual bar and restaurant Crosstown Eating House - and 1889 Enoteca.

We’re pretty sure we’re in love, actually. Because how many places in town of this calibre offer Radikon by the glass and then actively suggest smashing a bowl of spaghetti with it? Not many, if any. The team at 1889 are more than happy to pull out the big guns, too, if you’re interested. Even if you’re not and you close your eyes and point to a wine by the glass, chances are you'll fall on a crazy Sicilian white or one of those stankin’ Italian rosés that make your toes curl up in delight.

Maybe you’ll start with a plate of sweet red-claw yabbies, lightly dressed and adorned with little else but a few scanty leaves and a tiny scattering of lentils. Get right in there with your fingers – being dainty with a yabby is almost insulting. Make sure to try the buttery, cheesy caccio e pepe with firm noodles or just head face first into a carbonara.

The classic room features a big bar to prop up (perfect if you’re eating solo) and the floor team will even decant each glass of wine you drink, if they’ve got a little time up their sleeves. There used to be a wine store next door too, but it just kept getting smaller and smaller as more and more people crammed in for the personable service, impressive wines and pared-back, elegant Roman food.

All we can think about is how to get back here as soon as possible.