Justin Lane
Fortitude Valley
Justin Lane is a stunning pizzeria and rooftop bar occupying two adjoining heritage-listed Queenslander cottages on a Fortitude Valley corner.
From the savvy owners of the Burleigh Heads institution, Justin Lane is the perfect fit for the unique venue that was once home to Alfred and Constance.
Entry is via Constance street, where an ambient al fresco beer garden connects both cottages and to the left is an open plan bar and casual eating area and an enclosed dining room perfect for functions or group gatherings.
To reach the rooftop,entry is via the second cottage, up a timber staircase which is stilll framed by original ftetwork. Upstairs is another bar and the 'pasta room', a chic enclosed dining room that was once the 'Hemingway Room'.
Beyond is the rooftop bar, which has the vibe of being on a a deck outside a weatherboard cottage and is strung with golden light bulbs, with views over the street below and nearby rooftops.
No matter where you choose to sit, you can order anything from the food and drinks menu, with the former offering a range of starters that are also perfect to enjoy as bar snacks.
Choices include Italian fries with goats cheese, ricotta salad, garlic oil & oregano; tomato bruschetta, braised cherry tomato, melon & chive ricotta & plum balsamic reduction; mushroom arancini, truffle aoili & ricotta saladt; and Justin's meatballs (pork & veal) with napoli sauce, provolone, basil & sourdough bread,
The selection of pasta dishes includes spaghetti with prawns, chili, dill, tomato, white wine & goats cheese; gnocchi with lanb ragu, herb & grana padano; canneloni with zucchini, ricotta, napoli & buffalo mozzarella; and Justin's Carbonara - spaghetti with pork belly, parsley & grana padano.
Meanwhile pizzas (a must-try) come with toppings like seafood, prawn, calamari, garlic confit, mozzarella, chilli, parsley & lemon; James St deli ham, salami, garlic confit, mozzarella, oregano & fior di latte; and Justin's signature BBQ smokehouse - smoked brisket, housemade BBQ sauce, redo inion, provolone, buffalo mozzarella, corn salsa and pickle yoghurt.
And to finish there's caramel chocolate mousse, tiramisu with masala and dark chocolate or cannoli with vanilla, pistachios, lemon & ricotta as well as Justin's own gelato (i or 3 scoops) in flavours like apple & cinnamon, choc hazelnut, mango coco sorbet or macadamia/
The drinks menu is a match for the food, starting with cocktails like Peach Moscow Mule, Strawberry Tart, Passionfruit & Chilli Tommy's Margarita, Apple & Eldeflower Daiquiri or Mango & Coconut Caprioska. The curated wine list includes drops from Australia and Italy, while there's a mix of local and interstate craft beers on tap and a mix of boutique and popular spirits.
Meanwhile Justin Lane has also taken over the old Alfredo's Pizzeria space next door, with a kitchen and coffee bar that offers gourmet sandwiches and coffee to daytime patrons.
Good to know - Justin Lane is child-friendly, with a dedicated kids menu of pizza, pasta and dessert.
Need to know - There is also an undrground vinyl lounge and bar set to open in the first weekend of August. Limited street parking is available nearby and there's a secure parking station across the road in Alfred St.
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Still thirsty for more suggestions on where to eat and drink in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Happy grazing!