Dovetails

Dovetails is a stunning old world restaurant and bar located within the grand heritage-listed Georgian precinct that was Ipswich’s first technical college.

Paying tribute to the century old woodworkers classroom that it inhabits, Dovetails' ceiling features intricate woodworking tool images, support beams with the names of the early college students inscribed and copper and wood-backed menus.

Add to this the soaring ceilings, polished floors original windows, a marble bar where once the workers cafeteria stood, an al fresco deck shaded by ancient majestic Poinciana trees, views over a memorial park and the laneway brewery, Dovetails would have to be one of the most ambient dining spaces in south east Queensland.

As for the menu, the food served is of fine dining quality but without the pretence or price tag. Drop in any day for breakfast or lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and be treated to some of the best food to be found anywhere in Ipswich and beyond.

On the breakfast menu are the likes of French toast with caramelized banana, Gluten-free crumpets, Avocado and fetta bruschetta and the must try House Baked Beans with chorizo, baked egg, sour cream and crispy tortilla.

For lunch/dinner, entrees include Squid Ink Linguine, Charcuterie Board, Queensland Scallops with cauliflower puree and the highly recommended Kangaroo Carpaccio, while Main choices include Osso Bucco, Marinated Duck Breast, Beetroot Risotto, Diamantina Angus Fillet and Twice Cooked Pork Belly with Granny Smith apple puree, pickled pear, pineapple salsa and cider jus.

Save room for dessert, with delicious options such as Rich Chocolate Fondant, Beeramisu - sponge fingers in Coal Miners Stout (brewed at Pumpyard across the laneway) with coffee and creamy marscapone, or Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with berry coulis and scrumptious brown bread ice-cream.

Dovetails not only has a well curated wine list but is a bit of a beer heaven, sourcing many of its beers from Ipswich’s popular Four Hearts Brewery that occupies the rear basement 88 Limestone St precinct.

Good to know – Upstairs is a rather splendid function space – the Lord Lamington Room – that shares the gorgeous style of Dovetails below and can hold up to 200 for cocktails and 120 for sit down dinner.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

And, for more great things to see and do in Ipswich, visit Discover Ipswich HERE.

Need to know – There’s a coffee cart out on the deck serving coffee from early morning (available also as takeaway). There is free off-street parking out back, with entrance off South Street and also on-street metered parking (weekdays).

The menu may have changed since our visit.

And, for more great things to see and do in Ipswich, visit Discover Ipswich HERE.