Julius Pizzeria

Julius Pizzeria in South Brisbane is the first and uber slick addition to the coolest laneway this side of the river, Fish Lane.

Located in a superbly renovated art deco building, Julius combines a slick modern interior with a traditional menu where the emphasis is on simplicity done to perfection.

It's the second instalment from the Italian maestros behind Beccofino. The menu pretty emulates its Teneriffe sibling with delicious entrees (antipastis) like the fried baby calamari with rocket and lemon or the must-be-tried-before-you-die Carpaccio di Manzo and its paper thin slices of beef fillet with truffled pecorino and rocket leaves.

Then come the pizzas which are cooked in a top shelf wood-fired oven imported from Italy (the Rolls Royce of pizza ovens we're told). With a choice of rosse or bianche, we went for the latter and were treated to superbly cooked Sant' Andrea (mozzarella, stracchino, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto di Parma, rocket leaves and parmesan shavings). 

The primi (pasta) dishes are also delectable with the Linguine ai Gamberri and it's beautifully balanced combination of fresh pasta, calamari, prawns, garlic, chilli and olive oil.

Moving on to the secondis (mains) and you'll find a choice of crumbed baby veal with vine-ripened tomatoes, goats cheese and basil or a pan-seared flattened chicken with prosciutto and sage served with creamy polenta and a lemon butter sauce.  

And as far of the dolcis (desserts) are concerned, it's hard to go past the freshly-baked Budino or gingerbread pudding with caramel ice cream. Crowd favorites like tiramasu or pannacotta are also on the menu.

Julius also has a comprehensive list of quality Italian, Australian and New Zealand wines.

Need to know - There is also an attractive 'bambini' or kids menu likely to satisfy the fussiest of eaters.