New Laneway Eatery Opens in Newstead by the Creators of Paddington’s Nota. There are some names in the restaurant world that win hearts with their unique ambiance, delicious cuisine and hospitality. Nota, located in the Paddington area of Brisbane, is one such name that has become a crowd favourite for its European inspired dishes and warm ambiance. To build on this success, owners Sebastiaan de Kort, Kevin Docherty and Yanika Sittisuntorn have launched Allonda on Longland Street in Newstead – a restaurant that exudes modernity, openness and a new flavour.
How is the ambiance of Allonda?
Allonda has been thoughtfully designed with a capacity of 92 guests. While Nota is known for its dark, rustic and romantic look, Allonda is the complete opposite of that – offering a bright, open and energetic ambiance. The interiors look stylish and modern with textured acoustic spray, wraparound mezzanine, concrete floor, blonde timber chairs and tiled walls.
The restaurant is designed specifically for young people who live in the nearby apartment buildings and like to spend time in a fast-paced, relaxed atmosphere.
“We clearly told the designers, Twohill & James, that we wanted a space that was filled with natural light and felt bright,” explains Kevin Docherty.
“Although it looks different from ‘Nota’, we have kept the warmth and cozy atmosphere intact so that everyone can feel comfortable here,” adds de Kort.
A long and delicious journey of Euro-inspired menu
The menu at ‘Allonda’ is Euro-inspired like ‘Nota’, but much more elaborate. Only a few dishes are similar between the two restaurants, while the rest of the dishes have been prepared in a completely new style. The chefs – de Kort, Docherty and head chef Sam Todd – believe that food should highlight, not hide, the true flavour of ingredients.
This philosophy is reflected in Allonda’s signature dishes, such as:
- Margra Lamb Rump – a delicious lamb dish served with smoked yoghurt and salsa verde.
- Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs – slow-cooked ribs served with chard greens and harissa.
- Chargrilled Western Australian Scampi – lightly grilled scampi with roasted tomato butter, a perfect blend of simplicity and flavour.
House-made pasta and ‘All’onda’ risotto – the heart of the menu
The biggest feature of the ‘Allonda’ menu is its house-made pasta segment, which includes:
- Rigatoni alla Boscaiola – with mushrooms and truffle pecorino,
- Casarecce with beef ragu – with parmizzano reggiano,
- and All’onda Risotto – a Venetian-style risotto prepared with a rich broth. This dish is the reason for the restaurant’s name ‘Allonda’.
Snacks and wine – delicious in a light manner
‘Allonda’ has also achieved a different position in terms of snacks. The Burrata and Raw Bar Menu here is perfect for those who want to enjoy wine with light snacks. Some of the signature entrees include:
Fried Black Pudding with Brown-Butter Mayo,
Potato Terrine with Cultured Cream and Smoked Caviar,
Casa Motta Burrata with Olive Tapenade, Seasonal Fruit and Rocket Salad, and Chard Sourdough.
These delicious entrees are complemented by a 90+ bottle wine list curated by Yanika Sittisuntorn. The list features more drink-now wines, giving guests the opportunity to try new flavors.
Bigger Kitchen, Bigger Experiments and New Beginnings
One of the biggest features of ‘Allonda’ is its three times larger kitchen space, giving the chefs plenty of room to experiment and diversify the menu. Docherty says:
“We have a kitchen three times larger here than ‘Nota’, so we’re not limited to just six burners and we can experiment even more.”
De Kort adds:
“There is nothing like what we are offering in this area. We hope it will be something new and exciting here. But our core principle remains the same – to keep simplicity and create an experience that people will love.”
What makes ‘Allonda’ special?
- Modern, bright and cosy ambiance,
- Euro-inspired elaborate menu,
- Dishes based on fresh and locally produced ingredients,
- House-made pasta and signature ‘All’onda’ risotto,
- 90+ bottles wine list and light snacks,
- Young and family-friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion
‘Allonda’ is not just a restaurant but a new dining destination for the people of Newstead, offering a perfect blend of flavour, simplicity and modernity. If you want to enjoy Euro-inspired cuisine or are looking for a modern yet comfortable place, ‘Allonda’ is the perfect destination for you.