Watt Modern Dining

Ph: 3358 5464; Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, NEW FARM 4005 www.watt.net.au

Modern Australian, $$ +, ** for Ambience
Open Tue-Fri 10am-late Sat-Sun 8am-late; Licensed; AE DC MC V EFT
Chef Harley Ireland (27-12-07) Owner Aih Group (27-12-07)

Mietta's Review
Wonderful postion right on the river underneath the Powerhouse. Long lines of tables look out long windows over the terrace tables to the water. Minimal setting but still comfortable. Food reasonably priced for the situation (in 06 mains averaged $29) and lots of waiteresses to keep an eye on your needs.

Other published opinions

Brisbane Times Score: 13/20 "A five-minute walk along the water's edge from New Farm CityCat wharf, Watt is justifiably lauded as one of Brisbane's best alfresco settings"

Courier Mail food and wine guide Queensland 2008 Score: 13.5/20 "The unimpeded riverside setting makes Watt Modern Dining an attractive location for a restaurant. It particularly suits lazy weekend lunches and intimate dinners before the twinkling lights of houses on the far bank"

Courier Mail food and wine guide Queensland 2008 "It wouldn't matter what drinks were on offer here, it is all about the location"

Courier Mail food and wine guide Queensland 2008 Score: 13.5/20 "The unimpeded riverside setting makes Watt Modern Dining an attractive location for a restaurant. It particularly suits lazy weekend lunches and intimate dinners before the twinkling lights of houses on the far bank"

Courier Mail Lizzie Loel, 24-9-2007 "Now the kitchen is in the hands of chef Harley Ireland, a first-time head chef who hails from Adelaide where he spent six years as a sous chef at the Stamford Plaza. One area that remains unchanged is the location and, as such, the ambience. Watt enjoys a tranquil river-edge position, close enough to catch the breezes and to feel the presence of the various craft that use the waterway on a regular basis. A large covered outdoor space is the best place to take in the views and this is divided into two areas: one for the restaurant; the other, at the park end, for the cafe; and bar section called the Park Lounge. We dined on a lovely spring day, midweek, later than the usual rush hour, with only a smattering of other guests as company. The menu is uncluttered and interesting. As often happens, entrees all seem enticing."

Courier Mail Anooska Tucker-Evans, 15-7-2007 "The restaurant, in the Brisbane Powerhouse, has recently changed hands, with AIH (Australian International Hospitality) Group taking over.Chef Harley Ireland remains at the helm but when we arrived for an early Sunday breakfast the menu fell well short of my expectations. ... Perched on the bank of the Brisbane River at New Farm, it's a great spot to watch joggers hurry past on their morning run, or luxury boats cruise up and down. What would have made this sightseeing even better would be if the gas braziers were turned on around us, as we sat in the chilly shade."

Brisbane News Tony Harper, 26-9-2 Score: Food 8, Wine 7.5, Service 8, Ambience 8.5 "I was aware that Watt Modern Dining had changed hands, but I hadn't realised how much had actually changed. Tablecloths have moved in, the menu has undergone a fundamental revamp, and the whole experience has shifted a little towards fine dining. ... It's a picturesque location, and one that puts you in touch with the tranquillity and majesty of the river as few other restaurant locations can. It has a fairly substantial alfresco area and an indoors area"

Brisbane News Dining Out Guide 2007 "As the revamped Powerhouse enters a new era, Watt continues to offer its one-off style of riverside dining"

Gourmet Traveller 2007 Australian Restaurant Guide "Tucked into the ground floor of the old electricity power station, now a prominent arts venue, Watt enjoys sweeping views of the Brisbane River and access to the rose gardens of New Farm Park. Frank Correnti took over the stoves about a year ago, creating a varied menu that's more geared towards grazing as the indoor-outdoor feel of the place demands."

Courier-Mail GoodLife Restaurant Lizzie Loel 31/1/06 score Food: 15 Wine: 15 Service: 15 Ambience: 15 "SINCE opening about five years ago Watt Modern Dining on the ground floor of the Powerhouse Complex at New Farm, has been one of the best locations for lounging around and enjoying a casual drink by the river on a sultry afternoon."

Courier-Mail Good Life Restaurant Guide 2006 "ninterrupted views of the Brisbane River are a major drawcard at Watt, at the rear of the Brisbane Powerhouse. Much of the seating is outside but there is plenty of space inside also"

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide "In a city so suited to outdoor dining, Watt is the ultimate al fresco destination, spilling onto the low-set boardwalk on a lazy bend of the Brisbane River. It's a busy place, particularly on weekends"

Brisbane News Eating Out Guide 2006 "Take me to the river, for a view that's matched by an enticing menu. Executive chef Michael Muir combines flavours and textures that delight the tastebuds"

Brisbane News Natascha Mirosch score 7.5/10, 02/03/05 "Watt is a great place for lunch (or dinner for that matter). Down a path lined with almost head-height ornamental grasses, its outside tables offer river views as well as a fantastic voyeur's peek at the mansions across the water. "

Courier-Mail Goodlife Restaurant Guide 05 "Much of the seating is outside to take full advantage of this but there's also a charming and intimate space inside which lends itself to quiet moments or memorable gatherings."

Gourmet Traveller Australian Restaurant Guide 2005 "Watt, on the boardwalk in front of the recently restored Powerhouse arts venue, has one of the most beautiful outlooks of any Brisbane restaurant - across the Brisbane River to the Norman Park hills. On sunny weekends it is packed with diners from breakfast onwards."

Brisbane News Dining Out Guide 2004 "With New Farm Park on one side and the river on another, Watt captures the very best of alfresco Brisbane. The menu is a pleasure to read and executive chef Michael Muir is delivering great things."

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004,'Banquette-style seats afford views of the river through waist-deep windows and the open kitchen adds theatre to the large room. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are standard on the eclectic menu which takes the tastebuds on a journey through Asia, India, the Middle East and into the southern Mediterranean...breakfast is extremely popular-so book.'

Courier-Mail, Good Life, dining out, Lizzie Loel, 31/7/02. Score Food, Wine, Service 15/20, Ambience 16/20. "

Brisbane Times, Restaurants, Alison Cotes, 1/8/01

Brisbane News 2002 Eating Out Guide