Bar Rocco

At 131 Leicester Street in Coorparoo, embracing Italian-style neighbourhood joints keeps working a charm. First came Ramona Trattoria, which gave the area an inexpensive and casual restaurant featuring traditional meals. After that eatery proved a hit, chef and owner Ashley-Maree Kent launched sibling spot Bar Rocco, an osteria that's all about pairing drinks with bites — Italian cocktails, wines and beers for the former, and shareable snacks for the latter.

It too is born of Kent's enthusiasm for Italy's culinary offerings. Seating 40, Bar Rocco's wine list and cocktail options are reason enough to stop by; however, so is the Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired food. Matching its eats and drinks perfectly is one of the venue's key aims, whether you're enjoying burrata with oxheart tomatoes and wood-roasted peach, barbecue swordfish, a gluten-free torte made with Italian dark chocolate, or prawn or flatbread dishes.

The community vibe that's such a significant part of its big sister is also a driving factor at bar Rocco, especially in the al fresco area surrounded by greenery — and featuring street views.

Kent's latest venture comes after she set up Roma Trattoria in Coorparoo fresh from Coolangatta's Cross-Eyed Mary, and joins a resume that also boasts time at everywhere from Quay, Three Blue Ducks and Biota through to Tartine Bakery and Paper Daisy.