Moda, Brisbane City

Twinkling lights in it's fairytale courtyard reminded me of the most enjoyable recent launch of Javier Codina’s Moda.

Javiar has put his own stamp on what was formerly known as Gianni’s in the Botanic Gardens end of Edward Street, right opposite the newly opened Moo Moo Bar at the Port Office, to create a more relaxed dining space that takes full advantage of the position.

There was an astounding variety of superb canapés including tender quail legs in pastry and perfectly simple prawn, jamon and caviar skewers. But it was the large leg of jamon carved before our eyes and wheels of luscious cheese and Moda’s own house made ciabatta that caught my partner, Special K’s eye – and he was right, so simple and delicious.

The garden courtyard has been refreshed to create a lovely casual atmosphere where you can enjoy simple dishes where the produce speaks for itself. The Mezzanine area retains its relaxed corporate atmosphere alongside the wine cellar.

A native of Barcelona, Javier’s distinctive, innovative dishes capture the essence of his cultural influences - Catalan, French and Italian - meshed with his professional expertise in some of the world’s great restaurants.

Javier was particularly passionate about the Paella Fridays: “I have to tell you about Paella…if you come to Moda on Friday, I will make you Paella the way I make it!” Only for Friday lunch though, or by appointment if you order the previous day.

The menu also features adobo marinade meats - baked in fresh clay – that seals in flavour and moisture, resulting in the most tender and aromatic meat, currently a rack of lamb to share.

Sourcing the freshest local produce is crucial to Moda’s commitment to quality, so Javier personally visits the markets most mornings before daylight to select ingredients to fuel his daily inspiration for the lunchtime Moda Market Menu.

The Moda Market Menu offers a choice of two courses for $35 per person from a selection of three entrees, three mains and two desserts and a glass of wine.

Moda, 12 Edward Street, Brisbane +61 7 3221 7655