Brisbane’s most iconic view has a new flavour

The city’s most breathtaking backdrop has been reimagined as a world-class dining destination with the official opening of The Summit Restaurant – a multi-million-dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed venue at Mt Coot-tha, brought to life by Australian hospitality leaders Mantle Group.

Perched high above the Brisbane skyline and surrounded by natural bushland, The Summit Restaurant reintroduces the beloved mountaintop destination with three distinctive experiences: a refined dining room nestled within the heritage building, a vibrant brewpub-style public bar, and an expansive verandah offering panoramic views across Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay.

At the helm of the kitchen is hatted chef and Queensland hospitality heavyweight Kym Machin, renowned for his time at acclaimed Brisbane institution Urbane and celebrated for his bold, produce-driven style.

“When you’re standing at The Summit, you can see for miles – from the city to the bay and out to the hinterland – and we wanted the menu to reflect that sense of scale and beauty.

“In a destination as iconic as this, it’s essential that we celebrate and represent the growers, producers and communities who make Queensland so special. It’s not just about great food; it’s about creating a genuine connection to this land and the people who shape it.”

Showcasing Modern Australian cuisine with a distinctly Queensland heart, the menu embraces sustainability, locality and seasonality, with fresh produce sourced from across the state – including Elliott Heads spanner crab, Daintree barramundi and Longreach organic lamb – alongside ingredients grown on-site in The Summit’s own edible gardens and beehives.

The result is a menu that invites exploration and sharing, encouraging diners to journey through themed sections titled ‘Sea’, ‘Air’, ‘Land’, ‘Earth’ and ‘Garden’.

Highlights include Goldband Snapper with wild garlic and native ginger, roast duck smoked over paperbark, almond-fed pork with pickled apples, and pumpkin agnolotti with candied shoots.

Those who prefer to let the kitchen take the lead can choose from two chef-curated tasting menus ($79 and $99) providing a guided culinary experience.

For a more casual encounter, the Bar Share menu pairs perfectly with a drink and the view, featuring elevated bites like Rocky Point cobia with buttermilk dressing, goats cheese puffs, lamb tacos and beef and beetroot tartare.

The venue’s architectural transformation has been led by acclaimed Brisbane firm Hogg & Lamb, whose past projects include The Bathhouse in Albion, Babylon Brisbane and Lune Croissanterie.

The new fit-out draws inspiration from the site’s natural surrounds, blending heritage charm with contemporary elegance, from polished timber finishes to open-air outlooks that frame the spectacular views at every turn.

Mantle Group founder Godfrey Mantle said the opening of The Summit represents a major milestone for the group.

“But most importantly, it’s a place for the people of Brisbane. Our most important guests are our neighbours – the locals who walk up the mountain every day, who bring their families here on weekends, and who have made this place part of their lives. We wanted to create something that felt worthy of that loyalty.”

Mantle said delivering a truly exceptional experience begins with an exceptional team, describing the talent behind the restaurant’s relaunch as “an alignment of the stars”.

“It’s extraordinary to have Kym Machin leading the kitchen and Ammar Kassrawi managing the floor, both veterans of Queensland hospitality,” Mantle said.

“They share our belief that it’s never just about what’s on the plate. It’s about how guests are welcomed, how the room feels, the view, the detail, the generosity. That’s what creates unforgettable experiences.”

The opening of The Summit Restaurant marks the first step in Mantle Group’s broader vision for the Mt Coot-tha summit, which includes concepts for a two-level Pavilion venue, a boutique gin distillery and a cultural tourism experience that honours the mountain’s rich history and significance.

While still in the planning stage, Mantle said the group hopes to deliver the full transformation ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Our ambition is to make The Summit one of the most iconic destinations in Queensland – a place that captures the natural beauty, rich history and vibrant spirit of Brisbane,” Mantle said.

“The Summit Restaurant is just the beginning and we’re incredibly excited about what’s to come.”

The Summit Restaurant is open 7 days from 11am. For information and bookings, visit summitbrisbane.com.au  

Images by Markus Ravik