Chef Josue Lopez heads Goma restaurant which is awarded one chef’s hat. The restaurant uses seasonal, organic, local, fresh produce whenever possible. On the 2nd storey of Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, the restaurant shares similar opening hours with the museum (free admission), so it is mostly open for lunch. For lunch, the restaurant serves 2-course (A$50), 3-course (A$60), or 7-course degustation (A$75).

We had been eating, and eating throughout our trip, and by this time, we were stuffed. William wanted the 2-course; and full as I was, I thought I should take the degustation menu because it was only A$20 more expensive.

The server returned to us, saying that the chef usually accommodated people on the same table having different orders, but the chef was swamped that day, so he would prefer our table to have similar orders. So I forced William to take the degustation too.

The 7-course degustation took a long time to come, but food was innovative, and perhaps the most delicious in Brisbane. Started with a nicely wagyu bresaola and egg yolk pearls with explosive flavors, then a pea risotto, which tasted “green,” distinctive, and strangely delectable despite my dislike for peas.

A sweet Moreton bay bug in butter and saffron broth was followed by a nice emu loin on native spiced black pudding. But the wagyu steak (above) was too tough.

Like a demolished building, the grilled cheese (above) was fantastic, paired perfectly with charcoal meringue and aerated quince. The chocolate mousse (below), which Obama loved, tasted only ok, but was so gorgeous with its aboriginal art. 

The restaurant was the best fine-dining we had in Brisbane. Food was delicious, original, and affordable. We spent A$150 for two persons. Worth a visit.

Goma Restaurant Brisbane

Stanley Place, Cultural Precinct
South Bank, Brisbane
Queensland 4101, Australia
+61 7 3842 9916
online reservation
W-Sun 12-3pm, F 5.30-10pm
Rating: 4/5

Written by A. Nathanael Ho.