New Firma Italian opens at Emporium South Bank

The new FIRMA restaurant is set to bring a sun-drenched slice of the Mediterranean lifestyle to Emporium Hotel South Bank when it opens next month.

FIRMA will offer an authentic Italian experience paired with Australian-exclusive Italian wines alongside signature dishes crafted with love by an Italian chef Alba Rizzo.

FIRMA (“signature” in Italian) offers freshly sourced, flavourful local ingredients in appealing, authentic and inclusive Italian dishes that are big on comfort and taste as well as welcoming differing dietary requirements.

With an emphasis on authenticity and quality, Lombardian Rizzo has sourced the finest seafood and seasonal produce from Queensland providores, plus a specialist rice grain for her silky, rich Lombard risottos. She will also utilise a European hot stone cooking method for perfect steaks.

“It’s simple, done well,” Rizzo said. “FIRMA offers simple cooking with delicious, rich flavours that reflect Lombard signatures, such as risotto Milanese, slow-cooked ossobuco, pork agnolotti and soft polenta, and celebrate seasonal ingredients and local culture.

“The agnolotti and ossobuco are part of my heritage and I’m proud to share a piece of my homeland for diners to experience at FIRMA.”

Diners are also offered $60 and $120 set shared menus, plus a special Nonna’s Table setting in a private 12-seat dining room that is ideal for families and get-togethers.

FIRMA will also feature a tiramisu dessert trolley recreating the Italian dessert of coffee-soaked sponge, whipped mascarpone cream and shaved chocolate curls tableside for two ($30) plus a martini and negroni trolley along with a carefully curated selection of Italian wines.

Sourced directly from the vineyards, guests can savour top Italian DOCG and DOC drops from Piedmont and Tuscany such as Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino, Brandini Barolo and Giacosa Fratelli reds and Arneis and Vermentino whites, available by the glass or bottle.

Rizzo believes Italian cuisine appeals to Australians as a universal comfort food due to the delicious flavours, variety of moreish dishes and cultural infusion.

“Success to me is when guests come into FIRMA Italian restaurant to dine and leave satisfied and happy,” she said. “My hope is for Brisbane diners to experience a real, traditional style of Italian cuisine at FIRMA that transports their minds to Italy.”