If you haven’t heard of Deer Duck Bistro, well, it’s understandable. Tucked away in the quiet ‘burb of Auchenflower, it’s been flying under the radar for a few years now, quietly dishing up some of the most impressive feeds in town from an unremarkable corner on Milton Road. But we’re here to tell you that you definitely need to check it out—and preferably soon, so you can sample their brand new degustation menu.
Don’t let outward appearances fool you when you manage to find the place—hidden behind the dinky facade is a warren of cosy dining rooms filled with old-world glamour. Antique furnishings, moody lighting and intimate corners for romantic interludes make for one hell of a date night spot, and there’s even a separate bar area for pre- or post-dinner sips. Or just a cheeky midweek cocktail for locals, because why wouldn’t you?
Ok, so the food. We’re not fibbing when we say this spot dishes up some of the most inspired fine-dining fare in Brisbane—it’s a meal you’ll be telling everyone you know about for years to come. A signature dish is almost always—you guessed it—a duck dish, but even that changes with the season.
There is an a la carte menu if you’re the OCD type who likes to be in control, but the best way to dine here is to opt for the five-course, short or long degustation. The five-course menu will set you back $105 and starts with an amuse bouche, before moving on to the likes of ricotta and beef cheek-filled ravioli, and sous-vide and roasted pork belly with Asian spices, sweet potato and Ethiopian shiro, and finishing off with a dessert of passionfruit curd, crumble and bee pollen. Hoo boy.
If you’re ready for something really special, the $165 long course degustation is where it’s at (there’s a vegetarian version too). No less than nine courses, it includes all the above, plus a few extras, not least of which is the second dessert. Yes, you get two desserts. What more could you want?
Got any room left? Make a stop for a post-dinner cocktail in the lounge—there’s no way you can turn down The G.O.A.T., with thyme and goats cheese-infused gin, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, elderflower, citrus and a spiced rim served with a smoke bubble.
There’s not much left to mention other than the fact that you need to get yourself to Deer Duck Bistro stat, so find a date, put your fancy pants on and prepare to feast.
Image credit: Deer Duck Bistro | Supplied