Attimi by Dario Manca

Attimi by Dario Manca brings Italian-inspired contemporary fine dining to Paddington, Brisbane. The restaurant offers two full degustation experiences, a shorter menu designed as a more relaxed introduction, and an à la carte option. Rather than focusing only on familiar Italian staples, the menus explore the breadth of Italian cooking through different regional influences, techniques and cultural stories.

The eight-dish Giro d’Italia degustation is arranged across five courses, with each dish drawing on Italian history and the flavours of the country’s islands and northern regions. Oltre is the more expansive choice: 12 dishes across seven courses, shaped by Dario Manca’s experience in Michelin kitchens in the UK and Europe, as well as his career in Australia. For a less formal experience, La Dolce Vita combines two snacks, a choice of two main courses, homemade focaccia with cultured butter, and dessert. It is positioned by the restaurant as a suitable option for a business lunch, a meal before a show or a first taste of the Attimi style.

The à la carte menu is available at all sittings and includes snacks, entrees, pastas, main courses and desserts, although Friday and Saturday evening à la carte tables are limited. The restaurant also provides menus for vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free and coeliac guests. Some requirements may need to be checked in advance, particularly for the Oltre menu, which has limits around vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free dining. A refined drinks list includes just over 100 wines, predominantly from Italy, France, Australia and New Zealand, with options by the glass and bottle, alongside cocktails, house-created drinks, Italian soft drinks, amaro and non-alcoholic choices.

The venue describes its space as quirky, elegant and filled with plants, with footpath dining also available. Attimi’s name means “moments” in Italian, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on creating a memorable, story-led experience. Founder and head chef Dario grew up in Omegna in northern Italy and began his professional path with an internship at two-Michelin-starred Villa Crespi. His later roles included La Contrada by Gordon Ramsay, Met Restaurant and Apsley’s by Heinz Beck, followed by senior positions in Sydney and Brisbane. Attimi suits diners looking for a considered date-night or special-occasion meal, as well as groups: private and small-function packages cater for seven to 38 diners across lunch and dinner.