Dexus fills Matt Moran’s Aria dining space at Eagle Street Pier
Fusion restaurant Rico Bar & Dining will move into the Brisbane premises recently vacated by Matt Moran’s Aria bar.
Rico Bar & Dining expects to be trading within the Eagle Street Pier restaurant precinct (pictured, top) in October, following a flash fit-out.
Eagle Street Pier is owned by Dexus and Dexus Wholesale Property Fund. Dexus is also the manager.
The precinct is one of Brisbane’s most activated dining destinations with more than 15 restaurants trading seven days.
It is popular with tourists, accessible via ferry, and has postcard views over the illuminated Story Bridge..
“Eagle Street Pier continues to evolve to meet the needs of the marketplace, and Rico Bar & Dining will be a great addition to the quality range of dining venues on offer,” Dexus head of Retail Leasing, Eddie Giraldo, said.
Rico Bar and Dining will combine Australian, Spanish and Latin flavours delivered via a la carte, banquet and tapas menus.
Owner Michael Tassis said he will draw on 25 years of experience, which includes running the Georges Paragon Restaurant.
“’Rico’ means delicious and tasty in Spanish and anything Spanish delivers passion and theatre, something we plan to bring to this new dining experience for Brisbane to enjoy,” Mr Tassis said.
The menu, he added, would appeal to CBD workers, residents and tourists.
Mr Tassis has appointed Clui Design – which penned the interiors of the Massimo Restaurant and Bar, for its new Eagle Street Pier space.
Cha Cha Char, Il Centro Restaurant and Bar, Pony Dining, Jade Buddha, Sake – which is controlled by the Rockpool Dining Group – and The Bavarian are other Eagle Street Pier eateries.
The Rico lease comes two months after celebrity chef Matt Moran (pictured, right) served the last meal at Aria Brisbane, an outpost to a Sydney restaurant.
Eagle Street Pier is subject to a $1.4 billion redevelopment proposal which will add two skyscrapers and a commercial space.
