Tucked into the leafy streets of Newstead, Monal Dining feels like the kind of place you almost want to keep to yourself — a little secret you quietly brag about once your friends finally discover it.
The first thing that strikes you is the atmosphere. Out front, there’s a small garden patio strung with fairy lights that glow softly as the sun dips, creating that rare kind of magic that makes you instantly relax your shoulders and lean into the evening. It feels intimate without being cramped, stylish without feeling showy. Step inside and the mood deepens with low lighting and elegant finishes — the kind of space that makes you sit a little taller and settle in for something special. Not stuffy fine dining, but the kind that feels personal — a neighbourhood spot that just happens to be exceptionally good at what it does.
We began with the snacks menu, and my companion ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare perched on a fried potato with bottarga. I don’t eat seafood myself, but honestly, I didn’t need to. The look on her face after that first bite said everything. That silent, wide-eyed pause? The universal signal that something is very, very good.
For me, the Wagyu intercostal skewer with smoked labneh and fig leaf oil delivered exactly the kind of indulgence you hope for when you see wagyu on a menu. The meat was deeply flavoured: smoky, tender, and rich. The sauces layered in tang and sweetness that lifted every bite; it was beautifully balanced.
Moving into the small plates, the pulled lamb pastry arrived like a golden little gift — empanada-style parcels filled with tender, flavourful meat and lifted by a fermented chilli mayo that added just the right amount of bite. Then came the pork dumplings, and I genuinely paused to admire the plate before digging in. Easily one of the most stylishly presented dishes I’ve seen in a while. But it wasn’t just pretty — the hemp seed sauce gave it a creamy depth, and the chilli oil brought a kick that lingered deliciously.
By the time the mains arrived, the kitchen had already earned our trust — but they somehow still managed to raise the bar.
The lemon molasses glazed Elgin Valley chicken came swimming in a fragrant curry sauce that felt generous and comforting without losing its elegance. The citrus notes threaded through the spices beautifully, creating a dish that was bold but still light and refined.
But the standout (the one I kept going back to for “just one more bite”) was the duck breast with smoked onion soubise and orange teriyaki. This was THE MOMENT. Perfectly cooked duck, tender and rich, paired with an elegant mix of smoky depth and bright citrus zest. It felt delicate and bold at the same time and I can’t wait to go back and have it again.
The sides were far from afterthoughts. The mash potato was silky smooth, but what really made it memorable were the crispy skins perched on top — thicker than standard crisps, delivering a deeply satisfying crunch against the creamy mash. The grilled cabbage with dan dan sauce and furikake brought that irresistible umami hit — savoury, nutty, and just sharp enough to cut through the richness of the mains.
By this point, we were full. Comfortably, blissfully full. Dessert was not part of the plan. Except, of course, it became part of the plan.
We were convinced by the staff that skipping dessert would be a mistake. At first, we negotiated down to one: a dark chocolate mousse. But then came the strong recommendation: the fried bread and butter pudding was a to-die-for “must-try”, the kind of dish that earns the most dramatic of foodie language. We relented. Twist my arm.
And the staff were absolutely right.
The dark chocolate mousse delivered that beautiful bitter edge you only get from proper dark chocolate, balanced by a hint of salt that sharpened the sweetness into something more sophisticated than just indulgent.
But the fried bread and butter pudding? That was the showstopper. Crisp on the outside, coated in cinnamon sugar, it tasted like the most luxurious doughnut imaginable — golden and crunchy — giving way to a silky custard that felt almost impossibly smooth. I took a bite, I paused to look at my friend who had the same “oh my god” look on her face. This. Was. Heaven. Suddenly we had room for both desserts, down to the very last bite.
By the end of the night, one thing was clear: Monal isn’t just another nice restaurant — it’s a true gem. Fine dining that somehow feels at home in a neighbourhood setting, polished but welcoming, thoughtful without feeling precious. Every dish felt considered, every flavour intentional, and each course built naturally on the one before it.
It’s the kind of place you recommend with confidence — and maybe just a hint of possessiveness — because once people discover it, it won’t stay a secret for long.
Monal Dining, 48 Skyring Terrace, Newstead. p. 0435 882 342,
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
