We’ve been dying to get a sneak peek inside the new GPO precinct and it’s finally time… at least for two of the precinct’s new venues TAMA and The Gatsby.
Back in August 2022, Artesian Hospitality announced they were taking over the beloved Brisbane heritage listed building in Fortitude Valley and giving it a schmick $9-million makeover and restoration.
And now, as of July 8, you can finally get a glimpse of at least some of what they’ve been working on. Welcome to the Brisbane dining scene TAMA, a truly elegant restaurant spanning two levels and exuding a relaxed yet luxurious vibe.
Local produce is king at TAMA, with a daily changing menu that promises freshness and quality on both protein and produce. The best suppliers across Queensland and the nation have been carefully selected to ensure diners receive flavours and culinary moments not experienced elsewhere in Brisbane.
Executive Chef Richard Ousby said TAMA has a diverse menu that’s grounded by the mantra of excellent flavour and taste, using only the best produce. “TAMA will be a place for everyone, no matter the occasion or your dining style. Come in for a bowl of pasta, share a few plates with friends or opt for the full seven-course dinner with matched wines; no matter what you choose it will be produce-driven dishes done exceptionally,” Richard says.
“We’ve taken advantage of our long-standing relationships with talented suppliers in the Scenic Rim, Darling Downs, Granite Belt and North Queensland, partnering with places like Fifth Acre Farm for seasonal vegetables, Little Acre Mushrooms for unique varieties and Schultz Family Farm for our pork.
“To complement this, our proteins are from the top partners, including hand dived scallops from Western Australia, line caught reef fish from Far North Queensland, the best Aussie Tuna from Mooloolaba and exclusive access to previously export-only Queensland wagyu beef,” he says.
Menu highlights include a grass-fed Tomahawk steak cooked over fire in TAMA’s Josper oven, infusing the dish with smoky tones of the embers to create an unrivaled depth of flavor. A delicate beetroot salad is another highlight—a true labour of love, the vegetables from Valley Pride Produce are cooked and plated in several different ways, including slow cooking, pickling and fresh cuts to create a stunning dish mixing sweet and sour with different textures.
TAMA’s Parisian-jarred caviar and table-side artisan cheese service will also be a standout, catering to those looking for a touch of opulence. Ousby and team tested over 20 different types of caviar to find something truly unique and delicious, served with a selection of condiments for blinis.
Finding a champagne to pair with your caviar will be a task made easy by the venue’s status as the premier home of Dom Pérignon in Queensland—a testament to the strong relationship as a priority international partner with Moët Hennessy, granting the venue access to a collection of exclusive and rare Dom Pérignon cuvées.
We can’t wait to make a booking and experience some of the best Brisbane has to offer with what is sure to be a new jewel in Brisbane’s dining crown.
TAMA, GPO Precinct, 740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, (07) 3184 6745
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.
