August – A Refined Culinary Hideaway in West End
19 Dornoch Terrace, West End, QLD | Thu–Fri 5–10pm; Sat 11.30am–10pm; Sun 11.30am–4pm
Tucked away in a heritage-listed building on the hill at Dornoch Terrace, August is one of Brisbane’s most elegant yet understated dining experiences. With its contemporary European-inspired menu and refined atmosphere, August offers a dining experience that’s deliberate, precise, and quietly ambitious. For those who believe food should be an art form rather than a spectacle, this is your sanctuary.
The space is intimate, with soft lighting and warm timber accents, giving it an almost Parisian bistro-meets-Brisbane-home feel. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the leafy streetscape, and the setting sun casts a gentle glow across the well-curated interior. Service is measured and respectful—attentive without intrusion.
The menu is compact but deeply thoughtful, with a strong commitment to seasonal produce and nuanced flavour profiles. On our visit, the spanner crab toast with burnt citrus opened the meal with flair: light, fragrant, and balanced. The dry-aged duck breast, served with black garlic and stone fruits, was a standout—perfectly rendered skin and a deeply savoury jus that paid homage to traditional technique with a modern finish.
A side of heirloom carrots in miso butter deserves its own acclaim—humble in theory, but spectacular in delivery. For dessert, the lemon verbena granita with poached pear was a delicate palate cleanser, refreshing and aromatic.
Wine is a cornerstone of the experience at August. The wine list leans heavily toward minimal-intervention and boutique producers, both local and European. Staff are knowledgeable and keen to share the stories behind the bottles, elevating the pairing into an act of storytelling.
Prices are in line with the elevated standard: expect to pay around $100–$120 per head with wine, and it’s money well spent. This is not a restaurant that shouts for attention; instead, it hums confidently, knowing its identity and staying true to it.
Final Verdict:
August isn’t trying to be trendy—it’s trying to be timeless. And it’s succeeding. For couples, small groups, or anyone who wants to be reminded of what precise, soulful dining looks like, August is one of West End’s quiet triumphs.
