Restaurant Dan Arnold

Dan Arnold’s credentials are intimidating. During an extended stint in France, the Brisbane native spent a year under renowned chef Marc Meneau at L’Espérance – a three-Michelin-star restaurant at the time – followed by six at two-Michelin-starred Serge Vieira. Arnold also won bronze at the 2016 Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific competition and came eighth at the Bocuse d’Or World Final in 2017.

But when he returned to Brisbane in 2018, it wasn’t just a chance to focus on family. It also presented an opportunity for he and his wife Amelie Arnold to open their own contemporary fine diner, which they unveiled beneath the Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments on Ann Street in July that year.

The restaurant’s interior hasn’t changed too much from its days as Delfina’s Bistro. The space is modern and contemporary with open glass windows and an open kitchen. The fit-out was the main reason why Arnold was drawn to the space in the first place.

The menu changes frequently – Arnold says returning diners will never eat the same dish twice. He’s backing that claim by offering three, five and seven-course set menus. At the time of opening, the three-course menu featured a flank steak with roasted celeriac, horseradish sauce and potato “Lorette”. The five-course menu featured grilled pacific oyster with cucumber, radishes and tarragon meringue, and a charcoal duck breast with braised leg, pumpkin and baby leek.

Amuse-bouches and bread and butter are complimentary with both set menus, and diners are given the option to add a cheese course. Wine matching is also available for each menu.