A new chapter in Brisbane’s rooftop dining scene has arrived at Ovolo The Valley, where an intimate new bar called Above is giving locals a taste of the Mediterranean sky.
A Fresh Space for Brisbane Nights
Perched on the hotel’s seventh-floor terrace in Fortitude Valley, the venue blends relaxed poolside charm with refined Middle Eastern-inspired flavours, marking a fresh addition to the city’s growing love for elevated, open-air experiences.
Opened in late October 2025, Above transformed the hotel’s former pool and gym into a 60-seat rooftop venue for up to 120 guests. Designed by BSPN Architecture, it features rattan furniture, stone textures, greenery, and soft lighting. The open terrace overlooks Wickham Street and the Brisbane skyline, offering a calm escape in the city’s centre. By night, it shifts from a relaxed lounge to a lively spot with live entertainment four nights a week.
From Beirut to Brisbane: A Menu of Shared Flavours
The food is led by celebrated consulting chef Justin North and head chef Kya Knights. Their menu draws inspiration from both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines while keeping it light and shareable.
Dishes include spiced lamb koftas, charred prawns with toum, burrata with sumac dukkah, and halloumi sliders paired with za’atar fries. The focus is on blending coastal freshness with bold, aromatic flavours suited to Brisbane’s subtropical evenings.
North’s long partnership with Ovolo brings consistency to the venue’s broader dining philosophy, which often leans into global comfort food served in relaxed yet design-driven environments. The menu at Above continues that approach, offering a small but carefully balanced range meant for easy sharing among friends.
Cocktails With Local Character
The drinks list was curated by award-winning bartender Jake Down, known for his inventive approach to classic cocktails. His menu features both traditional favourites and new creations inspired by Levantine ingredients such as pistachio, saffron, rose water, lemon myrtle, and desert lime. Signatures include the Mirage, a refreshing mix of Belvedere vodka, passionfruit, rose water, and desert lime soda.
A concise wine list of 30 bottles complements the cocktail offerings, with most available by the glass. Beer lovers can choose from Balter XPA and Asahi on tap. The bar also offers frozen Negronis and Margaritas, adding a playful edge to the warm-weather experience.
A Community Spot With Flexible Style
Ovolo The Valley’s rooftop bar is designed to fit Brisbane’s casual but stylish rhythm. Its dress code welcomes everything from pool attire to evening wear, encouraging guests to drop by straight from work or after a day in the city. The venue operates Wednesday to Sunday, with longer hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
By replacing the old pool facilities with a vibrant social space, the hotel has created more than a bar. It has added a new local hangout where residents, hotel guests, and weekend visitors can meet for sunset drinks, shared plates, and music above the Valley’s lively streets.
Published 31-October-2025
