E'cco Bistro - Brisbane

E'cco Bistro has all the components of a great restaurant for me. Grown up and confident but not too showy, and a menu that's bold without being too trendy normally have my fingers hovering over the 4.5 mark. Sadly, E'cco fell short on a recent visit. Service and setting, done well, have the ability to make a decent meal memorable, and this is really where my gripes lie. We arrived on time and walked in to the good looking room. There's no reception table so we stood while someone rushing past said hello and that somebody would be with us shortly. After two or three more people did exactly the same thing the manager eventually connected with us and we checked in. We were asked if we were happy to have a seat at the bar while our table was being prepared. The woman tending bar was fantastic as was the glass of Gruner Veltliner served. We then saw two people walk in and get shown straight to "our" table. I don't think this was a deliberate... read more

E'cco Bistro has all the components of a great restaurant for me. Grown up and confident but not too showy, and a menu that's bold without being too trendy normally have my fingers hovering over the 4.5 mark. Sadly, E'cco fell short on a recent visit. Service and setting, done well, have the ability to make a decent meal memorable, and this is really where my gripes lie. We arrived on time and walked in to the good looking room. There's no reception table so we stood while someone rushing past said hello and that somebody would be with us shortly. After two or three more people did exactly the same thing the manager eventually connected with us and we checked in. We were asked if we were happy to have a seat at the bar while our table was being prepared. The woman tending bar was fantastic as was the glass of Gruner Veltliner served. We then saw two people walk in and get shown straight to "our" table. I don't think this was a deliberate slight but there was definitely a whiff of distraction amongst the floor team. After another wait the manager then showed us to another table, one that had been empty the whole time. We were in the bar section which definitely feels like being in the afterthought section of the room. Our waiter was professional but perfunctory. Everything was done correctly but there was no engagement or warmth. It felt a little like being cogs in a machine. The staff were all busy being very busy but the customer was merely an extra rather than part of the main cast. Our waiter asked us if we were there celebrating a special occasion. No I said. Just as I had done when making the reservation initially, and again when confirming the reservation that very day. Why ask if no one listens? Food was good however. The entree of pork belly was delicious as it had that soft and crispy, savoury and sweet mix that pork belly done right can deliver. My companions octopus looked great on the plate, a single piece, and tasted good. Mains of barramundi and lamb were decent but not standout - the lamb was slightly under and the fish had a sauce that seemed somewhat heavy. We shared a very good cheese plate although another side plate and knife might have been considerate. Overall I wanted to love E'cco but couldn't. Service wasn't bad exactly, but the feeling that the staff are on autopilot marred what should have been a better experience.

I've been to Ecco bistro a few times over the past 7 years and it never disappoints. The flavours have taken a slightly Middle eastern twist since my first. Within my party of 4 we had perfectly cooked barramundi with crispy skin and tender steak and slow cooked beef. Everyone enjoyed the meals and the dessert was yummy too! Everything on the menu sounds delicious it's hard to chose! One of my favourites in brissy cbd

We picked the 3 course menu and were very happy. Pork belly entree, beef main and custard tart for dessert. Kids meal chips were surprisingly delicious! Small place so service from staff not an issue.

Been waiting years to dine at ecco finally had the chance last night with my son the young lady(anne) that looked after us was outstanding the food was amazing highlights were everything we ate and had to drink Well done ecco awesome night