Brace for bold flavours, a seafood-heavy menu, and refined but comfortable interiors as Rico, the newest venue by Michael Tassis of the iconic George’s Paragon, opens on Friday, October 11.
Blending classic Spanish and Latin ingredients and dishes with Eagle Street Pier-standard Aussie produce, Rico is set to be a new kind of dining for the riverside hotspot, aiming to be a more modern and affordable venue than its competitors and predecessor, Matt Moran’s Aria.
With an open, breezy interior accented with salmon pink banquettes, touches of greenery, and luxe bronze elements, Rico might be modern, but the team certainly hasn’t shrimped on quality.
When it comes to the important part (eating, duh) Rico’s extensive menu is split into an approachable selection of smaller plates (picadas, pintxos, raw (including ceviche and six oyster options), tapas), and mains and sides (ensaladas, paella, raciones, steaks and seafood).
Unmissable dishes include the signature pintxo of Moreton Bay bugs on brioche with lettuce, lime and chilli aioli, fried beef cheek empanadas, seafood paella, and chargrilled marron with a saffron beurre blanc.
It wouldn’t be a Spanish feast without a few drinks, and Rico’s bar menu certainly delivers with expected flair; house cocktails include El diablo dulce with Tequila Ocho Reposado, Licor 43, blood orange, bitters and Tabasco. Wine-wise, the white list is dominated by Australian and New Zealand drops, while the reds (naturally) are largely Spanish and Argentinean, with a solid selection of Iberian fortifieds to finish.
As well as three top-value banquet menus, an hora feliz (happy hour, for the uninitiated) is sure to keep things affordable.
With the perfect combo of menus, interior and location, Rico is looking hotter than a paella pan (and we can’t wait to take a bite).
