The Mosconi Team Open An All-Day European Bistro Next Door Going Back To Basics

Since day one, Mosconi has been Arthur Street’s slice of Europe with its elegant pasta and charming interiors. And now the team are extending their reign, opening a neighbourhood bistro next door for your morning espresso at the breakfast bar and home-style lunches made to satisfy. 

Think of Bistro Tino (which means little or junior in Italian) as the pared-back version of Mosconi that can become a pitstop in your daily ritual. “It will be simple and social with an air of conviviality that will set you up for the rest of the day,” said owner Mark Rotolone. “At its core, Tino is about getting back to basics. The food will be European at heart with dishes that people genuinely want to eat.” 

Image credit: Bistro Tino | Jessie Prince

Alfie Cutler helms the kitchen, under the director of Mosconi Head Chef, Catherine Anders. The all-day menu captures the warmth of European home-style cooking with the likes of potato and zucchini frittata with blue swimmer crab and creme fraiche or Abruzzese ham with house pickles, soft egg, Comté and seeded bread. On the sweeter side there’s fried brioche with honey ricotta and balsamic strawberries, then from midday the menu leans heartier with simmered pastina minestrone and refreshing panzanella with yesterday’s bread (as is tradition), cucumber, and tomato vinaigrette. 

“It is about simple: seasonal, ingredient-led dishes that can be enjoyed at any time of day.” said Cutler. “Nostalgia also plays a big role. I want things to feel familiar and comforting. More than anything, we want to offer Brisbane an alternative to the avocado toasts and eggs benedict that have become so common.” 

Image credit: Bistro Tino | Jessie Prince

Similarly, the interiors will be a nod to the past with vinyl speakers and a warmth that complements the character of the building with its curved ceilings and pint size. There’s a handmade Tasmanian oak bar accented by bronzed brass details and rich ochre leather across the banquette seating. Classic clotted cream hues meet nostalgic mission brown frames, stained wood finishes and herringbone parquetry. And the building’s facade brings natural light through the louvred windows with seating for 20 inside, 25 alfresco and a private dining space on the upper level which will be open by spring.

Image credit: Bistro Tino | Jessie Prince

“Tino is a locale that has the energy of a social club but draws on the same honest approach to hospitality that has made Mosconi and local go-to spot—a place for the community to feel looked after, with quality seasonal fare and reliable welcoming service made for locals (and their dogs),” said Rotolone.

Image credit: Bistro Tino | Jessie Prince

Bistro Tino is now open daily from 6:30am to 2:30pm, with plans to extend trading into the evening come spring.