Ombra Italian - Handmade Pasta - Chermside

Name: Ombra Italian - Handmade Pasta - Chermside
Address: 590 Gympie Road, Brisbane, QLD, 4032, AU
Telephone: +61 499 211 444
Price range: $

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Ombra Italian - Handmade Pasta - Chermside

Located in Newstead, Ombra Italian offers a delectable dining experience with handmade pasta using the freshest ingredients by a local chef. Visit their restaurant on Waterloo Street for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine made with love.

Recent social media posts

09/09/2026

Soooo, I frequently brag that I have the best customers ever, but a lot of you seem to genuinely want to learn a little more about the pasta I make.

So here’s an Ombra in 60-ish overview of one of the dishes on our upcoming menu: **Casarecce alla peperonata** - or peperonata pasta :P

---

Like most things Italian, a dish can change slightly from one village or region to another, and peperonata is one of those dishes.

At its heart, peperonata is made from capsicums slowly cooked with tomato, onion, garlic and olive oil until everything becomes rich and silky. Ours gets a fiery little kick from chilli, balanced with capers, an amazing pangrattato crumb... oh, and a #@$ #% # tonne of fresh basil.

Now, I deviate from tradition slightly with two additions.

The first is the pangrattato, which is essentially toasted breadcrumbs, sometimes flavoured with herbs, garlic, olive oil or chilli. I added it because I wanted to change the texture of the dish: it gives you little pockets of extra flavour and crunch in the first few bites, before blending into the sauce and thickening it as you eat.

The second change is a drizzle of our house-made apple balsamic. I love balsamic, and its sweetness helps balance the chilli, while the fruit and grape flavours add a little more depth.

Neither change is staggering - just a couple of small, quality-of-life adjustments I was testing while searching for the flavour profile I wanted.

As for the pasta, there isn’t one traditional shape used for this dish, so I’m currently tossing up between casarecce and rigatoni.

Casarecce has a unique rolled, scroll-like shape with a central groove that holds chunky sauces, pesto and vegetable ragù really well. Rigatoni, on the other hand, is brilliant with chunky stews and vegetables.

Decisions, decisions...

07/09/2026

Hello, Beautiful People.

New week, same geek, as they say, and I am a gaming fan at heart.

Testing out some new pasta; this time we have handmade cappelletti (like tortellini), stuffed with a citrus and herb ricotta, a Basil and Provolone cream sauce and torn Serrano Ham. I was going for something light and spring/summer coded.

Quick update to start the week.

1. Mondays to Wednesdays are usually pretty chill, so I'd love to see more of you guys popping in :P

2. We'll be taking bookings for groups and events in the lead-up to Christmas.

3. I'll be putting together a proper catering menu

Anyways, thanks for the support, and hurry up and order your dinner.

Thanks for making us your #1

Ombra Italian - Chermside.
🎉Finalist RCA "Best New Restaurant - Brisbane 2026"
📆Walk-in only (we can't take reservations).
⌚️10am - 1pm Friday / 11am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday
⌚️5pm - 8pm (every night)
📍 590 Gympie Road, Chermside.
⛪️ We're an independent pasta venue on the side of the CKCC.
🚗 Heaps of Parking.
🐾 Dog-friendly.
🍾 BYO (we use tumblers)

06/09/2026

Happy Father's Day!!

I hope its a great day hanging out with the fam, a small reward for all the hard work you put in, day in, and day out.

If you need a place to relax and unwind, come and try some of Brisbanes best pasta.

We're open today for both lunch and dinner.

Thanks for being awesome.

Ombra Italian - Chermside.
🎉Finalist RCA "Best New Restaurant - Brisbane 2026"
📆Walk-in only (we can't take reservations).
⌚️10am - 1pm Friday / 11am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday
⌚️5pm - 8pm (every night)
📍 590 Gympie Road, Chermside.
⛪️ We're an independent pasta venue on the side of the CKCC.
🚗 Heaps of Parking.
🐾 Dog-friendly.
🍾 BYO (we use tumblers)

05/09/2026

Apparently, 500,000 people will attend Riverfire.....

Soooo sounds like a chill night at Ombra for the ones that aren't 😁

I also have a heap of wild mushrooms, so maybe I'll do a special around those.

See you guys tonight.

Thanks for making us your #1

Ombra Italian - Chermside.
🎉Finalist RCA "Best New Restaurant - Brisbane 2026"
📆Walk-in only (we can't take reservations).
⌚️10am - 1pm Friday / 11am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday
⌚️5pm - 8pm (every night)
📍 590 Gympie Road, Chermside.
⛪️ We're an independent pasta venue on the side of the CKCC.
🚗 Heaps of Parking.
🐾 Dog-friendly.
🍾 BYO (we use tumblers)

04/09/2026

Ombra in 60…ish
A behind-the-scenes spiel you can read in 60-ish seconds. Probably.
__________________

Not gonna lie, the last couple of weeks have been a little crazy. We’ve changed the venue, staffing, trading hours and now the menu, so I thought I’d take you behind the scenes of how I’m putting the new menu together.

In hospo, we call it “menu engineering”, which is really just a fancy way of saying: how do I make great food at a price people can still afford, without making service an absolute nightmare?

Taste, quality and creativity are a given. But with everyone’s money stretching a little less at the moment, one of my biggest priorities was keeping our prices around the same point instead of simply passing every rising cost on to you.

That meant looking for dishes built around a smaller number of good-quality core ingredients, then using those ingredients in different ways across the menu. Less waste, smarter prep and better value without compromising the food.

I eventually settled on Campania in southern Italy. The region is home to some absolute behemoths of Italian cooking, including Naples and Gragnano, and gives me everything from seafood and bright coastal flavours to tomatoes, vegetables, cheeses and hearty inland cooking.

Then there’s the practical side.

Because I make almost everything fresh and by hand, every dish needs to be broken down into a few simple, repeatable steps. Most nights, complicated dishes are manageable. But when twenty people walk through the door at once… well… suddenly every unnecessary step becomes very necessary chaos.

Ombra has a small menu, which means I only need to change a few dishes at a time.

But it also means there’s nowhere for an average dish to hide.

Every new dish needs to bring something different to the menu, make sense financially, work during a busy service and, most importantly, be something people actually want to come back and eat again.

So that’s the challenge: a new spring menu inspired by Campania, with brighter coastal flavours, more vegetables, some deeper earthy dishes and hopefully no need to charge you $40 for a bowl of pasta.

Thanks for being awesome peeps :)

03/09/2026

Okay… sooooo this happened today. Happy squeals.

Cheesy Boogaloo: Volume 2

Last year, the team behind Provolone Valpadana PDO, makers of what I will confidently call the world’s best provolone, invited Ombra to be one of only 100 Australian venues featured in their project.

Apparently, it went rather well. Our pasta appeared across their Australian campaign and even made its way back to Europe.

So, this year, they invited us back.

Apparently, our dedication to handmade pasta, quality ingredients and being a small, genuinely local restaurant is exactly what they’re looking for… go figure.

Today, 23 kg of Provolone Valpadana PDO arrived at Ombra: half mild, creamy Dolce and half bold, aged Piccante. Both are traditional stretched-curd cheeses made in northern Italy’s Po Valley, with generations of Italian cheesemaking behind them.

Now I just have to work out what pasta to make with it all.

Prepare yourselves for cheese spam!

02/09/2026

Helloooo!

Right, so what’s better than free coffee?

FREE PASTA. 🍝

With our updated trading hours, we’re getting back to focusing on what we do best: making pasta.

For the new people, hopefully this gives you a good excuse to come back and visit us again.

And for our regulars… I mean, you guys are literally keeping me in business, so you definitely deserve some free pasta for doing what you’re already doing.

Its old school, Its physical
More details coming soon!

Thanks for making us your #1

Ombra Italian - Chermside.
🎉Finalist RCA "Best New Restaurant - Brisbane 2026"
📆Walk-in only (we can't take reservations).
⌚️10am - 1pm Friday / 11am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday
⌚️5pm - 8pm (every night)
📍 590 Gympie Road, Chermside.
⛪️ We're an independent pasta venue on the side of the CKCC.
🚗 Heaps of Parking.
🐾 Dog-friendly.
🍾 BYO (we use tumblers)

01/09/2026

"Then let them eat Bruschetta"
~ Salvador Dali ..... maybe....
______________
Right Peeps.

So over the next few weeks I'll (hopefully) be adding various types of bruschetta to the display fridge.

A lot of you have been asking for their return, so this way you'll have something to snack on while you watch me get slammed in the kitchen on the busy nights. 🤣

Jokes aside, we serve pretty big meals, so I wanted some smaller options that I can rotate through the week that rely less on the ovens to help prevent some of the waits that can happen on the odd days when everyone just feels like pasta.

Watch this space to see how I actually progress with it.

Oh, the current one is Triple cream brie, serrano ham, apple balsamic glaze, some sea salt and a touch of honey.

Thanks peeps.

31/08/2026

Hi guys,

Just a quick update on our new trading hours!

I've stopped operating the Cafe Mon to Thurs mornings. Our main focus is the nights (which have been awesome by the way!), and in 12 short months we've officially been recognised as one of Brisbane's best pasta venues, and I think the only award-winning venue attached to a church in Australia... go figure.

But I've also been burning the candle at both ends, so hopefully this will let me focus on making the nights a bit better as well as giving me the chance to snag a little more rest...

I have the best customers ever, and I'm grateful for the continued support :)

28/08/2026

Ombra in 60....ish
A spiel you can read in 60-ish seconds or less.
______________________

We're gearing up for an easy-going weekend, so if you want to chill out over a bowl of pasta, we're now open on the weekends from 11am to 2pm for those who want a lazy lunch with good-sized portions.

Speaking of, did you know

Traditionally, pasta can be eaten at both lunch and dinner, but historically it has been more strongly associated with lunch, especially the larger family meal on Sundays and holidays.

Lunch was often the main meal of the day, with pasta served as the primo before meat or fish.

At dinner, Italians might eat pasta too, particularly a simple preparation, but the evening meal was often lighter: soup, vegetables, eggs, cheese or leftovers. Modern routines vary enormously, though.

25/08/2026

Helloooooo,

Wow... okay.... I got A LOT of messages after yesterday's Newstead post... sooo let's answer the most common.

Q: Will you really come back to Newstead?

A: Yesss I love the community, but it really depends on finding a venue that's the right fit.

So a lot of you already know my background and my story, so I won't bore you. If I open a venue, I want it to be small, local-focused, handmade and genuine.

A lot of venues I find are "manufactured" hospitality, with expensive fit-outs, mass-produced food marketed as authentic and kinda feel a bit style over substance. But its not always their fault, the industry is in a rough state with most venues only making 3%-5% profit and 1 in 8 closing every year (22,000 closed last year).

This means that places like Newstead crush small operators with high rents and fees, creating a barrier that only large, million-dollar venues can really thrive, as people gravitate to what's trendy, not necessarily real.

I had a great landlord and really lucked out with the venue, rent and honestly, I'm super proud of how much we really accomplished on a tiny corner, with no marketing, no foot traffic next to a scooter store.

So when I do come back, It would be to create a small community-focused venue again, for locals, not trends. But that is increasingly difficult.... but if anyone has a space they dont need..... just saying....

Anyway, thanks for being awesome guys and I hope to see you all at Chermside :)

24/08/2026

Hey Peeps.

A lot of people have been asking, and today I officially found out the answer!

Ombra Italian - Newstead (Waterloo St) will close permanently.

About 6 months into my lease, the property was sold to a developer, which meant Newstead always had an end date; it just kept getting extended. Now with the end of my lease I opted not to stretch to the handover date. Its a mix of staffing issues and health. So I decided that for my health, to step back and focus on the new venue rather than keep working the 98hr weeks.

Its been an amazing ride and I've loved being part of the community. I do plan on returning to Newstead with a new venue at some point, but for now, it's all about Chermside :)

21/08/2026

Back on the subject of Campangia!

We're testing out a true classic of the region with "Gnocchi alla Sorrentina"

Blistered cherry tomatoes sautéed down with garlic, chilli, and fresh herbs, then baked in the oven alongside some fresh mozzarella, and a lot of basil.

Its simple, but thats what a lot of the best Italian is.

We're now open for lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so if you feel like having a lazy lunch with some of Brisbane's best pasta.... come say hi :)

Thanks for making us your #1

Ombra Italian - Chermside.
🎉Finalist RCA "Best New Restaurant - Brisbane 2026"
📆Walk-in only (we can't take reservations).
⌚️10am - 1pm Friday / 11am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday
⌚️5pm - 8pm (every night)
📍 590 Gympie Road, Chermside.
⛪️ We're an independent pasta venue on the side of the CKCC.
🚗 Heaps of Parking.
🐾 Dog-friendly.
🍾 BYO (we use tumblers)

18/08/2026

PASTA FOR THE PEOPLE - A quick history :P

Its getting close to another new menu and this time I want to take you on an adventure to the south of Italy.

I'm looking to swap out some of our current pasta dishes for a few that draw inspiration from Campania, where pasta became everyday food: generous, uncomplicated and made to feed everyone.

Pasta wasn’t always at the centre of Neapolitan life. For a long time, the people of Naples were known as mangiafoglie, or “leaf-eaters,” because vegetables made up such a large part of their diet.

That began to change around the seventeenth century. Wheat became cheaper, pasta production became more efficient and dried pasta offered ordinary people something affordable, filling and easy to eat. Before long, the Neapolitans had a new nickname: mangiamaccheroni, the “macaroni-eaters.”

This was pasta before it became romanticised. It was boiled, covered with grated cheese and eaten in the street, often with bare hands. Tomato came later and changed the story again, creating the relationship with pasta that we now immediately associate with Naples.

So keep an eye out :)

17/08/2026

So..... how about starting the week with some fresh, handmade pasta?

Monday to Wednesdays tend to be a bit on the quieter side, so if you just want to chill out with some of Brisbanes best pasta.... Then this is the place to chill.

And yes, we do make everything in-house, by hand... (usually mine), so we can run out from time to time....

So hurry up.....

Thanks for making us your #1

Ombra Italian - Chermside.
🎉Finalist RCA "Best New Restaurant - Brisbane 2026"
📆Walk-in only (we can't take reservations).
⌚️10am - 1pm (every day)
⌚️5pm - 8pm (every night)
📍 590 Gympie Road, Chermside.
⛪️ We're an independent pasta venue on the side of the CKCC.
🚗 Heaps of Parking.
🐾 Dog-friendly.
🍾 BYO (we use tumblers)

14/08/2026

Ombra Behind The Scenes:

This is probably the least exciting part of owning a pasta restaurant, but I've got 55 kilos of lamb to prep today. It cooks for about 18 hours. There's no secret ingredient. It just takes -----> ages.

It is possible to get it pre-cut, but the quality is usually not as good and tends to have a higher gristle + fat ratio. At least doing it by hand, I can better control the quality.

11/08/2026

You heard him!

We're closed on Wednesday, 12/08/2026, so everyone can enjoy the showday.... while I hopefully get the chance to do a bit of touch-up work on the place :)

See you all Thursday!!!

Address

590 Gympie Road
Brisbane, QLD
4032

Public Transport:
- Take any bus or train to Fortitude Valley station.
- From there, walk south on Wickham Street towards Ann Street.
- Turn left onto Ann Street and continue walking until you reach Waterloo Street.

Driving/Parking:
- Head towards Brisbane CBD and take the exit onto Ann Street.
- Continue on Ann Street until you reach Waterloo Street.
- There are various paid parking options available in the area, including street parking and parking lots.

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm
Tuesday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm
Wednesday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm
Thursday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm
Friday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm
Sunday	10am - 1pm
	5pm - 8pm

Telephone

+61 499 211 444

Website

http://www.ombraitalian.com.au/

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What people say

Ombra Italian in Newstead is a hidden gem that brings the taste of authentic Italian cuisine to Brisbane. Nestled on Waterloo Street, this restaurant is a must-visit for pasta lovers seeking a truly delightful dining experience.

What sets Ombra Italian apart is their commitment to perfection when it comes to pasta. Handmade to order using only the freshest ingredients, each dish is a testament to the skill and passion of their local chef. The dedication to quality shines through in every bite, making each meal a memorable culinary journey.

The inviting atmosphere at Ombra Italian adds to the overall charm of the dining experience. Whether you choose to dine in or opt for takeaway, you can expect warm hospitality and top-notch service that will make you feel right at home.

With a menu that boasts traditional favorites like lasagne alongside other tempting offerings, there's something for every palate at Ombra Italian. And if you happen to miss out on a popular dish one day, rest assured that they'll have it ready for you fresh and delicious the next.

For those looking for an unforgettable taste of Italy in Brisbane, Ombra Italian is the place to be. Don't miss out on this culinary delight - visit them on Waterloo Street and treat yourself to an exquisite dining experience that will leave you craving more.