Lars Bar & Grill – a show-stopping new steak and seafood destination by Lars Kollrepp – has opened at The Oxley
Since opening, The Oxley 1823 has become a beacon for caffeine seekers as well as famished folk looking for breakfast, brunch and lunch-time bites. Last week, the culinary hub kicked up a notch with the opening of Lars Bar & Grill – a captivating new steak and seafood destination. Here’s everything you need to know …
Assuming prime position on the ground floor of The Oxley 1823 is Lars Bar & Grill. An irresistible ode to modern Australian cuisine, the eponymous venue is headed by second-generation chef, Lars Kollrepp, son of Gold Coast chef Marty Kollrepp (Oskars on Burleigh). Perhaps, most notably, is Lars’ most recent role as executive chef of renowned restaurateur Simon Gloftis’ group of restaurants, including Hellenika at The Calile Hotel, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine and Sushi Room.
“I had the dream of opening my own restaurant for a very long time,” says Lars, who has spent the last eight months literally on the tools and digging trenches alongside the construction team to turn his dream into a reality. And it’s certainly a looker – the striking 110-seater (including 80 inside, plus an additional 30 seats street side) exudes timeless elegance, with a beautifully neutral palette featuring travertine, sheer curtains and terracotta-hued tiles framing the plush carpeted dining space. An exciting addition is the private dining room – with seating for up to 10 people – providing an extra level of exclusivity for those extra-special occasions.
Although Lars has plenty of fine-dining experience under his belt, when it comes to the menu, Lars has delivered what he refers to as “Gold Coast style”, which is a little more laid-back. The spotlight is firmly shining on sublime woodfired steak, hyper-local seafood and Queensland-driven produce. “My aim for Lars Bar & Grill is a restaurant where simplicity meets modern flavours, … and impeccable dishes meet a relaxed and welcoming vibe.”
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Snacks of hand-picked crab rosti and woodfired Gazander oysters offer the perfect prelude to the entrees, which include baked scallops, beef tartare, grilled king prawns and roasted-pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter. There’s a handful of mains, ranging from woodfire chicken with jus and preserved lemon to the arresting pork tomahawk with burnt-onion mustard and jus grass. Make no mistake, the steaks are the hero here with ten different selections varying in weight and cut. The beef, we’re told, is sourced locally from an award-winning, family-owned farm.
The drinks list is equally as expansive with a focus on local Australian spirits fuelling the cocktails, alongside a European-leaning selection of wine. Although Lars Bar & Grill has all of the hallmarks of fine dining, there’s none of the stuffiness. Designed as a neighbourhood restaurant, Lars offers a blend of upscale cuisine coupled with a relaxed atmosphere to deliver a truly memorable dining experience.
Head to our Directory for booking details.