Fiume, the rooftop bar tucked away on top of Crystalbrook Vincent, is named after the Italian word for river and isn’t just a place to kick-off a night out on the town. It’s also the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday brunch overlooking the Brisbane River. The La Dolce Vita Brunch at Crystalbrook Vincent includes a three-course brunch of local twists on Italian favourites and a bottomless two-hour beverage package. Book a table or you could miss out, especially if the weather is as lovely as it was on the day we visited.

When you arrive at the hotel lobby, a staff member is on hand to tick your name off the list and show you up to Fiume on Level 3 of the hotel. I’m sure we weren’t the only ones who felt like rock stars as we slipped past security and into the lift as the rooftop is only open to those who are attending the brunch. Fiume at Crystalbrook Vincent is a glamorous urban oasis and a welcome escape from the bustling Howard Smith Wharves precinct below which gets especially crowded on Sundays.

We arrived 10 minutes early which turned out to be a good choice as we were able to get one of the prime spots along the bench overlooking the river. This seating area is best for couples or a group of three at a pinch. If you are dining with friends, a table is a better option so you can chat to each other. When we initially looked at the menu, we assumed that we would choose which of the three items we wanted for each course. However, it turns out all of the dishes form part of a set menu. If you have any dietary requirements, it’s best to let the staff know when you book so the chef can swap things out. Neither of us eat seafood so our salmon course was replaced with a vegetarian bruschetta to share.

After we took our seats, a waiter offered us a drink from the extensive list of available options to kick things off. These included classic brunch cocktails like a Bloody Mary or summery Aperol Spritz, a selection of wines ranging from Prosecco to Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Sangiovese, a couple of quality Italian beers, barista coffee, T2 teas, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water are also available although these aren’t listed on the menu. It would be great to see a reduced price option for those who would prefer to enjoy an alcohol free brunch.

While the 10am sitting would also be lovely, we preferred the 12.30pm option as it was better suited to the included beverage package. With an Aperol Spritz in hand, brunch kicked off with the first course which included a platter for two with a petit almond croissant and Barambah Greek yoghurt with seasonal fruit each, and mouth-watering mini Italian-style doughnuts with ricotta, pistachio and lemon to share. I’m not usually a fan of doughnuts but these light and fluffy Italian creations were “Squisito!”

Our next course was a layered brunch torte filled with grilled local vegetables, baby spinach, Mortadella, salami, provolone cheese and egg served with a petite Caprese salad. I enjoyed this so much that I asked our waiter if the torte was available on the menu at the Polpetta restaurant downstairs.

For the next course, seafood lovers enjoyed a plate of balsamic baked onion cured Salmon with gin and herb dressing topped with fried capers, horseradish cream and baby beets. We loved our alternative non-seafood dish, a colourful bruschetta topped with ricotta and fresh and tasty local vegetables. We were getting full by this point, so the baked gnocchi served with smoked pancetta, potato cream and crumbed soft egg was a bit of a stretch.

There is no danger of going hungry – or thirsty – at this Brisbane brunch. With friendly and efficient service, an appealing and generous menu, fabulous food, a stellar view of the Brisbane River, and the Story Bridge provided plenty of shade on a warm spring day, the La Dolce Vita brunch offers excellent value for those who enjoy a drink (or two) on a Sunday afternoon.

Fiume La Dolce Vita Brunch Details:

What: La Dolce Vita Brunch

Where: Fiume Rooftop Bar, Crystalbrook Vincent, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

When: Every Sunday from 10am – 12pm and 12.30pm – 2.30pm.

Price: $99 per person

Disclosure: The writer dined at Fiume as a guest of Crystalbrook Vincent.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Brisbane, we have reviewed the Treasury Hotel, The Calile, Ovolo The Valley, W Brisbane, Capri by Fraser Brisbane, Hilton Brisbane, The Johnson, NEXT Hotel Brisbane, Sage Hotel James Street, The Westin Brisbane, Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites, Royal on the Park, Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street, Sofitel Brisbane, Crystalbrook Vincent, The Inchcolm by Ovolo, Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, and Pullman Brisbane Airport.