Walk through any grassed area and it’s clear to see that all people want right now is a picnic. Queensland already gets such nice weather, so we’ve always been partial to a bit of time outside and with COVID restrictions this has become even more so. This means that any restaurant offering takeaway options, which specifically cater for a gourmet picnic, have hit the mark.

One such restaurant is South Bank’s Popolo. This authentic Italian restaurant offers intimate dining in their restaurant as well as the option to take away your delicious meal and drinks and have a little picnic on the grassy knoll next to the Brisbane River.

The word ‘popolo’ means people and that’s how their meals are made to be enjoyed, with your friends and loved ones. I visited with my partner, so we selected their Picnic per Duo which was a feast which left us feeling sufficiently full. Quite reminiscent of lunches with my Nonna which was reassuring!

The picnic for two came with an antipasto platter filled with a selection of meats and cheese, fresh, warm bread, and olives. Of course, this is what we started with, savouring the warm bread as though there was no tomorrow. Being a vegetarian, I can’t speak for the flavours of the meat, but I’ve been assured that the selection was “pretty good” (again, not my words), so I guess we’ll go with that. The olives were incredibly juicy and paired perfectly with the cheese.

Next, we tried the mixed leaf salad which was simply yet expertly combined with balsamic and parmesan cheese to somehow make lettuce extremely enjoyable. I’ve actually tried to recreate this recipe at home and cannot get it to taste as good as they did, so you’ll have to visit to try it.

The salad was followed by thinly cut fries and creamy, garlicky aioli…. And for the finale, the margarita pizza which had everything you could ask for in something modest but delicious. We were able to choose from four options for the pizza – two with meat, two without – but how could we go past a classic?

To top off the meal, we got a couple of Green Beacon beers and enjoyed the one section of grass in Southbank where you’re allowed alcohol. They also offer bottles of wine to go with your picnic, but we didn’t think far enough ahead and drove in. Looks like we’ll just have to go back again.

With easy online ordering, socially distanced pickup, and lots of space on the grass, this little picnic is a brilliant way to safely enjoy some time outside! Soak up some sun at lunch or catch the sunset for an early dinner and you’re set.