A New Italian Restaurant with a Twist has just opened in Sandgate

Emma Dare
Jan 31
4 min read

Updated: Mar 6

Acciuga: A Fresh Perspective on Italian Cuisine in Sandgate

In the vibrant food scene of Brisbane, one restaurant stands out for its innovative approach to Italian cuisine. Situated in a charming location in Sandgate, Acciuga combines the flavours of Italy with the fresh, high-quality seafood and produce of Australia. Opened in mid-October, this restaurant brings together the culinary expertise of its owners, Diego and his wife, who bring a unique vision of modern Italian cooking to life.

A Passion For Quality Ingredients

What makes Acciuga truly special is its unwavering commitment to quality. The restaurant is built on the idea of using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Diego and his wife, both originally from Italy, believe in creating dishes that not only highlight the rich traditions of Italian cooking but also showcase the best local produce Australia has to offer. They avoid imported products wherever possible, ensuring that each ingredient is at its peak, both in flavour and freshness.

At Acciuga, the food is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavour. From fresh seafood to locally sourced meats and vegetables, the restaurant’s menu is carefully crafted to reflect the seasonality of the ingredients. Every dish is designed to bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients, with an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients.

Owners of Myrtle & Blossom, Mike & Kristy standing in front of cafe. — Pictured: Owners of Acciuga, Beatrice and Diego

The Menu: A Journey Through Italian and Australian Flavours

Acciuga’s menu is ever-evolving, with dishes that change depending on the availability and quality of ingredients. This approach allows the chefs to work with the freshest produce, ensuring that the dishes served are always of the highest standard.

This commitment to quality sets Acciuga apart from many other restaurants, as they refuse to compromise on the ingredients they serve.

One of the things that sets Auga apart from traditional Italian restaurants is its use of lesser-known ingredients. While many Italian dishes focus on familiar ingredients, Acciuga embraces those that are often overlooked. For example, they serve baby squid, which is often less popular than its larger counterpart, but offers a softer, more delicate flavour. Acciuga has also featured oxtail and beef skirt on the menu, cuts of meat that are often underutilised but provide rich, deep flavours when cooked properly.

Another standout feature of Acciuga’s menu is its use of wild-caught seafood, such as wild barramundi. Unlike farmed barramundi, which is often mass-produced, wild barramundi has a more robust flavour and a firmer texture. This careful selection of seafood ensures that every dish is not only full of flavour but also sustainably sourced.

The restaurant also highlights marlin, a fish often overlooked due to misconceptions about its taste. Many people associate marlin with the texture of tuna, but it is, in fact, a unique fish in its own right. Diego and his wife are passionate about introducing diners to new and exciting flavours, and they do so with confidence and care.

Inside myrtle & Blossoms dining area — Inside Acciuga's Dining Area.

Creativity and Innovation

Acciuga's approach to cooking is not just about using fresh ingredients—it’s about pushing the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine. The chefs at Acciuga love to experiment with combinations of ingredients that aren’t typically paired together, offering diners an exciting, unexpected culinary experience. This willingness to try new things is what gives Acciuga its unique edge in Moreton Bay's restaurant scene.

For example, while traditional Italian cuisine might use tomato as a base for many dishes, Acciuga takes a different approach, avoiding the typical tomato-based sauces and salads. Instead, they focus on using ingredients that bring out the natural flavours of the dish. Each dish is carefully thought out to offer a new take on familiar flavours, offering diners a chance to experience Italian food in a fresh and modern way.

The chefs at Acciuga also prioritise using sustainable and ethical ingredients, which means that the menu is not only delicious but also responsible. Whether it's the locally sourced meat or the wild-caught seafood, every element of the menu is selected with care and consideration for the environment.

High angle view of menu items and coffee from Myrtle & Blossom's menu — A selection of Acciuga's best-selling menu items.

A Focus On Inclusivity

Acciuga isn’t just about great food—it’s also about inclusivity. The restaurant strives to make its menu accessible to all guests, offering gluten-free and vegan options. However, these are not just afterthoughts or substitutions for traditional dishes. Instead, the vegan and gluten-free items are designed as fully realised dishes in their own right, with their own identity and purpose on the menu.

The goal at Acciuga is to ensure that every guest, regardless of dietary preference or restriction, can enjoy a fulfilling and delicious dining experience. The restaurant’s inclusive approach means that no one is left out, and everyone can enjoy the innovative, high-quality dishes that have made Acciuga a standout in Brisbane’s food scene.