Pavement Whispers: Volume 558 May 19

May 19, 2026, updated May 19, 2026

From news of new locations for Johnny Gio’s and FISHBOWL to the closure of a riverside party institutionThe Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest food news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know. When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out …

Johnny Gio’s Paddington
It’s only been a few months since dough-tossing sensation Johnny Gio’s made its Brisbane debut in New Farm, but now the Sydney-born slice slinger is set to open a second local outpost before the year’s halfway point. Johnny Gio’s will open a brand-new location in Rosalie in late June, giving locals of the city’s western suburbs a chance to savour the brand’s premium, hand-stretched Italian pizzas and salivation-worthy sides. The new location will serve the exact same menu as its New Farm sibling, including signature pizzas like The Boss (pomodoro, chilli, bell peppers, Italian sausage and salted ricotta), the Sonny Honey (spicy sopressa, red onion, ricotta, basil and hot honey) and the Johnny Vodka (vodka sauce, loaded mozzarella, crispy pepperoni and parmesan), plus veal-ragu lasagna, garlic bread and meatballs. Johnny Gio’s is looking to open before the end of June – keep your eyes peeled for more info soon.

FISHBOWL is opening a new location at Merthyr Village this Friday May 22 | Credit: James Frostick

FISHBOWL
Just when you thought the intersection of Merthyr Road and Brunswick Street couldn’t fit anymore goodness, the buzzing nexus is getting set to welcome a new resident to its midst in FISHBOWL. The purveyor of Japanese-inspired salad bowls, made-to-order with fresh ingredients, is opening a brand-new location at Merthyr Village (in the space formerly home to Siam Square Thai) this Friday, with the crew lifting the cloche on a sleek space designed in collaboration with Studio Gram. Beyond the usual service counter, the venue will feature a small amount of seating inside and out, plus a commissioned painting titled ‘Jacaranda Trees’ by acclaimed artist Noo Noo. FISHBOWL New Farm will be celebrating its opening weekend with a range of specials, including $12 O.G. bowls, custom cookies from Idle and other treats across Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the crew will host a free community pilates class over the road at La Burns in Little Lane, simultaneously launching a limited-time menu item call ‘La Burns Way’.

Doughcraft’s pastries are now available at Romeo Italian in Bulimba | Credit: James Frostick

Romeo Italian x Doughcraft
Since officially opening over the weekend, Romeo Italian has been making waves on Oxford Street thanks to its menu of Italian-inspired, tapas-style eats. But that’s not the only thing that’ll be luring in locals – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, Romeo will be selling a large selection of artisanal pastries from Doughcraft. The range, which blends French and Italian baking styles, features sweet and savoury options baked the night before – think flans, pain au chocolat, fruit-filled danishes, blue cheese croissants and much more. Keep your eyes peeled on The Weekend Edition for an up-close peek inside Romeo Italian later this week.

Fridays Riverside will be closing this weekend after 40 years of trade | Credit: Fridays Riverside Facebook

Fridays Riverside
An icon of Brisbane City’s party scene has announced it will close this weekend after four decades of operation. Eagle Street institution Fridays Riverside has announced via social media that it will close for good on Sunday May 24. “After more than 40 years on the Brisbane riverfront, Fridays Riverside is saying goodbye,” the post reads. “Come down and enjoy one last Friday at Fridays, or make it a Sanctuary Saturday by the water. Either way, join us for a final drink, a final dance, and a proper farewell to one of Brisbane’s icons.” Boasting 180-degree views of the Brisbane River from its perch at Riverside Centre, Fridays has long been a rite of passage party destination for students, a go-to release valve for inner-city workers and underrated spot for corporate lunches. While there’s no official word on the future of the Fridays space, rest assured we’ll keep you informed when details are announced.

Bosc
When it rains, it pours. Another storied Brisbane bar is calling last drinks, with West End watering hole Bosc revealing it will be shuttering after its final service on Saturday June 20. Bosc, which stands for Bar of Social Conscience, was founded by owner Emily Tankey in 2013 and immediately earned a following thanks to its focus on craft beer and warm service. In a post shared to socials, Emily said “Bosc has been the best continuous house party I’ve ever thrown. I’ve made lifelong friends, taught your kids how to pour their first beer, and honestly I have had the time of my life. But all good things must come to an end.” Long-time fans are encouraged to pop into Bosc regularly over the next month for a farewell tipple or two.

If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].

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