Our Story
About OTTO Brisbane
OTTO Brisbane sits on the riverfront at South Bank, which is already a rather good place to begin. Head Chef Richard Ptacnik’s cooking looks to modern Italy while making the most of Queensland produce, following the seasons and knowing the best ingredients rarely need much fuss.
Wine is every bit as important as what’s on the plate, with a list that travels between Italy and Australia, with plenty of good reasons to order another bottle. At the Bar, things are even more leisurely: aperitivo, small bites, and something cold, best enjoyed outside by the river.
Over the years, OTTO has collected its share of accolades, including Best Wine List QLD at the Wine List of the Year Awards 2026, alongside Two Hats and Best Italian Restaurant Queensland. Nice to have, certainly. But the real pleasure is yours to enjoy at the table.
Our People
Richard Ptacnik
Head Chef
Richard Ptacnik is the Head Chef behind OTTO’s kitchen, bringing the same culinary vision that has made OTTO Sydney one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants to the Brisbane dining scene.
Richard joined OTTO in 2004, having worked with some of Europe’s great chefs in Berlin, Switzerland and his native Prague. He worked as James Kidman’s sous chef at OTTO for five years, before assuming the role of Head Chef in Sydney in late 2009 – and most recently bringing his culinary vision to OTTO Brisbane.
Richard’s food style is unashamedly simple – modern Italian with roots firmly placed in the classics. For many it has come to signify the quintessential Australian dining experience; fresh, seasonal, produce-driven, sourcing the finest ingredients and letting them speak for themselves.
Graham Ackling
Chief Executive Officer
Graham Ackling is the Chief Executive Officer at Fink.
Starting out with a background in finance, Graham searched for a new challenge and the launch of his hospitality career quickly saw him appointed to senior management at some of Sydney, London, and Auckland’s most prestigious restaurants. Returning to Sydney in 2003, Graham began working at Fink’s OTTO Ristorante as a Senior Waiter and Maitre’d, and in 2005 he was appointed to the position of Restaurant Manager.
In 2015, when Fink opened its first interstate restaurant in Queensland, OTTO Brisbane, Graham assumed the role of General Manager of both OTTO Sydney and OTTO Brisbane, ensuring their parallel success.
Best Wine List
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2026
OTTO Brisbane has come home from the 2026 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards with not one, but two rather lovely reasons to pop the cork.
OTTO Brisbane was named Best Wine List QLD, while our Group Wine Director, Amanda Yallop, was inducted into the Awards Hall of Fame – only the third individual in the Awards’ 33-year history to receive the honour (and the first woman!).
“I’m humbled to be included. It’s a thrill and a pleasure. I made it here thanks to the women and men who helped me on my way.”
– Amanda Yallop
We could carry on as though nothing happened… but where’s the fun in that?
Now, what are we opening first?
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