Brisbane has been unseasonably wet this winter and faced with another grey day and a cabin-fevered husband, last Sunday I did what any good wife would do. I scrolled through my “restaurant bucket list” and off we went to Motion Bar & Grill at the Marriott in the city. Perfect.

Valet parking (free) and a charmingly assisted elevator trip up to the restaurant – a great start.

Marble flooring, grand colonial windows, linen napkins and proper wine glasses. Even better.

Sunday lunch specials (3 courses for under $35) and you’re inclined to do what we did – kick back, order a bottle of wine and while away the afternoon with good food and company.

Beautiful spiced tomato and garlic aioli with green-lipped mussels (although I usually prefer them a little smaller).

Love the punchy little apple remoulade with the crispy whiting and the truffle mash with the bratwurst is silky subtle perfection.

The real winners here though are the desserts. I adore panna cotta and Motion’s black sour cherry version is sublime. I am not a fan of frangipane, but my husband ordered the warm-baked blueberry tart and I would actually go back for it.