If you’re exploring Brisbane’s food scene and love discovering unique dining spots, then Pneuma Restaurant surely stood out. Located at 336 George Street, it was a bold and creative space that blended fine dining with relaxed elegance. From the moment you walked in, the atmosphere felt different—like stepping into a beautifully designed loft. If you’ve ever browsed through the Eight Slices Italian Kitchen Menu, you’d understand the excitement of encountering menus that push culinary limits. That’s exactly what Pneuma did.
This restaurant wasn’t just about feeding people. It was about sharing ideas, culture, and imagination through food. The name “Pneuma” comes from the Greek word for spirit or breath, and that’s what the team behind this restaurant aimed to bring into their food—life and creativity.
What is Pneuma Restaurant?
Pneuma Restaurant was a modern fine dining spot located in Brisbane, Australia, known for its artistic approach to food and atmosphere. Founded by acclaimed chefs Matt Blackwell and Dan Arnold, the restaurant combined European culinary techniques with modern Australian flavors. The name “Pneuma,” meaning “spirit” or “breath” in Greek, reflected its creative soul. Set inside a heritage building on George Street, it offered guests a loft-style dining experience with exposed brick, high ceilings, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that focused on seasonal ingredients and bold, memorable flavors.
How Pneuma Came to Life
Pneuma was born from the vision of two award-winning chefs: Matt Blackwell, previously of GOMA, and Dan Arnold, known for Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache à Vin. They wanted to create a place where food, art, and experience came together.
Blackwell led the kitchen and developed a menu that drew on European influences while staying grounded in modern Australian cuisine. The goal wasn’t to be fancy, but to be thoughtful, expressive, and exciting. That’s why the dishes had unusual but smart combinations, like smoked eel cream or garlic-almond beetroot.
The space also played a huge part in the dining experience. With its high ceilings, hardwood floors, and exposed brick, Pneuma felt open, artistic, and warm. Diners often described it as feeling like a mix of a gallery and a cozy loft.
What Made the Pneuma Restaurant Special
At Pneuma, the menu was small but carefully designed. Everything had a purpose, from the bread to the dessert. The team focused on seasonal ingredients, playful textures, and big flavor. Some of the signature items became local favorites.
Rosemary Sourdough with Cultured Honey & Miso Butter
Delighted diners with its warm, fragrant bread and creamy, savory-sweet spread (Toasted hay & Comté custard tart 9/10; Rosemary sourdough 9/10).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Warm rosemary sourdough paired with savory miso and sweet honey |
| Texture & Taste | Fragrant, chewy, sweet-salty balance |
| Price | $12 AUD |
Smoked Eel Cream on Crispy Potato
Balanced smoky richness and crunch in every bite.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Delicate eel cream piped onto a crisp, golden potato slice |
| Texture & Taste | Smoky, creamy, crunchy |
| Price | $16 AUD |
Corned Ox Tongue with Tomato Kasundi
Offered a tangy, spiced twist on a hearty, tender meat dish.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Tender ox tongue with spicy-sweet tomato kasundi |
| Texture & Taste | Rich, meaty, slightly acidic |
| Price | $22 AUD |
Garlic-Almond Beetroot
Combined earthy beetroot with creamy garlic-almond flair.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Roasted beetroot with creamy garlic-almond blend |
| Texture & Taste | Earthy, smooth, nutty |
| Price | $18 AUD |
Cheddar-Comté Custard Tart
Served a silky, cheesy indulgence that drew praise for its texture and depth.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Soft cheese custard inside a flaky tart shell |
| Texture & Taste | Silky, buttery, umami-rich |
| Price | $20 AUD |
These dishes weren’t just tasty—they were memorable. People talked about them long after their visit. The textures were smart, and the flavor mixes were bold without being too much.
Drinks and Dining Style
The drink selection at Pneuma also matched the food’s creative style. It featured Australian and French wines, Japanese sake, and even sherry—offering something for every curious diner.
The restaurant welcomed both casual eaters and serious food lovers. Whether you were visiting for a date night, a celebration, or just to try something new, the staff treated you like a guest in their home.
Midway through 2025, food enthusiasts looking for similar dining inspiration began to search for menu ideas like the Top Tea Menu. Many of them found that Pneuma offered a comparable sense of detail, presentation, and quality.
Closing Its Doors but Not Its Spirit
Despite the buzz, Pneuma closed its doors in July 2025. The co-founders, Blackwell and Arnold, had different creative visions. Blackwell stepped away from the project, leading to the decision to end the current concept.
But that wasn’t the end. Dan Arnold announced that the space would reopen under a new identity—still focused on creative cuisine and high-quality dining. So, while Pneuma as we knew it ended, its spirit lives on in Brisbane’s food story.
What makes Pneuma Restaurant Stand Out?
Pneuma distinguished itself through its bold fusion of European techniques and modern Australian flavors, all served in a beautifully designed heritage loft space in Brisbane City. Diners were captivated by “unconventional flavour combinations” like anchovies with Pedro Ximénez vinegar and ‘nduja emulsion, and heirloom beetroot paired with garlic-almond cream and toasted grains—each dish was crafted to amaze.
Under the leadership of chefs Matt Blackwell and Dan Arnold, Pneuma offered a highly curated tasting menu, seasonal ingredients, a personal touch in service, and a thoughtfully selected drink list featuring French, Australian, and sake options—the result was an unforgettable culinary journey that fused creativity, texture, and flavor in a seamless dining experience.
Location of Pneuma
Pneuma was located at 336 George Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia, nestled in a heritage building within the CBD and accessible via an unassuming street‑level entrance that led up to an atmospheric loft-style dining room. The space featured exposed brick, hardwood floors, and large windows that created a relaxed yet elegant urban vibe. This central location made Pneuma a convenient and intriguing destination for diners seeking a creative culinary experience in Brisbane’s heart.
Here are the confirmed details for the location of Pneuma:
- Address: 336 George Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
- Setting: Situated on the first floor of a heritage building, accessed via an unassuming door and dark staircase
- Area: Located in the central Brisbane CBD on George Street, in the former Green Glass site
Owners of Pneuma
Here are the owners of Pneuma:
- Matt Blackwell – Acclaimed chef and co-owner, previously head chef at GOMA, who served as the creative driving force behind the restaurant until his departure in July 2025.
- Dan Arnold – Renowned restaurateur of Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache à Vin, who co-founded Pneuma and remains in the business to develop its future concept.
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews for Pneuma:
- “From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The service was impeccable—attentive without being intrusive. Every dish was a masterpiece, bursting with fresh flavors and creative presentation… Highly recommended!”
- “We loved the look of the restaurant. The staff were great and the food was just amazing. Every little morsel was gorgeous. Really loved the eel… The cheddar tart for me, which was amazing! Dessert was lovely…”
- “I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pneuma, and it was an exceptional. The ambiance was warm and inviting, but still sophisticated so it’s perfect for a night out… The oysters really are something else.”
- “Yes yes yes yes yes!! Simply put, she’s an Outstanding restaurant! Absolutely Loved our dinner here… The service was incredible, the attitude towards wine was spot on… This place is a must visit for a good occasion, 11/10.”
- “Nestled behind a modest doorway… lies Pneuma, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The service staff exudes a welcoming atmosphere… They last minute tailored my menu to be pescatarian friendly which I really appreciated.”
Final Thoughts
Pneuma Restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat. It was a place to feel inspired, to try something new, and to enjoy the magic that happens when chefs cook with passion and purpose. Whether it was the bold dishes, the welcoming atmosphere, or the thoughtful service, every part of the experience came together perfectly.
For those who had the chance to dine there, Pneuma will always be remembered as a creative and soulful chapter in Brisbane’s culinary world. And for those who missed it, there’s hope that its next form—led by Dan Arnold—will bring back that same spark.
