The Arsonist
ProHighlights
- Whole-restaurant hire for up to 75 cocktail guests or 50 seated
- Open fire pit and flame grill in full view of every table
- Group feasting menus from $85 per person for 12 or more guests
About The Arsonist
The Arsonist is a restaurant and bar at 457 Esplanade in Manly, the bayside village on Brisbane's eastern edge. Everything is cooked over fire, and the open kitchen means guests can see and smell the grill from their seats. The room is dark and intimate, with a long bar, a custom fire pit and a flame grill fitted with a moving gantry. A specialist bar pours cocktails, wine and a deep whisky range, and regulars can even keep a bottle in a lockable vault. For a private event the whole restaurant can be booked exclusively. It takes up to 75 guests for a cocktail party or 50 seated, counting the chef's tables and bar stools, and the team meets with you beforehand to plan the menu and drinks. Smaller groups have two other options. The chef's tables sit right in front of the cooks and seat two groups of six or a combined 12, while the dining area seats 35 plus extra bar seating for guests to move around. Groups of 12 or more can also order a feasting menu and sit among other diners. Menus run from canapés and share-style plates to whole animals, caviar, cheese and desserts. Drinks can be set up as a two, three or four-hour package, a consumption tab or pay-as-you-go service. Sound and AV gear is available for speeches when you book the whole venue, and you can send an enquiry to check dates.
Inclusions & amenities
Venue type
Budget
Food & drinks
Features
Facilities
Pricing
Group feasting menus are $85 or $105 per person. A 25% deposit confirms the booking, and a 15% surcharge applies on public holidays.
Food
Private dining clients can plan a custom menu with the chef, from canapés to whole animals, caviar and cheese. Food choices are finalised 14 days ahead.
Beverages
A cocktail on arrival can be added for $18 per person, and a consumption tab or pay-as-you-go bar is available instead. No BYO drinks.
Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can The Arsonist hold for a private event?
With exclusive use of the whole venue it fits up to 75 guests standing for cocktails, or 50 seated once the chef's tables and bar seats are included.
What is the minimum spend for exclusive hire?
Taking over the entire venue carries a minimum spend of $16,000 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and $8,000 midweek. The restaurant closes to the public an hour either side of your event for set-up.
Can a smaller group book a private area?
Yes. The chef's tables take up to 12 with a minimum spend of $2,000 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or $1,500 midweek, both for up to four hours. The dining area seats 35 with a minimum spend of $10,000 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or $8,000 midweek.
Can we bring our own drinks or a cake?
No BYO drinks are allowed, as the venue is fully licensed. A commercially made celebration cake is fine, with a cakeage charge of $10 per person to plate and serve it, unless it is only for presentation alongside a feasting menu dessert.
Is there a sound system for speeches?
Speeches and presentations can run through the in-house sound and AV gear when you have exclusive use. Smaller group bookings don't include it.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Bree Andrews
2 weeks ago
An absolute exceptional dining experience. We have eaten at some amazing restaurants over the years, but The Arsonist was honestly one of the best meals we've ever had. Everything we ordered was incredible, could not l…
janice cranitch
3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Review The Arsonist - Truffle Dinner Some dining experiences stay with you long after the last course has been served. This was one of them. A huge congratulations to Chef Mathew Fulford, Executive Head…
Darian Spence
6 months ago
OMG! I’ve been told about The Arsonist for nearly a year and finally had the opportunity to go this past Sunday. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Although I regret not going sooner. Did it live up to expectations? Not…
Himal Kaluarachchi
7 months ago
Absolutely outstanding experience at The Arsonist! 🔥 From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was top-notch. The food was the real highlight — beautifully presented, full of fl…
Is this your business? Claim this listing
Related listings nearby
120
From $60pp
150
From $30pp
170
200
From $130pp
250
80