Copy of Ardo Front Drive_0 10
Ardo, Townsville’s newest five-star hotel, has launched its highly anticipated, world-class culinary dining offering to Tropical North Queensland. With three distinct restaurant experiences—Marmor, Terasu, and Ardo Rooftop Bar—it marks the city’s largest luxury multi-restaurant launch, catering to both locals and hotel guests.
Leading the scene is Ardo’s signature restaurant Marmor, offering elevated Australian dining paired with an extensive reserved wine list and a sommelier on-hand to provide wine pairing suggestions. The warm, contemporary interiors complement the menu, which includes prime cuts of beef from Australia’s most renowned cattle producers, fresh catch-of-the-day seafood from the coastline of North Queensland, and seasonal produce.
At the helm is Head Chef, Arie Prabowo, one of Morris Group’s most decorated and experienced chefs, as he leads Marmor to elevate the dining experience in Townsville’s culinary scene.
“My vision was always to create a unique, high-end, intimate and exclusive dining experience never before seen in Townsville. We have an exceptional menu featuring ingredients sourced from renowned beef from Flinders Island, fresh coral trout from Cardwell and the most succulent of oysters from Tasmania, all paired with an international wine list sourced from the very best vineyards,” he said.
In contrast to Marmor, Terasu offers a more relaxed dining experience with modern, Japanese fare. It is led by Head Chef Yukio Ozeki who grew up near the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market before starting his culinary career as a trainee chef at a sushi restaurant.
“My aim is to make it as authentic as possible. Our most popular dishes are the fresh sushi, especially the bluefin tuna flown in from Japan. The menu also features plenty of modern Japanese options like the chicken karaage or Black Opal Wagyu scotch fillet which has an impressive marble score of 9,” Chef Yukio Ozeki said.
Situated next to North Queensland’s first infinity rooftop pool, Ardo Rooftop offers tapas-style eats and an expertly curated cocktail list, complemented by panoramic views of the sparkling Coral Sea.
“The response to Ardo Rooftop has been phenomenal – it’s the
place to be and the place to be seen on a Friday and Saturday night in Townsville,” Ardo Rooftop Bar Head Chef Indika Wijerathna said. “We’re often booked out thanks to the breathtaking panoramic views, international tapas on repeat and selection of refreshing beverages. The bar is forever changing thanks to seasonal menus, cocktail specials and that spectacular sunset which is never the same and always a sight to see,” he shared.
The Ville and Ardo CEO Michael Jones felt Ardo’s restaurant collection presented an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the rich culinary offering made available by Townsville’s producers, in a way that also showcased the unbridled vibrancy of the tropics.
“Ardo’s restaurants have helped to position Townsville as a premier dining destination and we are excited to welcome locals and tourists alike, to indulge,” he said.
Ardo is the newest hotel from the Morris Group, and opened in December 2023. Adjacent to Ardo is the Group’s flagship Townsville resort, The Ville Resort-Casino. Here, casual luxury dining is always on the menu, from award-winning Asian fusion at Miss Songs, to laid back Australian fare best enjoyed alfresco with island views at The Quarterdeck and casual buffet delights with a unique and contemporary Australian flavour at The Palm House.
