Welcome to Encores at the Empire
Chef and Owner Mark Rawlings and his wife Meredith opened Encores restaurant in Toowoomba in conjunction with the redevelopment of the historic Empire Theatre in June 1997.
At first, Encores was a small boutique restaurant seating 40 people, with a focus on contemporary Australian cuisine. In 2005, the Empire Theatre Precinct underwent major redevelopment which lead to a purpose built restaurant facility being built adjacent to the Empire Theatre.
This facility now incorporates a private dining room, lounge bar and large bi-fold doors giving an indoor/outdoor feel overlooking the grounds of the Theatre precinct.
The restaurant caters for events in the Empire Theatre as well as special themed events, a la carte dining, corporate functions and weddings. The versatility of the Empire Precinct allows for weddings and events to be held in the historic Empire Theatre, the Empire Church function area or in the Restaurant.
Encores Restaurant has been recognised for their excellent cuisine by winning the American Express Best Restaurant - Darling Downs and the Heritage Business Awards - Restaurant Section.
Encores renowned reputation goes beyond that of the traditional restaurant experience, with Chef Mark Rawlings also operating Simply Seafood. If you want gourmet seafood or classic fish and chips then you must try Simply Seafood – Toowoomba’s best Fine Fare to go.
Encores is open for lunches Tuesday to Friday (from 12pm), and dinners Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:30pm. Simply Seafood is open every day (except Monday), 11-2pm, and reopening from 4:15 - 8:15pm (7:30pm on Sundays).