Are you overspending on this simple family favourite? The hidden cost might shock you!

Lasagne, whether bolognese or vegetarian style, is a delicious, comforting and beloved dish by many.

It's a classic family favourite that's been around for decades, and for those who grew up eating it as a meal, it can evoke surprisingly strong emotions.

However, one Brisbane restaurant is about to make your eyes water for an entirely different reason when it comes to this classic dish.


Queensland celebrity chef Gillian Hirst first invented her take on lasagne back in 1992.

Her invention came to life when a whopping 400 portions per week of sand crab lasagne were served to ecstatic diners at Brisbane’s now-closed fine dining hotspot Il Centro.


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Il Centro’s iconic sand crab lasagne is the inspiration behind Chef Hirst’s lasagne recipe. Credit: Il Centro Restaurant & Bar Facebook


Now, Zazu Dining in Brisbane’s West End is trying to revive the iconic dish after a decades-long slumber.

Their version of the classic Italian dish comes filled with creamy bechamel sauce and sand crab bolognese, bathed in abalone bisque and topped with a spoonful of black caviar.

Sounds delicious, right? Wait ‘til you read the price.


It’s a whopping $75 per serve, considerably more expensive than the ‘90s original!



Zazu says their portion can be split between two people, but the dish has been described as a 'hungry solo diner's dream' by food journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans, who sampled the dish and wrote about it.

The price tag on this version of the lasagne is certainly high. But if you’re on the hunt for a similar luxe lasagne made with duck meat, head over to Lollo in the W Melbourne for a much more wallet-friendly price of $58.


But there’s more than just the faithful classic dish on offer at Zazu.

The restaurant has splashed together an array of fusion flavours, like edamame with truffled butter and smoked garlic salt ($9) and Thai beef salad ($26), as well as Szechuan duck pancakes and confit chicken roulade.



Key Takeaways

  • A Brisbane restaurant, Zazu Dining, is serving a sand crab lasagne that costs $75 a serve.
  • The dish is a recreation of a popular menu item by celebrity chef Gillian Hirst from the now-closed restaurant Il Centro.
  • Despite the high price tag, the portion can be shared between two people, yet can easily be consumed by one, according to reviews.
  • Zazu Dining offers an eclectic menu of global flavours, featuring dishes such as Thai beef salad, Balkan-style kofte kebapi and Middle-Eastern style pizzas.

Now, of course, luxury can be alluring when it comes to some of these dishes, and we here at SDC are certainly not telling you not to treat yourself or your friends—but with so many cheaper alternatives, we just want to make sure that you don't get suckered into overspending!

If you're on the hunt for a cheap Italian treat, make sure you research all the cafes, restaurants, and eateries in your local area. Check out online reviews, compare pricing, and don’t forget to take advantage of any special offers they might have.

That said, members—have you ever made (or tried) a ‘luxurious’ version of lasagne or another family dish? Can you believe the prices of these meals? Tell us below!
 
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I’ve had caviar if you like salt you’ll like caviar😁black caviars so salty compared to Tasmanian trout and salmon caviar.😋but never again it’s an acquired taste and over rated. Oh and overpriced.
Definitely over priced !!!! But l like it with dry, toasted bread. 😊
 
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Okay I’ve had abalone before at wrest point casino in Hobart anybody else tried it. It was nicely cooked but odd tasting and definately overpriced. At over $100.00 for a piece the size of a 50cent coin it is definately on my not to try again list.😋
 
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Okay I’ve had abalone before at wrest point casino in Hobart anybody else tried it. It was nicely cooked but odd tasting and definately overpriced. At over $100.00 for a piece the size of a 50cent coin it is definately on my not to try again list.😋
I've eaten Abalone twice , since we v'e been back in Australia as you say to expensive overpriced here as almost all of the catch goes to South East Asian countries , they seem to be the willing mugs . Used to have quite regularly whein NZ , but then we used to dive for for them.
 
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Okay I’ve had abalone before at wrest point casino in Hobart anybody else tried it. It was nicely cooked but odd tasting and definately overpriced. At over $100.00 for a piece the size of a 50cent coin it is definately on my not to try again list.😋
We used to go snorkelling for abalone at South Durras near Bateman's Bay before the powers to be banned it. Dig the bastards off the rocks, scoop out the meat, rub the black crap off the meat then belt the bejezus out of it with a tenderising hammer. Preparation was a real pain but the finished product was something to die for! Cooked in butter and seasoned with spices of your choice. Heaven in a shell!
 
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We used to go snorkelling for abalone at South Durras near Bateman's Bay before the powers to be banned it. Dig the bastards off the rocks, scoop out the meat, rub the black crap off the meat then belt the bejezus out of it with a tenderising hammer. Preparation was a real pain but the finished product was something to die for! Cooked in butter and seasoned with spices of your choice. Heaven in a shell!
The taste Is obviously in the preparation and the cooking ours was awful so much for an ala cartey farty chef thing😋
 
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Reactions: Observer

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