11 November 2024
25 mins Read
Australia’s dining landscape is vast and diverse, and luckily for the Queensland capital, some of the best restaurants in the country can be found in Brisbane. The city’s dining scene is a thrilling melting pot of talent and creativity, helmed by a new wave of world-class ventures. Here is the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Brisbane.
Hottest new opening: Black Hide Steak & Seafood
Best for vegan/vegetarian: Sunshine
Most budget-friendly: Maggie May
Fine dining gem: Restaurant Dan Arnold
If you’re as obsessed with its Melbourne flagship as much as we are, you’ll be cheering on the arrival of Supernormal in the Sunshine State.
Queen’s Wharf is the perfect spot for an al fresco meal.
Nailing modern Australian fare, spilling over with superb local seafood, the hot spot adapts to its northern digs while leaning on its distinct Asian roots.
Supernormal offers a diverse menu inspired by various Asian cuisines.
The New England lobster roll is as perfect as always, as are the raw dishes, signature dumplings, twice-cooked crispy duck and mains spanning aged meats and more ocean-bred delights.
Indulge in the peanut butter parfait.
The location itself is also exciting – Supernormal is one of the first restaurants at Queen’s Wharf, a highly anticipated entertainment precinct that’s going to redefine Brisbane’s dining scene.
Cuisine: Asian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Buzzing
Review: 4/5
Location: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, 443 Queen Street, Brisbane City
One of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings, Naldham House, opened its doors in 2024 after a much-anticipated revival. But the real news was the arrival of its first dining offering.
The Brasserie is housed in an elegant heritage building.
The Brasserie, a restaurant in Brisbane inspired by the grandeur of exquisite hotel lobbies, is a bit of a time warp at the onset, but an impressive menu of European plates feels very contemporary-cool.
Treat yourself to Pan-European plates.
Expect the likes of beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and eggplant cotoletta prepared with the best seasonal ingredients and extremely modern finesse.
The dim lighting sets the mood.
Cuisine: Pan-European
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Dignified
Review: 4/5
Location: 33 Felix Street, Brisbane City
Brought to The Star Brisbane by The Gambaro Group, a Queensland hospitality titan, Black Hide Steak & Seafood is an aesthetic masterpiece — and that’s before you’ve sunk your teeth into the menu. Blending a palette of coastal cool, complete with seafoam leather seating, with dazzling views of the Brisbane River, it’s elevated indulgence, Brisbane style.
Delight in the mouth-watering seafood menu.
Fans of the beloved steakhouse chain won’t even recognise this Black Hide given how far it’s come from its fellow moody, masculine outposts. Food-wise, there’s an abundance of chargrilled seafood to explore while all the regulars including exclusive cuts, signature meatballs and mouth-watering spatchcock, have come along for the ride.
The beloved steakhouse is a favourite among Brissy locals.
Cuisine: Modern Australian steakhouse
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Glamorous
Review: 5/5
Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 4, 33 William Street, Brisbane City
Smartening up classic British favourites with extreme precision, Milquetoast in Brisbane’s CBD is a laneway winner.
Sip your way through an elevated menu of cocktails. (Image: Daniel Joseph)
While Yorkshire pudding, devilled eggs and beans on toast might sound unremarkable, it’s the way they’re bringing these dishes into the now that has people talking.
Dine on classic British fare. (Image: Daniel Joseph)
Local seasonal ingredients transform British comfort food (and all-new creations) into works of art at this best restaurant in Brisbane, while strong mixology chops elevate a stylish menu of cocktails. It’s one extremely solid building block as the city constructs its burgeoning laneway culture.
Milquetoast in Brisbane’s CBD is a laneway winner. (Image: Daniel Joseph)
Cuisine: Contemporary British
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Refined
Review: 4/5
Location: 199 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Yes, it’s a song by Tool and certainly, the creative team behind Pneuma are fans of the band, but no, there’s nothing even remotely themed or kitschy about this place.
Pneuma elevates fresh seafood dishes with refined Japanese flavours.
The loft-style venue, one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, focuses firmly on the freshest of local seafood and produce, drenched in the flavour bombs of Asia and Europe and jazzed to the point where each dish should be framed. A warm ambience and sophisticated wine list are all cherries on top.
The loft-style dining space.
Cuisine: Modern Australian with global influences
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Elegant
Review: 4/5
Location: 336 George Street, Brisbane City
Honouring its location below the old Metro Arts Theatre, Exhibition is a fully immersive, high-drama culinary experience. A new degustation is curated daily by Chef Tim Scott but no matter what’s on show, expect a wave of creativity. The mood is thrilling and suspenseful, reminiscent of darkened stalls right before curtains are drawn open, but the food is its undisputed headliner.
The degustation menu changes daily.
Inspired by the Japanese art of Omakase, the team’s ground-breaking Heston-esque play on seasonal local produce across a string of dishes will leave you starstruck.
Come prepared for thrilling theatrics where the food is the undisputed headliner.
Cuisine: Modern Australian with Asian influences
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Slick
Review: 4/5
Location: Basement 2/109 Edward Street, Brisbane City
The brainchild of acclaimed chef Luke Nguyen, Fat Noodle is back in Brisbane and better than ever. After shuttering its original venue inside Treasury Brisbane, which launched 12 years ago, the team has found a new home in The Star Brisbane amid the emerging Queen’s Wharf entertainment precinct. Celebrating the mouth-watering flavours of South East Asia, and bringing Fat Noodle’s famed 20-hour beef broth along with it, the restaurant delivers Asian comfort food favourites alongside all-new seafood stars.
Cuisine: South-East Asian
Average Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Unpretentious
Review: 4/5
Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 5, 33 William Street, Brisbane City
Opening its doors within The Star Brisbane, Sokyo arrives in the city after stamping its authority in Sydney as a leading Japanese dining experience.
Try Sokyo’s famous spicy tuna on crispy rice. (Image: Nicole Barclay / The Star Entertainment Group)
Nailing beloved dishes with unique flair, Executive Chef Alex Yu, also known as the ‘sashimi florist’ due to his sashimi artistry, and the team deliver a flawless menu spanning Sokyo’s famous spicy tuna on crispy rice and miso-glazed fishes and other photo-perfect home runs.
Cutting-edge Japanese cuisine meets modern Australian flair. (Image: Nicole Barclay / The Star Entertainment Group)
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Brisbane.
Every dish is created with artistic flair. (Image: Nicole Barclay / The Star Entertainment Group)
Cuisine: Japanese
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Lavish
Review: 5/5
Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 2, 33 William Street, Brisbane City
Located in the heart of the CBD, Longwang is a celebration of all things Asian cuisine and utterly delicious no matter how you tackle it. One of the best restaurants in Brisbane, it’s an unassuming hole in the wall that’s narrow but elegantly snakes with sophisticated dining tables against a palette of brick, greys and whites.
Longwang offers a contemporary take on Asian cuisine.
The weekends bring on a yum cha menu, while the regular offering is full of flavour-crammed dishes crafted from peak seasonal ingredients.
The menu highlights flavour-packed dishes.
Cuisine: Modern Asian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Trendy
Review: 4/5
Location: 144 Edward Street, Brisbane
Meat eaters, brace yourselves. Fatcow turns your favourite proteins into mouth-watering delights, seasoned to perfection and dripping in perfectly balanced flavours.
Fatcow combines modern design with a classic steakhouse atmosphere.
Outside of the meaty superstars, there’s also a very tempting (and lavish) caviar menu to consider.
Bite into the flavourful foie gras rougie.
Oysters, foie gras, and even more raw seafood send this steakhouse into another stratosphere.
The mouth-watering dishes are seasoned to perfection.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average Price: $$$$-$$$$$
Atmosphere: Sleek
Review: 4/5
Location: 10 James Street, Fortitude Valley
For some of the most excellent Thai food in town, there’s no looking past Short Grain in Fortitude Valley.
Short Grain champions contemporary Thai cuisine.
Firmly focused on perfecting the flavours of South East Asia’s most-loved cuisine, Chef Martin Boetz (former executive chef at Melbourne and Sydney’s famed Longrain) and the team execute a mind-blowing collection of classics and inventive new spins on familiar flavours. It’s abundant, contemporary and awe-inspiring.
Savour bold and exciting South East Asian flavours.
Cuisine: Thai
Average Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Chilled
Review: 4/5
Location: 15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Playing to the season’s most delicious ingredients, Gum Bistro is a Brisbane restaurant that always delights. The vibe is easygoing while the food itself sings, delicately prepared with incredible freshness and inspired technique.
This casual fine diner exudes elevated yet casual dining vibes.
With rooms for just 40 seats, it’s an intimate dining experience shining a well-deserved light on the state’s most exceptional produce.
The spotlight is firmly on local produce.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Unpretentious
Review: 4/5
Location: 237 Boundary Street, West End
Once your eyes recover from the high-shine glare of its sensational glass chandeliers, brace yourself for seriously good grilling. Rothwell’s is the place to go for some of the city’s best-charred cuts as the team takes inspiration from global heavyweights like The Savoy Grill in London. The fit-out is New York-sexy, all green leather booths and Italian marble finishes, and there’s plenty more to devour than steak. Dive into crowd pleasers like the spanner crab pasta, duck cassoulet and sharable (and Instagramable) 600-gram Beef Wellington.
Cuisine: Modern Australian steakhouse
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Prestigious
Review: 4/5
Location: 235 Edward Street, Brisbane
Greca is Brisbane’s favourite Greek restaurant, sitting pretty within the historical wharfage at Howard Smith Wharves. It serves as a traditional taverna, boasting a menu centred on charcoal and wood fire grills.
The renowned contemporary restaurant boasts waterfront views.
Encounter plenty of seafood and meats, alongside other traditional Greek dishes you’ll have lots of fun pronouncing – taramasalata, spanakorizo and saganaki are (delicious) mouthfuls. The saganaki is to die for and is one of the city’s must-eat dishes.
The menu features traditional Greek flavours with a modern twist.
Cuisine: Greek
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Lively
Review: 4/5
Location: Hoard Smith Wharves, 3/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane
Located in a heritage-listed former bank, Donna Chang gives a nod to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese cuisine. The pink dining room is lit with chandeliers and full of marble tables and pink booths for big groups – or just loosening your belt. Serving fresh rock lobsters, Chinese roasted duck, and cumin-spiced lamb dim sum, you’ll savour Asia’s finest flavours in this best restaurant in Brisbane.
Wontons are a standout dish.
Cuisine: Modern Chinese
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Bright and buzzy
Review: 4/5
Location: 171 George St, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4000
Melrose cooks up contemporary Asian cuisine and mixes it with a cocktail bar to offer an alternative dining experience. The menu is perfect for sharing and has a strong focus on Thai. Expect the likes of soft-shell crab bao, seafood sashimi, crispy whole fishes and rich curries. Thank us later.
Don’t miss the Indonesian-Thai fusion bites at Melrose. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Fun-fuelled
Review: 3.5/5
Location: Upstairs, Level 1, 37 Oxford Street, Bulimba
Yet another hot spot along trendy James Street, Emme is a fine dining treat nailing authentic Middle Eastern plates. The fit-out ventures into museum territory, dotted with sculptures and beautifully textured surfaces, while the menu is elegant and refined, allowing big impact flavours to take centre stage. Expect to bond with the diners next to you as a stream of dishes effortlessly wow – it’s a pretty special Brisbane restaurant.
Emme nails authentic Middle Eastern plates.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Sophisticated
Review: 4/5
Location: Shop 3, 22 James Street, Fortitude Valley
If it feels a little clubby inside Establishment 203. The former nightclub venue is now fitted with plush oversized leather booths, plush banquettes and a whole lot of masterful cooking. The velvet curtains are over the top, sure, but this place throws bucketloads of fun into its premium beef cut finetuning and we’re here for it. Playing to his strengths, Chef Ben O’Donoghue of Surfing the Menu fame nails protein lashed with the flavours of Italy. And if meat’s not your thing, homemade pasta and seafood will equally delight.
Cuisine: Steak and Italian
Average Price: $$$$-$$$$$
Atmosphere: Upscale
Review: 4/5
Location: 6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
You won’t believe you can eat it — the creative genius exploding at Restaurant Dan Arnold is that spectacular. Chef Dan Arnold brings Michelin star experience from France to this very special slice of culinary heaven in the Valley, plating up masterstroke after masterstroke.
Chef Dan Arnold serves up edible masterpieces.
Your heart will break the moment your fork hits the French-inspired wizardry but do get in there because well-balanced flavours and fresh local produce will send your soul soaring. Additionally, the fit-out is beautifully coastal cool so you’re spoilt for exceptional sights.
Every item on the menu is a slice of culinary heaven.
Cuisine: Modern Australian with French flair
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Classy
Review: 5/5
Location: 10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Tucked through a secret door behind The Wickham, Honto is turning heads like nobody’s business. The dark, moody Honto is undoubtedly the black sheep of the family, but dimly lit tables hide none of the splendour escaping this contemporary Japanese kitchen.
The dimly lit tables at hôntô add a touch of drama to an incredible dining experience.
Find love at first bite over the likes of fresh, raw tuna inside savoury drumstick cones, lobster katsu sandos and grilled baby snapper with glorious trimmings.
The contemporary Japanese kitchen is turning heads in Brisbane’s dining scene.
Cuisine: Japanese
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Bustling
Review: 4/5
Location: Alden St, Fortitude Valley
sAme sAme is another beautifully designed venue from the team behind Honto – and it’s anything but ordinary. They’ve managed to take the heat, flavour and pace of classic Southeast Asian cooking and shake it together with a liberal dose of personality and hospitality. The result is a bustling, enigmatic restaurant that comes alive every night of the week.
Devour delicious Southeast Asian plates at sAme sAme. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: South East Asian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Inviting
Review: 4/5
Location: Shop AM3 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley
Stop at Happy Boy for cool, contemporary Chinese food, right in the heart of Brisbane’s buzzing CBD precinct. The light, industrial space offers minimalism in spades, alongside an affordable dinner menu that covers all the bases. The house fried rice is a popular choice, as well as the Beijing duck pancakes when they’re up for grabs.
Cuisine: Chinese
Average Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Electric
Review: 4/5
Location: Under the fairy-lit trees, East Street, Fortitude Valley
Housed inside the boutique hotel and photographer-paradise, The Calile, Hellenika is the perfect alfresco space to grab a daytime bite. Enjoy signature, authentic Greek fare in an array of upscale environments. Whether it be a casual bite by the pool, or alfresco dining with friends – there are myriad options to suit in this rooftop oasis.
Enjoy casual bites by the pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: Greek
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Swish
Review: 4/5
Location: The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard was just a really popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle. Really, you’re not wrong. Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and the Middle Eastern hot spot is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams.
Pop into Gerard’s Bistro if you’re craving Middle Eastern food.
Changing regularly, the menu features an array of flavour-packed dishes made for sharing and epic house-made breads.
The Moreton Bay bug sayadieh is a must-try.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Jolly
Review: 4/5
Location: 14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
A sleek spot, Essa is perfect for an intimate date night thanks to its moody and atmospheric feel, created by dark wood panelling, exposed brick walls and windows offering a view of lush greenery.
The dimly lit space is perfect for an intimate date nights.
Everything that comes out of Essa’s kitchen showcases local farmers and providers, with their seasonal produce heroed in simple, yet utterly delectable main dishes. Make sure to leave room for their signature Jerusalem artichoke cream bun for dessert.
The signature Jerusalem artichoke cream bun is a must-try.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Upbeat
Review: 4.5/5
Location: 181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Occupying a tiny corner tenancy in Bakery Lane, Joy Restaurant has just 10 seats, all of them overlooking the action being carried out in the kitchen and bar. So, how good can a restaurant that seats just 10 people be? Well, they’re booked out six months in advance, so we’d say pretty damn good. Choose either a short or long degustation, sit back to make friends with your neighbour, and leave seriously impressed.
Cuisine: Modern Australian with global influences
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Intimate
Review: 5/5
Location: Shop 7/690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
In a beautiful old brick warehouse, tucked away in Fortitude Valley, you’ll find the wood-fired cooking delights of Agnes. The ethos: cooking stripped back to its primordial elements, food cooked over a flame and flavoured with a variety of different woods and prepared in exciting ways. From the brilliant minds of sAme sAme and Honto, Agnes is sure to set your heart ablaze.
The cooking method at Agnes sets it apart from its competitors. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Firey
Review: 4.5/5
Location: 22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
A terracotta-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region, Bianca is by the same crew behind Agnes, sAme sAme and Honto. It’s fully decked out in peachy tiles, while the ceiling is covered by metal gridwork. You can watch the kitchen team at work as they artfully assemble plates of mortadella, prosciutto, salami and more. All this plus fresh pasta, grill dishes, epic desserts and an Inglorious Basterds-themed cocktail menu, and you’ve got one heck of a night out.
Expect house-made pasta and stacks of antipasti at Biànca restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Slick
Review: 5/5
Location: Shop AM5, 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Sunshine is somewhat of a deli, with restaurant quality food priced per 100g, allowing you to order as little or as much as you like and limiting food wastage. The entire menu of hot and cold Mediterranean dishes is 100 per cent vegetarian with ample vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options as well. The alfresco courtyard is the perfect place to soak in the sunshine while eating it too.
Cuisine: European
Average Price: $$
Atmosphere: Casual
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 39 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Gemelli uses authentic Italian products combined with the highest-quality Queensland seafood and meat, creating the ultimate dining experience. Using traditional cooking techniques, you’ll feel as though you’ve just stepped foot in Italy in this contemporary space with traditional Italian influences.
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$Atmosphere: Family-friendly
Review: ⅘
Location: 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Bisou Bisou is a French brasserie located in Hotel X, one of the most luxurious hotels in Brisbane. The intimate space is quiet and relaxing, ideal for those looking for some tranquillity. The food menu offers a delightful range of French-inspired dishes such as bouillabaisse and steak frites. The cocktail menu complements the food menu with both classic cocktails and modern interpretations. We recommend working your way through the list of French wines that will make you weak in the knees.
Head to Bisou Bisou for an intimate meal in a tranquil setting. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: French
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Cosy
Review: 3.5/5
Location: Hotel X, 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Does that famous black-and-white ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ photograph of construction workers scoffing sambos up in the air look fun to you? Well, you need to get moving to Vertigo, the country’s first vertical restaurant. Enjoy an Italian-inspired menu 17 metres above ground level on the edge of Brisbane Powerhouse as the city throws up incredible views down below. Terrifying or tempting, it’s certainly one of a kind.
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Exhilarating
Review: 3.5/5
Location: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Couldn’t quite make it to Italy this year? Consider Pilloni the next best thing, and then some. Dishing up ridiculously authentic flavours inside an achingly cool fit-out that blends contemporary finishes with warm textures and tones, the West End hot spot does wonderous things with the freshest of seasonal produce.
The restaurant’s fit-out is a blend of contemporary finishes with warm textures and tones.
Homemade pasta floats delicately in flavour-packed sauces while seafood shines and one helluva spit-roasted pig gets the party started at one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, hands down.
Enjoy refined Sardinian fare.
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$-$$$$$
Atmosphere: Intimate
Review: 5/5
Location: 166 Hardgrave Road, West End
Bar Alto is in the Brisbane Powerhouse, a contemporary multi-arts, dining and conference venue nestled on the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River beside New Farm Park. The former power station has become a distinct Brisbane landmark, both as a stunning industrial creation and as a hub for everything creative including theatre, music, comedy, film, visual arts, festivals and ideas. Bar Alto is a relaxed and welcoming spot to spend an afternoon with a delightful menu ranging from small antipasti plates to larger showstoppers like gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, radicchio, and walnuts.
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Pure chic
Review: 4/5
Location: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Inside Beccofino, the smell of the woodfired pizza oven drifts through the restaurant to the outdoor terrace. The pizza menu is separated into pizze rosse (tomato-based) and pizze bianche (white cheese-based) and they are impeccable. The modern Italian restaurant has a substantial menu with pasta, antipasti, mains and Italian desserts. Simple, beautiful food is what these guys do best.
Beccofino specialises in Italian dishes.
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Homely
Review: 4/5
Location: 10 Vernon Terrace, Corner Florence Street, Teneriffe
Maggie May Supperclub is retro in the best possible way. The decor spins a strong 70s vibe and is instantly endearing. The menu is designed for sharing with a range of small and large plates to whet the appetite. From gin-cured salmon, duck shanks and charred corn ribs to chargrilled pork sirloin with pancetta potatoes and chorizo butter, harissa glazed eggplant, or some cheeky s’mores for dessert, there is something for everyone here.
This retro-themed restaurant gives off a modern 70s vibe.
Cuisine: Global comfort food
Average Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 84 Longland Street, Newstead
Looking for top-quality wine and a dedication to exceptional food? You’ll love Allonda. A warm, fuss-free restaurant in Brisbane splashing beautiful Italian flavours over modern Australian fare, the space is reliably impressive.
The steak at Allonda is cooked to perfection.
Choose from the shared feast to sample a good spread of skills or jump straight to the pasta menu for their long-renowned speciality.
Allonda is always experimenting with different flavour combinations.
Cuisine: Modern Australian that skews Italian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Airy
Review: 4/5
Location: 17/21 Longland Street, Newstead
Montrachet offers a style of bistro dining, amazing produce and cooking techniques, paired with amazing, warm and precise service to deliver the perfect French dining experience.
Montrachet embraces classy French bistro dining.
With a number of accolades to its name, the Brisbane restaurant is using its experience to ensure they continue to delight the palate with a seasonal French menu, and extensive wine list.
Delight your palate with a seasonal French menu.
Cuisine: French
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Exotic
Review: 4/5
Location: Shop 1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Casa Chow is a vibrant venue bringing flavourful Chifa cuisine to Brisbane. Fusing classic Cantonese notes with robust Peruvian staples, culinary knock-outs guarantee good times.
Chifa cuisine fuses classic Cantonese flavours with robust Peruvian staples.
Wash down their one-of-a-kind fare with this best restaurant’s creative drinks and small share plates.
For a real treat, order the pisco sour flight.
Cuisine: Chifa – Peruvian Chinese
Average Price: $$
Atmosphere: Buzzing
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 4b/148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Clarence’s objective is to create a high-quality dining experience in a paired back and unpretentious setting. Focusing all their resources on what goes on the plate and in the glass, they go to great lengths to source the highest quality, local produce and beverages.
Settle into the cosy European-style bistro at Clarence. (Image: Mitch Lowe Photo)
With dishes like kangaroo salami, veal terrine and wild venison, Clarence is unique for all the right reasons.
Dine on locally sourced, sustainable produce.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Charming
Review: 4/5
Location: 617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Passionate about local produce and top-notch wine, Woolloongabba dining institution 1889 Enoteca is a sophisticated stop for any occasion. Chef Matt Stubbing focuses on supporting local farmers as much as possible, which benefits both parties; ensuring the restaurant’s produce is much fresher and less damaged from limited travel.
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Warm and friendly
Review: 5/5
Location: 10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Detour is a unique dining experience that’s progressive, thought-provoking, conscientious, and all-inclusive. To do this their menu is almost entirely gluten-free, split into an omnivore and herbivore selection. The herbivore section is completely plant-based and the omnivore section uses only sustainably produced proteins. The wine list consists of small, biodynamic, organic, Australian producers showcasing the natural wine movement. At Detour, you can expect a unique dining experience where everyone is included.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Rowdy
Review: 4/5
Location: 11 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Combining the best of upmarket seafood restaurants with everyone’s favourite local fish ‘n’ chip shop, One Fish Two Fish is a fresh take on the suburban restaurant and bar, with something for all schools of seafood lovers. Sink your teeth into the pillowy soft steamed bao with painted crayfish, sriracha and aioli.
Pillowy steamed bao with painted crayfish, sriracha and aioli.
For those who welcome a relaxed and low-fuss dining experience set to a lively ‘80s soundtrack, this might just be the place for you. With classic fish and chips done perfectly, new-school fancy fish dishes, and versatile and irresistible sides, One Fish Two Fish is the new go-to for lazy lunches and as many oysters as you can muster.
Feast on fresh oysters.
Cuisine: Seafood
Average Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Chilled
Review: 4/5
Location: 708 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
The beauty of Otto’s menu is just how simple it is. It needn’t show off with outlandish bells and whistles, it simply lets the quality of the regional produce do all the talking. Otto’s celebrates the extravagance of people, place and la dolce vita through modern Italian cuisine. Peruse an a la carte menu, tasting menu, vegan menu and curated wine list while overlooking the iconic Brisbane River. Colourful interiors and a vibrant cityscape will keep you company, alongside perfectly al dente Blue Swimmer crab ravioli, or local squid cooked on the wood grill. Bellissimo.
Dine by the iconic Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Smart and classy
Review: 4/5
Location: Sidon Street, South Bank, South Brisbane
Southside is Brisbane’s iconic riverside restaurant serving East-Asian cuisine and pouring wines that share an appreciation of classic expressions from the great regions of the world alongside its favourite Australian producers. This stunning restaurant is full of huge, green plants and the food is just as pretty. You’ll have plenty of chances to get the best Insta shot.
The riverside restaurant serves up East-Asian cuisine. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cuisine: East-Asian
Average Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Stylish
Review: 4/5
Location: 63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
The top level of a former dance studio provides open-plan good times at Herve’s Restaurant & Bar, where French fare always impresses. The vibe is casual and cool but don’t let that trick you into thinking there isn’t heavyweight expertise lacing every dish.
The open-plan space boasts a lovely indoor-outdoor flow.
You’ll practically feel the warmth of the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights when hor d’oeuvres including a chicken pate éclair and truffle potato rosti sweep your table, before classics like steak frites and confit duck leg send you all the way into a Parisian dream.
The French fare at Herves is a Parisian dream come true.
Cuisine: French
Average Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Glamorous
Review: 4/5
Location: Craft’d Grounds, Level 1/31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion
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No longer playing second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne, the cafe scene in Brisbane has exploded in recent years. From hidden laneway gems and deligh...
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
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