05 April 2024
19 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 true sight to behold, helmed by a new wave of dining delights. Here is the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Brisbane.
Best for: dinner and a show
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 of former Joy Restaurant fame (more about Joy later) but no matter what’s on show, expect a wave of creativity.
The degustation menu changes daily.
The mood is thrilling and suspenseful, reminiscent of darkened stalls right before curtains are drawn open, and the staff are exceptional, but the food is its undisputed headliner. Inspired by the flavours of Asia, Chef Tim and his team’s ground-breaking Heston-esque play on seasonal local produce will leave you starstruck.
Come prepared for thrilling theatrics where the food is the undisputed headliner.
Address: Basement 2/109 Edward Street, Brisbane City
Best for: refined Japanese flavours and fresh local catches
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 Japan and jazzed to the point where each dish should be framed. A warm ambience, approachable staff and sophisticated wine list are all cherries on top of the excellence.
The loft-style dining space provides a warm ambience.
Address: 336 George Street, Brisbane City
Best for: grilled meats with a side of glamour
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 take 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.
Address: 235 Edward Street, Brisbane City
Best for: Greek, waterfront views
Greca is Brisbane’s favourite Greek restaurant which sits in an old warehouse at Howard Smith Wharves. It serves as an old white taverna, boasting a menu that revolves around the charcoal and wood fire grills.
The renowned contemporary restaurant boasts waterfront views.
Encounter plenty of seafood and meats, alongside other traditional Greek dishes that you’ll have lots of fun trying to pronounce – taramasalata, spanakorizo, saganaki. The saganaki is to die for and is actually one of the must-eat dishes in Brisbane.
The traditional Greek dishes at Greca are to die for.
Address: Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City
Best for: Cantonese
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 sums, you’ll get a bit of everything here.
Try Donna Chang’s specialty wonton.
Address: Shop 3/171 George St, Brisbane City
Best for: sharing
Since opening in 2019, NOTA has reinvigorated the lunch palette of Paddington diners.
Nota offers elegantly plated European dishes.
With its uncomplicated, yet luxurious approach to European plates, make sure you try the Fraser Isle Spanner crab pasta with chilli and garlic, and the mango bavarois to finish it off. All this is served in a historic building filled with brass features, exposed brick and cosy brown trimmings.
NOTA has given its historic building a luxe fit-out that complements the dining experience.
Address: 224 Given Terrace, Paddington
Best for: Indonesian-Thai fusion
Melrose brings 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 flavours.
Our favourites are the soft-shell crab bao buns, cured kingfish with mint, ginger, lime and chilli, crispy Borrowdale pork belly and Penang duck curry. Thank us later.
Don’t miss the Indonesian-Thai fusion cuisine at Melrose. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: Shop 5/6 37 Oxford St, Bulimba
Best for: Seriously epic steak
If it feels a little clubby inside Establishment 203, one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, it makes sense. 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.
Address: 6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Jaw-dropping plating
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.
Address: 10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Japanese
Tucked through a secret door behind The Wickham, hôntô is turning heads like nobody’s business. The dark, moody hôntô 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 fresh, raw tuna inside savoury drumstick cones, lobster katsu sandos and grilled baby snapper with chicken dashi butter and kale furikake.
The contemporary Japanese kitchen is turning heads in Brisbane’s dining scene.
Address: Alden St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: good vibes
sAme sAme is another beautifully designed venue from the team behind hôntô – 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 results are a bustling, enigmatic restaurant that comes alive every night of the week.
Devour delicious Southeast Asian cuisine at sAme sAme. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: Shop AM3 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Chinese food
Stop at Happy Boy for cool, contemporary Chinese food, right in the heart of Brisbane’s buzzing 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.
Address: Under fairy-lit trees, East St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: casual dining
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.
Dine poolside at Hellenika. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: Level 1/48 James St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Middle Eastern food
From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard was just a really popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle.
Pop into Gerard’s Bistro if you’re craving Middle Eastern food.
Really, you’re not wrong. Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and the Middle Eastern bistro is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams. 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.
Address: 14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: date night
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 restaurant provides the perfect dimly-lit setting for a date.
Essa brings an environmentally conscious approach to the menu.
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 for dessert.
Address: 181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: degustation
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.
Address: Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: wood-fired cooking
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 hôntô, Agnes is sure to set your heart ablaze.
The cooking method at Agnes sets the food apart from its competitors. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: 22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Antipasto
A peach-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region, Biànca is also by the crew behind Agnes, sAme sAme and hôntô! It’s fully decked out in terracotta 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)
Address: Shop AM5, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Vegetarian and vegan
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.
Order vegan and gluten-free meals at Sunshine Eatery.
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.
Dine al fresco under vibrant yellow umbrellas.
Address: 39 James St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: authentic Italian
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.
Address: 15 James St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: drinks menu
Bisou Bisou is a French brasserie located in Hotel X. The intimate bistro is quiet and relaxing, ideal for those looking for some tranquillity. The cocktail menu here is next-level, and the bartender knows his stuff. Not to mention the list of French wines will make you weak in the knees.
Head to Bisou Bisou for an intimate meal in a tranquil setting. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Best for: Thrill-seekers
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.
Address: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Best for: the ragu
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 a one-kilogram pot of mussels with chilli, garlic, tomato. Oh, and don’t forget the goat ragu pappardelle – yum.
Address: 119 Lamington St, New Farm
Best for: the woodfired pizza
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.
Address: Cnr of, 10 Vernon Terrace, Florence St, Teneriffe
Best for: 70s vibes
Maggie May Supperclub is the newest venue to hit Newstead and it’s a good one. The retro décor gives a modern 70s vibe and is fashionable and comforting.
This retro-themed resto gives off a modern 70s vibe.
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 at Maggie May’s.
Address: 84 Longland St, Newstead
Best for: risotto
“Allonda” is derived from the Italian word ‘wave’ in reference to executing what they consider to be the perfect risotto. A smooth wave is achieved during the process if, and only if, you get the perfect balance of butter, parmesan, stock and temperature.
The steak at Allonda is cooked to perfection.
This is the philosophy of Allonda – balance. With a risotto Allonda of the week, they are always experimenting with flavours that will burst in your mouth.
Allonda is always experimenting with flavour combinations, which are a treat for your tastebuds.
Address: 17/21 Longland St, Newstead
Best for: French cuisine
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 takes on a classy and elegant approach to French bistro dining.
With a number of accolades to its name, Montrachet is using its experience to ensure they continue to delight the palate with a seasonal French menu, and extensive French wine list.
Delight your palate with a seasonal French menu.
Address: Shop 1/30 King St, Bowen Hills
Best for: Chinese Peruvian
Casa Chow is an up-tempo venue bringing Chifa cuisine to Brisbane. Chifa fuses classic Cantonese flavours with robust Peruvian staples, for a culinary delight that can’t be missed.
Chifa cuisine fuses classic Cantonese flavours with robust Peruvian staples.
Celebrate this vibrant unison with Casa Chow’s collection of Chinese-Peruvian Style drinks and small share plates.
Order up the pisco sour flight at Casa Chow for a real treat.
Address: 4b/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Best for: locally sourced, sustainable produce
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 at Clarence.
Address: 617 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
Best for: all occasions
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.
Address: 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Best for: inclusivity
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.
Address: 11 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Best for: seafood
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 buns 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 a smorgasbord of oysters at One Fish Two Fish.
Address: 708 Main St, Kangaroo Point
Best for: A splash of Sardinian fare
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 a splash of Sardinian fare.
Address: 166 Hardgrave Road, West End
Best for: Season-led creativity
Originally intended as a pop-up venue, GOMA Farm-to-Table is sticking around indefinitely and crowds are high-fiving.
Yes, it shines a light on the best seasonal produce as every dish arrives high on flavour and low on fuss, but it’s the flood of natural light, friendly team members and general joy of this restaurant that visitors to the Gallery of Modern Art can’t get enough of. Grab a seat in the al fresco section if the weather gods are playing nice.
Address: Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Best for: an all-round dining experience
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.
Dine by the iconic Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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.
Address: Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon St
Best for: Instagram cred
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 iconic riverside restaurants serves up East-Asian cuisine. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Address: 63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane
Best for: French cuisine
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 is a sun-drenched delight.
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.
Address: Craft’d Grounds, Level 1/31-37 Collingwood St, Albion
This article has been updated by Kristie Lau-Adams
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...
Whether you want water views, panoramic vistas, adrenaline-fuelled adventures or lazy days on relaxed islands, Brisbane is packed with activities and ...
Cool down at these highly recommended pools in Brisbane. With blue skies all year round, it’s always a good time to take a dip in Brisbane — espe...
It’s hard to imagine that dairy cows and tanneries once dotted the landscape now home to cool cafes, coffee roasters and creative spaces. Here's the...
LEAVE YOUR COMMENT