Over the years, Brisbane has really grown up. The food and drinking scene in Brisbane has really flourished in recent years, with wonderful new destinations to explore at every corner. Today the food scene is really bustling with some of the best restaurants Brisbane has to offer.
With so many good restaurants in Brisbane to discover, it can be a challenge to pick where to go. I am in love with dining out, so together with my friends, have explored the many foodie destinations that Brisbane has to offer – so alas I have put together this Brisbane restaurant guide.
And so after many years of having lived in Brisbane (and now frequently visiting), I have finally put together my pick of over 40 of the best restaurants in Brisbane that you must visit. As a general rule of thumb, I have marked the ‘styles’ of each place to give you an idea of what to wear and also the price point:
- Casual: $ – $$
- Smart Casual: $$$-$$$$
- Fine Dining: $$$$ +
Without further ado, here is my Brisbane restaurant guide to help you discover!
Table of Contents
- Best for… Modern Australian
- Best for… Breakfast & Brunch
- Best for… Italian
- Best for… Japanese
- Best for… Asian
- Best for… Middle Eastern
- Best for… Drinks
- Best for… Steak
- Best for… Afternoon Tea
- Best for… Dessert
- Best for… a Healthy Diet
- Best for… French
- Best for… Spanish
- Best for… American
- Best for… Markets
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Best for… Modern Australian
GOMA Restaurant
Location: South Bank | Style: Fine Dining
The GOMA Restaurant takes inspiration from the creative artworks that finds itself a home at GOMA. And similar to the way each piece of artwork tells a story, the menu at the GOMA Restaurant strives to do the same.
The menu focuses on sourcing only local ingredients and showcasing the quality produce from Australian growers. And wherever possible, GOMA aims to use sustainable practices, as well as organic and biodynamic ingredients. The menu is seasonal yet delicious, and the best way to experience the GOMA Restaurant is through their tasting menus.
Lokal + Co
Location: West End | Style: Casual
Taking inspiration from the Nordic countries, Lokal + Co is a gorgeous restaurant in West End that serves modern seasonal dishes using the best of local produce. The lunch menu may seem small, but offers a selection of light and substantial dishes, with enough variety for each palate. The selection of fresh juices, coffee, and teas are also fantastic. Definitely a lovely spot to spend a sunny lunch with friends.
Stokehouse
Location: South Bank | Style: Smart Casual
The Stokehouse is a lovely restaurant located along the banks of South Bank, offering breezy views of the Brisbane river and CBD. Lunch time is my favorite time to dine here because of the lovely Queensland weather and the best time to take advantage of the gorgeous views. Any of the seafood dishes are perfectly delicious, especially best enjoyed with a chilled glass of Australian white. Otherwise I also recommend trying the steak, which is always excellent quality and has been sourced by some of Australia’s top beef producers.
Grown
Location: West End | Style: Smart Casual
Grown is a plant-based restaurant, focusing on a seasonal menu using produce sourced from local Australian farmers who are no more than 400 kilometres away from Brisbane. The menu is creative, showcasing a very different side to vegetables. Even the wine and beer list has been carefully curated to showcase vegan-friendly options and locally produced offerings.
Urbane
Location: Brisbane City | Style: Fine Dining
Urbane has been around for a number of years now and for good reason. The menu is sophisticated and high-quality, using techniques from around the world, and sourcing seasonal produce from around Australia. The menus are degustation, which takes you on a journey through various techniques and seasonal produce.
The restaurant is elegantly designed, and you can expect exceptional service here, so it is a fantastic option if you are looking for a great dinner in Brisbane. And if you’re after some drinks to start with, do check out the Euro, located within the walls of Urbane.
Balfour Kitchen
Location: New Farm | Style: Smart Casual
Balfour Kitchen is located at the Spicers Balfour hotel in New Farm, a lovely Queenslander style boutique hotel. If you are also looking for accommodation, this hotel is lovely.
The food is modern Australian and is delicious! My favorite dishes are the Wagyu Rump and Roasted Duck Breast. I have been here several times now for dinner and have not been disappointed with the food. If you arrive in the early evening, have a drink at the upstairs bar, which has some views of Brisbane city.
Best for… Breakfast & Brunch
Hunter & Scout
Location: Graceville | Style: Casual
If you’re after an instagrammable spot to eat, the Hunter & Scout definitely checks this box. With a gorgeous interior and exterior, you can expect a lot of greenery in an airy space. But Hunter & Scout is much more than this. It’s a delicious place for brunch and great coffee. Do try the rhubarb porridge, which is perfect on a winter’s day.
Goodness Gracious
Location: Graceville | Style: Casual
Goodness Gracious is just that – a café packed full of goodness. Great coffee and delicious brunch, this cosy café is located in a lovely heritage corner store, and boasts a verandah for the perfect outdoor seating area. The menu focuses on healthy, sustainable, and fresh produce. Oh, and do keep your eye out on the pastry cabinet, which includes delicious pastries that are all house-made.
Gertrude & Mabel
Location: Dutton Park | Style: Casual
Gertrude & Mabel is A gorgeous café located in Dutton Park, which is open daily for breakfast and lunch. The menu is short and sweet, but don’t let that fool it because the food and coffee packs a punch. The menu is filled with generational Greek family recipes which means the food is oh-so-delicious…just the way Nana used to make it!
Pawpaw Café
Location: Woolloongabba | Style: Casual
The Pawpaw Café in Woolloongabba is a gorgeous space and has a great all-day breakfast menu. By day Pawpaw offers a delicious all-day breakfast menu, and by night you can enjoy Thai. If you think that this is another standard breakfast café think again. The menu is packed full of creative breakfast feeds such as my favorite, the Potato Hash which includes poached eggs, turmeric hummus, haloumi and beetroot relish. See? Told you it wasn’t standard.
L’Americano Espresso Bar
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Casual
Coco Republic is shaking things up – no long are they just offering gorgeous furnishings for sale, but now you can enjoy delicious light bites and good coffee. Inspired by the old world charm of a 1950’s Italian espresso bar and the film noir The Talented Mr Ripley, the design of L’Americano combines an American design aesthetic with a rich Italian heritage.
Best for… Italian
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant Pizzeria Bar
Location: West End | Style: Casual
Cosy spot that was formerly also one of my favorite spots, Holloway, Luigi’s Italian serves up some delicious gourmet pizzas and pastas. Owned and run by the same guys that brought Holloway, Luigi’s is perfect for a casual dinner or a takeaway option if you want to spend a night in. Either way… the pizzas and pastas are all oh-so-delicious.
Lupa Pizza Bar
Location: West End | Style: Casual
Dishing up Roman style pizza with a great selection of Italian wine, Lupa Pizza Bar is a great spot for a casual night out. Expect thin crust pizza that is crispy, and a house-made sauce and toppings making for some delicious pizza. It’s a charming spot to eat out, or you can also takeaway as well.
1889 Enoteca
Location: Woolloongabba | Style: Smart Casual
Inspired by the Enoteches of Rome, aka Rome Wine Stores where you can walk into a shop to buy a bottle of wine and find yourself ordering a delicious meal to accompany your bottle of wine. 1889 Enoteca is a gorgeous Italian restaurant located in the heritage-listed Taylor-Heaslop building which was built in 1889. The food is traditional Italian, which includes delicious hand-made pasta and an extensive wine selection.
Best for… Japanese
Sake Restaurant & Bar
Location: Brisbane City | Style: Smart Casual
Sake Restaurant is located at Brisbane’s Eagle Street Pier which offers a Japanese menu, with a contemporary twist. The design of the space is gorgeous and is the perfect place for a dinner date with all dishes perfect for sharing. The sake menu is extensive and the staff are well-trained to offer the perfect pairing for your meal.
Stuck for choice? Then make things easier on yourself and order the Chef’s Omakase Menu (A$110 per person, min 2 person). Otherwise some dishes I highly recommend are the Kingfish Double Crunch, the Popcorn Shrimp, and the Tajima Wagyu Strip Loin.
Sono
Location: Brisbane City & Hamilton | Style: Smart Casual
If you are after some Japanese food, Sono serves up some delicious and good quality Japanese food. The ambience feels like you are in Japan and the food is quite authentic. There are two locations, one at portside Hamilton and one in the city. Either place, if you are going for dinner, be sure to make a booking.
Do try the sake tasting plate if you are unsure what sake to order. The dishes I love are the sashimi platter, agedashi tofu, tuna tataki, kinoko no wafu risotto, the soft shell crab, and the black cod.
Shinobi Ramen
Location: Carindale | Style: Casual
Specializing in Tonkotsu Ramen, Shinobi Ramen focuses on creating the best quality ramen. Everything is house-made daily in store, including the fresh ramen noodles that uses the highest grade of Japanese flour. The ramen portions are generous to fill you up, but I also do recommend trying some of the side dishes such as the popcorn shrimp and chicken kaarage.
Best for… Asian
LONgtime Brisbane
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Smart Casual
There’s a chance you might have to wait a long time to get a table, but trust me, the wait is worth it. LONgtime is a hip and rustic-chic restaurant serves up delicious upscale Thai food that is so delicious that you’ll leave craving for more. Some must try dishes include the Coconut and Turmeric Curry of Lobster, and and the Banana Flower Salad.
Happy Boy
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Casual
Specialising in Chinese cuisine, Happy Boy is a rustic-chic spot for fresh Chinese noodles and wontons. It’s a pretty hip place for Chinese food, which is part of what makes Happy Boy special. The space is open and airy with a laid-back atmosphere, Happy Boy is a great spot for your authentic Chinese food fix, plus with a great wine selection.
New Shanghai
Location: Brisbane City | Style: Casual
If dumplings tickle your fancy, then the New Shanghai at Queen Street Mall is a great place for them. As you enter and wait for your table, peak into the kitchen and watch the chefs hard at work preparing the dumplings. The highlight for me here at the dumplings and dim sum, paired with a size of fresh veggies.
Libertine Restaurant
Location: Petrie Terrace | Style: Smart Casual
Libertine is a delicious French-Vietnamese restaurant found at the heritage listed Barracks in Petrie Terrace. The design of the space is completely eclectic with over the top wall paper, gold leaf embellishments, a 3-meter chandelier, and recycled timber furniture – a very bordello style space. And the food is just delicious using fresh local ingredients and sophisticated techniques. The meals are best shared, so I recommend bringing along a few friends and make it a banquet.
Best for… Middle Eastern
Byblos
Location: Hamilton | Style: Smart Casual
Byblos Brisbane is located along the water’s edge at the portside wharf in Hamilton. The name Byblos is inspired by the city of Byblos in Lebanon, which is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited cities dating back to somewhere between 8800 and 7000 BC and is today one a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The food plays on a feast of flavours from Lebanon and the Mediterranean using modern techniques, and the menu best shared. Some highlights of the menu that you should try includes the Trip of Dips, Kebbi, Makanek, and Mixed Grill.
Gerard’s Bistro
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Smart Casual
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Brisbane. Without fail, whenever I make a visit to Brisbane, we’re off for a lunch or dinner (or both) at Gerard’s Bistro. Using flavours from around the Middle East and Africa, every dish has been meticulously prepared to tantalize your taste buds.
The dishes are all made to share, so this way you can try a variety of dishes. I always found that the wait staffs were very helpful in recommending dishes to try. Sometimes you’ll also find really unique ingredients on the menu – for instance, last time I was there, they had black ants on the menu… yes I tried it and it was interesting.
Dishes that are a must try are the bekaa wings, saffron rice, wagyu brisket and fried cauliflower.
Best for… Drinks
John Mills Himself
Location: Brisbane City | Style: Casual
This bar was almost a tad speakeasy because it wasn’t the easiest to find…however once we found our way here, we loved it. By day expect delicious coffee, and by night you definitely need to try one of their cocktails.
Nestled in a hidden laneway in the Brisbane City, the menu at John Mills Himself focuses on the best of Australia, where you’ll only find ingredients, craft spirits, wines, beers that have been made and brewed in Australia. If you love your beer, John Mills Himself offer six beers on tap that are ever-changing and showcases a great selection of local craft beers that are sourced within a 200km distance.
Do try their Bees Knees Cocktail, which uses a fresh honeycomb that should totally be eaten with every sip of this delicious cocktail.
Eleven Rooftop Bar
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Smart Casual
Expect good views from this rooftop bar, which is the perfect setting for sunset drinks. Located on level 11 (duh!), Eleven Rooftop Bar hosts fantastic view over Fortitude Valley and the surrounding Brisbane suburbs. The food doesn’t tickle my fancy, however I recommend coming here for drinks especially at sunset.
The Charming Squire
Location: South Bank | Style: Casual
James Squire is one of my favorite Australian craft beers, and they have opened a great bar in South Bank which plays host to their wide range of beers…all of which are on tap (yay!). Why pick one when you can pick a range of beers to try with their tasting pallets. High ceiling with timber décor, the Charming Squire in Brisbane is a great spot to wine down over great beer and a fun atmosphere. There is also a food menu on offer, which is quite good and has been designed to match well with the James Squire range of beers.
Riverbar & Kitchen
Location: Brisbane City | Style: Casual
One of my favorite spots for after work drinks – with great views of the Brisbane river and the Story Bridge. Owned by celebrity chef Matt Moran, Riverbar is a casual and airy place to enjoy drinks with friends and colleagues, especially in their fun outdoor seating area decorated with yellow and white umbrellas. The cocktails are delicious, especially the cocktail jugs such as the Pear & Cider Sangria and Laid Back.
At Sixes & Sevens
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Casual
This is a stylish gastropub located in the Fortitude Valley, which offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for drinks. At Sixes & Sevens is houses in one of the valley’s oldest surviving building, a weatherboard cottage that dates back from 1878. When it’s good weather, the terraced deck area is absolutely perfect for drinks, but it is also lovely and cosy indoors.
Best for… Steak
Blackbird Bar & Grill
Location: Brisbane City | Style: Smart Casual
If you’re in Brisbane for a short time and could only choose a small list of restaurants in Brisbane to visit, then you must add Blackbird Bar & Grill to your list. Located at Eagle St Pier, Black Bird Bar & Grill boasts amazing views of the Story Bridge and Brisbane River, and a fantastic atmosphere in the evening.
Black Bird has a huge range of cocktails to choose from, and if you still cannot pick one, ask the bartender for their recommendation – I mean they have won awards for their cocktails. I recommend to start with some sunset drinks at their bar area, then proceed into the restaurant for some delicious food, including some of the best steak in town. Best to make a reservation as they do get busy most evenings.
The Boatshed at the Regatta
Location: Toowong | Style: Smart Casual
The Boatshed at the Regatta Hotel is a gastropub that serves one of the best steaks in town…and no, it’s not a hotel. With great views of the Brisbane river, this is a lovely spot to enjoy a good piece of flame grilled dry-aged steak.
Best for… Afternoon Tea
Bacchus
Location: South Bank | Style: Smart Casual
The High Tea at Bacchus is my favorite out of all the high teas in Brisbane. You can add on different levels of champagne to the basic package – when I went, my sister and I went all out opted for the glass of Dom Perignon with our high tea.
The pastry selection is diverse, which the macaroons being one of my favorite. They also cater for different dietary requirements, which works if you are gluten free or vegetarian. Best to book as they do get quite busy for afternoon tea, especially on the weekend.
Best for… Dessert
Jocelyn’s Provisions
Location: Fortitude Valley | Style: Takeaway
This is my go-to spot for cake. Not only do these cakes look oh-so-instagrammable, but the cake itself is so delicious. Ohhh and Jocelyn’s Provisions also has a great selection of fresh bread. The style is rustic (which seems to be the fashion at the moment), and the taste is top notch. I’m a fan of their Chocolate Sour Cream Cake and their Turkish Delight Cheesecake.
Best for… a Healthy Diet
Botanica Real Food
Location: Red Hill | Style: Takeaway
Botanica Real Food is located in Red Hill offering a range of delicious takeaway fresh salads, savoury tarts and desserts. The ingredients are so fresh, and the salads are colourful and healthy. I love all of their salads so it is hard to pick any that are my favorite. In terms of the dessert, I love their chia seed brownies… it is just delectable.
While the concept is more takeaway, I recommend picking up delicious salad and head over to the New Farm Park or Kangaroo Point Cliffs to enjoy a lovely picnic.
Coco Bliss
Location: Various | Style: Takeaway & Casual
Coco Bliss serves up a menu filled with raw, vegan, and gluten free options, and are best known for their superfood smoothie bowls, with my pick of the bunch being the Apple & Cinnamon Crumble Bowl and the Snickers Bowls. The bowls range between $12.50 – $14 but are all made with quality ingredients making them oh-so-delicious. Coco Bliss also offers a selection of raw cakes including bliss balls which I recommend trying.
Best for… French
Montrachet
Location: Bowen Hills | Style: Fine Dining
Run by Chef Shannon Kellam and Clare Wallace, the dining experience at Montrachet is world class. The service is impeccable – highly professional and 5 star – and the food is just out of this world.
Shannon Kellam has won over 80 medals and has previously competed numerous times internationally for Australia, including at the Bocuse d’Or culinary Olympics. Now he is bringing his talent to Montrachet.
Best for… Spanish
Vaquero Dining
Location: Albion | Style: Smart Casual
Taking inspiration from Spanish cuisine, the menu at Vaquero is all about sharing. With small to medium sized plates, the menu celebrates a farm to plate concept. The menu is seasonal, and offers a range of daily specials which means there’s always something to look forward to each time you dine here.
Best for… American
Lord of the Wings
Location: Carindale & Indooroopilly | Style: Casual
I am a sucker for wings, so when the Lord of the Wings opened up, I was very excited. I have now tried most of the wing sauces and my favorites ones are the Sriracha, BBQ Hot and Spicy and Sweet Chili. Also special to the Lord of the Wings is the Coronita, which is literally a Corona beer upside down in a margarita style slushie – so addictive and delicious.
Betty’s Burgers
Location: Newstead | Style: Casual
Ahhh if you love burgers, then Betty’s Burgers is the spot for you. The burgers a deliciously juicy, especially my favorite the crispy chicken burger. And if you’re a vegetarian or love mushrooms, then you must try the shroom burger which comes with a delightful house-made crisp fried mushroom patty – yum!
Best for… Markets
Davies Park Market
Location: West End | Style: Casual
Of all the farmers markets in Brisbane, the Davies Park Markets in West End is one of my favorite. The market is held every Saturday morning until around 2pm. Here you’ll see a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of foods to try. And under the big fig tree, near the Gypsy Wagon, you can sit and enjoy live music.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets
Location: New Farm & Brisbane City | Style: Casual
There are 4 different markets run by the Jan Powers Farmers Markets, but my pick of the bunch is at the Powerhouse every Saturday from 6am-12pm, and in the Brisbane City every Wednesday from 8am – 6pm. Each market has a fantastic vibe and offers a wonderful selection of Australian produce and products. The market at the Powerhouse is great because you can spend time at the markets, then proceed to New Farm park for a picnic lunch.
Eat Street Markets
Location: Hamilton | Style: Casual
No Brisbane restaurant guide would be complete if the Eat Street Markets was not in it! Eat Street Markets, located at Hamilton is a great food market, and my favorite thing to do on the weekend. Many of the food stalls are set in containers and food trucks. Why I love the Eat Street Markets is because there is a huge array of different foods to try and it has a fun atmosphere. The markets are open on Friday and Saturdays from 4pm – 10pm, and one Sundays from 12pm – 8pm. There is a small entry fee of $3 per person, but it really is well worth visiting.
My favorite stalls are Malaysian St (Malaysian food, the roti and chicken curry is my favorite), Miss Claudes (crepes galore), Funnel Cake (unique dessert), and Hierba Santa (delicious fresh iced teas).
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I'm Soraya, travel & food blogger and sunshine chaser at Hello Raya. You know that travel bug? I have been well and truly nipped, infinite times.This is my online nook to share my lifelong experiences of travel & food in hopes to inspire you to explore our beautiful world. 9 Comments on Your Brisbane Restaurant Guide – 40 Delicious Bars & Restaurants in Brisbane To Check Out
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This is an excellent list of the best bars and restaurants in Brisbane, especially for me, as I’ve not yet made it to Australia! I’m totally unfamiliar with modern Australian food, so would love to try this out. Balfour Kitchen sounds excellent, and the dishes look wholesome too. Botanica Real Food looks equally tempting, and so healthy too I can eat as much as I want!
Well all of this food looks amazing-especially the Asian dishes. I have to say that I had the best (high end) Thai food I’ve ever had outside of Asia, in Australia.
But these brunch and sushi photos really make me miss my home state of California where we definitely rock at both amazing sushi and brunch also! 🙂
First of all, I love how comprehensive this post is – it is an amazing reference piece. Secondly, Grown sounds absolutely delicious. The idea of creative vegetable-based menu that has been sourced from local farmers makes even my meat-loving heart sing. Also Lord of the Wings (I love the pun in the title) – sounds so yummy (I’d eat anything that has Sriracha).
Never been to Brisbane. I just stuck it out on the east coast when down under. But looking at your list maybe I should plan Brisbane next. Whats more, there are direct flights from Bangalore to Brisbane now. Loved the variety of restaurants on the list too!
I have been to Brisbane but haven’t been to any of the restaurants you talked about in this posts. Perhaps for my next trip I’ll KIV your recommendation. This post is surely gonna be helpful.
I had no idea there were so many amazing eats in Brisbane! You’re definitely giving my hometown of Melbourne a run for it’s money!
I’m currently in Spain so Vaquero Dining is calling to me most – but for Aussie fare I’d have to pick Lokal + Co – that salmon fillet looks amazing!
I missed visiting Brisbane during my visit to Australia last year. Now I know what I could have done here. I loved this comprehensive list of the best places to eat at in Brisbane. I am a vegetarian (Not vegan) so Grown sounds great to me. Locally produced ingredients are the best. Coco Bliss is also a good option. I like raw food, if done well. 12 to 14 AUD is reasonable pricing!
I wish I had known about these places when I visited Brisbane! I am awful at finding decent food, haha.I however found this random Irish pub with the best fish and chips I have ever tasted and of course I can’t remember the name! 🙁
I also would have loved strolling through these markets! I hope to get to Australia again one day and I will definitely check these places out 🙂
What a cracker of a post for any foodie. Never thought Brisbane had so much to offer from a culinary delight. You post is in depth from giving all the places and details of choices from healthy eating to the best lunches and dinner places. I would love to visit Brisbane just for the food element alone. From the street and farmers markets to the tapas and steak houses it’s got it all. Thanks for introducing me to Brisbane food world.