Brisbane Restaurants

In the past decade Brisbane has transformed from a culinary backwater into a city full of inventive dining options. Top chefs have decamped to Brisbane's best eateries and are busy putting put a fresh subtropical spin on Modern Australian, pan-Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Imaginative dishes capitalize on abundant regional produce: fine fresh seafood—notably the local delicacy, the Moreton Bay bug (a sweet-fleshed crustacean)—premium steak, Darling Downs lamb, cheeses, macadamia nuts, avocados, olives, and fruit, matched with fine regional wines.

Most of the city's hip cafés, bars, and smart fine dining establishments are clustered in the CBD, West End, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Teneriffe, and Petrie Terrace; you'll also find some excellent eateries in the riverfront South Bank precinct, and a smattering around the suburbs, particularly Rosalie, Paddington, Milton, Ascot and Woolloongabba. For terrific fresh seafood, head for Brisbane's bayside suburbs, such as Manly, Redcliffe, and Sandgate.

Typically, dining ambience is relaxed, seating is alfresco, and well-mannered children are welcomed.

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  • 1. Cafe O-Mai

    $ | South Brisbane

    This family-run café on Brisbane's south side is always busy, serving dishes that combine traditional Vietnamese flavors and techniques with local ingredients, great coffee, desserts, and fresh juices. Baguettes are baked in-house daily, and specialties like pork sausages and spring rolls are handmade in-store. The pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) always hits the spot, and is available from 7 am! Takeout is available from a dedicated space next door.

    15 Cracknell Rd., Brisbane, Queensland, 4103, Australia
    07-3255–9778

    Known For

    • Handmade pork sausages
    • Freshly squeezed juices
    • Authentic pho
  • 2. Donna Chang

    $$$ | City Center

    An exciting addition to Brisbane's dining scene, this modern Chinese restaurant offers delicious, fresh food and a wonderful wine list amid the grandeur of a renovated 1920s bank. Beneath soaring ceilings and chandeliers, choose from a menu that includes traditional favorites (with a focus on spice) and more adventurous combinations like Moreton Bay bugs with salted duck egg and fermented chili.

    171 George St., Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
    07-3243–4888

    Known For

    • Modern Chinese menu
    • Stunning heritage setting
    • Fine dining without the fuss
  • 3. e'cco

    $$$ | New Farm

    Beloved Brisbane institution e'cco serves innovative fare to a loyal following in a relaxed setting. The menu consists of seasonally changing Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired Mod Oz dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. For a bit of everything, order the excellent tasting menu; it showcases five dishes (A$89) and can be paired with top Australian wines by the restaurant’s sommelier (A$169).

    63 Skyring Terr., Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia
    07-3831–8344

    Known For

    • Celebrated chef
    • Visually appealing food with bold flavors
    • Tasting menu with wine pairings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 4. Enoteca 1889

    $$$ | Woolloongabba

    Specializing in "vera cucina Romana" (real Roman food), this award-winning Italian restaurant in Woollangabba's antique quarter is well worth crossing the Brisbane River for. The menu favors simplicity over complexity: elegant starters like lightly fried zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese and anchovies, freshly made pasta or fish of the day for main, tiramisu or panna cotta for dessert. The setting is romantic and old-worldy, and the wine list is, as you would expect, extensive with an emphasis on Italian varieties.

    10–12 Logan Rd., Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
    07-3392–4315

    Known For

    • Traditional Roman fare
    • Seasonal four-course set menu
    • Historic 1889 Moreton Rubber building

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Tues.--Thurs. Closed Mon.
  • 5. Felix for Goodness

    $$ | City Center

    Hidden away in Burnett Lane just off Queen Street, Felix for Goodness has dished up delectable made-from-scratch breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and cakes (with an emphasis on organic) since 2014. In terms of decor, think exposed brick and concrete, natural light, and clean lines. The grazing boxes are ideal to take away on a day out, and the coffee is decent, too.

    50 Burnett La., Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
    07-3161–7966

    Known For

    • Rustic, homemade goodness
    • All-day brunch
    • Extensive range of gluten-free and vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
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  • 6. Julius Pizzeria

    $$ | South Brisbane

    Ideally positioned for a quick pre- or posttheater dinner, this always-busy pizzeria combines breezy yet attentive service with low-fuss dining—and delicious Italian food. Pizzas feature crisp wood-fired bases, with a variety of Rosse (tomato sauce–based) and Bianche (without sauce) toppings that follow the less-is-more approach. Or if you'd prefer, there is a selection of freshly made pasta dishes and a risotto of the day. The wine list features both Italian and Australian options.

    77 Grey St., Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
    07-3844–2655

    Known For

    • Open kitchen featuring a wood-fired oven
    • Friendly but efficient service
    • Bambini menu for children

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues. and Wed.

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