Food & Drink

30 Of The Best Restaurants In Brisbane Right Now

By Ranyhyn Laine
25th Mar 2024

Here at Urban List, we've put a lot of thought into what makes a restaurant one of Brisbane/Meanjin's best. It's not just the calibre of the food coming out of the kitchen–although that is of utmost importance, of course. It's also a combination of the atmosphere, the service, the interior design, and even the strength of their wine list. 

All of these things adds up to the 'wow factor'—and luckily, Brisbane isn't short on venues that tick all the boxes and then some. These restaurants are the must-dos, the have-to-tries, the places you would tell visiting friends to dine at, and the bucket-list special treats to book when you want to splash out on sheer quality. Keep scrolling for the best restaurants in Brisbane right now. 

Agnes 

22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley 

You'd have to have been living under a rock if you hadn't heard of Agnes—but actually getting a booking at Brisbane's favourite new restaurant is another matter, as they tend to fill up months in advance, and for good reason.

When you do nab a table, you'll be treated to a feast cooked entirely over fire, from snacks like the scarlet prawn doughnuts to heartier feeds like smoked lamb neck with ancho mole, garlic yoghurt and flatbread. Be sure to take dessert up on the rooftop terrace—not that the moody, industrial dining room isn't extremely easy on the eyes.

Restaurant Dan Arnold 

10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

several amuse bouche dishes arrayed on a table at brisbane restaurant dan arnold
Image credit: Restaurant Dan Arnold | Facebook 

Restaurant Dan Arnold is where you’ll find one of the most incredible dining experiences in Brisbane—and we’ve tried a few. If you couldn’t guess, the restaurant is the pride and joy of head chef and owner Dan Arnold, whose Michelin-star restaurant experience and bronze medal at the 2016 Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific competition prove he knows his way around a kitchen.

There’s no a la carte menu here, instead you just settle in for a three-course, five-course or carte blanche experience. Carte blanche is the way to go, with seven to eight courses that are totally at the whim of the kitchen. This feed is worth splurging on. 

Same Same 

3/46 James Street, Fortitude Valley

plates of thai food on a table at brisbane restaurant same same
Image credit: Same Same | Facebook 

Located in the chic Ada Lane next to The Calile, Same Same is a sleek Thai spot that combines atmosphere by the bucket load with your favourite modern Thai dishes. Don't expect your typical Thai restaurant experience here though, because Same Same captures the flavours we know and love, but with serious attitude.

Head chef Arté Assavakavinvong and his team capture the diversity and intricacies of Thai cuisine in the extensive menu, and apart from one signature dish—the iconic chicken burger snack—you'll find creative new plates to try every time you come. Good luck trying to choose between the likes of panang curry of lamb shank, Moreton Bay bug tumeric curry and chargrilled short ribs with chiang mai curry paste. 

Essa

181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley 

a marble table by a window in a dark brisbane restaurant
Image credit: Essa | Facebook 

A sleek spot from the ex-head chef of South Brisbane’s renowned Gauge (now closed)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 to lush greenery.

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.  

Rogue Bistro 

14 Austin Street, Newstead 

a variety of dishes on tiles at brisbane restaurant rogue bistro
Image credit: Rogue Bistro | Facebook

Rogue Bistro is a bit of a secret gem, tucked away in a semi-industrial area. Step through their sliding door and you'll be transported to a different world, with all-black interiors, moody lighting and multiple spaces across different levels, including a small cocktail lounge where you can kick things off with a drink.

Their six-course degustation menu is one of the most creative but drool-worthy dining experiences you'll have in Brisbane, and changes monthly, so you have to keep going back. They offer menus for plant-based, pescatarian, and GF/DF degos, too, so nobody has to miss out.

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Joy Restaurant

7/690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

6 small snack sized dishes at joy restaurant brisbane
Image credit: Joy | Instagram 

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 by owner and chef, Sarah Scott, and bartender Oliver. Part dinner, part performance, the intimate seating set up is all part of the magic, and you'll never think about restaurant kitchens the same way again. 

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.

Rothwell’s 

235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD 

a green leather booth at brisbane restaurant rothwells
Image credit: Rothwell's | Facebook 

With Ben Russell, ex-head chef of Aria and Dan Clark, hospitality legend and owner of Woolloongabba’s 1889 Enoteca, at the helm of this atmospheric city venue, you know you can expect good things. Inspired by timeless dining destinations like London's Savoy Grill, this is the place to settle in for a long night of good food, good service and of course, good wine.

Start your Rothwell’s experience with a cocktail at the martini bar in the foyer, before settling into one of their cosy green leather booths or taking a perch at the grand marble oyster bar in the centre of the venue. As for what to order, the signature beef wellington is a must, as is the Eton mess for dessert. 

Detour

11 Logan Road, Woolloongabba

a table spread of food at brisbane's detour restaurant
Image credit: Detour | Facebook 

At Detour, the experience is just as much artistic expression as it is dining. Clever flavours will have you perched on your seat’s edge, with a hard focus on ingredients as unique as the experience, and a hearty commitment to providing gluten-free and vegan options so that everyone is welcome.

The iconic Kentucky Fried Duck is a superstar, here, buddied up with jalapeno cornbread and sour cream, but really, you’re spoilt for choice. From a delicate emu tartare with burnt shallot, chili and egg yolk to carefully fossilized carrots, the whole meal is an adventurous journey.

Bianca 

46 James Street, Fortitude Valley 

the pink interiors of bianca, a restaurant in brisbane
Image credit: Bianca | Facebook 

A peach-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region, Bianca is by the crew behind AgnesSame Same and Honto, and fully decked out in terracotta tiles, while the ceiling—lined with a perimeter of wine bottles—is covered by metal gridwork (pink, of course).

The best seats in the house are undoubtedly at the salumi bar, where 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. 

SK Steak And Oyster

12/28 James Street, Fortitude Valley

a platter of hot seafood at brisbane restaurant SK steak and oyster
Image credit: SK Steak & Oyster | Facebook 

Dress up and step into a New York steakhouse at this very James Street restaurant serving up stunning steaks, glistening raw seafood, and old-school charm. Another feather in Simon Gloftis's hat—the restauranteur behind nearby Sushi Room, Hellenika and Sunshine—SK is the place for long lunches and too many martinis.

Grab a drink at the bar and start your experience at Sk Steak & Oyster with a seafood platter on ice before substantials including their signature steaks (perhaps with a side of seared foie gras) or lobster risotto, and don't skip the sides including classic chopped salads and Romanoff potatoes.

Donna Chang

3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD

a beautiful brisbane restaurant interior at donna chang
Image credit: Donna Chang | Facebook 

Pack your chopstick A-game for a skip down George Street, where a heritage-listed former bank has been completely transformed. In its place, you’ll find Donna Chang, a sprawling pink dining room lit with chandeliers, marble tables and perfectly pink booths for big groups—or just loosening your belt for the onslaught of decadent, elevated Chinese fare to come.

They caught our attention with Seinfield-inspired fortune cookies, but they reeled us in with exquisite dim sum, fresh rock lobsters, crispy roasted duck, and passionfruit custard buns, not to mention the yum cha banquets they dish up every Sunday. 

Southside 

63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Southside Brisbane Restaurant
Image credit: Southside | Facebook 

A two-level pan-Asian stunner from the team who brought us Rick Shores, Southside’s interiors are part jungle temple, part concrete warehouse—which fits in perfectly with the laneway vibes outside, where you can dine amongst leafy greenery for ultimate Brisbane al fresco vibes. 

Chinese-leaning but crossing multiple east-Asian influences, the menu features signatures like their potato and truffle spring rolls and duck noodles, plus refined dishes like whole quail with red vinegar caramel and steamed coral trout with cured pork and shiitake broth. Take a big group, because you’ll want to try it all.

Herve's 

31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion 

a wooden Brisbane restaurant interior at Herves
Image credit: Herve's | Facebook 

If you’re searching for authentic and inspired artisanal French food experiences, look no further than Hervé’s Restaurant and Bar. Delivering a moody atmosphere with ceilings clad in rich wood and black metal accents throughout, Hervé’s is all about the sophisticated French vibes.

They’ve captured the sleek Euro feel perfectly and created a menu to match. Classic steak frites make an appearance, as do chicken pate eclairs, hand cut steak tartare and flaming crepes suzette—you'll be hard-pressed deciding what to order. 

Gerard's Bistro

14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley


Image credit: Gerard's Bistro | Facebook 

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 having just undergone a slick makeover, 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—think smokey bab ganoush with barbari bread, wood smoked mussels and Bangalow pork tomahawks that will have your rolling out the door. 

Hôntô

Alden Street, Fortitude Valley

a plate of beef tartare at brisbane restaurant honto
Image credit: Honto | Facebook 

Tucked through a secret door behind The Wickham, Same Same’s sibling 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.

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. If you can't settle on what to order, the tasting menu will take care of it all for you in the most delicious way possible. 

Stanley

5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves

the beautiful Cantonese-inspired interiors at Brisbane restaurant Stanley
Image credit: Stanley | Facebook 

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine (let’s be real, who isn’t?), set your sights on Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves’ stunning two-level Cantonese restaurant. Located at the northern end of the strip, the restaurant boasts stunning views out over the Brisbane River, plus plenty of drool-worthy Cantonese feeds to boot.

With yum cha available for lunch seven days of the week, stopping in by day and ordering a mammoth selection of small plates is the way to go, but the dinner menu is pretty tempting too, and features enough dim sum dishes to keep any dumpling lover happy, not to mention the likes of Peking duck pancakes, crispy pork belly, crayfish lo mein and Kung pao cauliflower. 

Greca 

5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves 

a plate of lamb shoulder at greca, a restaurant in brisbane
Image credit: Greca | Facebook 

If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, this stunning riverfront restaurant is practically guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. Greca is a vision in white and polished concrete, giving off those laid-back beachy vibes we’re all so desperately craving.

Set your watch to island time and indulge on contemporary dishes championing the wonders of the Mediterranean flavour wheel. Sounds pretty good, huh? Just wait until you try the saganaki. This is one you'll want a big group for, so you can load up the table with eggplant moussaka, fried calamari, grilled lamb cutlets and oven baked lamb shoulder. 

Baja 

211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley 

interior of baja, one of brisbane's best restaurants
Image credit: Baja | Facebook

Here to change what you thought you knew about Mexican cuisine, Baja is a sleek and understated spot that instantly elevated the top end of Brunswick Street when it opened—and has been carving out a name for itself amongst the Valley chaos ever since.

Head chef Julius Villamor is all about pushing boundaries and mixing things up—personally, we can’t get enough of their honey and jalapeno-topped stracciatella and fried Nashville chicken tacos, but you might prefer larger plates like their pork belly adobada or lamb shoulder barbacoa. 

Hellenika

Level 1/48 James Street, Fortitude Valley

a hand squeezing lemon onto a plate of skewers at hellenika, a brisbane restaurant
Image credit: Hellenika | Facebook 

Welcome to the Greek Islands... kind of. Hellenika’s breathtaking location by the pool at the Calile Hotel has us entranced, not to mention the spades of spanakopita, slow-cooked lamb and zucchini chips you won’t want to share.

Take some time browsing the cocktail menu utilising fresh flavours and Greek spirits, and see out your meal with dripping golden honey puffs as you people watch the beautiful people lazing by The Calile's rooftop pool alongside. 

C'est Bon 

609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba 

a small dining room filled with green velvet chairs and wooden tables at brisbane restaurant, c'est bon
Image credit: C'est Bon | Mitch Lowe 

A mini French quarter in the middle of Brisbane, C'est Bon encompasses a cafe, bar and rooftop, but it's the intimate restaurant where you'll find chef and owner Andy Ashby's talents best put to use. Opt for the seven-course Chef's Tasting Menu for the full experience, which will see you eating through the best dishes from each season's offering.

The sweetcorn brulee is a signature here—after being told by multiple diners he had to have a brulee on the menu, Ashby finally added a savoury version to appease the crowds while still going against the grain, a theme which you'll find evident throughout the rest of the creative menu. 

Yoko Dining

5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves

a person taking a slice of meat from a plate with chopsticks
Image credit: Yoko Dining | Facebook 

Yoko Dining is our go-to for all things Japanese. This split-level bistro is serving up izakaya-style bar snacks and shared dishes alongside epic city views, with a vinyl bar upstairs where you can finish off your meal with a creative cocktail.

You might be tempted to just gorge yourself pork gyoza, spicy pork udon and chicken karaage, but remember to save room for dessert. Yoko’s fried bread with yuzu curd and kinako is a total game-changer. 

Takashiya

267 Grey Street, South Bank


Image credit: Takashiya  | Facebook 

A true omakase experience with some contemporary flair, Takashiya is a must-try for seafood lovers or those hankering for a little slice of Japan. Chefs Takashi and Kazu guide 12 diners through (around) 16 courses of seasonal fare, including small plates, nigiri and temaki sushi using incredible seafood from around the world, and hot dishes. 

If you can't squeeze in an omakase booking (it's a splurge, we get it), it's worth paying a visit for the a la carte offering and sake flights available in the front bar, where you'll dine underneath a ceiling of pink cherry blossom flowers—make sure you order the katsu sando. 

OTTO

Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank 

a plate of burrata and crisp bread at otto, one of brisbane's best restaurants
Image description: Otto | Facebook 

All roads lead to Rome, but the wildest ravioli cravings lead straight to OTTO. Here, top-notch Australian wines go best with a pared-back menu of fresh, seasonal Italian flair. Superstars from their Sydney lineup—tender blue swimmer crab ravioli and pan-fried gnocchi with sweet pork shoulder—are doled out as diners drink in the views from one of Brisbane's best restaurants.

While we love a white tablecloth, the Osteria menu also packs a serious punch with its menu of smaller plates and snacks, which you can tuck into from a spot right over the water—the ultimate way to start or finish your meal, or just enjoy on it's own on a Sunday afternoon. 

Exhibition 

109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD

tattooed hands holding a bowl of fish at exhibition in brisbane
Image credit: Exhibition | Facebook 

Exhibition provides an alluring dining experience hidden in the basement level of the Metro Arts Theatre. Complete with handmade cutlery, custom ceramics and seats for just 24 guests, this is certainly a night you won’t forget.

Taking inspiration from a Japanese style-omakase, head chef and owner Tim Scott (previously of Joy) chooses what’s being served each evening based on seasonal availability from local suppliers, but you can expect something pretty special, no matter the menu.

The Lex 

Level Three In W Brisbane, Brisbane CBD 

the lex, one of the best restaurants in brisbane
Image description: The Lex | Facebook 

Boasting some of the best views in Brisbane, The Lex isn’t your average hotel restaurant. Taking its inspiration from iconic New York-style grills, this sleek and sexy venue has a massive footprint but still feels intimate thanks to its dim lighting and moody colour palette.

The concise menu makes use of local produce in some creative ways—think crispy tater tots topped with Aurga caviar and creme fraiche, grilled scallops doused in cheesy spinach gratin and their signature Caesar salad made on a trolley right next to your table, the perfect accompaniment to one of their juicy steaks. 

Clarence 

617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba 

the interior of clarence, one of Brisbane's best restaurants
Image credit: Clarence | Facebook 

As a menu genre, ‘Modern Australian’ doesn’t typically inspire excitement—but Clarence is here to turn that attitude on its head. Taking the freshest local produce and transforming it into a line up of dishes that changes regularly, the set menu is short but tantalising, featuring starters like wild shot venison tartare with yolk sauce and potato cakes, mains like duck with beetroot, fig and black garlic bêarnaise and sides of what we believe are the best duck fat chips on this side of the equator. 

Montrachet 

1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills 

the red front facade of montrachet
Image credit: Montrachet | Facebook 

Though it’s been a staple of Brisbane’s dining scene for almost two decades, Montrachet has seen many changes since its early days, with current head chef and owner Shannon Kellam taking over the venue in 2015 and the restaurant itself moving from Paddington to Bowen Hills two years later.

What hasn’t changed though, is their dedication to showcasing classic French cuisine in an elegant and sophisticated setting. If you’re looking for exceptional service, fine cuisine and an extensive wine list in a beautiful space, this is the Brisbane restaurant for you. 

E’cco Bistro 

8/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead 


Image credit: E'cco Bistro | Facebook 

1995—that’s when E’cco Bistro first opened its doors to enthusiastic diners, though back then you could find it on the edge of the CBD. Since then, the Brisbane institution owned by Philip Johnson has moved to slick new digs in Newstead, where it continues to dish up some of the best Euro-inspired cuisine in the city.

If you’re a first timer, the five-course tasting menu is a must, but if you opt to choose your own adventure from the a la carte offering, just be sure the potato gnocchi is in your order—it's a Brisbane icon in its own right. 

1889 Enoteca 

10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba 

a bowl of cacio e pepe at brisbane restaurant 1889 enoteca
Image credit: 1889 Enoteca | Facebook 

This uber romantic Italian restaurant just celebrated its 15th year in business, so you know it’s doing something right. Actually, we’d argue 1889 Enoteca is doing a lot of things right—chief among them their iconic cacio e pepe spaghetti, impressive bistecca and of course, their unmissable tiramisu.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the stunning private dining area and events space in their basement—one of the most impressive in Brisbane, in our opinion. 

The Golden Pig

38 Ross Street, Newstead  


Image credit: The Golden Pig | Facebook 

A long-standing Newstead favourite, The Golden Pig began as a cooking school, but soared to new heights in Brisbane’s food scene when it transformed into a pan-Asian restaurant back in 2018—though you can still book in for one of their famed cooking classes.

Dishes that they are now known for include their sticky lamb ribs, potsticker dumplings and miso caramel banana pudding with vanilla ice cream, and best of all, this is one of the few Brisbane restaurants on the list that you can order up some boujee takeaway from, to eat in your pyjamas on the couch.

Looking for more dining out inspiration? Check here: 

Image credit: Agnes | Grace Elizabeth Images

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