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.
The Best Restaurants In Brisbane At A Glance
- Best Degustation Restaurant: Exhibition
- Best Italian Restaurant: Bianca
- Best French Restaurant: C'est Bon
- Best Greek Restaurant: Greca
- Best Chinese Restaurant: Stanley
- Best Japanese Restaurant: Takashiya
- Best Mexican Restaurant: Baja
- Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Gerard's Bistro
- Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Detour
- Best Steak Restaurant: SK Steak & Oyster
- Best Thai Restaurant: Same Same
- Best Romantic Restaurant: Rogue Bistro
- Best Restaurant With A View: Yoko
Agnes
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
You'd have to have been living under a rock if you hadn't heard of Agnes, the acclaimed spot headed up by head chef and co-owner Ben Williamson—but actually getting a booking at Brisbane's hottest restaurant is another matter, as they tend to book out months in advance.
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. And of course, the moody, industrial dining room is extremely easy on the eyes itself.
INSIDER INTEL
- The bar next door is walk-in only and dishes up small plates from the Agnes menu
- Ask to have a post-dinner drink up on the rooftop terrace
- One of the few restaurants in Brisbane where you can get a late night booking
Exhibition
109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Exhibition | Facebook
Exhibition provides an alluring degustation 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Expect to pay $180pp, or $240pp for the premium degustation
- Ask to sit at the seats overlooking the kitchen to watch the chefs at work
- Get the 'Unorthodox' beverage pairing
Restaurant Dan Arnold
10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- If you can only splurge on three courses, be sure to book from Wednesday to Friday
- There's a cheese trolley option at the end of your meal—need we say more?
- For the full experience, opt for the matched wines
Same Same
3/46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
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 you'll find new plates to try on every visit. 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Make sure you order their signature chicken burgers to start
- Head upstairs to LOS for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail
- Skip dessert and get Gelato Messina from around the corner
Essa
181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Essa | Facebook
A sleek spot from the ex-head chef of South Brisbane’s renowned Gauge (now closed), Phil Marchant, 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Head in on Sundays for Sunday School, a long lunch with a difference
- Ask for a table up the back for peak romantic vibes
- Watch out for the one eye-wateringly spicy shiishito pepper in every serve
Rogue Bistro
14 Austin Street, Newstead
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.
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Follow them on Instagram for monthly menu drops
- Book at least a month ahead or risk missing out
- Get a jar of their whipped butter to take home
You might also like:
- Brisbane's Best Italian Restaurants
- Brisbane's Best French Restaurants
- Brisbane's Best Japanese Restaurants
Joy Restaurant
7/690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Reservations open on the first of each month for four months in advance—be ready
- Keep an eye on their Instagram page for last minute cancellations
- Expect to pay $190pp, with matched drinks optional
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Start with the Turkish simit bread with a side of hummus
- Get a table inside—the interiors are stunning
- We're partial to their Smoked Harissa Margarita
Rothwell’s
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
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.
If you can gather a big enough group, Rothwell’s cosy green leather booths are undoubtedly the best seats in the house, but we also love taking a perch at the grand marble oyster bar in the centre of the venue.
INSIDER INTEL
- Start your night with a cocktail at the martini bar in the foyer
- The signature beef wellington is a must-order
- The private dining room experience downstairs is the ultimate group outing
Detour
11 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
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, created by owner Damon Amos, 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Gluten-free, vegetarians and vegans are all well catered for here
- Vego or not, make sure the beetroot tartare is on your order
- The $65 set menu with a glass of wine is incredible value
Bianca
46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Bianca | Facebook
A peach-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region, Bianca is by the crew behind Agnes, Same 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, and epic desserts, and you’ve got one heck of a night out.
INSIDER INTEL
- Great for group get togethers
- Book in advance, particularly on weekends
- Save room for the tiramisu
SK Steak And Oyster
12/28 James Street, Fortitude Valley
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's a whole potato menu—enough said
- Don't leave without ordering the strawberry cake for dessert
- The SK Wagyu burger is only $34 if you want to dine on a budget
Donna Chang
3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
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 pink booths for big groups—or just loosening your belt for the onslaught of 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Hot tip, you can get Donna Chang takeaway
- Cumin spiced lamb buns are a must to start
- The $55 Sunday yum cha banquet is great value
Southside
63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
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 plenty of yum cha-style bites, plus refined dishes like whole quail with red vinegar caramel and steamed coral trout with cured pork and shiitake broth.
INSIDER INTEL
- Start with a drink or two at Kiki just next door
- If the weather's nice, ask for a table outdoors
- Their truffle potato sping rolls are a Brisbane icon
Herve's
31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion
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.
Owners Hervè Dudognon and Cristina have 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Find Herve's inside Craft'd Grounds—take the stairs to the rear
- Parking is limited so best to Uber
- Get the crepes Suzette for dessert
Hôntô
Alden Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Honto | Facebook
Tucked through a secret door in an alleyway behind The Wickham, the Any Day venue 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, 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- If you're in front a black, unmarked door, you're in the right place
- The fillings change, but the katsu sando is a signature
- Take a group so you can share plenty of dishes
Stanley
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
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 helmed by head chef Louis Tikaram. 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.
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, plus Peking duck pancakes, crispy pork belly, crayfish lo mein and Kung pao cauliflower.
INSIDER INTEL
- A table outside gets you stunning city views
- The outdoor bar serves up a killer spicy marg
- Their private dining room is gorgeously intimate and seats 10
Greca
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Greca | Facebook
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, this stunning riverfront restaurant from Jonathan Barthelmess is 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? 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- The honey saganaki here is next level
- Take a group so you can order the lamb shoulder
- They do takeaway if you want to eat lamb shoulder at home
Baja
211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Trust the staff on their cocktail recommendations
- Get three tacos for $21 on Tuesday nights
- Seriously, order the queso fresca
Hellenika
Level 1/48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Hellenika | Facebook
Welcome to the Greek Islands... kind of. Coming to us from restauranteur Simon Gloftis, 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 moussaka 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- The best seats in the house are outside by the pool
- Start with a bowl of their famous zucchini chips
- You'll want to dress up to eat here
C'est Bon
609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Book on a Friday or Saturday for a drink on the rooftop bar
- The front bar turns into a morning bagel spot Tuesday to Friday
- There's free parking around behind the restaurant
Yoko Dining
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Two words: Yuzu. Slushies.
- They do a bottomless lunch every Saturday
- Don't be alarmed by your doppel ganger in the mirrored wall
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- The chef's table omasake starts at $230pp
- Not that rich? You can do a mini omokase in the bar for $155pp
- You can book out all 12-14 seats for a private experience
OTTO
Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank
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 created by head chef Will Cowper. 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.
The Lex
Level Three In W Brisbane, Brisbane CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Head up to Wet Deck for a sunset drink before dinner
- Their mac 'n' cheese is possibly the best in Brisbane
- Save room for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bombe for dessert
Clarence
617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
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. They'll also excite you with their prices—a three-course set menu here will only set you back $75pp.
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 and mains like duck with beetroot, fig and black garlic bêarnaise.
INSIDER INTEL
- The duck fat chips are the best on this side of the equator
- The set menu will only set you back $55pp during lunch
- Parking is tricky—Merton Road is your best bet
Montrachet
1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for special occasions
- The crab souffle is a Brisbane icon
- Opt for the five-course chef's menu if you're indecisive
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- You can get vegan and vego versions of their tasting menu
- BYO on Wednesday and Thursday nights
- Keep an eye out for their takeaway feasts come Christmas and other special dates
1889 Enoteca
10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Image credit: 1889 Enoteca | Facebook
This uber romantic Italian restaurant from Dan Clark 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 perfect pastas, 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- The spaghetti cacio e pepe is the best in Brisbane
- A table outside is best for people watching
- Don't leave without sampling the tiramisu
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Thursday nights are BYO ($15 corkage per bottle)
- They offer a coeliac banquet menu
- You can grab a takeaway banquet to eat home
Looking for more dining out inspiration? Check here:
- The Best Restaurants In Brisbane's CBD
- The Best Restaurants In Fortitude Valley
- The Best Restaurants In West End
Image credit: Agnes | Grace Elizabeth Images
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.