New Farm cops a fair bit of heat about being that little bit ‘too cool’. But, I guess, it IS actually pretty damn cool. Where else can you shop at Mecca and Aesop, grab a cake at Jocelyn’s and get a coffee at Jamie’s, all within a kilometre radius?
But where New Farm really takes the cake is that it has some of the best restaurants in Brisbane all within mere metres of each other. With awesome Italian, epic Mexican, modern Australian and classics done to perfection, New Farm has the Brisbane restaurant scene on lock.
Here’s 11 of New Farm’s best restaurants that you definitely need to know about:
#1 Gerard’s Bistro
Ah Gerard’s Bistro how we love thee. Middle Eastern meals with a modern twist, Gerard’s has consistently been one of Brisbane’s best restaurants for years. Breakfast at Gerard’s calls for the Shakshouka Eggs while dinner is seriously not complete without the famous Bekaa Wings. Heaven.
#2 Bar Alto
Set inside the Brisbane Powerhouse, Bar Alto is a stalwart of New Farm’s best restaurants for good reason. Not only do they have one of the most incredible views in the whole of Brisbane, I could seriously name a hundred awesome things on the menu. Okay, I’ll just mention one: the braised goat shoulder with red chilli and kipfler potatoes is to die for.
#3 Bucci
With a fever pitch atmosphere that could only be created by passionate Italians, this James Street pasta hotspot always promises an awesome night filled with exceptional ragu and melt in your mouth spaghetti. And for those among us who like our dinner sans meat, Bucci have even pioneered a delicious vegan ragu. Bravo!
#4 The Balfour Kitchen
Balfour Kitchen, sitting within the gorgeous boutique hotel Spicers Balfour, knows how to impress. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner there’s a lot of goodness on offer. The brioche French toast with chocolate ganache is the star of the menu in the morning; but at night, seafood is the hero. We’re talking Fraser Isle spanner crab, coal grilled octopus and hot smoked barramundi for a start. Yes please.
#5 Continental Café
Iconic New Farm restaurant, Continental Café, does European meals to perfection in a cosy atmosphere. I could mention the great mains, or the excellent wines, but dessert takes precedence. We love the bittersweet chocolate mousse with coconut sorbet and lychees. It’s a solid option for both date night and catch up with a big group of friends.
#6 St Baxter
Cali-Mex restaurant St Baxter on Brunswick Street has been a welcome addition to New Farm’s best restaurants. Elevating our fave Mexican fare with dishes like tacos on organic blue corn tortillas, we’re big fans. The margaritas and jugs of sangria are on point too.
#7 Harvey’s Bar + Bistro
The grand dame of James Street, Harvey’s is where to see and be seen. Owned and run by chef PJ McMillan, Harvey’s is all about effortless and elegant real food. Classics like grass-fed scotch fillet with crispy potatoes and thyme and Tasmanian lamb loin with tapenade and celeriac mash are prepared beautifully. And we’re always a fan of a restaurant that has an extensive cheese offering along with dessert. #winning
#8 Tinderbox
Tinderbox is known for its great woodfired pizzas, but loved for the friendly vibe that permeates all areas. Can someone give them the best service award already? My hot tip for Tinderbox night done right is the spicy Diavola pizza, paired with a plate of crisp greens, washed down with a sharp Aperol Spritz. Ahhh. Simple and perfect.
#9 Tartufo
Another excellent Italian choice, Tartufo in Emporium is the stuff dreams are made of, especially when it comes to seafood. Fresh Port Lincoln sardines with parsley and parmesan, and line caught snapper with baby onions, fennel and broad beans are just a couple of the wonders on the menu. And the best news? They don’t drop the ball with desserts. Get there!
#10 At Sixes And Sevens
Sixes And Sevens has cemented itself as one of the watering holes of choice for the cool kids of Brisbane, but it also does a pretty handy trade in good food. Meatballs with orecchiette and red pepper sauce, fish tacos and poutine on the menu equals a big yes for dinner. Add an expertly mixed espresso martini or spiked ginger beer and the whole experience just got better.
#11 The Foraging Quail
If a Brisbane restaurant was to be featured on Chef’s Table (our Netflix obsession) The Foraging Quail would be a contender. The Merthyr Road gem specializes in modern degustation menus, unusual combinations and beautiful plating. The dishes constantly evolve, but we certainly hope the ‘nine textures of chocolate with peanut butter and moss’ stays around!
All this talk about food making you thirsty? Check out the coolest new cocktails in Brisbane!