New Farm and Teneriffe cop a fair bit of heat about being the Brisbane suburbs that are a little bit ‘too cool’. But, they are actually pretty damn cool. Where else can you drink wine in a rose garden before heading to a live show at the Powerhouse then unwinding with a stroll along the river?
But where New Farm and Teneriffe really take the cake is that this is where you'll find some of the best restaurants in Brisbane all within mere metres of each other. With awesome Italian, epic American BBQ, modern Australian and classics done to perfection, this inner city area has the Brisbane restaurant scene on lock.
Here’s New Farm and Teneriffe's best restaurants that you definitely need to know about. And yes, we have cheated by including James Street's best in here, but ask any New Farmer and they'll tell you—James Street is definitely more New Farm than Fortitude Valley.
Bar Alto
New Farm
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, we could seriously name a hundred awesome things on the Italian menu. Okay, we'll just mention one: the braised goat shoulder with red chilli and kipfler potatoes is to die for.
The Balfour Kitchen
New Farm
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.
Vine Restaurant
New Farm
Iconic New Farm restaurant, Vine, does Italian meals to perfection in a cosy atmosphere. We could mention the great mains, or the excellent wines, but dessert takes precedence. We love the 70% chocolate mousse with passionfruit and streusel . It’s a solid option for both date night and catch up with a big group of friends.
Beccofino
Teneriffe
Beccofino is one Teneriffe restaurant that should need no introduction. Their Italian feeds are iconic and if you've yet to sample the duck ragu, well, its about damn time. But our hot tip for a Beccofino night done right is the spicy Cipolla pizza, with mozzarella, pork sausage, roasted onions, chilli and oregano, washed down with a sharp Aperol Spritz. Ahhh. Simple and perfect.
Bitter Suite
New Farm
Situated in the quiet backstreets of New Farm, Bitter Suite is a very cool bar and bistro specialising in craft beer. With a cosy, pub-like interior, it spills outside with tables and lounges for those that like to linger. The atmosphere is matched by the menu too—you'll find plenty of comforting gastropub feeds to tuck into, alongside grazing platters and drinking food.
The Smoke BBQ
New Farm
The Smoke BBQ is the go-to for American BBQ in the New Farm bubble. The Smoke's ribs are rubbed with secret spices, smoked, and finished on the char-grill and then topped with their famous sauces. But don't just order the ribs, because with genuine Kansas City barbecue wings, slow cooked brisket and Carolian pulled pork to load your shotgun for, you'll be wanting to order one of everything.
Hellenika
James Street
After winning hearts on the GC, the younger James Street sibling was like a siren’s song to Brisbane foodies. Within the Calile Hotel, Hellenika boasts its own signature Greek restaurant (a must for those baked lamb and moussaka cravings) and a smaller, bites-focused pool menu. Settle in for a full Greek feast overlooking the stunning pool, and try not to think about wearing a bikini.
Same Same
FORTITUDE VALLEY
Longtime may have dished up their last curry, but Same Same is here to become your new destination for drool-worthy Thai feeds. Landing in Ada Lane next to The Calile, Same Same is essentially Longtime supplanted into a sleek new venue. Combining atmosphere by the bucket load with your favourite modern Thai dishes, Same Same captures the flavours we know and love, but with serious attitude. Our picks? The soft shell crab baos, roasted pork belly pad see ew and THAT twice cooked lamb shank massaman curry.
Gerard’s Bistro
James Street
Gerard’s Bistro doesn’t need an introduction, though their new head chef Adam Wolfers might. The smoked cabbage skewers will ruin all other cabbage for you, while the grilled broccolini with macadamia and goats curd will have you contemplating whether you can actually spend the rest of your life just living off broccolini. The menu is made to share, too, so gather your buds and get ready to feast.
Image credit: Hayley Williamson