This autumn, we’ve teamed up with Aperol and some of our cities’ most convivial dining spots to celebrate the sheer joy of sharing meals and moments with friends—with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
To prove just how universally good an Aperols Spritz is, we’ve created a list of Brisbane restaurants and bars you can hit up for not only enjoying a well-deserved post-work sip but some fine aperitivo food pairings as well.
Here are 11 unmissable aperitivo dishes around Brisbane to pair with an Aperol Spritz.
Mr. Badgers & The Copacabana Club
In the heart of Wollongabba, you’ll find Mr Badgers, a European-inspired deli cafe and bar that serves up some of Brisbane’s best old-world hospitality. Inspired by the bustling food culture of New York, Mr Badgers has some of Brisbane’s best sandwiches, deli selections and pizza slices around. Not only that but tucked away behind a not-so-secret entrance in the locker room of Mr Badgers, you’ll find the Copacabana Club. The Club is an outdoor European beer garden, perfect for catching up with mates while enjoying a few bevs. Our advice? Kick-start your night with an Aperol Spritz and a few dishes from their deli snack and antipasti menu like the homemade pâté with house pickles and pane fritto, and the cheese meze with haloumi, tomato, lemon pepper and maple syrup.
Babylon Brisbane
If you’re yet to visit Babylon, we’re sorry to be the ones to tell you that you’re absolutely missing out. The venue, which opened up late last year, has already established itself as one of Brisbane’s most exciting foodie destinations when it comes to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. Babylon has also just unveiled their brand new open-air garden, which sits over the Brisbane River and offers unobstructed views of the water, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon aperitivo with an Aperol Spritz. Our aperitivo go-to? Babylon's spiced fried cauliflower with ras el hanout, lemon, black tahini, almond, and parsley, accompanied with their creamy hummus with macadamia dukkah, olive oil and leblebi.
Tetto Rooftop
Tetto’s Rooftop in Everton is an Italian Riviera-inspired bar that pays homage to the resort towns sprinkled down the coasts of Italy. At Tetto’s you’ll be able to enjoy the best local seafood while soaking up the sun. The most work you’ll have to do at Tetto’s is making the tough decision between their aperitivo menu featuring the likes of finely sliced kingfish with pickled green and yellow zucchini, and lightly crumbed, crispy fried squid served with rocket and tartare aioli. But when it comes to starting the evening off with an Aperol Spritz, we can't go past teaming it with Tetto's crispy gnocchi topped with melted parmesan cheese and chives, served with mayo—delish.
Joey's
Perched on top of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point is the unmissable Joeys, a modern Australian bar and restaurant that has plenty on offer. Their menu is designed to be shared, with a range of dishes that champion fresh and local produce. Joey's also puts together a mean slice, with their woodfired oven cranking out pizzas seven days a week, which makes them the perfect destination for anyone looking to wind down with an Aperol Spritz. Our go-to starter? The Moreton Bay bug roll with chilli mayo and lemon.
Bar Rosa
Owned and operated by the team behind Julius, Bar Rosa is a celebration of the simple things in life, with an uncomplicated menu and extensive list of Italian vinos and aperitivos that will instantly transport you to the intimate restaurants of Italy. You can expect plenty of piatti on offer, including charred octopus and a rotating selection of fresh pasta, which makes a chilled Aperol Spritz a no-brainer when it comes to finding the perfect beverage to wash it down. But when it comes to aperitivo hour, we recommend tucking into the dense and moist rosemary focaccia and fried zucchini flowers with ricotta and lemon.
Summa House
While we strongly believe that an Aperol Spritz can be enjoyed across all seasons, there is a heavenly marriage between our beloved sip and summertime that can put anyone in a good mood. And at Summa House in Fortitude Valley, it’s the sunny season all year round. Summa House has a constant stream of snacks, pub classics and weekend share plates on offer. We recommend kicking things off with an Apeorl Sritz and a lobster bun with Sriracha Kewpie Mayo and crunchy cos lettuce wedged between a delicious brioche bun.
Alba Bar & Deli
If there’s one place you should head to for aperitivo hour in the city, it’s Alba Bar and Deli. The venue is a clash between sophisticated cool and casual, with Spanish-inspired bites and a drinks menu that can please even the toughest of critics. Alba’s is known for curating an exciting rotation of food and drinks that will keep you guessing, with plenty of aperitivo options to choose from. So what better way to wrap up a long work day than heading in and winding down with a classic Spritz?
Yoko Dining
Inspired by the chaotic energy of Tokyo's izakaya scene, Brisbane’s Yoko Dining has managed to emulate the distinct Japanese flavours in its riverside restaurant. Yoko’s menu is full of bar snacks and shared dishes that will satiate any palette, with plenty of options to please all kinds of crowds. From seasonal options at their raw sashimi bar to larger plates from the hibachi grill, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a shortlist. This autumn, be sure to oder up our exclusive Aperol Aperitivo Pairing featuring fried soft shell crab bao bun, yuzu kosho mayonnaise, pickled kohlrabi, red mizuna and nori, plus two Aperol Spritz for just $35.
Hellenika
If there’s one place that will instantly make you feel like you’re living the good life, it’s a meal at Hellenika. The Brisbane edition of the modern Greek restaurant is known for not only its stunning food and cocktails but for its poolside position at the Calile Hotel. It goes without saying that the architecture alone is worth a visit, but Hellenika also knows a thing or two about serving up some seriously good grub. There’s a whole menu page dedicated to their selection of fresh seafood, covering mostly everything from spanner crab risoni to kingfish carpaccio. While any menu item is a pretty safe bet, the crispy zucchini chips topped with kefalograviera cheese are an absolute must. And if the vibe is good and the time is right, an aperitif wouldn’t go too far astray either.
Etna
Sitting in the recently renovated Stewart & Hemmant building in the Valley is Etna, the newest addition from the team behind Rosmarino. Since opening, Etna has been dishing out pizzas that have been impressing even the toughest of critics. The menu features three types of pies: classic, modern, and special, all of which are topped with the highest quality ingredients you could get your hands on. There are also a ton of smaller bites (spuntini) and deli snacks worth exploring, which makes Etna a perfect spot for a little evening aperitivo.
Ooh La La Rooftop Bar
There’s just something about being on a rooftop that makes a bar just so much better. This is why Ooh La La Rooftop Bar from the team behind C’est Bon Restaurant & Bar has quickly become one of Gabba’s busiest spots on a Friday afternoon. Naturally, Ooh La La has whipped up a sophisticated menu that features French faves like the blini caviar sets, duck liver parfait eclairs, and confit suckling pig terrine. The next time the group chat is on the hunt for Sunday arvo Aperol Spritz, be sure to add Ooh La La to the list.
While an Aperol Spritz is the perfect summer sip, it's our go-to no matter what the season. To uncover more about our exclusive Aperol Aperitivo Passport pairings, click here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Aperol. Thank you for supporting the partners who make The Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.