10 Of Brisbane’s Best New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars You Need To Try ASAP
Dinushka Gunasekara
Brisbane Editor | Urban List
While we can never go past the usual reasons to love Brisbane (read: sun-soaked days and strolls by the river), the restaurant scene is constantly giving us new players to have us falling for the city all over again. From swanky fine dining spots by hospo heavyweights to intimate Korean omakase restaurants changing everything you thought you knew about food, Brisbane's best new restaurants, cafes and bars are already making a name for themselves.
As the tailend of the year quickly flies past, here are the best new restaurants from the past few months open in Brisbane right now:
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Marlowe
105 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Transforming a heritage-listed 1938 apartment block into an elegant Australian bistro, we had no doubts Marlowe was going to be hit—you'd expect nothing less from the sibling venue of Rick Shores, Southside and Central. The menu here draws inspiration from vintage Australian cookbooks to serve up dishes that are both elevated and deeply comforting, like prawn cocktail tartlets, coral trout Wellington finished with a rich caviar butter sauce, and trifle worthy of a visit all on its own. Find out more here.
Golden Avenue
67 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Golden Avenue was highly anticipated and now we can officially say it was worth the wait. Marking the first foray into the CBD from Anyday Group (Agnes, sAme sAme, hôntô, Biànca), the lush Middle Eastern restaurant is a true feast for the senses with smoky grills, towering palms and brutalist details spotlighted by concrete skylights. Across the nooks and crannies scattered throughout the multi-level venue, you'll find guests enjoying the likes of housemade breads, blistered prawns, spiced lamb shoulder and the best falafel in town. Find out more here.
Clarence Restaurant
51 Fish Lane, South Brisbane
In a bold move, one of Brisbane's most beloved dining rooms Clarence relocated from its little corner of Woolloongabba to the sought-after Fish Lane. The result? A green-hued brasserie-inspired destination for hyper-seasonal cooking, inventive takes and their signature warm hospitality. The approachable atmosphere only helps their creative offering shine in Nashville-style rock lobster on white bread, caviar gnocchi with dashi cream, and dry aged duck with cumquat yuzu kosho. Pro tip: pre-order the apple tarte tartin for dessert. Find out more here.
Evra Restaurant
18A Longland Street, Newstead
Evra is the neighbourhood farm-to-table restaurant extending the Evra Marketplace ethos with its primitive tribute to the beauty of Australian ingredients. With a seasonal approach led by the produce growing in the restaurant's rooftop garden, the menu here embraces modern Australian cuisine with classical Italian influences—think spanner crab pasta with XO butter, crown-roasted Bresse chicken in a vibrant vin jaune sauce, and organic ice cream for dessert. Find out more here.
Fellini's
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Naturally a newcomer to Howard Smith Wharves' ever-popular dining lineup is going to make front-page news—especially when we found out it was going to be Italian. Don't fret, Ciao Papi is safe; instead, Fellini's is a laid-back trattoria inspired by the authentic flavours of coastal Italy, boasting alfresco dining along the river walk. Dishing up a wide range of small plates, mains, pizza, handmade pasta, and dessert, we're personally obsessed with the paccheri al granchio with local crab bisque, chilli and garlic.
Idle
84 Merthyr Road, New Farm
The heartbreak of Agnes Bakery closing was very quickly remedied with the arrival of its successor Idle: an all-day bakery, market and neighbourhood kitchen with lines snaking down Merthy Road. Accepting walk-ins only, Idle is the bridge between house-baked breads, pastries, and generous breakfast dishes, as well as made-to-order savoury dishes, coal fired rotisserie chickens, handmade salads, and a curation of artisanal provisions for home. Find out more here.
Winnifred's
34 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley
Arguably the bubbliest spot in town, Winnifred's brings all things Champagne to Arthur Street, across a gorgeous bar, bistro and garden with over 360 cuvees and a rotating list of Champagnes by the glass—curated by a team whose exceptional knowledge is only matched by their passion for true hospitality. While the charming spot is worth a visit for the sips alone, the produce-driven menu is equally impressive with its contemporary twist on French classics. Find out more here.
Bar Monte
17 Longland Street, Newstead
From the crew behind iconic modern Asian diner Light Years comes Bar Monte: a neighbourhood Italian restaurant with great food, genuine hospitality, and digs that are very easy on the eyes. Whether you're posted up in the laneway or getting cosy in a booth, the menu is a delight to explore from the mortadella bun with pickled green chilli and limoncello aioli to the prawn linguine with chilli, garlic and lemon pangrattato. Find out more here.
SUUM
119 Charlotte Street, Brisbane CBD
Proving how far the Brisbane dining scene has evolved, SUUM is a 16-seat Korean omakase restaurant blending traditional and contemporary cuisine in a curated showcase of molecular gastronomy. The carefully curated chef's counter experience asks you to hand over the reins to chef and owner Andy Choi, who channels his years of Michelin experience and modern Korean expertise into a dynamic offering that changes often and will blow you away. Find out more here.
Chargrill Charlie's
92 Merthyr Road, New Farm
Chargrill Charlie's—the home of award-winning chargrilled chicken, fresh salads, burgers, and rolls—officially made its Brisbane debut, quickly cementing itself as a go-to for home-style cooking and quick service that doesn't miss the spot. Slinging their famous chooks, schnitzels and BBQ drumsticks alongside rotating favourites in the salad bar and hearty finger foods, you'll often find us swinging by for the mac and cheese—it's heaven. Find out more here.
Looking for more dining and drinking inspiration? Head here:
Image credit: SUUM | Instagram
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