2024 has been A YEAR for Brisbane's hospitality scene. Not only did Queen's Wharf finally open, bringing with it a huge line up of epic new restaurants like Azteca, Sokyo and Luc Lac, with more to come, but but we had plenty of incredible new entrants from some hospitality powerhouses. Supernormal opened its Brisbane outpost, the Southside team unwrapped their underground dumpling spot Central and the Gold Coast's Mexicali and Justin Lane came north, just to name a few.
We could of course give you a list of our favourite openings of the year, but looking at the numbers it wasn't just renowned restauranteurs and talented chefs that caught your eyes—so we've rounded up the new openings that were the most-clicked, liked, shared and commented on. Turns out you love a themed cafe and an iced cookie as much as we love an Italian degustation—here's what really hooked Brisbane's tastebuds this year.
Crumble Cave
Newstead, QLD
This hole-in-the-wall dessert spot arrived to sate our winter sugar cravings with their design-your-own apple crumble pots.
The Owlery Cafe
Samford Village , QLD
It's a Harry Potter-themed cafe in leafy Samford—so of course it sent the whole of Brisbane into a tizzy.
Central Restaurant
Brisbane CBD, QLD
Possibly the biggest opening of the year was this underground dumpling restaurant and bar from the Southside team.
Baker D. Chirico
Newstead, QLD
After four long years of waiting, this Melbourne-born bakery opened in Newstead—and the queues were around the block.
Buttery Boy Brisbane
Fortitude Valley, QLD
A cafe dedicated entirely to giant hot cakes and boujee hot chocolates? It had around attention from the get-go.
Sushi Jiro
Chermside, QLD
Not just ny sushi restaurant, this Victorian-born Japanese spot arrived with the longest sushi train in the southern hemisphere.
DRZLE
Newstead, QLD
Take an already decadent cookie and top it with sweet, creamy icing and you've got the main drawcard of this Newstead dessert spot.
Cerin Pasticceria
Woolloongabba, 4102
A buzzing, Italian-inspired bakery from a seasoned hospitality duo, Cerin made waves with its cream-filled maritozzo.
Grape & Grazing
New Farm, QLD
Brisbane scored it's first cheese box bar this year and the excitement was real—design-your-own cheese boards? We're in.
A Cafe Called Kevin
New Farm, QLD
Who doesn't love a cosy, dog-friendly cafe where you can order beautifully plated brunch dishes? We're not surprised Kevin made the list.
Supernormal Brisbane
Brisbane CBD, QLD
After years of whispered rumours, Supernormal finally opened in Brisbane this year, alongside Bar Miette, one of our favourite new spots for drink.
Wilbur’s General Store
Holland Park, QLD
Sandwiches continued to capture our appetites this year, and Wilbur's brought them to the southside with their tiny corner store cafe.
Lulu Ramen
Paddington, QLD
Just when you thought Brisbane's ramen scene was complete, along comes Lulu with their chicken broth ramen.
Duck Fat
Newstead, QLD
French food—but make it modern and just FUN. That's the energy that Duck Fat brought to Newstead this year, from a team who wanted to mix things up.
Souffle Japancakes
Greenslopes, QLD
This hole-in-the-wall spot is dedicated to fluffy, jiggly souffle pancakes, and we'd eat them daily if we could.
Two Yolks Brisbane
South Bank, QLD
Joining the ranks of Gold Coast icons coming north, Two Yolks brought their egg and bacon-loaded buns to South Brisbane.
Toby’s Estate
Newstead, QLD
Toby's Estate's first Queensland flagship is an 11 out of 10 on the cool scale, with impressive interiors worthy of the iconic brand.
Mr Duncans
Fortitude Valley , QLD
Four kitchens, one restaurant—Mr Duncan's arrived to shake up our usual dining experience, and they're doing it in style.
Riva Kitchen & Events
Hamilton, QLD
Hamilton's new breakfast spot is worth travelling for, pairing river views with brunch dishes like tiramisu overnight oats and smooth coffees.
Fatcow
Fortitude Valley, QLD
The Eagle Street Pier steak spot was reborn on James Street, in a lavish venue with multiple private dining rooms.
Image credit: Buttery Boy | Facebook