South Bank restaurants are really having a moment right now. Years ago, when we thought of South Bank we pictured (a lot of) tourists, Expo 88 and maybe the odd Brisbane restaurant or two. Yet South Bank has really upped its cool-factor in the last few years.
Now it not only boasts million-dollar views of our city’s ever-evolving skyline but one of Brisbane’s best restaurant line-ups—which we here at Urban List a regularly eating our way through. From top-notch seafood on the river to the best Italian this side of the Mediterranean, to pimped-up pub fare and fine dining moments, we've put together your go-to hit list of the best South Bank restaurants (Brisbane's version).
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Brisbane again—get us in your inbox here.
Popolo
3 Sidon Street, South Brisbane
They've been dishing up decadent Italian fare to the the masses for over 11 years, but after a gorgeous makeover in 2022, they certainly don't look it. One of our favourite Italian restaurants in town, Popolo's menu is all about modernised versions of the classics, served in a sociable share-plate style. Take a seat under the iconic neon sign, scout out some riverside views and consider your evening sorted.
Calida Argentinian
164C Grey Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Calida Argentinian | Instagram
Craving traditional (but elevated) Argentinian food? You really can’t go past Calida Argentinian’s meat lineup. Their signature entree, the bistec tartare, is not to be missed. Hand cut beef fillet, red chimichurri and plantain crisps. Hello? We’ll take 10. Take your pick from their grill section and you can’t possibly be disappointed.
Poca Madre
Shop 15, Little Stanley Street, South Bank
We know, we know: you’re searching for a breezy, sun filled spot by the river doing epic tacos and margs but just can’t find the one. Rest easy, because you just found it. Poca Madre have just opened their doors in South Bank with a menu packed full of authentic Mexican fare. If you swing by on a Tuesday you can even score bottomless tacos for just $40. These guys also have a stand alone Margarita Bar next door, so come early (and hungry).
River Quay Fish
3 Sidon Street, South Brisbane
Bringing together stellar riverside views and fresh as fish, River Quay Fish is delivering some of the best modern seafood in Brisbane. We recommend taking on this one during sunset, where an array of twinkling city lights will set the mood for the evening. Pull up a chair on the patio and take your pick from their extensive craft beer list, experimental cocktail collection and moreish seafood menu.
OTTO Ristorante
River Quay, South Brisbane
Image credit: OTTO | Facebook
Don’t know what the words “Ristorante” and “Osteria” mean? Hit up OTTO to find out. Their Osteria is a casual vibe, perfect for a sneaky snack by the river—or aperitivo al fresco if you’re feeling cultured. Their Ristorante, on the other hand, is a gem to save for a glamorous date night. Head Chef Will Cowper takes Italian fine dining to a whole new level, with unashamedly simple yet classic dishes that will leave you lusting after them for days. Think champagne lobster spaghetti, marinated italian olives, and an affogato to top things off.
You might also like:
- The Best Restaurants In South Brisbane
- The Best Restaurants In West End
- The Best Restaurants In Woolloongabba
Vici
174 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Wood panelling, funky light fixtures and unbeatable Italian eats? Sounds like South Bank restaurant Vici. Though the menu is ever-changing, you can expect wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and various antipasto. Feel free to grab a bite at any time of day, because Vici is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Basically, you can live there if you want—and after one taste of their food, we know you’ll want.
Olé
B12 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Let's be real, it's sangria season all year round. You'll be wrapped to know that South Bank is also home to Olé, where you can get no less than six different kinds of this fruity sip, by the glass and by the jug. If you are in need of something that actually resembles sustenance, however, this is also the spot to dine on Spanish delights like seafood paella, tapas of grilled prawns, beef and pork meatballs with crusty bread and patatas bravas, and of course, sugary churros.
Baba Ganouj
186 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Baba Ganouj | Supplied
Nobody is throwing it down in the kitchen like people from the Middle East. That much is proven true when dining at Baba Ganouj—their menu that reads like a love letter to taste buds. Step into a world where smoky, roasted eggplant takes centre stage in their signature dish, the namesake Baba Ganouj. Prepared with finesse and a touch of tradition, every bite of this creamy delight is a celebration of rich flavours that dance on your palate. But that's not all—indulge in an array of mezze delights, from silky hummus to zesty tabbouleh, each dish crafted with the finest ingredients and a sprinkle of authentic charm.
Embers
133 Grey Street, South Brisbane
A restaurant inside a pub? Call that restaurant-ception. Actually no, we call that Embers, the fine dining joint inside The Charming Squire. Their menu, fuelled by the wood-fired grill and rotisserie, boasts dishes like dry aged sirloin with bearnaise sauce, wood-roasted lamb and hot smoked salmon. Pair that with The Charming Squire’s finest grog and you’ve got yourself a solid night out.
Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers
10 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
You had us at gnocchi. Australia’s first official dedicated gnoccheria landed in South Bank a few year's abck and our carb-loving tastebuds couldn't be more excited. Take your pick from a serious selection of pasta goodness, featuring flavours like wild mushroom and truffle, slow cooked bolognese or pesto. Yup, we're officially drooling.
Ma Pa Me
Shop C Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Ma Pa Me | Facebook
A step above a mum and pop shop comes Ma Pa Me, a South Bank restaurant in Brisbane inspired by Head Chef Alfan Musthafa’s grandma and grandpa—hence the name. The Indonesian and South East Asian fusion menu gives the feel and nostalgia of a home-cooked meal. Chow down on the “good son” nasi goreng, the “birthday” beef curry, or the “festival” sirloin. Spoilt for choice? Don’t fret, you can always grab a banquet. There’s even a vegan banquet for all you planet savers out there.
Smokehouse
6a Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Look, we didn’t know Brisbane was missing a South African-inspired BBQ offering but boy did Smokehouse make us realise we were. Stop by for fall-off-the-bone ribs cooked for hours in their secret baste, best paired with a side of duck fat roasted potatoes. Want a bonus pro tip? You won’t want to miss their burger menu either.
Zeus Street Greek
13/14 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Get around Greek street food at South Bank restaurant Zeus Street Greek. Serving an array of dazzling dishes starring Australian-Hellenic flavours, you can expect everything from a selection of dips to hearty pita wraps and slow-roasted meats. Hot tip: try their latest creation the Zorba the Chip Pita, a fluffy pita stuffed with chips, tzatziki, feta and mustard mayo—you won't regret it.
Harajuku Gyoza
Image credit: Harajuku Gyoza | Instagram
We’ve always valued the concept of doing one thing and doing it well—enter Harajuku Gyoza and their dumplings. Lemongrass chicken, garlic butter crab, shiitake mushroom (‘scuse our french), smoked salmon, mozzarella—you name it, it’s probably in a gyoza by now. And if for some unknown and crazy reason, you choose to go to Harajuku Gyoza and don’t want dumplings, even though it’s literally in their name, there are other options too, including various share plates and curry bowls.
Ahmet's
10/168 Grey Street, South Brisbane
A meal at Ahmet's will easily transport you to Turkey. From the vibrant and colourful decor to the traditional menu favourites, here is where you find true, authentic Turkish food in Brisbane. Alongside abundant banquet menus, you can also expect live music and belly dancing to show up on occasion.
The Jetty
4 Sidon Street, South Brisbane
With a name like ‘The Jetty’ it goes without saying that this is THE seafood destination to hit up in South Brisbane. Think oysters with fresh lemon and a crisp white wine—and that’s just to get you started. This is another ‘make use of this top-notch view’ kind of place so you won’t be disappointed if you’re here during the sunlight hours.
El Camino Cantina
153 Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Image description: El Camino Cantina | South Bank
If giant frozen margs, giant colourful sombreros, and the potential for a giant hangover is what you’re after, look no further than El Camino Cantina. Buckle in for a night of Tex-Mex classics: tacos, burritos, fajitas, buffalo wings, and nachos. But, much more importantly, El Camino Cantina is known for their margaritas. Strawberry, mango, and classic margs are always up for grabs, but if you play your cards right, you might just go when their Nerds-flavoured margs are on the menu.
Tai Tai
114 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Nestled amongst Grey Street is a vibrant Cantonese-style eatery serving you a flavour punch from every angle. Their tasty sharing-style menu encourages experimenting and exploration, taking your tastebuds on a journey from spicy steamed buns to moreish dim sum. And yes, of course there's fried ice cream for dessert.
Sage Yellowfin
24/164 Little Stanley Street, South Bank
If you’re into seafood you must pay a visit to Sage Yellowfin. Here you’ll find a seafood lineup sourced from local markets across Queensland and expert local Brisbane suppliers. A seafood platter in the South Bank sun is the obvious order here, but don’t sleep on their blue swimmer crab lasagne. Meat lovers are covered too, with a classic surf and turf on the menu alongside one of our favourite beef cheek dishes in Brisbane.
Looking for more places to eat nearby? Head here:
- The Best Restaurants In Brisbane's CBD
- The Best Cafes In West End
- The Best Restaurants In Kangaroo Point
Image credit: Popolo | Supplied
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.