While we here at Urban List love a good dinner in the city, you don't have to go all the way into the CBD to find a good feed—just a hop, skip and a jump away across the river is a veritabale foodie paradise. That’s right, we’re talking about South Brisbane—that happening wedge between West End and the Brisbane River.
Not to be confused with South Bank, which also has its fair share of foodie hotspots, South Brisbane is home to all sorts of weird and wonderful cuisines worthy of wearing your stretchy pants for—that also happen to be within skipping distance of QPAC and their calendar of shows. So fire up the group chat, and sort out your schedule—it’s time to book a table at one of the best restaurants in South Brisbane.
Southside
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
With a name like Southside, it’s no shocker that this East Asian restaurant is one of our favourites in South Brisbane. Giving off a “post-apocalyptic but make it chic” vibe, you can chow down on some duck ragu in a vine-laden concrete jungle. Brought to you by the masterminds behind Burleigh’s iconic Rick Shores, Southside’s menu includes yellowfin kingfish sashimi with kombu, char siu chicken skewers, and old Beijing-style pork belly. Think “The Last of Us”, but with much, much better food.
Julius Pizzeria
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
One of Brisbane’s worst-kept secrets, the line at Julius Pizzeria is a testament to its incredible food. But don’t let the wait put you off—time it right and you’ll be filling up on authentic Italian fare before you can say delizioso. The only hard part will be choosing between the wood-fired pizzas and the saucy pastas—better get an Aperol spritz to help you decide.
Hello Please
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
Though they’ve moved on from their shipping container home to a more permanent venue just across the way (the shipping container kitchen just came with them), Hello Please is still dishing up incredible Vietnamese street eats amongst the street art of Fish Lane. Book a table to feast on crispy duck wontons, braised beef cheek and drool-worthy bao.
Chu The Phat
111 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Chu the Phat | Facebook
Looking for your new go-to dumpling spot? Head on down to Chu The Phat, a vibrant two-story restaurant just off Fish Lane. Chu the Phat serves up hawker-style Asian street cuisine—think steaming dumplings, crisp mung bean pancakes and stir fried chicken. If you can’t decide, just opt for the banquet—you won’t go home hungry.
Bar Rosa
77 Grey Street, South Brisbane
With a wine list double the size of the menu, you know Bar Rosa is here for a good time. Sip on one of their Italian-crafted wines while splitting shallot mignonette oysters, fried zucchini flowers, and prawn rigatoncini with your favourite people. Sharing wine, food and gossip all night? Sounds like a plan to us.
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Big Roddy’s Rippin’ Rib Shack
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
If lip smackin’, juicy, glazed ribs are your jam, you’ll feel right at home at Big Roddy’s Rippin’ Rib Shack. With housemade sauces designed to give your meat the kick it needs, and local brews to wash it all down, Big Roddy’s is everything you want in a classic American rib house. Best wear stretchy pants, because you will end up ordering too much.
El Planta
58 Hope Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: El Planta | Facebook
One of Wandering Cook’s many success stories, El Planta’s permanent home on Hope Street is whipping up authentic Mexican fare without a morsel of meat in sight. Their vegan tacos have earned a cult following, so book a table to try them out for yourself. And make sure you get an uber home to you can sip on a margarita while you do it.
La Lune Wine Co.
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
Whilst La Lune is technically a wine bar, don’t think for one second that they don’t offer top-notch dining too. From charcuterie platters to fully-fledged dishes, La Lune offers mouth watering meals for every occasion, not to mention an incredible range of international wines. Come for the cheese boards, stay for an extra bottle of vino.
TakashiYa
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
In case you haven’t noticed, omakase is all the rage right now—and where better to get it than TakashiYa? Located in the Emporium Hotel, this Japanese omakase experience isn’t for picky eaters. If you’re not sure what omakase means, it translates to “I’ll leave it up to you”—which means you trust the chef to choose and prepare a few courses you won’t forget. And when we say a few courses, we mean at least 15.
Maeve Wine Bar
1/39 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Mave Wine | Instagram
As you can probably tell from the name, it’s all about the wine at Maeve Wine Bar, with a Euro-inspired shared dining menu designed to be nibbled while you knock back a stellar vino in the heritage dining room. Start with the rosti with creme fraiche and chives, move on to a plate of charcuterie and finish up with the confit duck lasagne. Then keep going back to the lengthy wine list until it’s time to stumble home, or across the road to your show at QPAC.
Taro’s Ramen
154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
If you’re as passionate about ramen as the rest of us, you’re likely already a regular at Taro’s Ramen. But just in case you live under a rock, we’re here to alert you: Taro’s Ramen is the shit. ‘Nough said. So grab a set of chopsticks, get yourself down there and thank us later.
Uncle Don
154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
If you know Uncle Don from Paddington, you’ll love their new, sleeker spot in South Brisbane. Perfect for casual meals or lively nights out, this Uncle Don features large group tables and a cocktail menu. Famous for hearty Japanese rice bowls, or 'don,' they offer a variety of meats, seafood, and veggies with a Western twist. Enjoy them solo or with share plates like lotus chips and soft katsu sandos. The menu includes favourites like salmon sashimi, wagyu steak, and crispy pork belly, plus unique options like grilled duck breast with brussels sprouts and miso eggplant. Keto-friendly, rice-free options are also available.
Como
119 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Como | Facebook
Experience luxurious dining with a modern twist on Italian cuisine at Como Restaurant, where cherished family recipes meet influences from Italy's beloved regions. Capturing the relaxed yet refined spirit of Lake Como, this fine dining destination celebrates heritage and quality seasonal produce. Perfect for gatherings with a personal touch, Como Restaurant invites you to embrace the Italian way—meet friends to share a meal, enjoy an aperitivo and antipasti at the bar, or settle in for the evening.
Lina Rooftop
74/80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane
If you really want to elevate your dining, Lina Rooftop is the place to be—pun intended, of course. The Mediterranean-inspired venue comes complete with an infinity pool overlooking the city and a menu that’ll make you think you’re on the Euro-summer trip of your dreams. Moreton Bay bug sliders, lamb shoulder, wagyu rib fillet, and kingfish crudo—need we say more?
Nostimo
29 Edmonstone Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Nostimo | Facebook
If you’re already counting down the days until next year’s Paniyiri festival, you’ll want to pay a visit to Nostimo. Located right on the border with West End, Nostimo promises authentic Greek fare with a modern twist and some serious flair. Also, the stunning white venue will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a seaside Mediterranean town, with balcony sitting that overlooks Musgrave Park and the city skyline beyond.
Ramen Danbo
52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
Of course, you can never have too much ramen, so after one night of Taro’s, why not alternate with a bowl from Ramen Danbo? The team behind the cult ramen chain run the soup through a special filter (imported from Japan for maximum authenticity) to make sure every bowl tastes exactly the same. You can’t buy that sort of consistency (except at Ramen Danbo, of course).
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Image credit: Southside | Supplied
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