20 Of The Best Restaurants In Brisbane’s CBD In 2026
One of the best perks of a daily city commute is having the best restaurants in Brisbane CBD right on your doorstep. From polished degustations and riverside feasts to buzzy bars, dumpling joints and everything in between, the city centre is firmly on the Urban List team’s regular dining rotation.
With so many epic options to choose from, it pays to know where to eat. Whether you’re chasing a long lunch or a date-night dinner, keep reading for our curated edit are the very best places to eat in the heart of the city.
If you're looking for somewhere far more relaxed for a quick bite, check out our edit of the best places for lunch in the CBD.
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At A Glance:
- Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Brisbane CBD
- Best Lively Restaurants In Brisbane CBD
- Best Restaurants With A View In Brisbane CBD
Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Brisbane CBD
Walter's Steakhouse
219 Alice Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Walter's Steakhouse | Grace Elizabeth Smith
Walter’s Steakhouse combines sophisticated service with a New York steakhouse-style menu. Decked out with a classy and timeless fit-out that has restored Old Mineral House to its former glory, it's the closest thing to NYC steak this side of the Atlantic. The cuts are aged in house, the sides are almost as good as the steaks and the entrees include a slab of thick-cut bacon (yep, just bacon)—what more could you want in a meat temple?
Donna Chang
3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Donna Chang | Instagram
Trading out of a heritage-listed, neo-classical building on George Street, Donna Chang is all about the harmony between modernity and antiquity. The menu sees traditional Cantonese cuisine and Sichuan flavours executed with modern techniques, and the resultant feast makes for a fine dining experience worth writing home about. "The scallop and prawn wontons have become a cult favourite," said Ghanem Group CEO, Vianna Joseph. "They’ve been on the menu for years, consistently one of our top-selling dishes – and for good reason." Donna Chang also happens to be one of THE most stunning restaurants in Brisbane—take a group so you can be seated in one of their plush pink booths.
Rothwell’s Bar & Grill
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Rothwell's | Instagram
Step into a world of luxurious surroundings and decadent food in this imposing former tailor's shop. Rothwell’s offers a timelessly designed space of cosy green leather booths, sparkling chandeliers and a massive U-shaped marble bar in the main dining area. Choose to snack on items like steak tartare with potato crisps and oysters in the bar, go for a main affair of their iconic beef wellington, or just drop in for a drink—their house martini is allegedly the best in town.
Exhibition
2/109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Exhibition | Instagram
Hidden away in the basement level of the Metro Arts Theatre is this immersive, sensory experience from head chef and owner Tim Scott (previously of Joy). With seats for just 24 guests and a menu that changes each evening based on seasonal availability from local suppliers, Exhibition dishes up a night you won’t forget—just make sure you book well in advance.
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Sokyo
The Star Grand, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: The Star Brisbane | Instagram
The Star Brisbane has finally brought us a taste of the iconic Sydney Japanese eatery Sokyo, and we are damn happy about it. Sokyo is all about the collision of ritual and art, so you can guarantee you’re in for a pretty special dining experience here under the expert guidance of the ‘sashimi florist’, aka Head Chef Alex Yu. With that in mind, ordering a sashimi platter is obviously a must, but the A5 Wagyu with egg yolk and garlic chips and kingfish miso ceviche will also live rent free in your mind forever.
Black Hide
33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Black Hide | Instagram
Located smack-bang on the terrace of Brisbane’s most scenic address, Queens Wharf, you’ll find Black Hide Steak & Seafood. Black Hide by Gambaro is no stranger to the Brisbane foodie scene, but the new location puts a new spin on the classic venue. The Queens Wharf location brings a new cocktail lounge bar dishing out small, elegant plates alongside Brisbane’s best views. The location levels up on the classic, with a bigger focus on seafood while maintaining the tradition of the VIP Black Hide knife program.
The Fifty Six
2/33 Felix St, Brisbane City
Image credit: The Fifty Six | Instagram
Set on the top floor of heritage-listed Naldham House, The Fifty Six puts a contemporary spin on Cantonese dining. Led by Executive Chef Gerald Ong, the menu draws on traditional Chinese flavours with a touch of his Singaporean heritage, spanning dim sum, duck, seafood and larger plates. There’s also a balcony overlooking the city streets, plus a drinks list of Cantonese-inspired cocktails and wines.
Best Lively Restaurants In Brisbane CBD
Golden Avenue
67 Edward St, Brisbane City
Image credit: Golden Avenue | Instagram
It's hard to believe that a sunlit oasis awash with sage green walls, marble floors, travertine tables and lush garden terraces hides in plain sight on bustling Edward Street. That is, until you see it. Golden Avenue is a multi-level dining destination suitable for group celebrations, lunchtime work meetings and date nights alike. Designed to share, the menu revolves around Middle Eastern flavours and woodfired cuisine, with the likes of charcoal-grilled king prawns with black lime and ghormeh sabzi and kibbeh nayyeh with urfa chilli and sheep curd. Stay for a digestif at Golden Avenue’s casual (but equally striking) bar, GA.
Central
340 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Central | Instagram
Fans of South East Queensland iconoclasts Rick Shores and Southside need to add Central to your list immediately. The team behind these two game-changing Asian-inspired spots have just opened their latest venture: Central. This underground (no, literally) dumpling and drinks spot can be found at the base of a concrete staircase off Queen street. Central is a moody, humming ode to the eateries of Hong Kong that comes with a menu packed full of elevated classics. Think drunken chicken, thick noodles dripping in spices and crispy, glassy roasted duck. The dumplings, of course, are where the menu truly shines, so don’t skip the har gao.
Longwang
144 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Longwang | Instagram
Not so much a hole in the wall, but a narrow gap between buildings, this swanky venue shows us that you don’t need a lot of space to get the vibes right. Longwang spans four-levels, each with a slightly different feel, including a top level with a retractable roof.
"With its unique three-metre width and two levels, Longwang is my fresh take on modern Asian cuisine, crafted to suit the venue's character and bring a distinctive dining experience," said owner Michael Tassis. Sip on a signature Purple Dynasty cocktail, which sports a sprig of rosemary and purple hues is a must-try, then sit back as your dishes roll out. Savour on a round of pan-fried wagyu beef dumplings, smacked cucumbers, wok tossed pork belly and finish it off with the pandan kaya toast for the ultimate modern-Asian feast.
Fat Noodle
The Star Brisbane, Level 5/33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Fat Noodle | Supplied
Luke Nguyen's famed South-East Asian eatery has a new look and a new location, with Fat Noodle having made the move over to The Star Brisbane with the opening of Queen's Wharf. If you're a longtime regular, you'll be happy to know that those legendary 20-hour Fat Pho noodles, seafood laksa and of course, Luke's chicken salad are still on the menu, but they have been joined by some new flavours—so it might be time for a revisit.
Best Restaurants With A View In Brisbane CBD
Supernormal
443 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Supernormal | Supplied
Supernormal had to be one of the mostly hotly anticipated venue openings Brisbane has seen. While the menu shares common ground with its Melbourne sister venue, the Brissy offering is a delightful ode to our local produce with unique menu additions just for us. The iconic lobster rolls remain a menu staple while the scanner crab and hand-rolled noodle salad nods to Queensland. Oh, and be sure to take a moment for the crispy duck.
Massimo
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Massimo | Instagram
Combining Italian cuisine with waterfront views and a selection of superb seafood, it’s not hard to see why Massimo is a fave Brisbane city restaurant for anyone in search of good pasta. Far from your average seaside trattoria, this spot gives traditional Italian dining a sleek modern style, served with a healthy helping of Mediterranean hospitality. "My passion for the art of fresh pasta and Italian cuisine drives the essence of Massimo," said owner Michael Tassis. "With a background in seafood, I sought to present Italian dishes in a unique way that sets them apart from traditional offerings."
Opa
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Opa | Facebook
From the mouth-watering food to the dreamy interiors, Opa will have you picking your jaw up from the floor from the moment you first step foot in the venue. The combination of arched windows, cosy white booths, and stunning river views makes you feel like a Greek god as you wine and dine on their amazing selection of Greek delights. Indulge in pillowy pita bread and tzatziki dip, grilled octopus, fresh oysters, cheesy grilled saganaki and so much more goodness—you’ll want to order one (or five) of everything.
"With Greek heritage coursing through my veins, I always envisioned Opa as a fusion of authentic Greek flavors with a modern twist, inspired by the proud culture of Santorini," said owner Michael Tassis. "One of my all-time favorite dishes is the moussaka, as it evokes cherished memories from my childhood.
Tillerman
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Tillerman | Instagram
Glamorous riverside restaurant Tillerman is a relaxed, yet opulent love letter to Queensland’s spectacular produce, climate and water views from every seat in the house. What’s on the plate is just as aesthetically pleasing as the venue itself, with a menu influenced by everywhere from the Spanish coast to modern Australia. As for what to pair your meal with, the cocktail list definitely offers a few surprises, including a section dedicated entirely to very sophisticated daiquiris. "The signature Moreton Bay bug dumplings in our house-made bisque are a must-have," said owner Andrew Batruro. "This dish really captures everything I love about coastal dining: local produce, fresh seafood, and a bit of finesse."
The Lex
W Brisbane, 81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: The Lex | Facebook
This sophisticated hotel eatery is inspired by the iconic New York-style grills but has a distinctly Brisbane flavour, showcasing hyper local produce and natural cooking techniques in a terrace-style venue overlooking the Brisbane River. While the venue itself is sleek and sexy, The Lex's menu is all about familiar favourites given a playful twist—think fancy tater tots with Avruga caviar, lobster rolls, and melt-in-your-mouth steaks paired with sides of mac ‘n’ cheese and a Ceasar salad tossed right next to you at the table from a roving trolley. Make sure you leave room for dessert too—the peanut butter chocolate bombe is calling your name.
Persone
Brisbane Quarter, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Persone | Instagram
For exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with a modern Australian twist, set your sights on the second floor of the CBD’s Brisbane Quarter. There you’ll find Persone, an Italian restaurant with panoramic views of the riverfront over to South Bank. Dine on oysters, kingfish crudo and prawn tortellini if you're into seafood, with the porchetta and one-kilogram T-bone being the other standout dishes on the menu.
Stilts
147E Alice St, Brisbane City
Image credit: Stilts | Facebook
Brisbane’s first restaurant on a bridge, Stilts takes dining to new heights—literally. Perched above the Brisbane River on the Kangaroo Point Bridge, this indoor-outdoor Australian restaurant by the Tassis Group celebrates Queensland produce with a menu spanning premium steak, seafood and local ingredients. Case in point: there's even a a live Moreton Bay bug tank on top of live lobster and oyster tanks. Add a 180 bottle-strong wine list as well, and you've got one of the best long lunches in the city.
Blackbird
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Blackbird | Instagram
Like your dinner with a side of insane views? Blackbird has you covered. Perched on prime real estate overlooking the Story Bridge and winding brown snake, this classy joint serves up decadent meals cooked in their naturally fuelled wood-fired grill. "Blackbird was born from a vision to celebrate Queensland’s finest produce in an iconic riverside setting, overlooking the Brisbane River and Story Bridge," said Ghanem Group CEO, Vianna Joseph. "More than a decade on, Blackbird has stood the test of time, cementing its status as a true Brisbane icon."
Alchemy
175 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Alchemy | Facebook
If your Insta feed is in dire need of some luxe dining vibes, book yourself in for a meal at Alchemy. Overlooking the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge, you’re in for some stunning shots of the city, all while indulging in an incredible meal inspired by the flavours of Italy. With a focus on wholesome, fresh and seasonal produce, you can expect meals like gnocchi alla vodka, four cheese risotto and fig tortellini cacio e pepe to grace your plate. "I love the gnocchi as its my mother's personal recipe," said owner Angelica Jolly.
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Image credit: Donna Chang | Facebook
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*The Star Brisbane practises the responsible service of alcohol.