Brisbane/Meanjin is well known for its top-notch foodie scene, with new restaurants, cafes and impressive menus constantly popping up across the city. It’s almost impossible to keep up to date on it all.
To make it easier, we’ve introduced The Feed, your best place for finding Brisbane’s latest updates in the world of food and drink every Thursday. Hope you're hungry, because here’s all the news you might have missed over the past week or two.
Slurp $2 Oysters And Grilled Dishes At Bar Miette
Image Credit: Bar Miette | Jo McGann
Bar Miette is giving you plenty of reasons to order up all week long, with new menus and offerings served on the waterfront. Slurp ice-cold $2 Sydney Rock Oysters shucked to order on Monday to Friday, from 3pm to 5pm—pairing perfectly with other grazing menu items like anchovy toast, whipped cod roe dip, and Sicilian olives, as well a rotating line-up of oyster-appropriate cocktails and wines by the glass. Then on the weekend, the Bar Miette terrace will be taken over with smoky flavours and charcoal thanks to Miette Grill—a selection of dishes served alongside the regular menu featuring skewered snacks, select seafood, and seasonal produce, available on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm. From Hervey Bay scallops cooked with Café de Paris butter to glazed wagyu beef skewers and shishito peppers, this is a meal for all the senses. You can book here.
Libertine Celebrates 20th Birthday With The Return Of Their 20 Most Popular Dishes
Image Credit: Libertine | Supplied
How do you celebrate 20 years of mouth-watering French-Vietnamese flavours in a certified Brisbane institution? By putting together a menu of the most popular and uniquely Libertine dishes from the last two decades. Bold flavours, hawker-style dishes, and vibrant cocktails have been Libertine’s signature for the past 20 years, and the Barracks restaurant is now dishing up the best of it all. From the beef bourguignon milk bun to the duck rice noodle rolls and the twice-cooked free-range pork belly, this birthday celebration has a gift for everyone. Book here.
Lune Launches A New Loyalty Program With Exclusive Perks And Free Treats
Image Credit: Lune | Supplied
Anyone who’s lined up to get their hands on the goods at Lune Croissanterie has no doubt become an avid fan, and now the world-renowned purveyor of pastries is rewarding your loyalty with Lune Passport—a new loyalty program unlocking exclusive perks, priority access, and special gifts designed to elevate your Lune experience. By becoming a Lune Passport member, you’ll earn a Zont Mile for every dollar spent in-venue, a complimentary birthday gift, and priority access to special events and retail drops. Reach 200 Zont Miles and you’ll snag $10 off your next boundary-pushing croissant. Simply sign up here.
Motto Motto Launches A Fresh Take On Japan’s Iconic Chicken Sando
Image Credit: Motto Motto | Supplied
Sink your teeth into Australia's most bangin' chicken sando, now at Motto Motto. Picture this: golden panko-crumbed Aussie chicken breast nestled in soft Japanese milk bread, all drizzled with Motto Motto's creamy Sando Sauce. And the best part? This crave-worthy Chicken Katsu Sando Set, complete with crispy Japanese seaweed salted fries and a refreshing peach or lychee ice tea, is yours for just $21.50. But hurry, this limited-edition delight is only available from Tuesday 15 April for a short time at all Motto Motto locations nationwide. Find your nearest spot here.
Kazba’s Harem High Tea Is Launching On Sundays By Popular Demand
Image Credit: Bar Kazba | Supplied
Pinkies up because Kazba’s Harem High Tea is launching on Sundays with its vibrant Middle Eastern take on the traditional high tea experience. In addition to their existing Tuesday to Saturday sessions, the Harem High Tea will be dishing up a three-tier spread of savoury and sweet delights every Sunday starting 6 April. From halloumi doughnuts dripping in chilli jam to smoked salmon latkes and rosewater Turkish delight, each bite will take you on a flavourful journey in the Harem Lounge—with vegetarian and vegan menus also available. Sip back with bottomless BlakBrews Tea and St Remio barista-crafted coffee for just $69pp or indulge in 90-minutes of free-flowing sparkling wine for $99 per person or Taittinger Champagne for $119pp. Book here.
Stratton Launches Bottomless Gnocchi Every Thursday Night
Image Credit: Stratton Bar & Kitchen | Supplied
Carbs galore are on the cards at Newstead’s Stratton Bar & Kitchen with the crew now doing bottomless gnocchi every Thursday night. Kicking off at 5pm, come hungry and ready to devour three belly-warming gnocchi dishes for just $45pp, in collaboration with a new alcohol partner every month. April is putting Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin in the spotlight, so you can indulge in a bright tomato and dry gin sauce, as well as slow-cooked bolognese and a black truffle mushroom over pillowy goodness. Every month will also feature a special $13 cocktail, starting with a zesty Four Pillars Yuzu Highball for April—shaking things up with a peach tea fizz. Bookings for bottomless gnocchi are encouraged but not essential, and GF gnocchi is also available for +$5pp. Ready to eat? Book here.
A New Era for The Historic Fox Hotel As Ghanem Group Revives South Brisbane Icon
Image Credit: The Fox Hotel | Supplied
One of Brisbane’s most iconic venues is getting a major level-up, with hospitality heavyweights Ghanem Group (Donna Chang, Blackbird, Byblós) officially taking over The Fox Hotel in South Brisbane. The historic venue, nestled in the heart of Fish Lane, will undergo a full transformation before reopening in late 2025, after a three year closure, as a multi-storey dining and entertainment precinct.
A staple of Brisbane’s nightlife for decades, The Fox’s rebirth will see its heritage-listed bones carefully restored while layering in Ghanem Group’s signature modern style. Think multiple dining destinations, a vibey cocktail lounge, function spaces, a revamped public bar, a gaming lounge, and—best of all—a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views. Brothers Adonis and Nehme Ghanem are thrilled to be the next custodians of the historic, heritage-listed site, revitalising it into something truly special for the community.
“This is our largest and one of our most exciting projects to date,” says Ghanem Group Director Adonis Ghanem. “The growing community of this area has long-awaited the return of this legendary venue, and to have the opportunity to bring the next era of dining and entertainment to this iconic site is a true honour.”
The redesign, led by Space Cubed Design Studio, will stay true to the hotel’s Art Deco charm while introducing a new wave of world-class dining and drinking experiences. Whether you're stopping in for a long lunch, a sunset cocktail, or a big night out, The Fox’s next chapter is shaping up to be seriously impressive.
Aloria On Sky Deck Has Launched A Dedicated Snack Menu
Image Credit: Aloria | Supplied
When you’re a little hungry after lunch but it’s still too early for dinner, the only answer is the humble snack. Don’t waste your time on a bag of chips that’s more air than substance—the city’s sky-high dining destination has just launched a dedicated snack menu to cure your afternoon cravings. Aloria on Queen’s Wharf’s Sky Deck is serving the goods from 3pm to 5pm Friday through to Sunday, with an elevated offering sure to hit the spot. Pairing skyline views with wood roasted oysters, fried bread, and their specialty caviar service, it’s the dreamy way to snack and sip as the sun sets. Book your spot here.
The Star Brisbane Launches A New Outdoor Cinema With Bites And Beanbags
Image Credit: The Star Brisbane | Supplied
As the temps cool down, The Star Brisbane is turning it up with a new outdoor cinema experience under the stars on their sprawling Leisure Deck. For only $10 every Wednesday, kick back in a beanbag with a cup of popcorn in one hand and a soft drink in the other as Skyline Cinema hits play on blockbuster films and Hollywood hits. Hungry for more? You can also order a South-East Asian feast from the iconic Fat Noodle restaurant delivered straight to your beanbag, from seafood laksa to wok-tossed pad thai and Luke Ngyuyen’s signature chicken salad. Check out the schedule and book here.
Sokyo Is Now Offering An Intimate Sushi And Sake Pairing Menu
Image Credit: Sokyo | Supplied
Looking for food that’s almost too good to eat? Then you need to experience Sokyo’s new sushi and sake pairing menu. Crafted by Executive Chef Alex Yu who has been dubbed ‘Australia’s sashimi florist’, the one-of-a-kind offering features a nine-course tasting menu alongside five premium sakes and a dessert liquor selected by Sokyo’s Head Sommelier and award-winning bartender Jenny Wang. You’ll have the chance to indulge in culinary precision at its finest, with the likes of Sokyo’s iconic miso glazed toothfish and a steak tartare served atop a bed of wagyu fat hash browns. Book your spot here.
Bar 1603 Launches A Japanese-Inspired Moreton Bay Bug Roll Pop-Up
Image Credit: Hotel Indigo | Supplied
Think you know your way around a bug roll? Think again, because Hotel Indigo’s Bar 1603 is slinging a Japanese-inspired take on a Queensland favourite for a limited time. Available from 11am daily until sold out, you can get your hands on two miso-glazed Moreton Bay Bug fillets, paired with cucumber yuzu pico de galle, sakura sauce, fresh coral leaf lettuce, cheddar cheese sauce, and a side of Tokyo fries – all for $38. Plus, for an extra touch of indulgence, add a glass of Veuve Talihan French Sparkling for just $10. Find out more info here.
Essa Is Serving Up Fancy Fried Chicken And Free Wine Once A Month
Fried chicken is good, but fancy fried chicken is better—and that’s just what you’ll find on the menu at Essa one Saturday a month starting from 1 March. Even better, it comes with free wine (tastings)—sounds like the perfect afternoon to us. From 12pm-4pm you can sample some funky wines, order up low cost wines by the glass if you want more than just a sip and feast on fried chicken burgers, wings, and potato gems, with the addition of a little caviar to make things real fancy. Bookings aren’t necessary but they are recommended, and you can find out what else to expect on their Instagram here.
Yo-Chi Is Bringing Their Self-Serve Fro-Yo To West End Later This Year
You’re never far from a Yo-Chi these days, but West End locals are soon going to be closer to the cult-favourite fro-yo spot than ever, with another location opening in the ‘burb within the next three months. While they are keeping the exact location and opening date under wraps right now (any keen eyes out there who can tell us where?), you can definitely expect to find their signature fro-yo flavours and self-serve topping bar in residence when it arrives. Yo-Chi date, anyone?
Detour Is Popping Up In Fortitude Valley For Three Months
If you've been missing Detour's iconic Kentucky fried duck since the Woolloongabba restaurant closed late last year, you're in luck, because they're back, this time with a limited-seat pop-up residency in Fortitude Valley. Taking over the former home of Kid Curry on East Street, the three-month pop-up will serve up three different five-course set menus, featuring both omnivore and herbivore options of course. Some of Detour's most famed dishes are of course on the menu, including that KFD, their emu tartare and fossilized carrots with dukkha and curry. Open for bookings from Wenesday to Saturday, it's your chance to get a taste of Chef Damon Amos's creativity before Detour opens its new permanent location later in the year—nab your table here.
A Luxe Korean Steakhouse Is Opening At Portside Wharf Early Next Year
Image credit: Lowry Group | Facebook
2024 was a big year for Hamilton’s Portside Wharf, with a slew of new openings hitting the waterside precinct, including Dumbo, The Ballpark and Mademoiselle. They’re not slowing down just yet though, with still more fresh venues set to land in the new year, one of which will be Marble Korean Steakhouse. With the fitout currently underway by Lowry Group, the Clui Design designed spot will be as luxe as they come, with a dark and moody interior that boasts multiple dining areas and bars. That’s all we know for now, but stay tuned for now, and for an official opening date early next year.
Tamborine Cheese Is Opening An Artisanal Deli On Brisbane’s North Side
No trip to Tamborine is complete with a visit to Tamborine Cheese, whether it’s to get a morning snack or pick up a bag full of cheesy goodies to take home. If you find yourself craving their creamy wedges between road trips though, you’re in luck, because the cheese makers are coming to Brisbane, opening an artisanal deli at Portside Wharf. Offering up more than 40 varieties of locally crafted cheese as well as cured meats and customisable cheese boards, the deli will feature seating inside and out with room for up to 50 people, and serve up a selection of wines and cocktails to compliment those cheese boards. It's set to open in early 2025, and you’ll catch us there scoffing brie when it does, so stay tuned.
You Can Now Get Messina Tubs And Cakes At Your Local Woollies
Image credit: Gelato Messina | Instagram
Your Gelato Messina addiction just got a whole lot easier to feed. The gelato legends have dropped the huge news that you can now get their tubs and cakes in your local Woolies—cue everyone clearing out the freezer in readiness. Available at select Woolworths stores Australia-wide will be a range of six gelato tub flavours of Pistachio Praline, Robert Brownie Jr., Super Vanilla, Dulce de Leche, Hazelnut Praline and Tiramisu, as well three different semi-freddo cakes—Iced Coco Bavarian, Choc Malt Bavarian and Tiramisu. The full range will be available at about 300 stores, while everywhere else will just get Pistachio Praline and Super Vanilla, so here’s hoping you’re in one of the chosen ‘burbs. We defo recommend checking online for stock first, because the Messina fandom is real, and we reckon they’re going to be on the shelves for all of a hot minute. However we’re promised the supermarket range is permanent, so keep checking until you can get your hands on them—may the odds be ever in your flavour.
East Brisbane’s Iconic Lord Stanley Hotel Is Undergoing A $15 Million Refurbishment
At over 130 years old, East Brisbane’s Lord Stanley Hotel sure has seen a lot of pints—and it’s going to see a lot more in the future, with a massive refurbishment currently underway of the historic pub. The $15 million transformation will restore it to its former glory, restoring heritage elements of the original building while also adding some slick new features. In the plans are a new restaurant and bar expansion (with a fresh new menu of course), an enclosed and air conditioned play area, an outdoor beer garden, a sports bar and a first floor function space, deck and bar with views over to the Gabba. Basically, you won’t recognise the place. Hakfoort Group, who also own a slew of other pubs across the state, are aiming for an early 2025 opening, and you can follow along for updates on the build here.
The Team Behind Sandstone Point Hotel Have Just Dropped Their Jaw-Dropping Plans For Dakabin Hotel
Image credit: Dakabin hotel | Supplied
Moreton Bay residents, you are in for a treat next year. Comiskey Group, the team behind iconic pubs and hotels like Bribie’s Sandstone Point Hotel, Noosa’s The Doonan and Eumundi’s The Imperial Hotel, have just dropped a sneak peek at their plans for Dakabin Hotel and our mouths are open. Set to open in early 2025, the landmark pub will feature a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and a huge statement fireplace surrounded by sunken lounges, a sports room, a kids room and more, all of it so stunningly designed we might be willing to take a road trip north. Stay tuned for more details or follow along for updates here.
Plans For A Massive Refurbishment Of The Victory Hotel Have Been Submitted To Council
Image credit: The Victory | Bureau Proberts
Let’s be honest, we’ve all had a drunken night at The Vic, but it’s probably not at the top of your list for a post-work drink these days. That could all be about to change, however, with the iconic city pub set to undergo a multi-million redevelopment according to the new development plans just submitted to the council. If approved, the ageing hotel will get a whole new look inside and out, with four distinct new areas, including a rooftop bar, a sports bar and beer garen, a steak restaurant and a basement speakeasy. Frankly, it looks like somewhere we want to hang out after work—and maybe even on the weekends. Of course, it’s still in the application stage so it will be a while before we see the final result, but Precision Group, who are behind the redevelopment, are hoping to kick things off in 2025, so stay tuned.
Birdees Is Set To Be Your New Favourite Bar Again After A $7 Million Refurb
There's few bars in Brisbane as iconic as Birdees—even if you can't remember a single night you spent there (that was after all, the Birdees appeal). Well, the Valley nightlife spot is gearing up to be a favourite of the nightlife scene once again with a $7 million refurb currently underway. Reopening at the end of the year with a whole new lease on life, the new Birdees will feature a redesigned beer garden with a new pool and an open kitchen serving up gastro-pub style meals from day to night, while inside on level one you'll find plush curved booths wrapped in red curtains. Basically, it will be nothing like the Birdees that you don't remember—stay tuned for more details when we have them.
The Gold Coast’s Paddock Bakery Has Come To Brisbane
Image credit: Paddock Bakery | Instagram
A stop at Burleigh’s Paddock Bakery for one of their famed creme brulee doughnuts, cookies, croissants or cakes is essential to any Gold Coast road trip—but it's no longer necessary. With Justin Lane, another Burleigh icon, having opened in Brisbane (read all about that here), they’ve decided to team up and come along for the ride, taking over Justin’s Takeaway Shop on Alfred Street in the Valley every Monday to Friday from 6am to 3pm. While there isn’t quite enough bench space for Paddock Bakery’s entire offering, they’ll be bringing a varied selection along each week, which will include plenty of fan favourites. Even better, they’ve designed a sandwich and toastie menu just for us, with a Southern fried chicken sandwich, French onion and gruyere cheese toastie, and a veggie wrap on the line up alongside their famous Reuben and smoked salmon bagel.
Suttons Beach In Redcliffe Is Getting A Stunning New Pavilion With Three Hospitality Spaces
Image credit: lahznimmo architects | Instagram
Anyone who grew up or still resides in Redcliffe will be familiar with the Suttons Beach Pavilion, an iconic art deco bathing pavilion on the waterfront which recently had to be demolished due to structural issues. If so, you’ll be pleased to know that the space it left behind won’t be empty for long, with a new pavilion design just announced for the seaside precinct. Created by lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith, the new ‘pavilion’ will be sleek and modern, but take a few queues from the original building and also the surrounding native flora, and feature plenty of public spaces across two levels, including a deck. Best of all, there’ll be three different hospitality spaces involved, and while we’ll definitely have to wait a while to find out what they’ll be (construction won’t start until mid-2025), we’re pretty confident there’ll be fish and chips involved. You can read up on the entire project here.
Donna Chang Is Now Doing Takeaway So You Can Dig Into Their Signature Dishes At Home
Image credit: Donna Chang | Supplied
If you love eating out but not the whole dressing up and leaving the house part, we have some incredible news for you. Donna Chang, the city’s swanky modern Chinese restaurant from the Ghanem Group, is now offering takeaway, so you can order your fave Szechuan and Cantonese dishes to eat from the comfort of your couch. Available through an online ordering system, the menu features a selection of their most loved dishes, including scallop and prawn wontons, spiced lamb buns, dan dan noodles and char siu pork neck with honey glaze. Just pick out your starters, mains and sides, and you’ll be able to pick it up in 30 minutes. Takeaway is available seven days a week for lunch and dinner, so you can even order it for a swanky office lunch with your work wife that will make everyone else in the building jealous. Find out more and put your order in here.
Got some tasty news you think we should know about? Drop our editor an email at editorbne@theurbanlist.com.
Image credit: Peter Dillon | Supplied