Here at Urban List, we've put a lot of thought into what makes a restaurant Brisbane/Meanjin's best. It's not just the calibre of the food coming out of the kitchen–although that is of utmost importance, of course. It's also a combination of the atmosphere, the service, the interior design, and even the strength of their wine list.
All of these things adds up to the 'wow factor'—and luckily, our city isn't short on venues that tick all the boxes and then some. These Brisbane restaurants are the must-dos, the have-to-tries, the places you would tell visiting friends to dine at, and the bucket-list special treats to book when you want to splash out on sheer quality. Keep scrolling for the best restaurants in Brisbane right now.
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Agnes
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
You'd have to have been living under a rock if you hadn't heard of Agnes, the acclaimed spot headed up by head chef and co-owner Ben Williamson—but actually getting a booking at Brisbane's hottest restaurant is another matter, as they tend to book out months in advance.
When you do nab a table, you'll be treated to a feast cooked entirely over fire, from snacks like the scarlet prawn doughnuts to heartier feeds like smoked lamb neck with ancho mole, garlic yoghurt and flatbread. And of course, the moody, industrial dining room is extremely easy on the eyes itself.
Book in and you'll be following in the footsteps of Nigella Lawson, who said of her Agnes experience, "The dish that quite spun my senses was the chicken skewer with fenugreek: chicken oysters brined in onion juice, flamed and brushed with toum, along with turmeric and fresh fenugreek. Still reeling with pleasure."
INSIDER INTEL
- The bar next door is walk-in only and dishes up small plates from the Agnes menu
- Ask to have a post-dinner drink up on the rooftop terrace
- You can get a late night booking here, a rarity in Brisbane
Exhibition
109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Exhibition | Facebook
Exhibition provides an alluring degustation dining experience hidden in the basement level of the Metro Arts Theatre. Complete with handmade cutlery, custom ceramics and seats for just 24 guests, this is certainly a night you won’t forget.
Taking inspiration from a Japanese style-omakase, head chef and owner Tim Scott (previously of Joy) chooses what’s being served each evening based on seasonal availability from local suppliers, but you can expect something pretty special, no matter the menu.
Editor's Note: I promise you this spot is 100% worth the splurge.
INSIDER INTEL
- Expect to pay $180pp, or $240pp for the premium degustation
- Ask to sit at the seats overlooking the kitchen to watch the chefs at work
- Get the 'Unorthodox' beverage pairing
Central
340 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Central | Supplied
From the team behind Rick Shores and Southside comes this subterranean dumpling bar and restaurant located down a mysterious concrete staircase in the CBD. Venture down and you’ll find yourself in Central, a buzzing basement eatery surrounded by original exposed-rock walls with a central kitchen lit by an impressive grid-like light feature overhead.
Once you’ve stopped gawking, you can feast on classic Cantonese food and a touch of Western influence—think wagyu beef tartare, wok tossed ginger and shallot lobster, barbecue char siu pork and of course, a plentiful line up of dim sum dishes like crab and prawn spring rolls and Peking duck potstickers.
When our Sydney editor Georgia Condon recently came to visit, Central was the first place she booked: "Trust the Rick Shores and Southside crew to deliver something so cool and entirely new. I want to revisit for dumplings and cocktails overlooking the sunken kitchen."
INSIDER INTEL
- Book seats at the bar so you can watch the chefs at work
- Make sure you order a martini to start.
- Central is fully accessible, there’s a lift at the entrance
Restaurant Dan Arnold
10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Restaurant Dan Arnold | Facebook
Restaurant Dan Arnold is where you’ll find one of the most incredible dining experiences in Brisbane—and we’ve tried a few. If you couldn’t guess, the restaurant is the pride and joy of head chef and owner Dan Arnold, whose Michelin-star restaurant experience and bronze medal at the 2016 Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific competition prove he knows his way around a kitchen.
There’s no a la carte menu here, instead you just settle in for a three-course, five-course or carte blanche experience. Carte blanche is the way to go, with seven to eight courses that are totally at the whim of the kitchen. Our Brisbane editor Ranyhyn Laine says, "This feed is worth splurging on for the bread course alone—there's three different kinds of freshly baked bread! I died and went to heaven."
INSIDER INTEL
- If you can only splurge on three courses, be sure to book from Wednesday to Friday
- There's a cheese trolley option at the end of your meal—need we say more?
- For the full experience, opt for the matched wines
Same Same
3/46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Same Same | Facebook
Located in the chic Ada Lane next to The Calile, Same Same is a sleek Thai spot that combines atmosphere by the bucket load with your favourite modern Thai dishes. Don't expect your typical Thai restaurant experience here though, because Same Same captures the flavours we know and love, but with serious attitude.
Head chef Arté Assavakavinvong and his team capture the diversity and intricacies of Thai cuisine in the extensive menu, and you'll find new plates to try on every visit. Good luck trying to choose between the likes of panang curry of lamb shank, Moreton Bay bug tumeric curry and chargrilled short ribs with chiang mai curry paste. Our videographer Jack Webb is a regular, saying, "I've been multiple times, and each visit somehow outshines the last. I'm no vegetarian, but their tofu bao bun is genuinely one of the best things I've eaten. And with a papaya salad as good as theirs, even the sides feel like they’re competing for the spotlight."
INSIDER INTEL
- Make sure you order their signature chicken burgers to start
- Head upstairs to LOS for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail
- Skip dessert and get Gelato Messina from around the corner
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Supernormal
443 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Supernormal | Supplied
If you haven’t heard of it, Supernormal is a bit of a Melbourne institution, headed up by hospo legend Andrew McConnell—and it’s come to Brisbane, with a sleek, elevated version of the southern fave landing by the river in the CBD. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the Story Bridge, the interiors are just as aesthetically pleasing, pairing rattan with concrete for an edgy but tropical vibe.
While the menu shares some elements with Supernormal Melbourne menu, and a few signature dishes like the spiced and twice cooked half crispy duck and lobster rolls, there’s plenty of Queensland on show here in eats like baked abalone pastries, Szechuan and yellow chilli poached Moreton Bay bugs and sour and salty crispy lamb, just to name a few. It’s all designed for sharing, so grab a crew and pile the table with dishes.
Of the new venue, McConnell said, "It feels like the right evolution for Supernormal. Whilst the
design sets the two restaurants apart, there is a DNA that runs through them that is grounded in the food, the service, the drinks and the sense of location.”
Editor's Note: We're not the only ones frothing over this newcomer. In fact, Supernormal was named one of the best new restaurants in the world for 2025.
INSIDER INTEL
- Have a pre or post-dinner cocktail at sister venue Bar Miette on the terrace above
- The entrance is hard to find—head down the stairs and it’s directly on your right
Essa
181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Essa | Facebook
A sleek spot from the ex-head chef of South Brisbane’s renowned Gauge (now closed), Phil Marchant, Essa is perfect for an intimate date night thanks to its moody and atmospheric feel, created by dark wood panelling, exposed brick walls and windows offering a view to lush greenery. Everything that comes out of Essa’s kitchen showcases local farmers and providers, with their seasonal produce heroed in simple, yet utterly delectable main dishes.
It's a favourite amongst other hospo professionals, and not just for their regular 'Five Chefs, Five Plates' events every Wednesday night. Maddison Walker, owner of Chelmer's Botellon, says, "I just love the vibe, it's so cosy and moody. Plus, I'm a sucker for freshly cooked bread and there's is epic."
INSIDER INTEL
- Head in on Sundays for Sunday School, a long lunch with a difference
- Ask for a table up the back for peak romantic vibes
- Watch out for the one eye-wateringly spicy shiishito pepper in every serve
Rogue Bistro
14 Austin Street, Newstead
Image credit: Rogue Bistro | Facebook
Rogue Bistro is a bit of a secret gem, tucked away in a semi-industrial area. Step through their sliding door and you'll be transported to a different world, with all-black interiors, moody lighting and multiple spaces across different levels.
Their six-course degustation menu is one of the most creative but drool-worthy dining experiences you'll have in Brisbane, and changes monthly, so you have to keep going back. They offer menus for plant-based, pescatarian, and GF/DF degos, too, so nobody has to miss out.
Editor's Note: I spend 99% of my celebrations, anniversaries, or 'just because' moments at Rogue Bistro. Their consistently impeccable yet approachable service and rotating menu makes a visit here always a winner.
INSIDER INTEL
- Follow them on Instagram for monthly menu drops
- Book at least a month ahead or risk missing out
- Get a jar of their whipped butter to take home
Joy Restaurant
7/690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Joy | Instagram
Occupying a tiny corner tenancy in Bakery Lane, Joy Restaurant has just 10 seats, all of them overlooking the action being carried out in the kitchen by owner and chef, Sarah Scott, and bartender Oliver. Part dinner, part performance, the intimate seating set up is all part of the magic, and you'll never think about restaurant kitchens the same way again.
So, how good can a restaurant that seats just 10 people be? Well, they're booked out six months in advance, so we'd say pretty damn good. Choose either a short or long degustation, sit back to make friends with your neighbour, and leave seriously impressed.
Don't just take our word for it, Zosia Orkisz, who hosts secret supper clubs around town with Zosia Cooks, recently went and told us "every single thing about the experience was amazing. The dish that stuck out the most, and it's pairing, was the chawanmushi with corn custard and spanner crab paired with a sake—match made in heaven."
INSIDER INTEL
- Reservations open on the first of each month for four months in advance—be ready
- Keep an eye on their Instagram page for last minute cancellations
- Expect to pay $190pp, with matched drinks optional
Gerard's Bistro
14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Gerard's Bistro | Facebook
From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard was just a really popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle. Really, you’re not wrong. Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and having just undergone a slick makeover, the Middle Eastern bistro is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams.
Changing regularly, the menu features an array of flavour-packed dishes made for sharing and epic house-made breads—think smokey bab ganoush with barbari bread, wood smoked mussels and Bangalow pork tomahawks that will have your rolling out the door. Lindasy Krahenbring, head pastry chef at Bulimba's Darvella told us, "Gerard’s Bistro is one of my favourite places in Brisbane to go out for dinner. I love the atmosphere, wine selection and their food. I always take a couple of friends so we can order almost everything from the menu. One of every snack is a must, and of course, all of the desserts."
INSIDER INTEL
- Start with the Turkish simit bread with a side of hummus
- Get a table inside—the interiors are stunning
- We're partial to their Smoked Harissa Margarita
Rothwell’s
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Rothwell's | Facebook
With Ben Russell, ex-head chef of Aria and Dan Clark, hospitality legend and owner of Woolloongabba’s 1889 Enoteca, at the helm of this atmospheric city venue, you know you can expect good things. Inspired by timeless dining destinations like London's Savoy Grill, this is the place to settle in for a long night of good food, good service and of course, good wine.
If you can gather a big enough group, Rothwell’s cosy green leather booths are undoubtedly the best seats in the house, but we also love taking a perch at the grand marble oyster bar in the centre of the venue. It's a favourite of our Brisbane Sales Manager Bonnie Ilett, who says, "I think their steaks are up there with the best in Brisbane, even something as simple as a Caesar salad they have absolutely nailed. It's such a cosy fitout you forget you're in the middle of the CBD—and if you're up for it, their dirty martinis are to die for."
INSIDER INTEL
- Start your night with a cocktail at the martini bar in the foyer
- The signature beef wellington is a must-order
- The private dining room experience downstairs is the ultimate group outing
Bianca
46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Bianca | Facebook
A peach-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region, Bianca is by the crew behind Agnes, Same Same and Honto, and fully decked out in terracotta tiles, while the ceiling—lined with a perimeter of wine bottles—is covered by metal gridwork (pink, of course). The best seats in the house are undoubtedly at the salumi bar, where you can watch the kitchen team at work as they artfully assemble plates of mortadella, prosciutto, salami and more.
And the name? "Bianca is actually named after my wife," says owner Tyron Smith. "She didn't want it to be called Bianca, but we had to have a place title when we were doing all the designs, so it stuck. For me, Bianca is like everyone’s Brisbane Italian friend—warm, inviting, and full of life. When we travel back to Milan, we’re surrounded by beautiful Italian food, and we wanted to bring that simplicity through great ingredients to Brisbane."
Editor's Note: For me, Bianca proves that less is more. Their paccheri al pomodoro with stracciatella is oh-so simple, but never fails to hit the spot.
INSIDER INTEL
- Great for group get togethers
- Book in advance, particularly on weekends
- Save room for the tiramisu
Shortgrain
15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Shortgrain | Ranyhyn Laine
When he decided to move back to his home city, ex-executive chef of Melbourne’s iconic Longrain Martin Boetz wasted no time opening his own Thai restaurant, bringing Short Grain to life inside the Valley’s heritage Stewart & Hemmant Building. Here, at one of the relaxed dining tables overlooking McLachlan Street, you can feast your way through the spicy Thai flavours Boetz is known for, and even a few signature dishes dedicated fans may recognise as new riffs on Longrain staples.
Start with the likes of delicate turmeric wafers wrapped around caramelised coconut and prawns; salt and pepper cuttlefish; and crispy chicken skins topped with smoked river trout and green mango; before moving onto hearty means like caramelised pork hock with chilli vinegar; and whole crispy fish with caramelised turmeric, pineapple and fried basil.
Martin Boetz was a mentor to chef Louis Tikaram, who now has his own incredible restaurant, Stanley (which is also on this list), and told us, "Sitting down at Short Grain was a really special meal for me because he influenced me so much as a young chef. Even stepping foot in the restaurant and just the smell was enough to make me so excited.”
INSIDER INTEL
- You can pick up Short Grain’s spice mixes and dressings from the pantry area
SK Steak And Oyster
12/28 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: SK Steak & Oyster | Facebook
Dress up and step into a New York steakhouse at this very James Street restaurant serving up stunning steaks, glistening raw seafood, and old-school charm. Another feather in Simon Gloftis's hat—the restauranteur behind nearby Sushi Room, Hellenika and Sunshine—SK is the place for long lunches and too many martinis.
Grab a drink at the bar and start your experience at SK Steak & Oyster with a seafood platter on ice before substantials including their signature steaks (perhaps with a side of seared foie gras) or lobster risotto, and don't skip the sides including classic chopped salads and Romanoff potatoes.
Editor's Note: Rain, hail, or shine, I can simply never go past SK's spanner crab pasta that strikes the perfect balance between chilli, lemon and butter.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's a whole potato menu—enough said
- Don't leave without ordering the strawberry cake for dessert
- The SK Wagyu burger is only $34 if you want to dine on a budget
Donna Chang
3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Donna Chang | Facebook
Pack your chopstick A-game for a skip down George Street, where a heritage-listed former bank has been completely transformed. In its place, you’ll find Donna Chang, a sprawling pink dining room lit with chandeliers, marble tables and pink booths for big groups—or just loosening your belt for the onslaught of elevated Chinese fare to come.
They caught our attention with Seinfield-inspired fortune cookies, but they reeled us in with exquisite dim sum, fresh rock lobsters, crispy roasted duck, and passionfruit custard buns, not to mention the yum cha banquets they dish up every Sunday.
Editor's Note: Leave room for dessert. Get the coconut sago pudding. Thank me later.
INSIDER INTEL
- Hot tip, you can get Donna Chang takeaway
- Cumin spiced lamb buns are a must to start
- The $55 Sunday yum cha banquet is great value
Southside
63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Southside | Facebook
A two-level pan-Asian stunner from the team who brought us Rick Shores, Southside’s interiors are part jungle temple, part concrete warehouse—which fits in perfectly with the laneway vibes outside, where you can dine amongst leafy greenery for ultimate Brisbane al fresco vibes.
Chinese-leaning but crossing multiple east-Asian influences, the menu features plenty of yum cha-style bites, plus refined dishes like whole quail with red vinegar caramel and steamed coral trout with cured pork and shiitake broth.
INSIDER INTEL
- Start with a drink or two at Kiki just next door
- If the weather's nice, ask for a table outdoors
- Their truffle potato sping rolls are a Brisbane icon
Bacchus
Corner Grey And Glenelg Streets, South Bank
Image credit: Bacchus | Facebook
If you’re searching for a Brisbane restaurant with impeccable service, an intriguing wine list and a menu of dishes that you'll want to try again and again, it's time you visited Bacchus. Delivering an old-world glam atmosphere with soft carpeting, golden lamps and the kind of high backed armchairs you just want to sink into, this iconic spot is all about the lavish vibes, much like its namesake Roman god.
While they do offer a la carte, the Grand Sharing Menu is the way to go, with a four-course menu that encompasses 10 exquisite dishes that will give you a newfound appreciation for 'modern Australian' cuisine. If you need further proof that this is one of Brisbane's best restaurants, just know that our Brisbane editor dined there five times last year—and she'd go back another five.
INSIDER INTEL
- Find Bacchus inside Rydges South Bank—take the elevator inside the lobby
- Parking is limited so best to Uber
- Get the iconic Apple for dessert
Hôntô
Alden Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Honto | Facebook
Tucked through a secret door in an alleyway behind The Wickham, the Any Day venue is turning heads like nobody’s business. The dark, moody Hôntô is undoubtedly the black sheep of the family, but dimly lit tables hide none of the splendour escaping this contemporary Japanese kitchen.
Find love at first bite over fresh, raw tuna inside savoury drumstick cones, katsu sandos and grilled baby snapper with chicken dashi butter and kale furikake. If you can't settle on what to order, the tasting menu will take care of it all for you in the most delicious way possible.
Giorgina Venzin, one of Brisbane's hospitality legends, recently named Honto as her "all time favourite. It is just so good. It just gets better and better. I always have the salmon tacos which are to die for.”
INSIDER INTEL
- If you're in front a black, unmarked door, you're in the right place
- The fillings change, but the katsu sando is a signature
- Take a group so you can share plenty of dishes
Stanley
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Stanley | Facebook
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine (let’s be real, who isn’t?), set your sights on Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves’ stunning two-level Cantonese restaurant helmed by head chef Louis Tikaram. Located at the northern end of the strip, the restaurant boasts stunning views out over the Brisbane River, plus plenty of drool-worthy Cantonese feeds.
With yum cha available for lunch seven days of the week, stopping in by day and ordering a mammoth selection of small plates is the way to go, but the dinner menu is pretty tempting too, and features enough dim sum dishes to keep any dumpling lover happy, plus Peking duck pancakes, crispy pork belly, crayfish lo mein and Kung pao cauliflower.
Ask anyone where their favourite restaurants in Brisbane are and Stanley will probably be top five—Alex Yu, Executive Chef at Sokyo said it was one of the first places he visited when he moved to Brisbane. "It’s got a great view, great vibe, great service. The starters and dim sums and all the seafood was really, really great.”
INSIDER INTEL
- A table outside gets you stunning city views
- The outdoor bar serves up a killer spicy marg
- Their private dining room is gorgeously intimate and seats 10
Greca
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Greca | Facebook
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, this stunning riverfront restaurant from Jonathan Barthelmess is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. Greca is a vision in white and polished concrete, giving off those laid-back beachy vibes we’re all so desperately craving.
Set your watch to island time and indulge on contemporary dishes championing the wonders of the Mediterranean flavour wheel. Sounds pretty good, huh? This is one you'll want a big group for, so you can load up the table with eggplant moussaka, fried calamari, grilled lamb cutlets and oven baked lamb shoulder.
If you need more incentive, Scott Maidment, Creative Director at Brisbane's renowned Strut & Fret, says of Greca, "Greca is a go to lunch spot with loved ones, we can never go past the grilled sardines. It’s always a bit rambunctious and involves a few watermelon spritzes and many bottles of wine."
INSIDER INTEL
- The honey saganaki here is next level
- Take a group so you can order the lamb shoulder
- They do takeaway if you want to eat lamb shoulder at home
The Wolf
260 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: The Wolf | Supplied
There’s nothing we love more than an aesthetically pleasing venue with a dining menu to match, and the CBD’s The Wolf ticks all those boxes and then some. Awash in a medley of layered textures, prints and colours, the swoon-worthy venue is adorned in warm timbers, traditional terrazzos, vibrant wallpapers, marble and even corduroy, inspired by the classic souled eateries and delis of Madrid, Barcelona and Florence.
Here you can start with a glass of champagne at the stunning, red-tile marble bar, then take a seat for a Euro-inspired feast. Start with freshly shucked oysters and quail ballotine before moving onto wagyu beef cheek and sweet onion tartlets. Larger plates range from the likes of lobster fricassee with gnocchi to a wagyu t-bone steak, best paired with a side of crispy confit potato.
Editor's Note: A lot of Brisbane restaurants are praised for their view, but it's the elegant 60s-inspired interiors of this spot that has my camera snapping.
INSIDER INTEL
- There’s also a deli alongside if you’re just in need of snacks or cooking inspo
- Stay for a post-dinner cocktail at the stunning bar
Baja
211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Baja | Facebook
Here to change what you thought you knew about Mexican cuisine, Baja is a sleek and understated spot that instantly elevated the top end of Brunswick Street when it opened—and has been carving out a name for itself amongst the Valley chaos ever since.
Head chef Julius Villamor is all about pushing boundaries and mixing things up—personally, we can’t get enough of their honey and jalapeno-topped stracciatella and fried Nashville chicken tacos, but you might prefer larger plates like their pork belly adobada or lamb shoulder barbacoa.
INSIDER INTEL
- Trust the staff on their cocktail recommendations
- Get three tacos for $21 on Tuesday nights
- Seriously, order the queso fresca
Hellenika
Level 1/48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Hellenika | Facebook
Welcome to the Greek Islands... kind of. Coming to us from restauranteur Simon Gloftis, Hellenika’s breathtaking location by the pool at the Calile Hotel has us entranced, not to mention the spades of spanakopita, slow-cooked lamb and moussaka you won’t want to share.
Take some time browsing the cocktail menu utilising fresh flavours and Greek spirits, and see out your meal with dripping golden honey puffs as you people watch the beautiful people lazing by The Calile's rooftop pool alongside.
INSIDER INTEL
- The best seats in the house are outside by the pool
- Start with a bowl of their famous zucchini chips
- You'll want to dress up to eat here
C'est Bon
609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Image credit: C'est Bon | Mitch Lowe
A mini French quarter in the middle of Brisbane, C'est Bon encompasses a cafe, bar and rooftop, but it's the intimate restaurant where you'll find chef and owner Andy Ashby's talents best put to use. Opt for the seven-course Chef's Tasting Menu for the full experience, which will see you eating through the best dishes from each season's offering.
The sweetcorn brulee is a signature here—after being told by multiple diners he had to have a brulee on the menu, Ashby finally added a savoury version to appease the crowds while still going against the grain, a theme which you'll find evident throughout the rest of the creative menu.
INSIDER INTEL
- Book on a Friday or Saturday for a drink on the rooftop bar
- The front bar turns into a morning bagel spot Tuesday to Friday
- There's free parking around behind the restaurant
Yoko Dining
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Yoko Dining | Facebook
Yoko Dining is our go-to for all things Japanese. This split-level bistro is serving up izakaya-style bar snacks and shared dishes alongside epic city views, with a vinyl bar upstairs where you can finish off your meal with a creative cocktail.
You might be tempted to just gorge yourself pork gyoza, spicy pork udon and chicken karaage, but remember to save room for dessert. Yoko’s fried bread with yuzu curd and kinako is a total game-changer. When we chatted to Brooke Bellamy from Brooki Bakehouse she told us, "For an unforgettable evening in Brisbane, I always recommend Yoko Dining at Howard Smith Wharves. The riverside setting is stunning at sunset, the vibe is electric, and the miso eggplant is an absolute must-try."
INSIDER INTEL
- Two words: Yuzu. Slushies.
- They do a bottomless lunch every Saturday
- Don't be alarmed by your doppel ganger in the mirrored wall
Tillerman
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Tillerman | Supplied
A glamorous riverside restaurant overlooking the Story Bridge, Tillerman is a relaxed, yet opulent love letter to Queensland’s spectacular produce, climate and water views. While the airy interiors are stunning, the best seats in the house are definitely out on the balcony overlooking the Story Bridge, where you can enjoy a river breeze with your cocktail.
What’s on the plate is just as aesthetically pleasing, with a menu influenced by everywhere from the Spanish coast to modern Australia. Feast on seafood like Moreton Bay bug vol-au-vent, battered Balmain bug and charcoal-grilled octopus, or more land-based produce, from hand-made roast pumpkin ravioli and mushroom pie to lobster angel hair pasta and wagyu steaks.
INSIDER INTEL
- Make sure you get a table out on the balcony overlooking the river
- The golden pompano meunière with brown butter is a must-order
Takashiya
267 Grey Street, South Bank
Image credit: Takashiya | Facebook
A true omakase experience with some contemporary flair, Takashiya is a must-try for seafood lovers or those hankering for a little slice of Japan. The chefs here guide 12 diners through (around) 16 intimate courses of seasonal fare, including small plates, nigiri and temaki sushi using incredible seafood from around the world, and hot dishes.
If you can't squeeze in an omakase booking (it's a splurge, we get it), it's worth paying a visit for the a la carte offering and sake flights available in the front bar, where you'll dine underneath a ceiling of pink cherry blossom flowers—make sure you order the katsu sando.
INSIDER INTEL
- The chef's table omasake starts at $230pp
- Not that rich? You can do a mini omokase in the bar for $155pp
- You can book out all 12-14 seats for a private experience
OTTO
Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank
Image description: Otto | Facebook
All roads lead to Rome, but the wildest ravioli cravings lead straight to OTTO. Here, top-notch Australian wines go best with a pared-back menu of fresh, seasonal Italian flair created by head chef Will Cowper. Superstars from their Sydney lineup—tender blue swimmer crab ravioli and pan-fried gnocchi with sweet pork shoulder—are doled out as diners drink in the views from one of Brisbane's best restaurants.
While we love a white tablecloth, the Osteria menu also packs a serious punch with its menu of smaller plates and snacks, which you can tuck into from a spot right over the water—the ultimate way to start or finish your meal, or just enjoy on it's own on a Sunday afternoon.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Champagne lobster spaghettini is a certified Brisbane icon.
- Pop into the Osteria from 4pm to 7pm on Fridays for drink specials and DJs on deck.
The Lex
Level Three In W Brisbane, Brisbane CBD
Image description: The Lex | Facebook
Boasting some of the best views in Brisbane, The Lex isn’t your average hotel restaurant. Taking its inspiration from iconic New York-style grills, this sleek and sexy venue has a massive footprint but still feels intimate thanks to its dim lighting and moody colour palette.
The concise menu makes use of local produce in some creative ways—think crispy tater tots topped with Aurga caviar and creme fraiche, grilled scallops doused in cheesy spinach gratin and their signature Caesar salad made on a trolley right next to your table, the perfect accompaniment to one of their juicy steaks.
INSIDER INTEL
- Head up to Wet Deck for a sunset drink before dinner
- Their mac 'n' cheese is possibly the best in Brisbane
- Save room for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bombe for dessert
Clarence
617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Image credit: Clarence | Facebook
As a menu genre, ‘Modern Australian’ doesn’t typically inspire excitement—but Clarence is here to turn that attitude on its head. They'll also excite you with their prices—a three-course set menu here will only set you back $75pp.
Taking the freshest local produce and transforming it into a line up of dishes that changes regularly, the set menu is short but tantalising, featuring starters like wild shot venison tartare with yolk sauce and potato cakes and mains like duck with beetroot, fig and black garlic bêarnaise. Shayne Mansfield, Executive Chef at The Star Brisbane's Sky Deck is a big fan of their set menu, saying, "I love going to Clarence and just letting them do their thing, and the wine list is also amazing."
INSIDER INTEL
- The duck fat chips are the best on this side of the equator
- The set menu will only set you back $55pp during lunch
- Parking is tricky—Merton Road is your best bet
Montrachet
1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Image credit: Montrachet | Facebook
Though it’s been a staple of Brisbane’s dining scene for almost two decades, Montrachet has seen many changes since its early days, with current head chef and owner Clément Chauvin the third to take on the reins, and carrying on the longheld traditions of the Brisbane icon—like its crab souffle.
What hasn’t changed though, is their dedication to showcasing classic French cuisine in an elegant and sophisticated setting. If you’re looking for exceptional service, fine cuisine and an extensive wine list in a beautiful space, this is the Brisbane restaurant for you.
Editor's Note: My partner's secret to date night? Booking a table at Montrachet.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for special occasions
- The crab souffle is a Brisbane icon
- Opt for the five-course chef's menu if you're indecisive
E’cco Bistro
8/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Image credit: E'cco Bistro | Facebook
1995—that’s when E’cco Bistro first opened its doors to enthusiastic diners, though back then you could find it on the edge of the CBD. Since then, the Brisbane institution owned by Philip Johnson has moved to slick new digs in Newstead, where it continues to dish up some of the best Euro-inspired cuisine in the city.
If you’re a first timer, the five-course tasting menu is a must, but if you opt to choose your own adventure from the a la carte offering, just be sure the potato gnocchi is in your order—it's a Brisbane icon in its own right.
INSIDER INTEL
- You can get vegan and vego versions of their tasting menu
- BYO on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights plus Friday lunch
- Keep an eye out for their takeaway feasts come Christmas and other special dates
1889 Enoteca
10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Image credit: 1889 Enoteca | Facebook
This uber romantic Italian restaurant from Dan Clark just celebrated its 15th year in business, so you know it’s doing something right. Actually, we’d argue 1889 Enoteca is doing a lot of things right—chief among them their perfect pastas, impressive bistecca and of course, their unmissable tiramisu.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the stunning private dining area and events space in their basement—one of the most impressive in Brisbane, in our opinion.
Editor's Note: I love the terrace tables at Enoteca—despite being in the heart of Woolloongabba, you feel a world away.
INSIDER INTEL
- The spaghetti cacio e pepe is the best in Brisbane
- A table outside is best for people watching
- Don't leave without sampling the tiramisu
Monal Dining
48 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Image credit: Monal Dining | Instagram
Tucked away in a little frequented corner of Newstead, Monal Dining is a bit of a hidden gem—but it’s worth seeking out for some of the best eats you’ll find in Brisbane. Grab a seat out on the airy patio (or inside the green-hued dining area if the weather isn’t amenable), and prepare to feast, because co-owners Yogesh Budathoki and Roman Bhandari have created something truly special here.
With a menu that can’t be pigeonholed into any one cuisine, order up dishes that have earned themselves a cult following with locals, including the tuna tartare on crispy potato bites, lamb-stuffed fried pastries, pork dumplings and spice-rubbed char grilled chicken doused in curry sauce.
INSIDER INTEL
- Keep an eye out for one off collab dinner events
- The bar whips up a mean spicy margarita
The Golden Pig
38 Ross Street, Newstead
Image credit: The Golden Pig | Facebook
A long-standing Newstead favourite, The Golden Pig began as a cooking school, but soared to new heights in Brisbane’s food scene when it transformed into a pan-Asian restaurant back in 2018—though you can still book in for one of their famed cooking classes.
Dishes that they are now known for include their sticky lamb ribs, potsticker dumplings and miso caramel banana pudding with vanilla ice cream, and best of all, this is one of the few Brisbane restaurants on the list that you can order up some boujee takeaway from, to eat in your pyjamas on the couch.
INSIDER INTEL
- Thursday nights are BYO ($15 corkage per bottle)
- They offer a coeliac banquet menu
- You can grab a takeaway banquet to eat home
Looking for more dining out inspiration? Check here:
- The Best Restaurants In Brisbane's CBD
- The Best Restaurants In Fortitude Valley
- The Best Restaurants In West End
Image credit: Agnes | Grace Elizabeth Images
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.