These Editor-Approved Brisbane Restaurants Have Turned Heritage Digs Into Your New Fave Reservation
The food and drinks at a restaurant are only part of the picture when it comes to choosing a restaurant for your next outing. Whether it’s a pocket-sized bar that transports you back to the 1920’s, an Italian cafe with real-deal espresso, or an extravagant dining room that makes you feel like royalty, we get it—the energy of a place can be the thing that keeps bringing you back. And something infused with history? Well, that’s near unbeatable, and Brisbane has no shortage of heritage digs.
And what better time to get out of the house and immerse yourself in Brisbane's history than American Express delicious. Month Out—a month-long dining celebration of excellent eats and sips. We’ve hand-picked our favourite historic venues to take the guesswork out of sifting through the 65,000 participating restaurants nationwide where eligible Amex Card Members can redeem an exclusive Amex delicious Month Out Offer.*
August
19 Dornoch Terrace, West End
Image credit: August | Supplied
You know how they say, west is best? It might have something to do with August, the quaint restaurant housed in a historic church. Stained glass windows, original floorboards, and exposed beams running across the soaring ceilings. The couple behind this stunner on Dornoch Terrace, saw the potential the moment they laid eyes on it. They’ve transformed the former Hill End Methodist Church into one of Brisbane’s top restaurants. And the menu? Dishes land somewhere between real fancy and approachable comfort food, just how we like it.
Rothwell’s
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
The food and drinks at a restaurant are only part of the picture when it comes to choosing a restaurant for your next outing. Whether it’s a pocket-sized bar that transports you back to the 1920’s, an Italian cafe with real-deal espresso, or an extravagant dining room that makes you feel like royalty, we get it—the energy of a place can be the thing that keeps bringing you back. And something infused with history? Well, that’s near unbeatable, and Brisbane has no shortage of heritage digs.
1889 Enoteca
10–12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Image credit: 1889 Enoteca | Facebook
One of Brisbane’s best Italian restaurants resides in the heritage-listed Taylor-Heaslop building (circa 1889, hence the name) right in the heart of Woolloongabba’s antique quarter. It’s stepping out of the everyday and back in time to a classic Roman enoteca (Italian for ‘wine library’), complete with gilt-edged mirrors, red banquettes and stained-glass windows. 1889 Enoteca is the go-to destination for intimate dinners, lavish wine lunches, and Sunday family spreads.
Marlowe
105 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Fanda Group never ceases to disappoint in the restaurant department, and Marlowe is no different. The crew linked up with Brisbane’s acclaimed architecture and interior designers to breathe new life into the former art deco apartment block. What was once Merivale Flats in 1928 is now Marlowe—nine distinct dining and bar spaces, a verdant terrace and four enclosed sunrooms, all preserving the site’s timeless spirit.
Agnes
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Agnes | Supplied
There’s nothing quite like a warehouse conversion, and Agnes understood the brief. The Anyday team hung bold pendant lights, retained the exposed brick and crafted an open-kitchen focus that exudes sophistication with a moody approach. The fit-out informs the menu as much as the menu informs the fit-out, with two glowing charcoal firepits burning hand-picked types of wood to produce unmatched flame-licked plates.
Stratton
3–5 Stratton Street, Newstead
History buffs, this one’s for you. You’ll find a buzzing, dynamic dining room under the arches of a pair of historic World War Two hangars dishing out dumplings, pad thai, char siu BBQ pork, gin-cured salmon and over twelve beers on tap at Stratton. It’s bold, it’s loud and it’s the place you want to be in Newstead. Plus, dine with a conscience knowing Stratton is part of Amex’s Shop Small program—an initiative that’s all about supporting your local faves.
Donna Chang
3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Donna Chang is a jaw-drop moment, making a strong case for one of Brisbane’s most beautiful restaurants. Trading out of a heritage-listed, neo-classical building on George Street, Donna Chang has transformed the way we think about Chinese cuisine in Brisbane. If you’re up for an ultra-modern fine dining experience, the banquet menu is the way to go. The restaurant is fitted with a live tank for the chefs to hand-select your seafood, and the two banquet menus will have you rolling out of the restaurant at the end of the night.
Dark Blue
5A Winn La, Fortitude Valley
The pint-sized Dark Red’s sister entered the chat last year and it quickly climbed the ranks as one of the best bars in town. We’re talking South American wine, we’re talking Mediterranean-influenced cocktails, and we’re talking disco ball boogie sessions. The character of Dark Blue is pulled directly from the old-world charm infused in the brick walls of the heritage-listed Shannon’s Building.
Marchetti Cafe
202 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Nestled in Brisbane’s luxury shopping precinct dating back to 1926, Marchetti is the real Italo deal. It brings Milanese cafe culture to the heart of the CBD, so you don’t have to jump on a plane to know what Italy is all about. The coffee is by Allpress; they whip out the classic Pandoro panettone annually, and the cannoli come in abundance. Shop Small by heading to Marchetti for your next catch up with friends.
As part of Amex delicious. Month Out from 28 April to 31 May, eligible Amex Card Members can redeem the Amex delcious. Month Out Offer at these participating venues, making it easier to commit to plans that feel worth it. With many also part of the Shop Small network, it’s a chance to back the local spots shaping Brisbane's dining scene, while you’re at it. Learn more this way.
P.S. before we forget, it’s not just great offers and standout local dining that come with a trusted Amex Card. Depending on your Card, you can earn points year-round, secure Amex Presale tickets, and enjoy lounge access at entertainment venues—all while shopping with your favourite businesses (T&Cs apply). To learn more about the benefits of an Amex Card, click here.
*Amex Card Members who save the Offer to their eligible Card and spend in-person only, in one or more transactions, at participating Amex Delicious Month Out venues by 31/05/2026, can get 20% back, until they get a total of $25 back on their Card. Limited to the first 80,000 Cards to save the Offer. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Amex Delicious Month Out and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Leading image credit: Walter's Steakhouse | Facebook