There are moments when an anniversary, celebration, or well-earned toast deserves more than the usual pub gathering—it calls for something truly special. An occasion worthy of dressing to the nines, indulging in meticulously crafted tasting menus, exquisite French cuisine, crisp white tablecloths, and an air of refined elegance. For those times, what you want is fine dining.
While it might be oft overlooked these days in favour of casual share plates and neighbourhood bistros, this culinary art is not yet forgotten. When you're ready to elevate your night with Brisbane/Meanjin’s finest chefs and a touch of luxury, here’s your ultimate guide to where to book when you want to splurge on fine dining in Brisbane.
Rothwell’s
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Rothwell's Bar & Grill is as sophisticated as the city dwellers that frequent it. Nestled within the heritage-listed Rothwell's building, the menu emphasises produce-driven cooking, featuring fresh local seafood, premium Australian beef, and handmade pasta. Signature dishes include the Beef Wellington, a selection of top-quality steaks, and fresh seafood from the Marble Bar. The interior exudes a vintage charm with leather banquettes, vintage table lamps, and bespoke chandeliers, creating a space ideal for long lunches, evening cocktails, and intimate dining moments.
C’est Bon
609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Helmed by chef-owner Andy Ashby, C’est Bon in Woolloongabba offers transporting cosy interiors and inventive French fare best enjoyed as part of the chef’s shared dining menu. Apart from the unforgettable plates being served up though (truly, we can remember every dish C’est Bon has ever served us), what really sets them apart is their impeccable service—expect to be wowed.
Montrachet
1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
With Clément Chauvin now in charge, Montrachet in Bowen Hills is one of Queensland's most acclaimed French restaurants and one of Brisbane’s most-loved fine dining spots. The French-born chef has brought an impressive culinary resume our way, from the streets of France to Gordon Ramsay’s Claridge. As the Chauvin’s background would suggest, Montrachet delights the palate with a seasonal French menu and an extensive French wine list in a romantic bistro setting—and you really must try the le boeuf-en-croute.
TAMA
740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: TAMA | Facebook
Tucked inside the newly revamped GPO alongside The Tax Office and The Gatsby, TAMA is a refined dining destination that blends old-school elegance with modern indulgence. With crisp white tablecloths, soft-spoken service, and a striking glass sculpture overhead, the space feels effortlessly lux—though you’re just as welcome to stop by for a hearty bowl of their signature spag bol and a glass of wine. Executive Chef Richard Ousby, formerly of Stokehouse, leads a powerhouse team crafting Euro-inspired dishes over a Josper coal oven, from crispy blue cheese polenta gems to Moreton Bay bugs and 2kg Angus tomahawks.
Dan Arnold
10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
After honing his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens across France, Dan Arnold returned home to the brown snake to offer us a meticulously curated tasting menu that showcases seasonal Australian produce with French technique. Your restaurant experience is served in an intimate, minimalist space that lets the food do the talking—and boy do they talk. With three, five and eight course menus available, every course is somehow better than the last—we recommend going Carte Blanche for the full experience.
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Deer Duck Bistro
396 Milton Road, Auchenflower
At Deer Duck Bistro in Auchenflower, moody lighting, antique furnishings, and an ever-evolving degustation menu set the scene for a night of playful takes on modern European cuisine. This favourite spot has the credentials to back up the anecdotal hoards of fans—they’ve secured just about every award you can think of. It’s the kind of place where every dish feels like a surprise, every sip of wine is perfectly matched, and every visit leaves you planning your next one.
Sokyo
The Star Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Alex Yu | Instagram
Sokyo in the City delivers a dining experience that’s effortlessly cool and endlessly satisfying. The Japanese menu is a masterclass in balance, offering everything from delicately crafted sashimi to rich, flame-kissed robata dishes, all plated with an artistic touch. The stylish space sets the perfect backdrop for both intimate dinners and celebratory feasts, while the expert sake and cocktail list elevates every bite.
Exhibition
2/109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Exhibition is Brisbane’s best-kept secret for those who love a dining experience that’s as much about storytelling as it is about incredible food. Nestled beneath the Metro Arts Theatre, this chef’s table-style restaurant delivers a meticulously curated tasting menu that offers an exquisite, multi-sensory dining experience that is both intimate and immersive. Every dish is a work of art, plated with care (on custom bespoke ceramics) and paired with an expertly chosen wine or sake. With its low lighting, open kitchen, and an air of exclusivity, Exhibition feels less like a restaurant and more like a secret club for those in the know.
Pneuma
336 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Pneuma is one of Brisbane’s most exciting dining destinations, bringing an intimate and artful approach to contemporary Australian cuisine. At Pneuma, there’s a focus on fire, smoke, and seasonality, with a menu carefully crafted to journey through bold flavours and innovative techniques, all designed to highlight the best local produce. The minimalist, distinctly Queensland space keeps the focus on the food, while the open kitchen adds a touch of theatre to the experience.
E’cco Bistro
8/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Image credit: E'cco Bistro | Instagram
E'cco Bistro, established in 1995 by renowned chef Philip Johnson, has been a cornerstone of Brisbane's dining scene for three decades. Since the restaurant’s inception, the menu has undergone many a revolution, though its commitment to honest, unpretentious cuisine remains unwavering. Consider a humble yet refined starter: locally sourced bread from Danny’s Bread, accompanied by the rich, velvety Isigny Sainte-Mère butter from France. A seemingly simple pairing, insanely elevated by the exceptional quality of its ingredients. 27 years on, Johnson’s e’cco bistro has received a multitude of accolades and recognition and is currently a Good Food Guide hatted restaurant.
Bacchus
9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
Named after the mythological god of wine and revelry, Bacchus is where classic elegance meets modern fine dining. This is the kind of place where every detail is carefully considered—from the perfectly crisped duck skin to the expertly curated wine pairings. The $140pp tasting menu is the way to go, even better if you can splurge on the matched wine for $200—their head sommelier is an honest to god oenophile and it shows.
The Wolf
260 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
The Wolf combines a restaurant, bar, deli, and providore, drawing culinary influences from France, Italy, and Spain to dish up exquisite plates like sea scallops saltimbocca, braised wagyu beef cheek gnocchi, and Tasmanian rock lobster with black garlic butter. The stunning interiors alone are worth a stickybeak—we could wax lyrical about their moody mix of textures and colour palettes for another paragraph, but instead we’ll just tell you to book a table for your next fancy dinner date.
Looking for the perfect date night spot? You might like to check these out:
- Brisbane's Most Romantic Restaurants
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- Brisbane's Best French Restaurants
Image credit: Rothwell's | Facebook
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