Where To Book When You Want To Splash Out On Fine Dining In Brisbane
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Townsville
Brisbane/Meanjin has no shortage of places to grab a bite, but when you’re ready to dial things up a notch—heels on, shirt pressed, celebration pending—you need a restaurant that matches the mood. Because if you’re pushing the boat out for a birthday, anniversary or milestone moment, the venue should feel just as special as the occasion.
The city’s best fine diners deliver the full experience: impeccable service, beautifully considered interiors, an impressive menu and a wine list that goes well beyond your basic $10 Sauv Blanc. From long-standing icons to award-winning venues, these are the classiest Brisbane restaurants to book when only the best will do.
SK Steak And Oyster
The Calile Hotel, 12/48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: SK Steak & Oyster | Instagram
You know you’re in for a dazzling evening the moment you step inside SK. Tucked within The Calile Hotel, the 120-seater is complete with soaring ceilings, white tablecloths and a baby grand piano at the heart of it all. Naturally, the dry aged steak and oysters live up to the hype—the restaurant’s namesake dishes are not to be missed—but we love the seafood towers and dedicated potato menu. And for dessert? The iconic strawberry cake is one of Brisbane’s all-time favourites. Visit around Christmas to see the legendary SK Christmas tree in all its glory.
Agnes
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Agnes | Instagram
Housed in a heritage building on an unassuming side street, Agnes is where we splurge for any occasion that deserves a little extra magic. The award-winning restaurant is centred around the art of open-fire cooking, and the glowing, fire-lit dining room reflects the kitchen’s ethos. The menu changes seasonally (though crowd-faves like the potato sourdough with smoked butter remain), showcasing smoky dishes like wagyu ribeye and 12-hour smoked lamb collar. Take your pick of the main dining room, wine bar and terrace, and let date night begin.
1889 Enoteca
10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Image credit: 1889 Enoteca | Instagram
Step into the heart of a classic Roman enoteca (Italian for ‘wine library’) at this Old-World-style venue, complete with gilt-edged mirrors, red banquettes and stained-glass windows. As expected, the wine list is nothing short of epic, packed with small‑producer, natural and biodynamic Italian wines you won’t find anywhere else in Brissie. The à la carte menu is just as impressive, with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and house-cured charcuterie for two that pay homage to traditional Roman recipes—bellissimo.
Gerard’s
14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Gerard's | Instagram
Any restaurant with a James Street address is bound to impress, and Gerard’s doesn’t disappoint. Located in an elegant, greenery-filled laneway, Gerard's dishes up Middle Eastern-inspired fare in a freshly revamped space complete with handmade Moroccan tiles and warm timber finishes. The extensive menu is made for sharing—with large plates like smoky lamb shoulder, spiced duck and mezze—backed by an adventurous cocktail and wine list (try the selection of Lebanese pours for something different). Gerard's is a James Street fave for its relaxed, communal vibe and unfussy approach to fine dining.
Rothwell’s
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Rothwell's | Instagram
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
Image credit: C'est Bon | Instagram
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
Image credit: Montrachet | Instagram
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.
Dan Arnold
10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Dan Arnold | Instagram
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
Image credit: Deer Duck Bistro | Instagram
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: Sokyo | 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
Image credit: Exhibition | Instagram
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.
Bacchus
9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Bacchus | Instagram
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.
Looking for the perfect date night spot? You might like to check these out:
- Brisbane's Most Romantic Restaurants
- Brisbane's Best Restaurants With A View
- Brisbane's Best French Restaurants
Image credit: Rothwell's | Facebook
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