Directory

rebel’s newly enlarged concept store at Westfield Garden is designed for anything but a standard retail browsing session. It will take your shopping experience to a whole new ball game (literally)—you can shoot some hoops on a basketball court in the 'Home of Basketball' or kick a football around and test out your aim in the 'Home of Football. If you're more of a virtual sports fan, you can take a seat and play FIFA or MADDEN on the in-store video game console.

This cocktail and taco spot is anything but traditional. Perfectly located at the base of Teneriffe's London Woolstores on leafy Vernon Terrace, Rita's is recently under new ownership, but still the go-to cocktail bar for locals, and a weekend hot spot thanks to their bottomless brunches.

Stafford’s Soul Pantry nursery and concept store has long been a favourite for weekend botanical browsing, especially with their cosy corner cafe to relax in afterwards. While the cafe was once a bit of an afterthought, a vibrant makeover has completely transformed the space into a venue you'll want to cross the river for. 

It was a sad day when The Smug Fig announced that they were being forced to move on from their East Brisbane garden store location to make way for a new development, but you can wipe away those tears, because this much-loved cafe has a new home, and it’s looking better than ever before. Landing just a hop, skip and a jump away over in Stones Corner, the cafe has taken up residence in a relaxed, open venue with an all-new mural by local artist Yannick Blattner to gaze on taking up one entire wall. 

Having now scored a second location in the River City, it’s fair to say Revel Brewing Co is a favourite amongst Brisbane’s beer community. Their sprawling new location at Rivermakers, Morningside is even larger than their Bulimba digs, meaning there’s plenty more room for brewing some of that sweet liquid gold.

Regulars of The Crown Hotel in Lutwyche will know that the 140-year-old pub was in dire need of an update—but no longer. Hospitality group Australian Venue Co has stepping in and given the old girl a multi-million dollar makeover, and the venue is now almost unrecognisable, featuring a stylish new bistro, sleek sports bar and stunning new beer garden, with new menus to match. 

City Winery has quickly established itself as an iconic Fortitude Valley location for wine and food lovers alike. This venue is the city's only (for now) urban winery and cellar, which is pretty impressive given the last operating winery in Brisbane closed over 160 years ago.

This Balmoral cafe is brought to you by Adam Dartnall, the owner of Stones Corner’s beloved hole-in-the-wall cafe, Stones Throw, who's enlisted head chef Matt Roman—none other than the ex-owner of iconic pie joint, Piefection—to take over the kitchen. The menu here is a full blown brunch extravaganza, featuring a dessert-like Turkish breakfast brulee; vanilla bean and dragon fruit panna cotta; crab cakes with yuzu dressing, poached eggs and béarnaise sauce; and black truffle oxtail shakshuka.

Take all your senses on a gastronomic journey with the punchy flavours of Southeast Asia at Everton Plaza dining destination, Mai Gai. Led by head chef ​​Suchada Nakbunchuay (whose credentials include Byron’s esteemed establishment, Bang Bang), this suburban gem fuses Thai, Indonesian, Laos, Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisines for a menu you’ll want to sample a few times over. 

The Tailors is a South American-inspired bar specialising in creative cocktails with live music playing on Friday and Saturday nights. The twist? You’ll find it hidden behind what looks like the window of a tailor shop named Rodriguez & Co, complete with a sewing machine and mannequins, with the entrance through a mirror that swings open to reveal the bar behind. 

You may think of South Bank's The Charming Squire as a spot for brew, and maybe even some live tunes and a few bar bites, but it also happens to be the spot for a bit of fine dining at in-house restaurant Embers. Ideal for a pre-show dinner or just a fiery night out, the stand-alone venue is all about wood roasted, smoked and grilled dishes, thanks to a custom-made wood-fired grill and rôtisserie. 

This one goes out to all True Crime podcast lovers—if you have a penchant for solving mysteries and piecing together clues, we’ve found your new favourite pastime. 

Banish boring and turn up your next night out in Brisbane thanks to this vibrant new late-night venue. Hey Chica! is a Latin American-inspired social club taking over Fortitude Valley and you're going to want to check it out ASAP. 

If you’ve been longing for a tropical escape with breathtaking seaside views and even better cocktails, look no further. Southbeach is serving you chilled vibes, tasty bites and a drinks list to match. And the best part? This foodie favourite is right on your doorstep—no plane ticket required. 

A third venue from the team behind Graceville’s Goodness Gracious and Picnic Camp in Camp Hill is here to vie for the position of favourite, with Picnic West End blessing us with a whole new Sunday morning hang out. Far from a carbon copy of the popular Camp Hill spot, Picnic 2.0 has its own stand out menu and sleek, open dining space nestled in West End’s fabulous West Village. With high ceilings and an abundance of light streaming through the wall of windows facing Boundary Street, the venue features globe lighting, natural pine furnishings and aqua finishes complimented by an abundance of greenery. 

What do you get when you combine Japanese and Mexican fare? Well you can find out thanks to the arrival of Dos Manos in Newstead, which is dishing up Mexican flavours with Japanese techniques. Featuring a sushi train, robatayaki and pan-Pacific counter, the venue looks as though it would fit right in in a coastal Mexican town, decked out as it is in white furnishings, touches of rattan and more than a few cacti, with seating both outside and in. 

Not content with just having one of Brisbane’s best cafes in their repertoire, the team behind Farmhouse in Kedron have opened a Southeast Asian kitchen and bar, Oh Boy Bok Choy. It might be in the ‘burbs, but this delicious spot could rival any inner city eatery with their flavourful incarnations of dishes from Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Thailand. 

Tucked away inside Brisbane Quarter is the newly opened Tenya, a high end Japanese restaurant with a spectacular view to match the epic plates coming out of the kitchen. A huge 200-seat venue with tables both inside and out on the balcony overlooking the river, Tenya features a simple palette of muted browns, with private dining areas available for those looking to celebrate a special occasion. Bonus, there’s also a VIP omakase room for bespoke dinners prepared right in front of you by the chef. 

Walking in to Dr Gimlette, you’ll be greeted by a wall of cosy leather booths and rich, warm lighting, with old world furnishings complemented by plenty of exposed brick and timber flooring. The real eye catcher here is the nine-metre long white marble bar, where you can witness all the pouring, shaking and stirring of your cocktail order right before your eyes.

Familiar with the Japanese style of dining known as omakase? If not, essentially it means "I'll leave it up to you"—letting the chef decide what you eat. Typically it involves multiple courses of delicately prepared sushi, sashimi and other fine delicacies—and that's just what South Brisbane's new TakashiYa is all about. 

As you walk in to Mr Badgers, you can’t help but notice the massive red and white tram taking up half the indoor space. Hand built by one of the owners, the tram was inspired by the venue's namesake, Joseph Badger, an electical engineer who electrified Brisbane's tram network in the late 1800s. Don’t think this quirky eatery is all style and no substance though, because the food here is seriously next level. 

Petrie Terrace's new Mexican cantina Enzo y Ollie sits in the heart of Caxton Street surrounded by some of Brisbane's most well known bars and heritage listed buildings. Inside you'll find a relaxed cosy space filled with big round leather booths for splitting a few plates of nachos while the covered beer garden out the back features impressive street art and colourful mosaic tabletops to transport you to a Mexican fiesta. 

Cielo Rooftop is a breezy, sun-soaked rooftop bar with bright yellow booths and view-facing seating that will have you feeling as though you’ve taken a trip to the Italian Riviera. Here cocktail culture takes centre stage, though you can snack on share plates like fresh oysters, hummus and baked focaccia and kingfish sashimi while you sip. 

Tucked away on Manning Street in South Brisbane hides Coffee Head Co, a cosy, laneyway cafe who specialising in pouring top notch coffee, fast. Not only are they experts in caffeinated beverages, but they also dish up plenty of oozy cheese toasties, featuring gourmet, locally sourced ingredients. Wrap your hands around one of their Cheese Louise toasties on a brisk morning and cop a load of provolone, vintage cheddar and raclette cheese paired with caramelised onion jam between fresh, artisan sourdough. 

One of Queensland’s first ‘alternative art spaces,’ The Institute of Modern Art(IMA) in Fortitude Valley is for those who prefer their art a little more experimental. Home to some seriously cutting edge exhibitions, this is where you’ll experience art like you’ve never seen before—we’re talking video installations, large scale sculptures and compelling exhibits from emerging artists. Sound like your jam? Get down there.

Brisbane has a brand new five star, ultra sustainable hotel, Crystalbrook Vincent. This stunning hotel is located in the heart of Brisbane City so all of your staycation (or vacation) plans are sorted. Crystalbrook Vincent resides directly under the Story Bridge within strolling distance of the bars and restaurants of Howard Smith Wharf—if you can drag yourself away from the hotel’s own Italian eatery and rooftop bar. 

Mr Treat might just be your ticket to the best cookies in Brisbane. Tucked away in the heart of Fortitude Valley on Brunswick Street, this cute blue pastel hole-in-the-wall spot is baking up some of the craziest cookies we’ve ever seen.  

Sweet tooths of the southhside, rejoice! Your favourite decadent dessert bar, Cowch is finally making its grand entrance at Westfield Garden City on 25 August. This long-time fixture of South Bank has made its way to the south side of town with its third Brisbane venue, meaning you no longer have to trek your way into the CBD to gorge on Nutella waffle sandwiches, dessert pizzas, ice creams, churros, super shakes and much more. 

Not sure what Balkan fare is? Even if you're not sure you could pinpoint a Balkan country on a map, you can get a crash course in this South Eastern European cuisine at Morningside's newest eatery, Kasina. Owners Dragan and Marija Sestic (who you may know from Dramanti Roasters) are keen to share their Bosnian and Serbian heritage with Brisbane, and knew the best way to do that was with food—and we agree. 

Residing in a converted Queenslander house, Paddington Social is quickly becoming a Brisbane institution. Delicious food, housemade pastries, unrivalled ambience and a damn good coffee to wash it all down—this place will not disappoint. 

A north side favourite, and a cult-followed market stall before that, Banh Mi Factory has been dishing up some of the best banh mis this side of Vietnam for yonks—and now you can get them in Newstead. Landing in a hole-in-the-wall spot on Austin Street, their second permanent location is takeaway only, making it easy to grab a banh mi, rice paper roll, rice bowl, vermicelli noodle salad or bowl of pho for lunch. 

No more lines out the door: James Street's iconic Agnes Bakery is officially closing its doors this weekend, meaning you only have a very limited time to get your hands on their cult-favourite pastries, rolls, kouign-amanns and more. 

An institution among pizza and pasta lovers on the Gold Coast, Gemelli Italian has finally made its way to Brisbane, and brought its Nutella bomba dessert with it. A glam, split-level space with dark wooden archways and a patterned ceiling, the venue features a large marble bar at one end, but that’s not the only spot pouring drinks—right next door is Bar Tano, an opulent aperitivo bar decked out in green marble polished concrete and shiny mirrors. 

Behind the fully restored brick facade of the Stewart & Hemmant building, this new Italian spot is as good looking inside as it is out. With vintage looking lights hanging from high ceilings, exposed brick walls, pops of sage green and a glass-walled wine cellar in pride of place in the centre of the venue, Rosmarino is a stunner, and the perfect spot for an intimate date night. 

Opening almost directly across the road from sibling venue Zero Fox on Vernon Terrace, Unbearable Bagels has taken over the former site of an old convenience store, gutting it entirely and giving it an industrial makeover, with almost the entire interior taken up by an open kitchen. It’s not all just grab-and-go, however—if you want to sit and enjoy your bagel at leisure, there’s a handful of tables scattered around the outside, along with a high bench along the inside window. 

Located in the centre of Fortitude Valley is Brisbane's newest Japanese restuarant, Kenjin. Step inside and be transported to Japan, with cherry blossom trees overhead, a koi wall and plenty of neon lights. Giant plush booths provide ample space for big groups looking to dine together before a night out while smaller groups and couples can nab one of the high tables dotted around the venue. 

At Enoki Coffee & Co, Stafford’s newest breakfast spot, everything on the menu is vego, and almost everything can be made vegan, which means your weekend hunt for a vegan and vegetarian brunch just got easier. It may be small, but you shouldn’t find it too hard to score a table, with seating both inside in the mint green interior or out on the sunny footpath. 

If you're a bubble tea addict, you may already know of Machi Machi—this Taiwanese bubble tea spot has a cult following in Taiwan, and has already opened stores in Sydney and Melbourne. Well now Brisbane has scored their own Machi Machi, where you can sip on their famous bottled milk teas and lattes with panna cotta, as well as their caramel-topped coffee milk teas and crème brûlée-topped black milk tea. 

Thanks to Brisbane's near perfect weather, which makes outdoor drinking a total vibe, we all join in on a collective cheer every time a new rooftop bar opens. So let us introduce you to Ooh La La, the newest rooftop spot to add to your weekend repertoire. Perched atop C’est Bon Restaurant and Bar in Woolloongabba, it's the newest addition (opening Friday 9 July) to the crowd favourite French restaurant, and is worth a trip whether you're having dinner downstairs or not.

Possibly one of Brisbane's most Instagram-worthy cafes, Andonis serves all day breakfast, decadent desserts, lunch, dinner and signature fruit inspired cocktails. While the OG location can be found in leafy Yeerongpilly, a second spot in Yeronga means you've got double the opportunity to find them, and both have relaxing dining areas. However, what's on the menu is the real attraction. 

Northern Rivers crew, rejoice: acclaimed chef-owner Jessi Singh just opened his “unauthentic Indian” restaurant Daughter in Law on Fletcher Street in Byron this June and it’s about to take you on a very flavourful ride.

Calling all hardcore foodies, we’ve sorted your next mouth-watering meal out in Brisbane. Offering up a delectable à la carte selection, impressive banquet menu and even the chance to get behind the grill with a cooking class, The Golden Pig in Newstead really does have it all. 

You’re probably already well and truly familiar with Little Red Dumpling—this popular dumpling eatery has venues right across the city, from north to south and east to west. Their latest location though, might just be their best yet, hidden inside the basement of the old St Luke’s Church Of England in the city—the same church you’ll find Pancake Manor housed in just upstairs. 

Although only two kilometres from the city, you’ll feel a world away from the rush of Brisbane at Victoria Park's Bistro. Situated right next to the Victoria Park Parklands with stunning views of the city skyline, it's not hard to stick around and soak up the lush green surroundings. 

Lücha Black Bar and Dining comes to us from the team behind Lucha Kitchen and Bar, just a hop skip and a jump away in the CBD. A long, curved black bar is the centrepiece of the venue, surrounded by speckled stone-topped tables and plush chairs, all in muted colours of navy and teal. If you’re with a big crew you’ll definitely want to nab one of the tables with a lazy susan for all the food you’ll order—the menu features a lengthy list of Chinese eats, many featuring the restaurant’s signature tea-infused flavours.

Oat milk on tap, self-serve nut butters and over 500 different cheeses are just the begining of what Harris Farm Markets has to offer. Starting their Queensland presence in Clayfield late last year, the gourmet food market has expanded to West End in a bigger and better fashion. In West End at West Village you'll find the Harris Farm Markets flagship Queensland store and their second biggest store in Australia. Family owned, the store is known for it's local produce and massive range. 

Sitting side-by-side with La Costa in the Valley, The Parlour is a glam, Gulf of La Spezia-inspired cocktail bar, adorned in curved booths, cocktail trolleys, vintage photos and marble tiles, all of which create a setting you’d almost expect to find Ernest Hemingway or Virgina Woolf sitting in, regular holidayers in the Gulf of La Spezia when it peaked in the 50s. 

Since taking over the old home of Foxy Bean on Stanley Street, Neesh has transformed the homely cottage into a bright, minimalist hangout, with eye-popping green chairs to park yourself on in readiness for a feast.

Everyone loves a paint and sip, but we just can’t put our finger on what makes them so great. Is it the joy we get from watching our friends struggle to paint a horizontal line? The glass of wine in one hand and paintbrush in the other, allowing full creativity to run wild? Or is it the final product that we get to take home? Probably not the latter, but if you too love a paint and sip night, Pinot & Picasso have conveniently opened up a studio in Fortitude Valley, right on Ann Street, perfect for some pre-dinner creativity, or to load up on your BYO drinks before hitting the bars.

With tens of thousands of treatments under their collective belt, the team at Ashgrove's Skin Spa Medispa know just how to put your skin to rights. Their unique approach to facials means you won't just book in for a certain type of facial once a month, instead, you'll be taken through a multi-step approach, with different courses of action depending on your skin concerns. They also specialise in acne treatments, so if you've been suffering in silence, Scott, Margy and the team are here to help.

rebel’s new concept store at Westfield Chermside is designed for anything but a standard retail browsing session. It will take your shopping experience to a whole new ball game (literally)—you can shoot some hoops on a basketball court with a mural painted by talented local street artist, James Small.

Sister venue to Leonards Bar & Bistro just next door, glamorous Dawn has an almost French Riviera-feel, with scalloped chandeliers above plush grey stools at the bar, green lounges and an outdoor laneway featuring a vibrant mural. 

Inspired by the chic, modern bistros you’ll find in bustling international cities like New York and Paris, Leonards is relaxed enough to hit up for a mid-week lunch but equally as perfect for a glamorous date night.

Bulimba paint and sip studio Rose Soiree knows the importance of having a good backdrop for your post-painting session Instagram shot—so they've gone and painted their whole studio pastel pink, and added a bright neon sign or two for good measure. The paintings you'll take home look as good as the studio too, from your classic florals to flamingos and monsteras, all of them bright, vibrant and perfect for your bedroom wall. 

When Freja's Cafe transformed in Elska, a fine dining restaurant, Wilston locals were understandably disappointed about the loss of the their favourite breakfast spot. But with the recent move of Elska over to New Farm, the corner space they left behind was ready to be filled with Sunday morning brunchers once again—and newbie Clementine has stepped up to the plate. 

Taking over the reigns from Mister Paganini in South Bank is Nonna's Pizza & Deli, the lastest venue from the team behind Ole Restaurant, Mucho Mexicano and Downtown Istanbul. Combining an Italian restaurant, deli and bar into one massive, relaxed venue, Nonna's is the place to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and everything in between. 

The West Village is now home to West End’s newest gem, Beirut Bazaar. Tuck into Lebanese delights at this brand new tapas restaurant and bar which brings a little slice of Beirut to Brisbane. They’re serving up classic Middle Eastern food oozing with aromas, spice and zest, so it will be hard to find something you don’t like on the menu.

Another from the Ghanem Group, Iris Rooftop, perched at the top of Hotel X in the Valley, has Spanish vibes in spades. From the canopy of wisteria above the entrance to the dreamy, curtained booths lining one side of the rooftop, this spot will whisk you far away from the Valley streets below. 

While the front bar of Eleven Bridges is a pretty good spot to nab a perch, we suggest cruising straight through and down the hallway lined with old record album covers to find their secret lounge out the back. Fitted with cosy couches and quirky antiques, we have a feeling you’ll instantly feel at home once you take a seat.

First up, Opa is jaw-droppingly beautiful—you’ll want to ‘Gram everything immediately. The best-looking seats in the house are undoubtedly the cosy grey booths with arched windows and futuristic looking u-shaped lounges lining the back wall, but the large group tables with curved wooden bench seating by the river boast the most impressive views. The whole venue is adorned in stone tiling, white walls and vibrant greenery, reminiscent of every Mediterranean restaurant you’ve ever dined in.