Urban List Recommends

Sweet tooths rejoice, because one of Australia’s most beloved artisan chocolatiers is making its return to Queensland.

The Y2K craze has well and truly taken over with two new Victoria’s Secret stores opening in Brisbane soon.

Part gallery, part studio, part retail store, ARTCLUB merges fashion, art, sculpture and design in one dynamic space on James Street.

Brisbane has a new home of luxury furniture, proving a laidback lifestyle doesn’t mean skimping on elegance.

Fashion legacy meets local history in this CBD flagship store inspired by the native Queensland landscape. 

If you ask Brisbane’s fashion elite where they got their most recent stunning piece, chances are this James Street boutique is the answer.

This warehouse-style plant shop combines greenery and coffee to create the perfect weekend hangout. 

An inner-city Brisbane destination offering a curated selection of both emerging and internationally acclaimed brands, Laced first opened in 2006.

A new ski and snowboarding store just opened in Brisbane and it’s home to an Australian first.

Samford Valley’s Jardin is a beautiful botanical concept store and event space home to a range of plants, pots and homewares. 

In need of some holiday vibes, even just in the comfort of your own home? Well, Margarita Margarita is here to give you just that. Quenching your thirst with a perfectly blended elixir of salt, sweetness, and citrus, these Brisbane-born margarita mixers will instantly transport you to the relaxation of a Hawaiian beach.

Trinny London, founded in 2017 by Trinny Woodall from her very own kitchen table, currently stands as one of Europe's fastest-growing beauty brands. With a focus on a fresh and natural approach to glam and skin, Trinny London has rapidly expanded their global presence. Westfield Chermside in Brisbane is now home to their very first Queensland pop-up shop, which has just opened in all its sparkling glory on Level 2, near Myer. Say goodbye to shade-matching uncertainty online—now you can confidently find your perfect fit by sampling their makeup and skincare collection in person, with their team of experts right there to help.

You know a venue has something special when it can simultaneously be a cafe, record store, bar and event space all at once, and that's just what you'll find at Brisbane hot spot Echo & Bounce. The folks here sling coffees and matcha until 2pm along with all day bagels and special limited edition sandwiches flavours swapped out every couple of weeks just to keep things exciting. 

Brookfield Gardens is so much more than a nursery—it's a gardeners utopia with a serious lifestyle edge. Set in the oasis that is Brookfield—only 20 short minutes from Brisbane's CBD—Brookfield Gardens is the place to get inspired and find everything you need to start that backyard makeover.

SWOP Clothing Exchange sells sustainably sourced vintage and preloved gear. You can find their funky shop as you wander along Boundary Street in West End. Step into their eclectic world of plants, concrete floors, tunes and a whole lot of high-quality pre-loved clothes. 

Magpie Goose is an Aboriginal-owned, ethically made label with a unique view of garments as an artistic platform to share culture through. Each statement piece is a conversation starter part of a limited collection crafted in Sydney, from bright and bold fabrics screen-printed by artisans. They promote care to Country by using 100% natural fibres that are long-lasting, but still soft on your skin and the Earth. 

Smell that? That’s the smell of passionate souls, handpicked roses and exquisite perfumes wafting from New York sensation Le Labo in Fortitude Valley. Trust us, this place will change the way you buy fragrance forever.

Always wondered if you’d make a good florist? Or maybe you just have an upcoming event you want some floral decorations for, but not the usual eye-watering price tag. Well, at Woolloongabba’s new flower market, you can channel your inner florist and create your own bouquets, decorations or arrangements, and all it takes is a little creativity and maybe a good pair of secateurs. 

Why split your Sunday mornings between brunching and homewares browsing when you can combine the two together? Part cafe, part homewares store, St Lucia’s Sorelle Eatery lets you do just that. A new spot from iconic Brisbane hospitality family the Togninis, who you may recognise from Milton’s Togninis Deli Cafe (and previously Il Locale Italian), Sorelle means ‘sisters’ in Italian, named for both its place as sister venue to Tognini’s and for Mark and Narelle Tognini’s daughters, Madeleine and Nastassia, who have recently joined the family business. 

Here to change the jewellery game, Sarah & Sebastian just opened their first Brisbane store the CBD—and it's their biggest to date. These are the guys behind the super fine jewellery you’ve probably seen on Insta and if you’ve been stuck on what to buy your mum/friend/girlfriend (you get it), you’ve just found it.  

Initially a travelling pop-up store, Désordre has become a go-to for party outfits that stand out—and it has just opened its first Brisbane boutique. Step into the all-pink wonderland just off James Street to find party looks from international and local designers.

When it comes to Brisbane-based activewear labels, LSKD has to be one of our favourites—you’ll find plenty of their pieces in our own gym wardrobes. Designed and developed right here in Queensland, they're headquartered just down the highway in Loganholme, but since that's a little far to go for your average shopping trip, we were stoked to hear that they were opening a new retail store at Westfield Chermside—only their third bricks and mortar store in Australia. 

As much as we love the convenience of online shopping, being able to try something on before we buy will always be the preferred option—which is why we are stoked that Sir The Label has opened a Brisbane boutique. Only the second physical location for the Australian label, the first being their flagship store in Byron, the new James Street locale fits right in to the luxe shopping and dining precinct, with a gorgeous space designed by Tamsin Johnson. 

Brisbane’s shoe lovers have had their prayers answered, with Bared Footwear finally landing in the city for IRL shopping, opening their first Queensland store in the luxe James Street precinct. Known for having the most comfortable shoes around (we’re not biased or anything), this Australian-born and raised brand has only gone up in popularity since it began. Not only that but Bared Footwear is Australia’s first B-Corp certified footwear brand that, up until now, was strictly based in Melbourne. 

The brainchild of two neighbours turned besties, Active Truth is a homegrown Brisbane activewear label that places special emphasis on diversity in every sense of the word—and they just opened their very first bricks and mortar store. Not far away from their Nundah HQ, the store has landed inside Toombul Shopping centre, stocking their range of high quality activewear for all shapes and abilities.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Joining its sibling venues Cielo Rooftop Bar and La Costa Restaurant around the corner, La Velle is much more than just a wine bar. Part bottle shop, part wine club, part snack stop, it’s the perfect place to head for after-work drinks, pre-dinner drinks or even just a cheeky lunch of focaccia with a glass of rose.

Landing on Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley, Catalog Music Co. is a groovy new record store specialising in the finest pre-loved and fresh new records, and welcomes everyone from first-time record buyers to seasoned collectors. You don't even have to wait until you get home to listen to the pure sounds of good vinyl, with custom marble 1200s complete with headphones right there in-store for you to make use of.

Not only has Nundah’s most sustainable boutique nursery, The Plant Lounge, had a totally 'grammable makeover in their Station Street store, but they've also joined forces with Vessel Nundah, and are now sharing their space with the sustainability-led eco store. So know that when you step into the vibing new space, whatever you buy will be planet approved. 

Being that we are huge fans of The Borrowed Nursery's Gold Coast store, we were pretty stoked to hear that they were opening a new location in Brisbane, and even more excited when we discovered it was going to be located in a rustic, industrial warehouse just as Instagrammable as their GC spot. Swapping the white and peach colour palette for a forest green shed, the new space has just opened in Windsor, the first tennant to hit the 'burbs boutique Colwill Place development. 

Isolation and working from home has taught us two important lessons—the value of a good coffee from your local cafe, and that there’s really no such thing as too many house plants. Green Space is here to serve not only your caffeine cravings but also your overwhelming desire to add to your indoor plant menagerie.

Founded in 2013, dunkle authentic is the brainchild of Molly Dunkle, a longtime advocate for embracing natural beauty and self-care. With the help of her father, an environmental chemist, Molly spent her teendom whipping up batches of her own lip balms and make up, eventually following a career as a make up artist. Now, Molly has opened her first studio on California Lane, where she hand makes a range of feel-good makeup and skincare.

Fortitude Valley just gained a shiny new store whose luxurious nonchalance looks right at home on James Street. The Elka Collective decor breathes high-end simplicity: the layered textures, creamy beige and white accessories, wood accents, and pops of green all work together to create a relaxed but luxurious atmosphere. 

Vintage and cutting edge streetwear fans alike will want to check out this one-of-a-kind streetwear store, where you'll find Yeezys alongside old school Jordans as well as a carefully curated of range of clothing, accessories and footwear. 

If you’ve spent any time at Brisbane’s fashion markets, you’re probably familiar with Aster + Lilou. This local label has been doing upcycled and vintage fashion since before it was cool.

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Bulimba, owner and designer Safa Itote has opened The Common Thread, one of a handful of Brisbane boutiques showcasing sustainable and ethical clothing labels.

Playful florals and big block colours are king at Mister Zimi's incredible space on James St in Fortitude Valley. Basically, prints rule at Zimi—and is no place for shy, retiring violets.

Bassike store on James St in Fortitude Valley is the iconic Aussie brand's first independent shopfront in Queensland. Housed on the ground floor of the impressive Calile hotel complex, this entire corner of Brisbane's famous shopping street has undergone a multi-million dollar face lift that now houses some of the world's best brands.

We all dream of giving up the 9 to 5 and pursuing our dream of owning a plant emporium full time, but Andrea and Belinda have gone ahead and done it for real; enter, All The Green Things—a haven for all things green in West End.

The chinatown end of Fortitude Valley just went up a few notches in the cool factor, with Smoked Garage opening its doors. 

A Brisbane icon (and a regular feature in our wardrobe) Frances Hendrie, the famed organic tee designers have recently expanded their fashionable empire, welcoming Frances Hendrie Athleisure into the fold!

‘Grammer’s eat your hearts out; Brisbane now has its very own dreamy pink paradise. El' rosa by Arc + Family is James Street’s newest coffee slash private event space and it’s all the most beautiful shade of blush pink!

Attention carnivores! Have we got something juicy and delicious for you...

Noosa’s famed tex-mex and burger joint Bordertown has come to Brisbane and we are super excited (to say the least). While Bordertown on the coast is a day and night fine dining joint, the Brisbane version has been adapted for on-the-go CBD dwellers.

Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets located in North Brisbane, is home to premium quality and locally sourced fresh produce, gourmet foods, including award-winning jams, oils and chutneys, locally grown fruit and veg, Maleny cheeses, fresh local seafood and premium meats and artisan baked breads and pastries.

Attention chocolate lovers! Small-batch artisan confectionery shop, New Farm Confectionery, is the place of your grown-up lolly shop dreams—and they've got some big things in the works for 2018.

Stumped on what to do for your next catchup with pals, or have an upcoming special occasion that needs celebrating? Then look no further than Brush & Barrel, the super cute paint and sip concept that guarantees a good time, every time!

Need a little help adulting? Yep, don’t we all. The fact is, there’s no magic age you get to when suddenly you have everything together, including a beautifully styled house that cleans itself.

Still waiting for your acceptance letter from Hogwarts? Bide your time at Samford’s most magical shop, The Store of Requirement.

Fortitude Valley's iconic Calexico has only gone and given the boys somewhere to drop their hard-earned dollies. Enter, Calexico Man—Brisbane's hottest menswear boutique! 

Was there ever a sweeter-sounding phrase than “passive income”? Unless, of course, it’s “massive discount on designer clothes”. Well, online platform LendMyTrend is a great way to make both a sweet, sweet reality.

If your inner stationery geek revels in the smooth, blank-paged glory of a gorgeous new notebook, if organising all the pretty details of an event is your jam, or if you secretly actually love gift-wrapping, The Paper Empire might just be your personal, paper-tastic heaven on earth.

Get a taste of fresh air and get out of town at gorgeous organic farm, Peak Organics at Ivorys Rock, Ipswich.

If you haven't hopped on the Korean beauty train yet, it's time to get on board. Be transported to a futuristic, quirky world of snail mucin, sheet masks, snake venom and kitschy packaging—where you'll have the best skin of your life. Sounds great, but South Korea is just a little far away? Good news: you can skip the exxy round trip and stock up on Korean icons at online K-beauty mecca, STYLE STORY.

So you’re after some glasses, but you want them to do that fabulous mug of yours justice. Your face is unique, so why shouldn’t your glasses be too? Enter 2020 Optical: Brisbane’s optical specialist that offers the very best in eyewear from around the world.

Clearly we're not alone when we say we're a bit obsessed with all things living green, and newbie Gaythorne plant store Botanika by Kismet damn well knows it!

Reigning from the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Mas & Miek Ceramic House is a unique addition to Newstead. The creative nest is a mother/daughter duo's concept used to teach and experiment with the crafty elements of handmade ceramics.

Assembly Label on James Street, Fortitude Valley appreciates fine design and classic pieces.

Gelato Messina in South Brisbane have brought their infamous and highly addictive gelato flavours to Brisbane!

Renowned chef Ryan Squires' Esq Shop is the Brisbane providore of your foodie dreams. Bringing the detail and freshness of the infamous Esq menu to your pantry, Esq Shop will provide the discerning shopper with incredible homemade food products—small batch style!

If perusing luxury designer brands that you just can't find on the highstreet is your bag, then Harrolds is your fashion Mecca. Residing on the ground floor of gorgeous Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast, Harrolds stocks famed designers from Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga to Tom Ford and Comme Des Garçon—it's the stuff of your fashionable dreams! 

Elysian Skin and Body in Wilston is the ultimate suburban spa experience. In the cosy 'burbs of Wilston this beautiful mecca has thought of all of your essential beauty needs, and does luxury spa treatments like no one else.

Flower Haul is a fabulous online flower shop and delivery service. Not your typical florist, bunches are handpicked, fresh bunches from the flower market every morning and delieved straight to your door.

About a Boy & A Girl is your Newstead cafe-come one-stop market for everything wholefoods and health. Expect a gorgeous food market, cellar and cafe that sells fresh, wholesome food and drinks, and even natural skincare products. 

Street Lab Speciality Coffee is Fortitude Valley's answer to your coffee (and your limited edition Nike Air Jordans) cravings. 

The Little Posy Co. is Brisbane's most adorable flower delivery service. These guys put together a selection of bouquets curated daily that they'll deliver right to your loved ones door—or your door, you've earnt it—for $35 to pretty much anywhere in the city! If you're feeling fancy, they'll also whip up double posy, too! The flowers are picked fresh daily, bright and early from the flower markets. Be sure to get your order in before 12pm though, or order in advance. Better yet, snag yourself a subscription and score fresh blooms each week. Winning!

Our fave activewear brand, lululemon, have finally opened up in the Brisbane CBD. We're pretty darn excited for a number of reasons, but mostly because their tights are potentially the comfiest item of clothing... on earth! Stop by to check out the CBD store and get your toosh into gear for that whole 'new year, new you' thing. 

If you're looking to make your home pop with colour, sophistication and elegance, The Modern Furniture Store in Fortitude Valley has a stunning range of Scandinavian-designed furniture as well as beautiful homewares and accessories to add that little extra something to every corner. The kind of furniture and homewares store that you'll walk into and immediately want one of everything, The Modern stocks a range of goods from design legends Marimekko, Iittala, Architectmade and  Normann Copenhagen, which perfectly complement their simple but stunning furniture. 

Sheets on the Line is all about luxurious organic bed linen and manchester, and you can find this boutique offering in Paddington, of course. This bedding store has seen great success online and at it's Melbourne retail store and showroom, but luckily we have the chance to buy straight from the shop in Brisbane too! 

The It Kit is your passport to hassle free present buying—yes, it is possible! The It Kit's online store is your one-stop-shop for gorgeous, beautifully curated and packaged pressies for when you need the perfect gift, but have no idea where to start!

As if Newstead wasn't already cool enough, About A Boy & A Girl is a new Brisbane cafe having just opened their doors. About A Boy & A Girl is a wine cellar slash cafe slash organic grocer. AKA, it's freaking awesome. 

Fallow boutique in Fortitude Valley specialises in avante-garde fasion and homewares, but that's not all they're good at. The store transcends the retail experience as customers engage in a space that is known for its moderninity and gallery-style design. 

Flower Lovers have just opened a new location in Fortitude Valley! Brisbane’s largest fresh flower wholesaler and retailer will blow your mind with their talent of arranging blooms and fresh bunches to buy. They still provide all the same services as at the bigger Rocklea Showroom, whether you need a bunch of peonies to brighten up your home decor, or to have an awesome floral arrangement at your wedding. Go check it out!

Ballistic Beer Co. in Salisbury is the suburban brewery of your fantasies—perfect for the inner beer connoisseur in all of us. This friendly, beer-obsessed team are producing something a little different over on the southside; great-tasting beer, with a twist.

Stocked in some of Australia's most prestigious boutiques including Brisbane's Maryon's, Natasha Schweitzer has a new bricks and mortar flagship boutique on James Street for you to explore.

Self-taught jeweller Chrissa Alexion has been creating stunning pieces of jewellrey for over 12 years. Her work is inspired by the animal world (without harming the little critters!): think feathers, bone and wings. Pop into this gorgeous little shop on James Street to browse her contemporary handmade collection.

THR1VE isn’t your run of the mill lunch spot, instead serving fresh flavour bombs that are vibrant and tasty. Built on the mission to deliver real food, real fast, THR1VE is the ideal hit-and-run spot for a healthy lunch, or breakfast which they serve all day from 7am. Their inner city locations mean that you no longer have to make do with unhealthy and uninspiring lunches in the middle of your workday and can instead make your first choice, conveniently the healthiest choice. 

Brownie addicts everywhere can now get their hands on I Heart Brownies' delicious, heart-shaped goodies... IN THE CBD! No longer a schlep into Valley territory, I Heart Brownies' kiosk-style CBD store, housed in the Wintergarden, continues to facilitate our confection addictions—we're talking 12 flavours of your fave brownie flavours baked fresh on the daily—with coffee and their famous pink lemonade also making an appearance. It's heart-shaped heaven!

Ground Collective in Paddington is your one-stop shop for all things wellness, and ticks the boxes of life’s true essentials; self-care, nutrition and exercise. Offering a holistic approach to living a healthy lifestyle, the Ground Collective is comprised of a number of local businesses under one roof, including Eden Skin Clinic and Day Spa, Fire Flow Yoga, Pilates and The Common Whole Foods. Serving up delicious healthy meals and snacks in the cafe, inspiring yoga classes at Fire Flow, and stunning day spa facilities at Eden, Ground Collective is the ideal place to workout, eat, chill and beautify. 

Brisbane's favourite kitchen emporium-come-wonderland, Taste has moved from its iconic James Street location, and has set up new digs in Red Hill! Located in a beautifully renovated workers cottage (Insta snappers at the ready!), Taste's new store still showcases the very best curated homewares, products and utensils they're known for, but in addition, now also serves up coffee (courtesy of Toby's Estate), sweet treats and pastries (thanks to Jocelyn's Provisions), plus a deli where you can pick up luxury goodies for your pantry! 

Brisbane has finally landed a huuuge organic super store in Rocklea, right next to the markets, so you know it's fresh. So, expect mega-fresh organic-produce from Aussie farmers including fruit, veg, meat, milk, eggs, bread, natural cosmetics and a whole lot more. There's also a cafe, serving up (you guesed it) organic, local goodies. The aptly named Evolve Cafe does a great gourmet sandwich, and a whole heap of cold pressed juices. It's a one stop shop. 

Nestled on Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley is artisan, a hub for creativity, craft and design. This hidden gem is perfect for those looking for one-off, handmade pieces by local artists. 

Beautiful, dainty and ethereal creations await at Molten Store's new home on James Street. Expect eye-catching jewellery, on trend accessories and good vibes all round. Head to their new store this weekend to snag a gift bag with purchase from some super talented brands. You can also find Molten Store at Carindale. 

At long last, the coastal vibes of Noosa Longboards have set up shop on the not so sandy shores of East Brisbane. Stop by to browse the epic array of long boards, drop in for a coffee, surf wear and all the chill vibes. Stocking their own handcrafted line of surfboards plus a curated offering of local artisans and international brands that are so cool it hurts, it's a taste of the coast sans the traffic jams. 

North-siders prepare for a sugar rush because Lucid Sweets has opened its first IRL store in Geebung! Boasting beautiful meringue kisses as far as the eye can see, you can now get your hands on Lucid's infamous sweet treats whenever the sugary mood strikes. With a huge array of mini meringue flavours including rosewater and pistachio, raspberry and coconut, plus our personal fave, toasted coconut, Lucid Sweets is also keeping the more savoury-inclined customers content with freshly toasted bagels, croissants and sandwiches all day, everyday.

Jocelyn's Provisions in Fortitude Valley is one of Brisbane's most celebrated and beloved artisan patisseries. Their beautiful flagship store has undergone a stunning transformation and now resides down the achingly cool Ada Lane, off James Street.

Cheese enthusiasts (aka everyone) get excited! Word on the grapevine is Brisbane’s cheese game will soon be elevated to the next level, with the addition of French ex-pat Sarah Thuillet's gourmet fromagerie Emile and Solange. Emile and Solange will be gracing the Vielle Branche complex in Albion. These guys have just opened, so start planning your visit ASAP. 

Hailed as one of the best spots in Brisbane for an epic feed, Eat Street Northshore at Hamilton Wharf have been filling up the bellies of hungry Brisbane foodies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a while now!

Located in Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre, Pelican's Catch has the freshest seafood on the Westside. Open seven days, Pelican's Catch vends premium quality seafood, and freshly fillets their fish and shucks their oysters in store. Punters can also opt to dine in and Pelican's Catch will cook your fillet of choice to perfection. With market fresh seafood arriving daily, the fresh selection changes constantly so there's always something new to try.