Everything To Eat, Drink And Do Around South Bank (2026 Edition)
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
Brisbane’s South Bank has it all, from bougainvillea-lined walkways to riverside markets and even an inner-city beach. Add a diverse dining scene, culture and entertainment, and you’ve got a sprawling lifestyle precinct worth exploring.
Get started with our guide to South Bank, including the best places to eat, stay and play.
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Where To Eat In South Bank
OTTO
Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
OTTO is one of South Bank’s standout addresses for modern Italian dining, set in a sleek riverfront pavilion. Whether you’re dining in the more refined restaurant or the relaxed Osteria, the focus is on la dolce vita; good food, good wine and sweeping Brisbane River views.
As for the menu? Driven by head chef Richard Ptacnik, it’s stacked with produce-driven and seasonal dishes such as ricotta gnudi with burnt sage butter, zucchini flowers and lobster tartare cone, complemented by a strong Italian wine list. Don’t forget an affogato to end on a sweet note.
C’est Du Gâteau Bakery
182 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
A slice of Paris on Grey Street, this sleek patisserie is run by French pastry chefs. Inside, glass displays star buttery croissants, pain au chocolat and delicate tarts, alongside savoury spins like a Reuben or olive focaccia.
Ingredients are top-tier, with some even imported from France, bon appétit!
Southbank Beer Garden
30ba, Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Set right by Streets Beach and the Brisbane River, this waterfront beer garden is all about sunshine, spritzes and easy eats. Expect wood-fired pizzas, burgers and share-friendly plates that are best picked over on long afternoons with friends.
There’s a mix of alfresco seating, a lively bar zone, and event spaces, making it as suited to casual drinks as to group gatherings.
Fritzenberger
Shop 12 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Fritzenberger does one thing very well: fried chicken. On the menu, you’ll find golden schnitzels, soft potato buns stacked with crispy fillets, and a line-up of their signature seasoned fries.
There’s a rotating tap list of local craft beers, plus wings that range from classic barbecue to spicier options. Set along Little Stanley Street, it’s the perfect spot for a post-parklands bite or easy group feed. Just book ahead if you can, as it’s always busy, especially when the dinner rush hits.
Poppies
Shop/B11 Little Stanley Street South Brisbane, 4101 QLD
Perched on Little Stanley Street, Poppies is an easygoing all-day spot that moves seamlessly from coffee to cocktails. The menu leans Australian with a modern twist, featuring everything from brunch staples like eggs Benedict to a bánh mì burger, plus seafood pastas and share plates come dinner.
Warm, neighbourhood-style hospitality and a breezy setting make Poppies an easy go-to anytime of the day.
Vici
174 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Vici brings a relaxed take on Italian dining to South Bank. With vibrant signage, wood panelling and eclectic light fixtures, it’s a fun spot to pull up a chair and slurp on some exceptionally good pasta.
We can’t go past Vici’s Sorrentina (baked gnocchi with vegetable ragu), but there’s also wood-fired pizza, seafood and rich desserts like tiramisu and cannoli. It strikes a balance between casual and occasion-worthy, making it just as suited to a long lunch as it is to a date night by the river.
Poca Madre
Shop 15/14 Little Stanley St, Brisbane City, QLD 4101
Poca Madre delivers authentic Mexican fare in a lively South Bank setting. Expect punchy tacos, share plates and a menu designed for group dining, alongside a strong margarita game.
Cocktails range from traditional to fiery sips such as the Pico Rico, featuring house-made jalapeño syrup and a Tajin rim. As most Mexican restaurants go, Poca Madre is colourful with a fun atmosphere, making it ideal for pre-show dinners or social feasts with friends.
Book here
Popolo
3 Sidon St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Right on River Quay, Popolo pairs Italian dining with one of South Bank’s best riverfront outlooks. The menu is built around sharing—think pizzas, fatty porchetta and classic desserts—served straight to the table for communal dining.
With green banquet seating and a glittering terrace, Popoli is polished without being stuffy, making it a favourite for long lunches that roll into sundowners by the water.
River Quay Fish
3 Sidon Street, River Quay, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Seafood is (unsurprisingly) the focus at River Quay Fish, set right along the South Bank riverfront with uninterrupted water views. The menu leans into classic coastal fare like fish and chips, calamari, prawns, fresh oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, alongside share-style seafood platters ideal for grazing.
It balances casual takeaway appeal with sit-down dining, making it just as easy to grab a box and head to the grass as it is to pair it all with a glass of wine at a waterfront table.
Naga Thai
2 Sidon St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
The first thing you’ll notice at Naga Thai is the globular paper lanterns floating above the alfresco seating. Next is a toss-up between the creative cocktails served in fish-shaped bowls or perhaps the steaming plates of black tiger prawns with pineapple fried rice.
Whatever you spot first, it’s sure to entice you to nab a table at one of South Bank’s best Thai restaurants. It’s a strong pick when you want something vibrant and flavour-driven, especially in a precinct dominated by European fare.
Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant
Shop 10, 168 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
A South Bank staple, Ahmet’s serves up Turkish cuisine in a lively, traditional setting complete with patterned cushions and mosaic chandeliers. Expect generous platters, grilled meats, dips and breads designed for sharing, often accompanied by live music and belly dancing.
It’s big, bustling and perfect for groups craving a full-blown night out with food at the centre.
Bacchus
9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Start your morning on a high note at Bacchus, tucked inside the Rydges Hotel. Served in plush interiors, the refined buffet breakfast spans hot and cold plates by the likes of pork buns and made-to-order omelettes, chia pudding and an array of premium cheeses.
For something more indulgent, the Saturday high tea features handcrafted sweets, savouries and sparkling across a decadent spread. There’s also private dining on offer, making this polished restaurant and bar a go-to for celebrations.
Where To Stay In South Bank
Emporium
267 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
If you want to live large in South Bank, make a beeline for the Emporium. This five-star hotel brings you everything from opulent suites (think marble bathrooms, Bose sound systems and pillow menus) to a rooftop terrace with a 23-metre infinity pool overlooking the river and city skyline.
With multiple on-site dining venues and a luxe day spa, the Emporium delivers everything you need for a night (or a whole weekend) of indulgence in the heart of Brisbane’s cultural precinct.
Novotel
38 Cordelia St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Just steps from the lush South Bank parklands, the glossy Novotel is a reliable all-rounder for your next city staycay. Inside, over 200 light-filled rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Smart TVs and the brand’s signature Live N’ Dream beds.
Families are well looked after here, with themed kids’ rooms and spacious suites, while boujee extras like a wellness gym and 20-metre outdoor swimming pool lined with day beds make it easy to settle in between exploring.
Rydges
9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Right in the thick of South Bank’s dining and cultural strip, Rydges is all about location and ease. Expect comfortable, contemporary rooms and direct access to some of the precinct’s biggest drawcards, including the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Rydges is also home to popular dining spots like Bacchus, making it a convenient pick if you want everything from restaurants to river walks and nightlife within a few minutes’ stroll.
What To Do In South Bank
Sunday Social
River Quay, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
If you time your visit right, South Bank’s Sunday Social sessions bring the precinct to life with free live music and a laidback, picnic-friendly vibe. Locals sprawl across the lawns, drinks in hand, while rotating artists soundtrack the afternoon.
You can even pre-book a special picnic hamper from River Quay Fish, packed with your choice of beer-battered fish and chips, pizzas, beer and wine. Make your way to River Quay Green between 2pm and 5pm every Sunday.
QPAC
Cultural Precinct Cnr Grey, Melbourne St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Brisbane’s premier stage for theatre, ballet, opera and live music, QPAC anchors South Bank’s cultural strip. Inside, multiple venues host everything from blockbuster musicals to touring international productions and homegrown performances.
Even if you’re not catching a show, the buzz before curtain call and the steady stream of culture lovers make it a cornerstone of the precinct’s after-dark energy.
QAGOMA
Stanley Pl, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Split across two striking riverside buildings, QAGOMA is a world-class hub for contemporary art, housing everything from major international touring exhibitions to Australian and First Nations works.
Light-filled spaces, water features and thoughtful curation make it as much about the experience as the art. Spend half a day perusing the galleries and shopping at the gift stores, then refuel at one of the on-site cafes.
Queensland Museum
Corner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Right next door, the Queensland Museum dives into natural history, science and culture with engaging, family-friendly exhibits. You’ll find everything from dinosaur skeletons to interactive displays unpacking Queensland’s ecosystems and heritage.
It’s hands-on without feeling gimmicky, making it a solid pick whether you’re travelling with kids or just curious by nature.
SparkLab
Corner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Part of the museum complex, SparkLab is all about getting your hands dirty. This interactive science centre is packed with over 40 exhibits spanning experiments and problem-solving stations designed to spark little ones’ curiosity.
While it’s especially popular with families, plenty of adults get drawn in too—because pressing buttons and testing theories never really loses its appeal.
Wheel Of Brisbane
Russell St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
For a different perspective, take a spin on the Wheel of Brisbane at South Bank. The enclosed gondolas rise around 60 metres above the parklands, delivering sweeping views across the Brisbane River, city skyline and surrounding gardens. It’s a slow, easy ride that works just as well in the afternoon as it does after dark when the city lights switch on.
For something more elevated, private gondola experiences are also available, offering a more intimate way to take in the view. Did we mention private rides come with a bottle of Moët & Chandon? We’ll cheers to that!
The Collective Markets
Little Stanley St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Held on weekends, the Collective Markets bring together local designers, makers and artisans in a leafy outdoor setting. Stalls range from handmade jewellery and art to fashion and homewares, with street food vendors rounding things out.
It’s equal parts shopping and strolling, and the perfect place for picking up something unique between riverside wanderings.
Streets Beach
Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
A lagoon-style pool right in the middle of the city, Streets Beach is one of Brisbane’s most iconic drawcards. White sand, palm trees and lifeguard-patrolled waters give it a resort feel, while the skyline peeks through just beyond.
It’s free to access and hugely popular, especially in the warmer months when the idea of a CBD swim feels almost too good to be true.
Walking And Cycling
Various Locations, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
If you find yourself at South Bank before 8am or after 5pm, you’ll quickly see the parklands in full motion as walkers, joggers and cyclists make the most of the riverside loop. A network of wide, well-maintained paths winds through open lawns, subtropical gardens and quieter pockets of greenery, including bamboo-lined zen gardens that feel tucked away from the city entirely.
Whether you’re on foot or two wheels, it’s an easy, scenic way to move through the precinct and take in the river as you go.
The Arbour
The Arbour, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Stretching for a kilometre, The Arbour is South Bank’s most photographed walkway, and for good reason. The steel pergola is wrapped in vibrant bougainvillea, creating a tunnel of colour that shifts with the seasons.
It’s a simple concept done beautifully, offering shade, structure and a striking backdrop whether you’re walking, cycling, or just stopping for a photo.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit South Bank and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Supplied.