Let’s Feast! Here Are Brisbane’s Best Banquets To Dig Into

Fact: Italian cuisine is made to be shared, which is why Brisbane’s iconic Massimo offers a range of share-style and banquet dining options, served decadently by the water for a taste of the Amalfi at Riverside. With three banquet menus to choose from, your whole table will be more than satisfied as they dine on fresh flavours and authentic dishes. For those looking to say ‘cin cin’, Massimo also offers a $99 Bottomless Lunch featuring a nine-piece Italian banquet with a two-hour beverage package. Throw in the gorgeous interiors and exquisite waterfront views, and the group chat won’t be able to stop raving about your visit to Massimo!  

Generous in size and delicious in flavour, gather under the fairy lit trees for Chinese dishes served straight from the wok or traditional BBQ. Happy Boy’s famous Chef’s Banquet is a certified crowd-pleaser that’s tailored to your table – catering for all dietaries and preferences. The best part? It’ll only set you back $50 per person, leaving room in your wallet to take a sip from their curated list of small producer Australian wine.  

Arguably Brisbane’s *best* restaurant, Agnes’ set menu is the perfect way to navigate its offering of creative dishes honed by wood fire. The seasonal menu strips cooking down to its primordial elements, using different types of wood to bring out unique flavours in top quality meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetables – from Kiwami wagyu to the most heavenly roasted potatoes you’ve ever laid a fork on.  

These moody interiors hide innovative interpretations of classic Japanese dishes bound to knock your socks off. With two banquets on offer, Hôntô transforms local ingredients into tasteful works of culinary art, best enjoyed shared. Whether it’s a salmon taco decked out in zesty wasabi cream, or their beef tartare prepared in a French-style that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost!), Hôntô certainly knows how to impress.  

Dish after dish of dynamic Southeast Asian cuisine will be heading your way when you opt for a banquet menu at James Street’s flavour institution, sAme sAme. Take your pick from two drool-worthy menus, honed by the best produce available and traditional cooking methods, with an emphasis on the influences and intricacies of Thai food. Whether it’s served on a betel leaf or scooped up in flaky roti, sAme sAme’s intoxicating dishes will have your jaw dropping between every bite.  

While Italian cuisine is naturally a crowd pleaser, Biànca’s two set menus take it up a notch with simple dishes executed to perfection. Served within the warmth and vibrance of a classic trattoria, Biànca’s curated offerings honour beloved Italian dishes with a nod to the Australian climate – designed to make their way around the table for a share-style seating any Nonna would be proud of. From fresh antipasti to pasta made in house, a colourful meal is always on the cards here.  

Traditional Cantonese flavours are placed in the spotlight across Stanley’s array of banquet menus, carefully curated to have your whole table reaching for more. From the classics to Head Chef Louis Tikaram’s signature dishes, Stanley’s four banquet options all offer a delicious ensemble of plates centred around the restaurant’s philosophy of ‘great food, friends, fishermen, and farmers.’ Best enjoyed family style, this is waterfront dining at its finest!

This contemporary Greek taverna certainly knows how to put on a spread, which is why their range of banquet menus are guaranteed to make you say opa! From the taramasalata served with pita bread to the oven baked lamb shoulder and (of course) village salad on the side, Greca has curated a top-tier selection to ensure every tastebud at the table is dancing. It’s a meal you’ll never forget, especially with the river as your background for plenty of picture-perfect moments.  

With the energy of a Tokyo izakaya and waterfront views you can only get in the heart of Brisbane, Yoko has nailed the recipe for success – which you can experience at its peak across their banquet menus. In a combination of small plates and delicacies from the hibachi grill, a Yoko banquet is easy on the eyes and a true delight for the palate. They even have a dedicated vegan set menu, so no one misses out on the fun!  

A relative newcomer that already has the crowds at its door, Ēmmē’s raw edges and enticing textures serve as a backdrop for a culinary journey you and yours will adore. Inspired by wood fire Mediterranean cuisine, Ēmmē’s set menu is grilled, charred and smoked to perfection – ironic considering the restaurant is founded on the concept of wabi-sabi. Crafted with passion and precision, these dishes are sure to ignite your senses. 

A share-style Italian feast is served alongside spectacular waterfront views at Ciao Papi – aka the place to be for fresh seafood, chargrilled meats, and traditional al dente pastas. Opting for their set menu means enjoying a plethora of tantalising flavours like you would around the family dining table in Italy, with your choice of add-ons if you’re feeling extra peckish. Plus, with its unbeatable location at the New Farm end of Howard Smith Wharves, it’s a total win/win! 

Gather by the pool deck at The Calile Hotel for a Grecian affair with banquet options all day long! The breathtaking Hellenika is known for its laidback sophistication, which is why their set menus let you skip the decision making and get straight to the extraordinary flavours. Dine on Hellenika’s finest with three banquet options to choose from, featuring centuries-old recipes and meticulously crafted fare. You can also start your day right with a breakfast banquet served al fresco so you can truly enjoy the goods of the Sunshine State!  

In a celebration of tradition and innovation, Gerard’s two set menus capture the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavours across an unforgettable dining experience. Each dish is designed to be shared and progressive in nature, featuring aromatic spices and Levantine techniques. Tear your eyes away from the food and you’ll be rewarded with stunning interiors, which recently won Best Restaurant Design at the coveted Eat Drink Design Awards 2024.  

Discover modern Chinese in the form of inspired dishes and evolving flavours at Donna Chang. With an array of banquet menus to choose from, you can expect the essence of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine taken to new heights across the exquisite spread. Featuring signature dishes like Donna Chang’s steamed market fish with ginger and shallot, you’ll also find a dedicated coeliac banquet and vegan banquet for your mates with dietary requirements.