Comuna Cantina Is Expanding Its Foodie Footprint To Newstead
Let's taco 'bout it
By Cali Westmoreland | 15th January 2026Some restaurants feel less like venues and more like someone’s home. Comuna Cantina is one of them. Comfortable, community-driven, and effortlessly familiar, this Brisbane favourite has always been about ease – of food, of gathering, of time well spent.
After five years of searching for the perfect spot to expand beyond Brisbane City and Stafford, Comuna is bringing that philosophy north, with a landmark new location in Newstead set to open this March.
Comuna Cantina’s new home
For anyone who’s dreamed about Comuna’s tacos, this next chapter feels inevitable. Newstead has long been whispered as the suburb that just makes sense – green, open, walkable, and alive with energy. Add its forward-thinking growth, and it’s hard to imagine a more natural place for Comuna to settle.
The new venue will sit by the river, framed by parklands. With gentle breezes and open sightlines, the setting invites people to slow down, gather, and soak it all in. “Newstead was a location our guests kept asking for,” says founder Tim Johnson. “But more than that, it felt right for our brand. The river, the parklands, and the openness of the area naturally create a space where everyone can feel at home. This is us embracing the Newstead lifestyle.”
Designed for Brissy life
Design-wise, Comuna leans into its most relaxed, sun-washed self. Think hacienda-style architecture with a distinctly Australian ease: earthy textures, flowing layouts, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. “Every Comuna venue carries a familiar thread,” Johnson explains, “…but each location needs to belong to its surroundings.”
The result is a venue built for connection – no special occasion required. Morning coffee can slip into long lunches, family afternoons blur into golden-hour cocktails, and vibrant nights can thrive without fuss. Hospitality that meets you where you are, whenever you turn up.
In a city constantly growing upward and outward, Comuna Newstead feels grounded – rooted in its environment and effortlessly worth a recommendation.
March can’t come soon enough. Save us a seat!
Imagery: @comunacantina
