Monthly Digest: Brisbane’s New Restaurants, Cafes, & Bars To Dig Into
Get the scoop!
By Style Journos | 2nd April 2025With Brisbane fast becoming the ultimate foodie hotspot, it’s hard to keep up with where to try next…the list just keeps growing! Not that we’re complaining. In fact, we love it so much that we’ve done all the guesswork for you and rounded up this month’s hottest new openings.
Get booking, folks – incredible dishes await!
BRISBANE
Layla & Tom’s Kitchen
Some of 2025’s most exciting foodie news? Melbourne hospitality giant Shane Delia has opened his first Brisbane venue in none other than West End’s Thomas Dixon Centre. Layla is serving up Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in a moody, intimate dining room, and also in it’s sun-drenched courtyard. But that’s not all – Delia’s expansion doesn’t stop there. Alongside Layla, The Delia Group has launched Tom’s Kitchen, a cafe-style eatery set within the home of the Queensland Ballet. Catch ‘ya in West End?
Penelope
James Street has gotten a touch wilder after dark with the new addition of Penelope – a bar, restaurant, and lounge all stylishly rolled into one. With a focus on nostalgic bistro bites with a modern twist, the menu favours small plates that pack a punch, and larger dishes made for serious indulgence, plus a drinks menu that’ll keep the vibes high. From the legends behind MAYA Mexican and Il Molo, it’s a guaranteed good time. Drink, dance, dine, and lounge – this is the place to be in Brisbane right now.
Marble Korean Steakhouse
Everyone loves Korean BBQ, right? Well, what if we told you there’s an all-new spot in town that’s reimagining the cuisine as an upscale, immersive journey? Each table is equipped with its own state-of-the-art smokeless grill, with a sophisticated menu featuring quality ingredients from Korea that honour the tradition of the cuisine. Thoughtfully paired with the finest local produce, it’s an elevated take on the beloved dining experience.
La Boca Bar and Grill
Stamford Plaza’s South American restaurant, La Boca Bar and Grill, has had a menu makeover, introducing fresh twists on classic flavours while staying true to its Argentinian roots. Led by Head Chef Victor Ng who boasts a wealth of international culinary experience, his masterful balance of heritage, technique, and mouthwatering flavour is an impressive feat.
Cartel Del Taco
Short Stop
Portside Wharf is buzzing with new eateries, and among them is Short Stop, a must-visit bagel and coffee spot. Serving up top-tier bagels and next-level drinks, it’s the ultimate on-the-go pit stop for northsiders. Expect matcha in every flavour – blueberry, strawberry, even banana – alongside thick, creamy shakes and indulgent Biscoff lattes.
Stilts
Perched ten metres above the Brisbane River on the Kangaroo Point Bridge, you’ll find Stilts – Brisbane’s first-ever restaurant on a bridge. With killer views and an upscale ambience, the restaurant celebrates Australian land and sea with a menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced produce. Whether you’re toasting at sunset or indulging in a long lunch, Stilts offers a dining experience like no other.
The Fifty-Six
The final stage of Naldham House’s luxe revamp is here, unveiling The Fifty-Six – a vibrant new Cantonese restaurant that is now open for business. Led by Chef Gerald Ong (of Mrs Wang and Lucky Duck fame), The Fifty-Six blends tradition with modern flair, celebrating the rich history of Chinese cuisine in Australia. Expect crystal skin Moreton Bay bug dumplings, wok-tossed Mooloolaba prawns with curry leaf and salted egg, and an expertly curated selection of dry-aged roast meats. Read more about it here.
Goros
If your social feed is a parade of friends living it up in Japan and you’re feeling the FOMO, we hear you. But it’s time to swap envy for excitement because Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife is landing right here in Brisbane! Introducing Goros, Fortitude Valley’s hottest new opening. Expect a lineup of classic Japanese spirits, creative cocktails, and mouthwatering street food that’ll transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Add in neon-lit décor and immersive vibes, and you’ve got a venue that’s pure magic.
Mugla Bills
Perched at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, where the City Botanic Gardens begin, Mulga Bill’s is more than a pit stop—it’s a destination. From sunrise coffees and flaky pastries to golden hour cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dinners, this casual yet chic kitchen and bar welcomes guests from 6am ‘til late, seven days a week. Brought to life by the Tassis Group, Mulga Bill’s seamlessly blends convenience with indulgence, offering a buzzing morning hub that transforms into a laid-back riverside oasis by night. Whether you’re cycling by or strolling in, expect great food, skyline views, and effortless vibes. Read more about it here.
Imagery: Layla
