Where I Actually Eat In West End As A Local
Local love
I haven’t lived in West End for long, but I’m already convinced it has some of the best food in Brisbane. It’s the mix — old favourites, new spots opening all the time, places that don’t try too hard but always deliver. I eat out a lot, from midweek fine dining to takeaway on the couch, and as a vegetarian who lives just around the corner, these are the places I actually go back to.
This isn’t every restaurant in West End — just the ones I genuinely rate, whether they’re low-key, a bit fancy or somewhere in between. They all serve good, honest food and feel like West End in their own way. What I love most? You can have handmade pasta one night and a cheap laksa the next. Nothing feels out of place. It’s lived-in, a little imperfect in the best way, and full of character.
Where I eat: A local’s guide (alphabetical order)
Bar Francine
A cosy neighbourhood wine bar inside a 100-year-old Queenslander, and it genuinely feels like you’re eating at that effortlessly cool friend’s house. Dim lights, good music and a European-style share menu with dishes that change often, built around seasonal produce, handmade pasta and thoughtful vegetarian options. The wine list leans natural, and the staff know what they’re talking about without ever making it feel pretentious.
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Caravanserai
A traditional Turkish spot serving generous share plates under colourful lanterns, with both indoor warmth and outdoor seating. The menu leans into mezze, warm bread, dips, vegetables and plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes made to be shared around the table. It’s relaxed, BYO and always buzzing early in the evening with locals settling in for the night.
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Clove Burgers
A casual spot serving Korean-style burgers, fried chicken and loaded sides that feel a little bit naughty but are always worth it. The tofu burger is so crunchy, saucy and satisfying that it makes me assume the rest of the menu is just as good. You can grab a seat inside or take it down to the river for a sunset dinner, either way, it’s an easy go-to and always hits the craving.
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El Torito
A colourful, no-fuss Mexican spot on Boundary Street that’s been serving homestyle dishes for years and always feels welcoming. The frozen margaritas, nachos and vegetarian tacos are generous, cheesy, saucy and exactly what you want when you’re craving comfort food with flavour. It’s casual, lively and one of those places you can walk into without a booking and leave completely satisfied.
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Flying Colours
If West End could be summed up in one venue, it might be here — part neighbourhood bar, part casual diner, with a leafy courtyard and a warehouse-style interior. The garlic bread has a reputation of its own, and the menu, drinks and vibe are all easygoing but well considered — seasonal cocktails, local beers, natural wines and DJs in the side bar on weekends. It’s the kind of place you go for one drink and end up staying for hours.
Gala Thai
A simple, no-fuss Thai spot on Boundary Street that’s always reliable for a quick, comforting meal while sitting out on the footpath. Their vegetarian laksa is one of my all-time favourites, I could eat it every week. It’s casual, affordable and one of those places you can count on when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something good.
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La Lupa
Authentic Italian-style pizza made in a proper woodfired oven, with blistered edges, thin bases and simple, quality toppings. The dining room has a warm, buzzy energy without feeling overdone, and there are always a few good vegetarian options and rotating pasta specials. It’s an easy spot for a relaxed dinner, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up next door at La Macelleria for gelato afterwards.
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Mama Taco
A laidback Mexican joint on Hardgrave Road with a warm, easy-going feel and food that never tries too hard. Soft tortillas, empanadas, strong margaritas and mezcal flights for anyone who likes it smoky, with plenty of thoughtful vegetarian options. It’s the spot I head to when I want good flavour in a relaxed environment.
Pilloni
One of the more refined restaurants on the list, Pilloni is a Sardinian restaurant with timber-lined interiors, an open fire in the kitchen and a setting that feels elevated but still personal. The menu centres around handmade pasta, woodfired breads, rich sauces and beautiful produce, with a couple of vegetarian dishes that are just as considered as everything else. I celebrated my 30th here and it still feels like one of the most special dinners I’ve had in Brisbane.
Thai Raphi
A small and quiet favourite on Hardgrave Road that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a takeaway night. The vegetarian yellow curry and tofu cashew stir-fry are my regular orders, with fresh vegetables, well-balanced sauces and generous portions. It isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is: simple, clean Thai food made well.
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Still on my ‘must try’ list:
- August El Planta
- Kinara
- Layla
- Montague Hotel
- Olive & Zaatar
- The Raven
- Yamas
Where else do I need to try? If I’ve missed a favourite, I’d love to hear it, send your recommendations my way to kiri@stylemedia.com.au and I’ll give them a try.
Imagery: @pilloni.restaurant, @bar_francine, @caravanserai.restaurant
