Monthly Digest: What’s New On The Brisbane Foodie Scene
NOM NOM NOVEMBER
Hey food lovers! Believe it or not, November has arrived! Brisbane’s foodie scene is bursting with mouthwatering surprises. New eateries are popping up like confetti, while beloved spots are shaking things up with new makeovers that are downright sexy. Think creative fusion dishes and sustainable delights that’ll make your taste buds dance in a beautiful atmosphere. With local chefs flexing their culinary muscles, there’s no shortage of deliciousness.
So grab your forks — let’s feast on what Brisbane and beyond has to offer this month!
Brisbane
Thomas’ Social Club
Teneriffe’s buzzing dining scene has just gained an exciting new member – welcome to Thomas’ Social Club. From the folks behind Frank’s Social Club in Paddington, its premise is simple: to bring friends together for laid-back moments filled with great wine and delicious drinks. With a focus on sharing, Thomas’ menu features shared and small plates washed down with delicious cocktails and quality wines. From charcuterie and cheese boards to killer sangas and dips, this suburban nook may be your new favourite hangout.
Aloria
Dine amongst the stars at The Star Brisbane’s newest rooftop dining destination. Perched 100 metres above the Queen’s Wharf precinct, on the iconic Sky Deck, Aloria is helmed by Michelin-trained chef Shayne Mansfield who has created a menu that celebrates Queensland’s leading land and sea produce. Expect simple yet elegant dishes that tell a story of sustainability and uncompromised quality, all while soaking in panoramic views of Brisbane’s skyline. We hear their K’gari Island spanner crab crumpet and kingfish crudo are a must!
Central
Central, a Hong Kong-inspired restaurant and basement dumpling bar by the Rick Shores and Southside masterminds, has just opened its doors – and it’s even cooler than expected. Descend the concrete staircase beneath Queen Street and you’ll find yourself underground with exposed rock, moody lighting, and seating that surrounds the elevated kitchen. The menu features traditional Cantonese dishes with a Western twist, packed with bold flavours, and the undeniable highlight: their dim sum selection, inspired by Hong Kong’s bustling dumpling bars.
Baker D. Chirico
A Melbourne foodie hotspot has just taken root in Newstead, bringing its much- loved European baked goods to Brisbane. Expanding from a weekend pop-up to a full- fledged Friday-to-Sunday bakery, Baker D. Chirico, located in the Long Island courtyard, has already drawn impressive queues. The space features a striking design, with a wooden roof sculpture reminiscent of a breadbasket, creating an inviting and visually stunning atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a croissant and coffee to go or sitting down for a sandwich in their cosy seating area, Baker D. Chirico has quickly become a must-visit dining destination.
Fair Play Kitchen
Exciting news, foodies! Fair Play Kitchen, a brand-new gastro-pub, is opening next week on November 7 at the Sherwood Magpies Australian Football Club! This place is all about relaxed dining, where tasty food meets a cozy pub vibe. Get ready for all-day brekkie favourites like pancakes and breakfast tacos, plus hearty options like burgers and pizzas. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or catching the footy with friends, Fair Play Kitchen is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy great meals together. Everyone’s buzzing to check it out — don’t miss it!
ZA ZA TA Spring Dining
This month, ZA ZA TA invites everyone to dive into a vibrant Spring experience where worlds and cultures collide! With a soulful vibe inspired by Tel Aviv, guests can taste a forward-thinking vegetarian menu designed for sharing among friends. The exciting lineup includes a fabulous new Spring menu, lively Bazaar Beats featuring DJ Gloria Ansell, and a delightful Harem High Tea complete with Blak Brews tea and Stremio Coffee. Plus, Saturday brings a Long Lunch with a tempting $55 menu! Set in a sprawling urban oasis, it’s the perfect place to break bread and enjoy good food, drinks, and eclectic vibes.
Mai Gui
Get ready for a bao-tastic experience at Mai Gui! Every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm, you can dive into an all-you-can-eat bao feast for just $25, plus a drink purchase. Indulge in Crispy Cauliflower, Popcorn Chicken, and mouthwatering Pork Bao—what a treat! But hurry, spots fill up fast, and you won’t want to miss this delicious adventure!
Attimi by Dario Manca
Get ready for an exceptional dining experience as acclaimed chef Dario Manca unveils Attimi by Dario Manca, a chic 28-seat venue poised to redefine fine dining. Taking over the iconic NOTA in Paddington, Manca will follow his impressive tenure at Rosmarino, and introduce a contemporary Italian menu with Michelin-star flair. Weekends offer two dazzling degustation options: an eight-course Quick Italian Tour, showcasing Italy’s highlights, and a lavish 12-course Sensory Exploration that delves into Italy’s diverse flavours. On weekdays, enjoy a sophisticated à la carte menu for a relaxed lunch or dinner. For a casual bite, Attimi’s footpath dining is perfect for a quick snack. Don’t miss their adventurous drink selection – a diverse wine list featuring unique wines and rare beers, ensuring a memorable meal.
Firma Italian
The Emporium Hotel’s Signature Restaurant has been transformed into Firma, under the expert guidance of Chef Alba Rizzo. Firma will take you on a flavour-packed journey to Southern Italy with inventive takes on classic Italian dishes, all made from the finest local ingredients. Delight in à la carte options such as slow-cooked ossobucco, risotto Milanese, and melt-in-your-mouth pork agnolotti. For a truly memorable experience, opt for the $60 or $120 set shared menus. And don’t miss out on dessert – be sure to save room for the show-stopping tiramisu dessert trolley, a sweet symphony of indulgence!
Goodtime
Goodtime, a pan-Asian hotspot in West End’s West Village, has reopened after renovations with a stunning new look and an enhanced menu. The interior is giving 70s, featuring burgundy walls, marble accents, and eclectic decor, creating an inviting atmosphere. The expanded bar serves delightful cocktails like the Purple Daisy and Have A Goodtime, alongside an extensive wine list. A standout offering is the heroes banquet — just $30 per person for a yum cha, main, and snack. Diners can also choose from an array of dishes, including dumplings, si chuan popcorn chicken, and deep-fried ice cream for dessert.
Byblos
After 18 fabulous years, Byblós is gearing up for a fresh start with a full renovation and a brand-new menu this month! As the flagship restaurant of the Ghanem family’s Lebanese spots in Brisbane and Melbourne (including the exciting Lúc Lắc coming to The Star Brisbane), they’re bringing the flavours of modern Lebanese cuisine right to our doorstep. After a trip to Lebanon in 2023, they’re inspired and ready to impress! With a lush interior designed by Space Cubed, the vibe is both luxurious and inviting. And don’t worry—there will still be those fun cocktails and classic Lebanese Lemonade we all love!
DUMBO
The folks behind the popular Red Hook burger joint have just opened a new spot at Portside Wharf called DUMBO! It’s a lively diner-style bar with a fantastic menu featuring burgers, bagels, and plenty of drinks. Co-owner Bonnie Shearston mentioned that they’ve been thinking about expanding for years, but finding the right place was tough. When Portside Wharf offered a spacious location, they jumped at the chance to create a fun new experience for fans. Check it out!
Gold Coast
JUJU
Get ready for JUJU, the Gold Coast’s newest split-level venue that blends fine dining with vibrant nightlife. Taking over the beloved Hellenika space, this venture by local favorites Trent Redman and Cody Beck promises a lively atmosphere. JUJU celebrates delicious food, exceptional drinks, and great company, featuring a stunning downstairs restaurant and an inviting rooftop bar. Expect playful decor, a DJ-saxophonist mix, and a menu highlighting Modern Australian cuisine, including Tommy’s Tomahawk. “We want a place for those in their 30s to 50s to enjoy cocktails and dancing,” says Beck. Open Thursday to Sunday, JUJU is set to become a must-visit destination.
Eska | Sashimi + Oyster bar
Joining the vibrant lineup of The Oxley Precinct, Eska is a stunning new sashimi bar that brings the essence of the sea to Mermaid Beach. Its wraparound marble raw bar serves as a live culinary theater, allowing guests to watch skilled chefs prepare fresh fish right before their eyes. For the ultimate experience, settle onto a handcrafted wooden stool and soak in the action. Eska also offers elevated takeaway options, letting you enjoy your meal indoors, relax in the sun-drenched outdoor seating, or grab your seafood and head to beach just steps away.
George’s Pizza Wine Bar
The beloved Tallebudgera Creek gem, Georges Pizza Wine Bar, has reopened its doors! It is a taste of the Greek Islands right here on the Gold Coast, nestled by the stunning Burleigh Heads National Park. Housed in the charming whitewashed building that was once George’s Paragon, this spot is still run by local legend George Tassis, who warmly welcomes guests at the door. With most dishes under $25, you can savour delights like spanakopita, fresh oysters, and comforting pasta. Whether you’re in the mood for moussaka or schnitzel, there’s something for everyone. It’s time to go and revisit this icon!
Monsieur Chow
Let’s reintroduce you to a beloved spot in Nobby Beach! Ally Chow is now under new ownership and has a fresh name – Monsieur Chow. This place serves up Southeast Asian-inspired dishes meant for sharing —perfect for friends, family, or even your cat! Local Medi Lababi is at the helm, keeping the venue’s essence while adding his own creative flair. He’s dedicated to the exceptional hospitality that Ally Chow was known for, but with a twist. At Monsieur Chow, you’ll find a unique blend of French sophistication and Southeast Asian flavours, transforming classic dishes into something bold and exciting for the Gold Coast!
Moustache
From am to pm, Moustache is on everyone’s lips. This new espresso and wine bar concept is making waves around Mermaid Beach as the latest venture from Brodie Green, the creative force behind beloved local favourites Seadog and Buoy. Tucked in a hidden laneway, this Pinterest-perfect venue is the kind of place that instantly ups your cool factor just by walking in. Maybe it’s the house jazz playing or the European-inspired charm not seen anywhere else on the Gold Coast. Brodie has teamed up with Rodrigo Paraboa Martins, the former sous chef at renowned spots like Paper Daisy and Little Truffle Dining Room, to craft a menu that’s small but oh-so tasty. Start your day with indulgent choices like Eggs in Purgatory, a delicious twist on Italian baked eggs, or dig into the decadent creme-brulee pancakes. As the day winds down, the menu shifts with sharable plates that bring the best of coastal Europe to your table, all made with fresh, local ingredients. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends where the atmosphere is roaring.
Imagery: @firmaitalian / @blackhidesteakhousebne / @m.ou.u.s.t.a.c.h.e
