Monthly Digest: What’s New On The Foodie Scene Brisbane And Beyond
Get the scoop!
Happy New Year! A fresh year calls for fresh food, and we’ve got the inside scoop on the hottest new dining spots to check out this year. Whether you’re into intimate cocktail lounges with only 10 seats, a California-inspired marketplace, or adventurous bug tacos from the team at Rick Shores, there’s something to tick off your resolution to try new things.
Ready to be more adventurous in 2025? Here’s where to dine, drink, and be seen this year.
Brisbane
+81 Aizome Bar
One bartender, ten seats, five-day cocktails – that’s a taster of +81 Aizome Bar, the intimate new cocktail spot in West End. Designed by Alexander Lotersztain, this sleek hideaway sets the stage for +81, a traditional kappo-style Japanese restaurant set to open next door in early 2025. The bar itself is inspired by drinking dens of Ginza and Shinjuku, and is all about neo cocktails – complex creations made over days by freezing and steeping fresh botanicals in alcohol before carefully straining, bottling, and resting.
Dark Shepherd
Wood-fired goodness from the Med? Book us in! As the name suggests, Dark Shepherd has a focus on succulent lamb, but the menu also features the freshest seafood and seasonal produce utilising traditional grilling methods over woodfire. Located on The Terrace, level four at The Star Brisbane, this gem is courtesy of Michael Tassis, the man behind two of Brisbane’s most-loved Greek hotspots, Opa Bar + Mezze and Yamas Greek & Drink. With that kind of track record, you know it’s going to be fire (or should we say woodfire?).
Evra Market
Evra Market is becoming a go-to for locally sourced, organic goodness. Part marketplace, part restaurant and café, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite or stock up on everyday essentials. From cool and hot elixirs, smoothies, and coffee to fresh organic rotisserie proteins, salads, sandwiches, and wraps – everything is made daily from 8am. You can even build your own combo plate, priced by weight, so you can load up as much (or as little) as you like. The market also has you covered with grocery essentials, including organic wine, local dairy, deli provisions, pantry staples, condiments, and more.
Pompete Champange Bar + Restaurant
If caviar bumps and French champagne are your kind of thing, then you’ll love Pompette Champagne Bar + Restaurant – a French- inspired champagne bar and restaurant. They serve up all the classics like escargot, live rock lobster thermidor, and steak au poivre – enough to have you saying “bon appétit” before the first bite. With over 150 wines and signature cocktails on offer, there’s always a reason to clink glasses here. Whether you’re pairing oysters with bubbly at the champagne bar or lounging alfresco on the outdoor terrasse, Pompette delivers Parisian perfection.
The Officers Mess
Formerly a WW2 US Navy base, The Officers Mess is New Farm’s newest casual dining and events hub, helmed by a chef duo with fine-dining expertise. The all-day kitchen showcases fresh produce from small Queensland farmers and reputable suppliers, emphasising quality, local ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find delights like prawn rolls with lemon butter, croque monsieurs, and fish tacos. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss Miche, The Officers Mess’ bakery, perfect for satisfying that 3pm craving.
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.
Gold Coast
Bobby Bangs
Matcha and sandos? Count me in! The co-owners of Mermaid Beach favourite Lucky Bao have opened their new daytime spot inside The Oxley at Nobby Beach. This fresh eatery serves up café classics with an Asian twist. Think breakfast ramen and Japanese-curry-topped scrambled eggs. Chef Daud has crafted a stellar all-day breakfast menu, available from 7.30am daily, along with shokupan sandos, rice bowls, salads, and noodle bowls for lunch. It’s simple science: You can’t have a bad day if it starts with Bobby’s Benny —featuring torched miso mayo, miso-glazed salmon — and a chilled iced almond matcha.
Gelato Gemelli
Sink your teeth into something a little sweeter without getting brain freeze – I dare you. That’s right, Brisbane and the Coast’s go-to Italian joint is stepping up their game this summer. Forget just pizza — this spot’s now serving up authentic Sicilian granita, creamy dairy-free gelato, zingy sorbetto, and the classic milk-based gelato you love, all made with top-tier ingredients. With 24 flavours on the roster, I know where I’ll be when the sun sets.
Norté + Sueño Rooftop
Nothing says summer like fierce Latin American flavours and a rooftop randevu! The talented teams behind Rick Shores, Brisbane’s Southside, and Central are serving up something special with two stunning concepts at The Oxley: Norté and Sueño. These Latin-inspired restaurants offer a dynamic mix of bold flavours, artisanal craft, and killer design. Meanwhile, the rooftop is the perfect spot to sip cocktails, soak up the sun, and keep the good times rolling!
Imagery: @evramarket / @sueno.rooftop / @plus.eight.one
