Table Talk: The Brisbane Openings Every Foodie Should Have On Their Radar
dig in!
By Style Journos | 20th January 2026If there’s one thing we love about Brisbane, it’s the ever-evolving food scene, one that’s almost impossible to keep up with. Fast becoming a true foodie capital, there’s no shortage of new spots to try, and as local food lovers, we’re determined to tackle the (nearly) impossible task of tasting them all.
Whether you’re craving an elevated, chef-led Japanese restaurant, a viral smoothie joint, or an artsy wine bar, Brisbane’s latest openings prove the city is thriving with fresh culinary talent. Scroll on to discover Brisbane’s newest restaurants, cafes, and bars worth knowing about, and what’s to come.
COMING SOON
Bar Cooper’s
Bar Cooper’s is going to be the neighbourly spot serving up modern Australian bistro fare for Cooparoo locals. From the dynamic duo behind cult-favourite eatery and Bar Cooper’s next-door neighbour, Snug, Leaham Claydon and Jianne Jeoung have created another community staple celebrating seasonal flavours and Brisbane’s classic laid-back vibes. Just like its menu, Bar Cooper’s interiors are equal parts refined and approachable, with moody, copper-toned touches that set the tone for relaxed weeknight dinners designed to be savoured. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates here.
Eclair At The Bay
As one chapter closes, another opens! Byron’s favourite patisserie is making its way to Brisbane. Home to all the mouthwatering baked goods your heart could dream of – think éclairs, profiteroles, dainty tarts, and craquelins (and more!) – Eclair At The Bay has built a loyal following thanks to Michelin-trained co-founder Pavel Stolarsky’s behind-the-scenes videos. Brisbane, get ready: you will soon be able to taste these viral sweets for yourself. Sign up for updates here.
COMING IN MARCH
Comuna Newstead
For anyone who’s constantly dreaming about Comuna’s tacos, the wait is over. After five years of searching for the perfect spot to expand beyond Brisbane City and Stafford, Comuna is bringing its famed Mexican cuisine north, with a landmark new location in Newstead set to open this March. With the space secured, expect earthy textures, open layouts, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor dining spaces. This relaxed, vibrant set-up is designed for breakfast burritos that slip into long lunches, and golden afternoons that blur into cocktails consumed over shared guac, and we simply can’t wait. Read more about what’s in-store here.
COMING IN FEBRUARY
Venner
An Australian take on Nordic cuisine, meet Venner, the seasonally-driven, sustainable eatery taking over the space previously occupied by Gum Bistro in West End this February. A collaboration between restaurateur Jack Stuart and the team behind the city’s late-night wine bar and eatery Milquetoast, George Curtis and James Horsfall, Venner will showcase the finest local produce, while drawing inspiration from contemporary Scandinavian cuisine within their set dining, à la carte, and Sunday brunch menus. With 50 seats in the coveted dining room, reservations will open in February, so watch their Instagram for updates here.
Aunty
Fresh from Brisbane hospitality powerhouse Tassis Group, Aunty is the sophisticated modern-Asian restaurant opening on 5 February. Bringing the heat to Fortitude Valley’s Wandoo Street, Aunty is all about contemporary Asian cuisine with a nod to traditional techniques, with generous plates designed for sharing. Highlights include whole chilli mudcrab from the live tank, half duck two ways, and char siu pork neck, each cooked with confidence and precision. Watch out, because this restaurant is bold, considered, and poised to really shake things up in Fortitude Valley’s dining scene. Read more here.
+81 Sushi Kappo
Officially opening on 5 February, West End is welcoming an intimate 12-seat omakase restaurant headed by Michelin star-trained chef Ikuo Kobayashi. Poised to redefine Japanese dining in Brisbane, +81 Sushi Kappo is the highly anticipated second chapter of Montague Road’s award-winning Aizome Bar, offering a seafood-focussed, chef-led dining experience where precision, seasonality, and storytelling take centre stage. At the heart of the menu is Kobayashi’s signature sushi shari (served at only one other venue in the world), and three carefully curated, rotating pairing journeys featuring artisanal sake, premium and rare Japanese whisky, and champagne, led by Head Sommelier Sean Lam. At $450 per person, each dish reflects an unwavering commitment to elegance, technique, and tradition – an experience to be savoured. Read more here.
JANUARY
Johnny Gio’s Pizza
The home of hand-stretched pizza bases and generous toppings, with a side of cheeky personality, Johnny Gio’s Pizza is New Farm’s latest Italian joint shipped right from Sydney. Loaded with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection in their signature brick oven, these pizzas are Italian cuisine at its finest, minus the fuss. Dine-in or takeaway, Johnny Gio’s is the perfect blend of authentic flavours and welcoming family energy – where there’s always room for one more slice. In short, when it comes to pizza, Johnny Gio really is “dat guy”.
Green Cup
Straight off the streets of Melbourne to the heart of New Farm, Green Cup is the viral smoothie hotspot that’s got people queuing down the street just to get a taste. Specialists in Instagram-worthy superfood acai bowls and Hailey Bieber-coded smoothies, Green Cup are already a favourite among wellness-conscious Melbournians, making it a perfect addition to the lively Merthyr Road scene. Fresh off a riverwalk? This is your perfect pitstop.
House of Hälsa
The latest wellness-fuelled cafe to make waves on the Gold Coast, House of Hälsa is the Swedish-inspired all-day eatery and social hub that’s celebrating nutritious, yet vibrant flavours. Right in the heart of Mermaid Beach, the space is designed for post-surf refuelling through to long brunch debriefs, all served with a side of relaxed, design-driven ambience. Take a bite out of their delicious house-made yogurt bowls, inventive seasonal salads, and creative twists on the classics like blackberry toast with goat cheese and rosemary. Not to mention their very own signature (and fully customisable) smoothies, brimming with superfoods. A space for health-obsessed locals to eat, sip, and linger longer than intended – this is one cafe that’s worth the hype. Read more here.
Imagery: @houseofhalsa / @plus81sushikappo / @comunacantina
