Table Talk: The Brisbane Openings Every Foodie Should Have On Their Radar
DIG IN!
By Style Journos | 2nd February 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
Ruma Rooftop
In a city that is quickly becoming inundated with the finest restaurants and bars, RUMA is rising to sky level like a balmy breeze at golden hour. Elevated above Little Lane on the corner of Merthyr Road and Brunswick Street, this New Farm newcomer isn’t simply opening its doors — it’s setting a new tone for the neighbourhood. Behind the tactile allure of RUMA is Alkot Studio – the design authority behind some of Brisbane’s most coveted addresses, from Emme on James Street to Pilloni, BOS and Vapiano. Expect to leave a little lighter, a little looser, as though you’ve slipped away for the weekend without ever packing a bag. Get the full rundown here.
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.
Kosta Takeaway
Coming soon to Gasworks Plaza is Kosta’s Takeaway: a cult-favourite sandwich shop founded in 2021 that has already built a loyal following with four locations around Sydney. The Brisbane opening marks the brand’s first venture outside New South Wales, giving us locals a taste of what southern fans have been lining up for. Positioned in the heart of Newstead, the newcomer feels perfectly suited to the grab-and-go offerings of the area – ideal for quick fix lunches, post-gym refuels, or casual weekend bites. Expect elevated takes on the classics: golden chicken schnitty sandwiches, gooey tuna melts, crispy fish burgers, and other comfort-food staples done right. Get the full scoop 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.
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.
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.
OPEN NOW
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.
Fountainhead Winehouse
Hidden in a basement just off Doggett Street, Fountainhead Winehouse is a subterranean, boutique wine shop-meets-third space designed to feel like you’re hanging out in your cool friend’s living room. With curated shelves, an ever-changing by-the-glass menu, and a knowledgeable yet unpretentious team always on hand to offer advice, Fountainhead is all about demystifying wine and making it feel fun and approachable.
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.
Gas Hound
Blending refined dining with a spirited sense of play, Gas Hound pairs a flame-led menu with a distinctly social edge. At its heart is a wood-fired oven, turning out elevated dishes kissed with smoke and embers, while the surrounds nod to classic sporting culture – think electronic dart boards, polished pool tables and live games broadcast across sleek screens. The kitchen reimagines pub stalwarts through a premium lens, heroing quality local produce and considered presentation. It’s a space where polished comfort and playful nostalgia converge; elevated enough for a long lunch, yet relaxed enough to settle in long after the final whistle.
Atelier Mimi
On a peaceful Red Hill street corner, Atelier Mimi Patisserie delivers to us some of Brisbane’s most exquisite French confections. The space itself is airy and sunlight, welcoming a setting that lends itself perfectly to unhurried coffee catch-ups or moments when you’re desperately craving a beautifully crafted pastry. Each creation reflects the meticulous technique and devotion of its pastry chefs, with layers, textures and finishes that speak to classic French training. One visit is enough to understand the allure and to find yourself mapping out a return to this charming pocket of Paris in Brisbane.
The 203
Fortitude Valley’s The 203 has reopened for 2026, unveiling a polished new chapter after a considered refurbishment. The refreshed interior balances familiarity with finesse – think intimate booth seating, additional two-tops, and the return of its signature green marble, terracotta tones and streamlined panelling. The menu has also evolved, championing premium Stanbroke beef, including the richly marbled Black Onyx selection, alongside Italian-leaning dishes with a contemporary edge. Saturday night DJ sets have also returned, bringing a lively after-dark energy back to the space.
Imagery: @houseofhalsa / @plus81sushikappo / @comunacantina
