Best New Venues in Brisbane

By Hannah Doody and Jane Schon

Good thing the holidays are coming up fast because we can’t keep up with the amount of new bars, restaurants and cafés opening around Brisbane. Here’s our list of must-tries - and it’s getting longer with more and more added every day!

Like American food? You’ll need about a fortnight to eat your way through every venue now open in Brisbane. Love a good cocktail? These brand new bars are creating some straight up competition for Brisbane’s already vibrant nightlife. And, if you’re like us and are on an eternal hunt for the best breakfast in Brisbane, test out these cafes this weekend. So you better tuck straight in – we’ll see you on the other side…

Julius Pizzeria

From the guys who brought you Beccofino, Julius Pizzeria has arrived in Fish Lane in South Brisbane, bringing the same style of glorious pasta and pizza you’ve come to love from the Newstead venue. It’s been brimming with hungry Brisbanites since it opened – a true testament to the quality and well-deserved popularity of their flagship venue. You’ll see a few hints of the Beccofino menu and some new dishes of their own, and serving sizes are plentiful much like the original.

77 Grey St / Cnr Fish Ln, South Brisbane
P 3844 2655

Jahh Tiger Rum and Jerk Shack

Say ‘beer can’ in an English accent… We just taught you to say ‘bacon’ in a Jamaican accent! And you’re going to need that skill when you visit Brisbane’s own slice of Jamaica, Jahh Tiger Rum and Jerk Shack. Bringing it’s authentic, Antilles street feel, Jahh Tiger has joined Milton’s Park Road culinary melting pot, serving up delicious dishes like Jerk chicken and pork, Caribbean street corn, salt fish fritters with lime and pepper dipping sauce and classic Jamaican rice and beans!

3/1 Park Rd, Milton
P 3367 8356

The Milk Factory

From the gang that brought you Shady Palms and Lady Marmalade in Woolloongabba, the Milk Factory has taken over the heritage-listed site of West End’s Coronation Hotel. This nautical themed bar has a menu that changes with the tide (every three months) and is currently docked in South-East Asia, boasting options such as duck and shitake manapuas (steamed buns) and braised pork belly in cos lettuce cups – yum!

48 Montague Rd, South Brisbane
P 3217 2061

CHE Asado & Bar

Grab the Amigos and check out the newest shared dining experience in Brisbane – Argentinian style! The CHE Asado menu is inspired by traditional Asado cooking techniques from Argentina, which involves barbequing meats on an open grill or over an open fire. Grab a few plates and a jug of sangria for a festive afternoon at the South Bank venue.

Shop 15, Little Stanley St, South Bank
P 3846 5555

Longtime

Hidden down a Fortitude Valley laneway, Longtime is your place to get a Southeast Asian feast of kingly proportions. Ben Bertei, of Yandina’s Spirit House, along with a widely experienced team, has put together a menu suitable for light meals or indulgent spreads, with obvious care and time put into developing each dish from the initial ingredients to the impressive presentation.

610 Ann St, the Valley
P 3160 3123

Coppa Spuntino

If you love Public and Red Hook, you’ll love the third instalment from Brisbane duo, Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston, Coppa Spuntino. This time it’s all about Italian, featuring simple and honest food in an informal setting. With the name, Spuntino translating to ‘snack’ in Italian, the menu can be eaten as a light meal for one or shared among friends. Drop in at lunch time or after work for an affordable dish and great wine!

88 Creek St, City
P 3221 3548

The Bounty Restaurant & Bar

Joining the popular dining hub of Rosalie, The Bounty is the perfect Sunday afternoon lunch venue with a modern Australian menu, social atmosphere, and friendly staff. The large open window is one of our favourite features, providing both indoor and semi-alfresco settings to tuck into the menu, including gourmet salads and sandwiches, plus simple yet delicious small plates and mains like market fish, crushed potatoes and shellfish, chicken breast, fennel and saffron and soft boiled egg, asparagus and almond crumble.

165 Baroona Road, Rosalie
P 3368 1201

The Gettin’ Place

Owners Carmela and Bo Stahlman take New Farm locals back to basics with their new coffee house on James Street, The Gettin' Place. Serving up simple and delicious flavour combinations like asparagus, spinach, eggs and tomato relish on toast that are not only beautifully presented but surprisingly affordable. Toby’s Estate coffee, cold pressed juices and smoothies are also on the menu at this pet-friendly café.

145 James St, New Farm
P 3254 0671

Bar Pacino

Boasting a stunning outlook, excellent Italian fare and an impressive selection of custom-made cocktails; Bar Pacino has earned serious bragging rights since opening its doors last month. Backed onto Café Pacino, which opened in September, the two venues offer an authentic slice of Sicily to Brisbanites both day and night.

175 Eagle St, City
P 3221 2397

Buffalo Bar

Not just another addition to Brisbane’s American restaurant scene, Buffalo is brought to us by the folk from Mighty Mighty – and it really ups the ante. Opening in the heritage-listed site of the Belgian Beer Café, this bar is home to some of the finest beers to come out of the US and more than 30 American whiskey imports to work your way through. With 18 varieties of Buffalo wings, slow-cooked brisket, hoagies and crispy duck fried waffles; this bar will have you living the American dream!

169 Mary St, City
P 3221 0199

The Triffid

Former Powderfinger bassist John Collins has transformed this World War 2 Hangar in Newstead into an 800-capacity live music venue and beer garden. Opening its doors in October, The Triffid has already showcased some of Brisbane’s best local talent. In the coming months, expect to see the likes of The Delta Riggs, Bernard Fanning and Megan Washington take to the stage.

7-9 Stratton St, Newstead

Jamie’s Italian

The fifth addition to Jamie Oliver’s restaurants to open in Australia, Jamie’s Italian in Brisbane has been providing carb lovers with their fix since opening last month. Serving up simple, rustic and wholesome Italian favourites – fresh in-house made pasta, anti pasti and share meat ‘planks’ – the menu is tailored specifically to local produce and tastes. Get in early to avoid long queues!

237 Edward St, City
P 3144 3000

The Lost Boys

Prepare to be enchanted by this Peter Pan-inspired haven in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. The Lost Boys will impress clean eaters with their certified organic and entirely vegetarian menu and baristas serving up fresh Montville Coffee. A giant fairy-lit tree that extends up the wall and across the ceiling and nostalgic childhood playlists will have you transported away to Neverland!

694 Ann St, City
P 3162 4195

Yard Bird Ale House Paddington

The crew behind Yard Bird Ale House are spreading their wings and opening a second venue in Paddington’s culinary hotspot, Given Terrace. The menu features old Yard Bird favourites – wings, pizzas, burgers and share plates and, of course, a sprawling selection of craft beers. As well as tasty bar snacks, the venue has also added a breakfast menu to its repertoire.

1/208 Given Tce, Paddington